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Frequently Asked Questions
Visiting
West Point
Admissions
Scouting
Corps
of Cadets
Q1. What is West Point?
A1.
West Point, The U.S. Military Academy, is a four-year co-educational federal
undergraduate liberal arts college located 50 miles north of New York City. The
world's preeminent leader development institution, it was founded in 1802 as America's
first college of engineering. Its mission remains constant-to educate, train,
and inspire the Corps of Cadets so that each graduate is a commissioned leader
of character committed to the values of Duty, Honor, Country and prepared for a
career of professional excellence and service to the Nation as an officer in
the United States Army.
Visiting West Point
Q2. My GPS (or Map Quest) cannot
locate an address for West Point.
How do I get there?
A2.
West Point does not have a specific street address. Try the address 415 Main Street,
Highland Falls, New York 10928, which is across the street from the Visitors Center. In addition, see our Directions to West Point page.
Q3. Can I get a map of West Point sent
to me?
A3.
No, we are no longer providing maps of West Point
except to Department of Defense employees.
Q4. Can I take public transportation
to visit West Point?
A4.
Yes, see our Directions to West
Point page.
Q5. I used to be able to drive on to West Point. I
have heard this is no longer so. Is
this true?
A5.
Yes. West Point is no longer open for
self-touring unless you have Department of Defense identification or are
accompanied by someone who does.
Q6. How can I tour West
Point?
A6.
Unofficial visitors must take the guided tours offered by our tour contractor West Point Tours to enter the ground
except for special events such as parades, concerts or sporting events.
Q7. When are guided tours? Where do they go and how much are
they. Can I make reservations for
tours?
A7.
A: Tours run periodically
throughout the day, seven days a week.
Please go to West Point Tours
for information on the guided tours.
Look under “Individual Tours.” Remember to arrive early for tours, and
bring valid photo ID for everyone 16 and older. Our tour operator only accepts cash or
traveler’s checks. Military
and senior citizen discounts are generally not available and are at the
discretion of the tour operator.
Q8. What is the difference between the
one-hour and the two-hour tour?
A8.
The two-hour tour also visits the Old Cadet Chapel and
the West
Point Cemetery.
Q9. What are the best days to
visit?
A9.
Weekdays are best as weekends and holidays may be extremely busy. Avoid home
football game days and graduation week as there are no guided tours during
those time periods.
Q10. What are the hours of the Visitors Center
and West Point Museum?
A10.
The Visitors
Center (845) 938-2638 is open 9 a.m. to 4: 45 p.m. daily. The Museum
(845) 938-3590 is open 10:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. daily. There is no entrance charge for either
site. Both are closed Thanksgiving,
Christmas and New Year’s Day as well as during severe inclement weather.
Q11. How can I find out when parades,
concerts or sporting events occur?
How do I get tickets?
A11.
Our Visiting
West Point page has information on sporting
events and ticket sales; Eisenhower Hall
theater productions; and West
Point Band concerts.
Q12. How do I get a seat for a Cadet
review/parade?
A12.
Seating for Cadet reviews (parades) is not ticketed
except for special events. General
seating then opens 10 minutes prior to the review.
Q13. Are dogs allowed?
A13.
No. Dogs
are not allowed on tours or in public buildings unless they are service
dogs. Dogs should not be left in
parked cars.
Q14. Where can I eat?
A14.
There are restaurants across the street from the
Visitors Center in historic Highland
Falls. Most restaurants have
menus posted on their windows.
Visitors may also dine at the Thayer
Hotel on West Point just inside the Thayer Gate. As with any entry on post,
you must have valid photo identification
Q15. May I eat at the Mess Hall or on West Point?
A15.
No, the Mess Hall is not open to the public. Department
of Defense ID holders and their guests may eat at the West Point Club
or other restaurants on post. Ike’s Riverside Café in Eisenhower Hall is open for ticket holders
before concerts and other events there. The Thayer Hotel, phone: (845) 446-4713, a
privately operated hotel on the grounds of West Point, is open to the public.
Q16. Can I picnic on West
Point?
A16.
Individuals are welcome to picnic on the grounds of the
Visitors Center, though there are no picnic
tables available. Tour groups may
picnic at the South Dock area with prior permission from the Visitors
Center/Tour Operator. Grills and
open fires are not permitted. Guests
must police the areas before departing.
Q17. I am an alumnus. How can I tour West
Point?
A17.
If you have Department of Defense identification you
may self tour in non-restricted areas.
If not, please call the West
Point Association of Graduates weekdays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at (845)
446-1512/1642 for more information.
Q18. Can I buy West Point souvenirs or
apparel?
A18.
There are souvenirs available in Highland Falls as well
as in the Sports
Shop located at the Visitors
Center, West Point Museum, in the Thayer Hotel and, for, those with
access to the post, at Herbert
Hall Alumni Center, and in the West Point
Bookstore and Cadet Store.
Q19. If we don’t take a guided
tour, is there a scenic overview of West Point?
A19.
Yes, approximately 2 miles north on Route 9W there is
an overlook area that encompasses views of West Point and the Hudson River.
Q20. How can I visit Constitution Island?
A20.
The Constitution
Island Association offers seasonal tours to individuals and tour
groups. They may be reached at
(845) 446-8676.
Q21. I would like to take a boat ride
on the Hudson River. Does West Point
offer this service?
A21.
No. However
there are local boat tour providers.
Visit Orange
Tourism for more information.
Q22. I would like to attend West Point’s graduation. May I do that?
A22.
Yes, there is general seating available for the
public. Tickets are free of charge
and are distributed at the stadium gate after going through security.
Admissions
Q23. How do I get information on
admission to West Point or on the candidate
tours?
A23.
See “Admissions” on our website or call (845) 938-4041/5760.
Scouting
Q24. I am a scout leader. Are there opportunities for scout troops
at West Point?
A24.
Yes, there is scout troop camping available at our Lake
Frederick recreational area.
Corps of Cadets
Q25. How many Cadets are in the Corps
and how many are women?
A25.
Although the number varies from year to year, there are
approximately 4400 cadets at West Point. Women make up about 14% of the Corps.
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