United States Military Academy at West Point
West Point, NY
The army’s academy on a bend of the Hudson, with a museum and visitor center outside the gate in Highland Falls. Entry to the grounds is by guided bus tour with photo ID; check current security rules before going.
The United States Military Academy at West Point is the oldest military academy in the US and the country’s oldest continuously occupied Army post, on the Hudson in New York. Graduates include Ulysses S. Grant, Robert E. Lee, Douglas MacArthur, George Patton and Dwight D. Eisenhower. Frommer’s calls West Point the most popular attraction in the whole Hudson Valley.
According to the academy, visitors aged 18 and over must first go to the Visitor Control Center and need a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or another US ID; without the required documents, entry is denied. Hiking is not allowed. International visitors can tour the grounds only through West Point Tours, the academy says. Frommer’s lists bus tours of one to two hours (given there for June to October). Highlights are the Cadet Chapel with stained glass and a large organ, Trophy Point and neo-Gothic buildings above the river.
The visitor center is in Highland Falls on the way to Thayer Gate, and so is the West Point Museum. It shows military history from Stone Age clubs to artillery, plus battle dioramas and Hudson River School paintings. Allow two to three hours. Check tour times and current security rules in advance.
- Nearest town
- West Point, NY
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 41.3915, -73.9565
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, July–August and October. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Graymoor Hiker CampsiteCampsite4 mi from United States Military Academy at West PointFree
- Fahnestock Group Campsite 1 and 2Campsite5 mi from United States Military Academy at West PointFree
- Fahnestock Group Campsite 3Campsite5 mi from United States Military Academy at West PointFree
- Fahnestock Group Campsite 4Campsite5 mi from United States Military Academy at West PointFree
- GlenMotorhome stopover20 mi from United States Military Academy at West PointMotorhomes
- Camp Site #21Campsite22 mi from United States Military Academy at West PointTents
All campsites in New York · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is United States Military Academy at West Point?
United States Military Academy at West Point is in West Point, NY, at GPS 41.3915, -73.9565. It is about 6 mi from Mountainville.
Can you camp near United States Military Academy at West Point?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Graymoor Hiker Campsite, about 4 mi away; within 25 mi there are 23 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass United States Military Academy at West Point?
United States Military Academy at West Point is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: West of the Hudson: Palisades, Bear Mountain and the Shawangunks.
What is there to see near United States Military Academy at West Point?
Places worth a stop nearby: Cold Spring (2 mi), Storm King Art Center (6 mi), Bear Mountain State Park (6 mi) and Walkway Over the Hudson (22 mi).
When is the best time to visit United States Military Academy at West Point?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)