West Point, NY

Drive south to Annapolis.

Go Navy. Beat Army.

There is a cruise that takes visitors from NYC, up the Hudson to the games. I did it several years ago. It was a great experience. I have no ties to West Point or the Army, other than friends/family who have served.

I've been meaning to do this again.

Here is a link.

I was hoping to catch the leaves changing but the home schedule is kinda clunky. They have home games 9/8 and 9/15 and then don't play at home again until 10/20.

LSU plays SLU on 9/8 so I figured that would be the best time to catch a game that doesn't conflict with LSU.

By they way....those pictures are incredible! Can't wait to go

As said above, fly into Newark. I worked there for a year back in the 90s but I understand security has tightened up since 9/11 and it may not be as easy to roam the campus, Idk. Outside of the scenery, there's not a lot of "must do" things. Beautiful country though.

I might be driving up for a game in September as well

Congrats on going to one of the greatest football experiences outside of the SEC.

As others mentioned go to October 20th. That’s Homecoming weekend which will give it a much better experience. The leaves will be changing then and the post will be gorgeous as well.

For your flights fly into Newark or avoid the big city traffic and fly into Newburgh, New York which is a 20 minute drive to West Point.

I highly recommend going a couple of days early so that you can take a tour without the crowds. I’ve never taken the tour but have seen hundreds of them. You’re going to want to see the Cadet Chapel, Catholic Church, Trophy Point, The Plane, Cullemn Hall, Jefferson Hall (Library) and Washington Hall (Mess Hall). I haven’t spent visiting the cemetery but I hear it is pretty neat as well. Eat lunch in Grant Hall; I believe it’s open to the public. You may have to see some of these outside of the official tour. Just ask a cadet if they are willing to escort you to see some of the cadet only areas. If you’re dad is a WWII Vet mention that and he will get royal treatment. The Military History Muesem is located next to the new Visitors’ Center and is awesome. They have weapons from the beginning of time to present on display.

Fort Putnam, fortification from Revolutionary War, which is located by the Michie Stadium is interesting to visit.

If money is not an option try to stay at Hotel Thayer which is located on post just inside of Thayer Gate. Please note that since it’s Homecoming weekend it will be loud as the Class of 1998 (a bunch dirt bags) celebrate their 20 year reunion there that weekend. On Sunday the Thayer Hotel has an incredible brunch that overlooks the Hudson River.

Hotels in the area are extremely limited so get a room now. I would recommend the following hotels in this order: Hotel Thayer, Bear Mountain ( NY State Park), Holiday Inn Express, and West Point Motel.

On game day arrive on post early so you can see the Pass and Review on the plane. After the parade the parachute team and drill teams will give performances as well. When you arrive on post go through Thayer Gate and park at Buffalo Soldiers’ Field. You can take busses to the plane to see the parade and Michie Stadium.

If you leave your email address I can give you my contact info and give you additional pointers.

BEAT NAVY!!!

Great advice given in the previous two posts.

I will add:

Go to Schades for pizza, right outside the gate in Highland Falls. Good food and a cadet staple.

If you like to tailgate you can set up a tent and chairs areound musk reservoir and invite cadets for a beer. I met some great folks as a cadet just walking past their tailgate and being invited in. Lots of cadets will cruise through the tailgates after the game once they are released for the weekend. If you can get in touch with your local parents club they can give you names of cadets from your local area to invite ahead of time. I can help you out with a list of Louisiana cadets if you’d like.

Stay away from Newburgh if you can, not the safest or cleanest town (lots of parents stay there).

After the game or on a Sunday if you are walking around feel free to ask a cadet if you can see their room. I would regularly have folks ask me and would be happy to give a personal tour if I didn’t have anything to do.

The chow hall is awesome, I’d highly recommend trying to go inside to watch a meal. If you could get your dad up to the poop deck that would be the ultimate VIP experience.

Overall I hope you have a great experience. West Point in the fall is unbelievably beautiful and the football stadium is one of the most gorgeous venues I’ve ever watched a game in. If there is anything I can do for you let me know.