Visitors to the Connecticut Coast Guard Academy are free to take a self-guided tour of the grounds. While appointments can be made for a guided tour, visitors are also allowed to visit the academy at their leisure every day from 9:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. There is no charge for the tour and walking maps are available on the campus at either the museum or at the admissions department. A valid ID is required to enter the grounds, however.
In addition to the self-guided perusals of the grounds, tours led by a knowledgeable cadet are also available to the public . A cadet-led tour must be scheduled in advance. Most of the cadet-led excursions are held Mondays and Fridays at 1:00 p.m., though Wednesday tours are also scheduled occasionally. The tour typically begins with a meeting at Waesche Hall or at the Visitors Pavilion. A tour of the training ship Eagle is usually included with the guided tour.
View the cadets in full dress uniform during the cadet drills, held during good weather in the fall and spring months of April, May, September and October. The drills are typically held on Fridays at 4:00 p.m. In addition to the viewing of the cadet's impressive uniforms, spectators are also treated to displays of precision marching, riflery, music and flags. Honorary guests are also occasionally presented. The public affairs office on campus can supply exact dates and times of upcoming events.
During the Halloween season, the Coast Guard Barque Eagle's crew hosts a haunted ship event for the public. Called the "Haunted Eagle," the event is typically held on October 28, 29 and 30 and takes place on the Fort Trumbull Pier. There is no admission charge for the event, which starts with a show recommended for children over the age of 13, with a PG rating. The PG event is held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and is followed by a more intense and frightening presentation, designed with adults in mind, from 8:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m.
