Location: West Point
Top Things to do in West Point
What to do and see in West Point, United States: The Best Places and Tips
West Point is the oldest continuously occupied military post in the United States. Located on the Hudson River in New York, West Point was identified by General George Washington as the most important strategic position in America during the American Revolution. Until January 1778, West Point was not occupied by the military. On January 27, 1778, Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons and his brigade crossed the ice on the Hudson River and climbed to the plain on West Point and from that day to the present, West Point has been occupied by the United States Army. It comprises approximately 16,000 acres (6,500 ha) including the campus of the United States Military Academy, which is commonly called "West Point".
Restaurants in West Point
1. United States Military Academy Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 608 reviews
The premier US military academy.
Reviewed By Sharon L - Palo Alto, California
The Visitor's Center offers a multitude of services. One can pick up reserved tickets for the Academy Tour and shop at the Gift Store. The best part of the center, though, was the exhibit featuring West Point. The explanation of the history of the Academy, a description of the 4 years that the Cadets experience, a replica of a Cadet's room, the importance of the honor code, and more.
A great visit!
2. Boscobel House and Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 316 reviews
Boscobel House and Gardens is an esteemed Historic House Museum containing one of the finest collections of decorative arts, including furniture, from the Federal period. Boscobel offers tours of the Neoclassical mansion and access to 68 acres of our grounds, featuring lush gardens and a woodland trail. Located in the heart of the Hudson Valley, Boscobel directly overlooks Constitution Marsh toward the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, showcasing dramatic views of the Hudson River. From mid-April through December, Boscobel hosts lively events, innovative exhibitions, talks by the world’s top design experts, and engaging programs and activities for families. Children are always welcome.
Reviewed By TravelerAtTimes - New York
We'll, we found ourselves in this area and decided to finally visit the much spoken about Boscobel that I've had on my list for years and years.
End result: Not worth the $11 PP paid for grounds only admission.
In a nutshell: if you aren't into architecture, specifically Federal, you can really give this a pass. The views onto the Hudson are great but there are many other free options for similar views ( a quick search for Hudson Valley trails will get you a nice list).
The only saving grace for the place (my reason for 3/5 rating) is the cute and informative audio or guided tours which teach you a bit about the area history, so this really depends on what you are looking for.
Need a quite secluded garden for a date or a romantic outing? Not worth it in my opinion. The gardens were sub par (your local Lowes or Homedepot has more flowers showing in the garden dept...).
The house itself could use a washing with obvious weathering and mold showing at the back exterior walls. The lawn is a hodgepodge of different grass varieties.
The front pick-nick area next to the pond has some cheap picnicking tables which were covered in sap spots - a fact we realized only after seeing the stains on our clothing ($15 for the cleaners). The fountain was not operational. Shall I go on...?
3. West Point Tours
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 213 reviews
Reviewed By Brian0ntheGo - Bradenton, Florida
Even if you have lots of time and are going to tour West Point Military Academy on your own, invest in this excellent tour to get started - you'll get lots of great information you wouldn't get on your own. The buses are comfortable and modern, and there is a nice balance between riding on the bus and walking. Our guide, Sara, was outstanding. She had lots of valuable information, was easy to understand, and had lots of pride in the Academy. The tour is well organized, the perfect length, and a great value. If you are visiting West Point, take a West Point Tour!
4. Storm King Art Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 619 reviews
Widely celebrated as one of the world's leading sculpture parks, Storm King Art Center has welcomed visitors from across the globe for fifty years. It is located only one hour north of New York City, in the lower Hudson Valley, where its pristine 500-acre landscape of fields, hills, and woodlands provides the setting for a collection of more than 100 carefully sited sculptures created by some of the most acclaimed artists of our time.
Reviewed By Joan S - Monroe
We actually went to Storm King Art Center on a cloudy/rainy day and it was an enjoyable experience. The ground are so beautiful and the massive sculptures and exhibits defies the imagination. Means of getting around the grounds are provided if walking is difficult. Make sure you spend time in the museum (especially when the sun is not shining). Make it a whole day.
5. West Point Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 366 reviews
The mission of the West Point Museum is to collect, preserve, exhibit, and interpret historically significant artifacts pertaining to the United States Military Academy, United States Army and the Profession of Arms. The Museum supplements cadet academic, cultural and military instruction and provides educational programs and services for military and civilian personnel. As a public institution, the museum stimulates interest in the United States Military Academy, the United States Army and the Military profession. In addition to the main museum building in Olmsted Hall, the Museum also administers Fort Putnam which it operates seasonally. The Museum also maintains part of its collection on display on Post with the cannon collection on Trophy Point, The superintendant portraits in the Cadet Mess and artwork in many of the academic and administrative buildings. All visitors to the United States Military Academy are encouraged to tour the Museum to view what is considered to be the oldest and largest diversified public collection of miltaria in the Western Hemisphere. The Museum does not require ID to visit. ID for everyone over 16 will be needed if you plan to tour the Academy grounds. Please visit the West Point Garrision webpage for further visitor information.
Reviewed By Laszlo K - Los Angeles, California
West Point incredible history is displayed in this newly renovated museum. A must see for your kids, yourself and all history buffs
6. Breakneck Ridge Loop
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 64 reviews
Reviewed By redmeatandwhisky - New York City, New York
This loop will be closed to the general public for the 2018 season as renovations are made to the trailhead, Metro North railroad station and thus allowing the trailside's regrowth. We have seen firsthand the increased popularity of Breakneck Ridge and although it truly is a wonderful view from the top, there are more dangers along the roadway, train tracks and parking than on the trail, hence the need for new infrastructure. Rumor has it there will also be ADA compliance for mass transit but I am not sure how that construction could finalize without additional mechanical structures built.
If you are lucky enough to get a pass for the 2018 season, I look forward to viewing the trail's regrowth and maintenance. Otherwise, see y'all in 2019!
7. Manitoga / The Russel Wright Design Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 59 reviews
MANITOGA / The Russel Wright Design Center preserves, protects and shares Russel Wright's modernist House, Studio and Woodland Garden as a masterful integration of design and nature, a powerful example of land reclamation, and a resource for inspired design in daily living through public tours, programs and events. MANITOGA is a National Historic Landmark, an Affiliate Site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and a World Monuments Watch Site. It is one of the few 20th century modern homes open to the public in New York State.
Reviewed By jjctraveler - Chesterfield, MO
I made my reservations on the web page and arrived early to ensure I got a parking spot. The gravel lot holds about 20-25 cars, and there were only a couple of cars there on a Saturday morning. There is a very small visitor’s center/gift shop that has a small rest room. To start the tour, you watch a video in the visitor’s center. Then you head for the house. While the tour involves rock steps and primitive paths, it moves very slowly and you really don’t go very far. It’s mainly a walk around the quarry and then a tour of the house. You are standing throughout the tour and mine took 2 hours.
You will spend a lot of time in the studio and the house, and photography is allowed throughout the tour so you can get lots of great pictures. The only area you are not allowed to enter is the kitchen. There are art exhibits sprinkled throughout the house which make it more interesting. After you tour the house you walk down a set of stone steps (no handrail) and then across the dam which has wobbly stones, but it has a handrail!
This tour is highly recommended if you are into unique mid-century modern homes and art. If you do not find this interesting, skip it. It’s not really appropriate for children unless they appreciate art and architecture.
8. South Gate Tavern
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By RunrDave - New York
I must admit, I was skeptical at first. South Gate Tavern is immediately outside the Thayer Gate (the main gate) of the United States Military Academy at West Point. I assumed that it would cater to cadets walking into Highland Falls, but in the couple times I've visited, I saw no cadets. Instead, it's got a really neat local feel. I visited twice on chilly fall days, and the atmosphere inside was very cozy and warm. Beers weren't cheap, but that's expected. As an added plus, it has the Buck Hunter video game, which I enjoy playing with friends after a few beers! Worth dropping by, especially after an Army football game.
9. Michie Stadium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 89 reviews
Reviewed By bob_franco27 - West Orange
Great place to see a football game. Scenic and classic. The Army history shared throughout and the introduction of veterans adds to an excellent day. Note: believe them when they day arrive early. Once you enter the gates, it will take time to park and take a bus to the stadium.
10. Garrison Golf Club
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By William G - Norfolk, Virginia, United States
Excellent food and views of the Hudson River Valley. The food at the wedding banquet was excellent as was the view of the river.
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