There’s an automatic reverence attached to a location steeped with as much history, patriotism, and bravery as West Point, New York. The significance of its location along the west banks of the Hudson River was recognized by George Washington during the Revolutionary War, and today, it is the longest continuously operating military installation in America.
Whether you’re returning as an alum, visiting a cadet, or simply value the rich traditions of a place that’s rooted in the birth of our nation, there’s plenty to do and see in West Point.
We’ve created our list of the top things to do when visiting West Point, and while you're planning your visit be sure to consider staying at one of our properties conveniently located inside West Point, IHG Army Hotels Five Star Inn and IHG Army Hotels Beat Navy House.
West Point Visitors Center
6 a.m. to 10 p.m., daily, free
Not sure where to start? Head to the West Point Visitors Center. To check out West Point, you will first need to report to the Visitors Control Center to get a background check.
The Visitors Center offers an excellent overview of West Point with continuously playing educational videos and exhibits. Learn about cadet life and get a glimpse inside a full-scale cadet barracks room. Or, be captivated by a video covering West Point’s extensive history.
From there, consider booking a tour or visiting the Army West Point Gift Shop.
Fun fact, this is West Point’s third Visitors Center, which officially opened in December 2017.
West Point Museum
9:30–4:15 p.m., Tuesday–Sunday, free
If only these walls could talk! The West Point Museum is the country’s oldest federal museum, with a direct link to the American Revolutionary War. For more than 150 years, the museum has publicly displayed a selection of West Point’s more than 60,000 army artifacts.
The exhibits in the museum and throughout the academy aim to “collect, preserve, exhibit, and interpret historically significant artifacts” related to the academy, the U.S. Army, and the Profession of Arms. Transport back to the start of West Point during the Revolutionary War and learn about the evolution of small and large weaponry as far back as the Stone Age.
If you return during warmer months, you can tour Fort Putnam, one of the main structures of West Point during the American Revolution that has been restored to its original state.
Army Football Game
Check website for schedule and costs
If you’re visiting West Point in the fall, be sure to look at the Army football schedule! This is no ordinary football game. It’s an experience brimming with the tradition, honor, and history of the Black Knights of the Hudson Valley.
With its motto “Duty, Honor, Country,” fans know this is bigger than a game. As one of the first schools to start a football program, Army’s mission is to mold its scholar-athletes into leaders.
Game traditions highlight cadets and academy life. Pregame, a full regiment of cadets march onto the field and stand in formation alongside the U.S. Military Academy Band. The game ball is literally dropped into Michie Stadium via parachute jump, cadets lead the crowd in The Rocket cheer, and the stadium erupts into Army’s fight song with the Cadet Band.
Cannons proclaim kickoff and touchdowns. And check out Army’s uniforms: several custom designs honor historic U.S. Army events.
Guided Tours of West Point
Check website for schedule and costs
Dive into West Point’s astounding and extensive history during a guided tour! The “West Point Story” walks you back through time, taking you on a journey from West Point’s first days in the American Revolution to its present use as one of the country’s premier military academies.
With its 75 years of experience, family-owned and operated West Point Tours shares its extensive knowledge on the historic figures who walked the grounds and shaped our nation’s future. The tour stops at Trophy Point, Battle Monument, the Plain, and the Cadet Chapel.
If you have time, schedule the History and Tradition Cemetery Tour. Covering all the same stories and stops as “West Point Story,” the cemetery tour includes the West Point Cemetery and Old Cadet Chapel.
Thayer Hotel Restaurants
Check the website for hours and availability
After a day of visiting historic sites, take a break and recharge with a memorable meal. Head to MacArthur’s Riverview Restaurant located in the historic Thayer Hotel at West Point. Situated along the river, MacArthur’s boasts beautiful views indoors and out. Enjoy an award-winning Sunday Champagne Brunch or hand-cut steaks at dinner.
Head to Zulu Time Rooftop Lounge—the only rooftop bar between New York City and Albany—for drink specials like the Thayer Lemonade, Summer Soldier, and West Point Graduate. Zulu closes for the season mid-November.
West Point Golf Course
7:30 a.m. to dusk, Tuesday through Sunday
A perfect way to marry history and leisure, the West Point Golf Course is a challenging 18-hole course that walks golfers through history.
Designed by Robert Trent Jones, the stunning mountain course lies just north of the Bear Mountain Bridge. The course is home to Army golf and open to the public. Tee markers cite significant moments in Army history, starting with the American Revolution and ending with the Middle East.
Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site
11 a.m.-3 p.m., Friday and Saturday (November through mid-April), free
Many of the decisions that shaped those earliest days of our nation took place on this ground. Now the country’s first publicly owned historic site, this is where General George Washington began forming the American republic.
With award-winning exhibits and costumed interpreters, you’ll be transported back in time. View more than 1,300 items from Washington’s headquarters, tour the Tower of Victory, take in the scenery during a picnic lunch, and enjoy the site’s recently improved grounds and pathways.
A current exhibit asks visitors to share their views of Washington’s Headquarters. Be part of history by submitting your photos for “Framing history: A year in pictures.”
Bear Mountain State Park
$10 per vehicle on weekends and holidays (September through March)
The natural beauty of the Hudson Valley is a sight to behold. Take it all in at Bear Mountain State Park, along the west bank of the Hudson River.
Bear Mountain offers plenty of recreation like biking and hiking trails, camping, boat rentals, fishing, and more. Climb the mountain and access breathtaking views of the park from Perkins Memorial Tower.
After some vigorous activity, take a break in the picnic areas or let the kids burn off remaining energy at the playground and Nature Center. Over the winter months, you also can take advantage of ice skating.
Don’t miss Bear’s Mountain’s beautifully hand-painted merry-go-round featuring the park’s native animals!
Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve
Enjoy the great outdoors along the Hudson River! Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve is an 8,000-acre area with more than 70 miles of trails for novice to advanced hikers.
Plan your route ahead of time in this scenic, but mostly undeveloped, preserve. Discover dozens of native plants and animals in habitats ranging from lush forests to rocky ridges. Bring your binoculars for some amazing bird watching. The preserve includes Bird Conservation Areas where guests have reported sightings of Cerulean Warblers, Peregrine Falcons, and Bald Eagles.
The preserve also offers seasonal boating, fishing, and hunting.
No matter why you may be visiting West Point, if you’re looking for something to do we encourage you to check out some of the activities we listed here. You’ll be immersed in the rich history of this city, and feel the utmost appreciation for all the cadets who have come through the Academy.