NOTE: As of February, 2004, the Air Force Academy was open to the public. Call the visitor center before going, just in case it's been closed for security concerns.
- Hours: Open daily
- Reservations: Not required
- Cost: Free admission
- Location: 12 miles north of downtown Colorado Springs. Driving directions below.
- How Long: Allow a couple of hours
- Best Time to Visit: Any time.
Air Force Academy
The Air Force Academy is Colorado's most-visited, manmade attraction. Bring your camera lots of film or digital storage cards. The buildings and surroundings present lots of scenic views.Start your Air Force Academy tour at the the Visitor Center. Browse around the exhibits and/or see a film about cadet life and the Academy's history, then pick up a self-guided driving tour map.
The Cadet Chapel is the Air Force Academy's most-photographed sight, with its 150-foot-tall aluminum spires, and visitors are allowed inside. You can get there by foot from the Visitor Center on a self-guided, one-third-mile-long nature trail.
Other Air Force Academy highlights include the planetarium, B-52 bomber display, and the Thunderbird Airmanship Overlook, where you may see cadets practicing their flying and parachute skills.
A snack bar and gift shop are available, and all profits from them support cadet athletic programs.
Getting to the Air Force Academy
Air Force Academy Eight miles north of Colorado Springs on Interstate 25 (55 miles south of Denver)Visitor center 719-333-2025
www.usafa.af.mil/
To get to the Academy from the north, take Exit 156B. The Chapel and visitor center are on Academy Drive, and non-military visitors must enter through the North Gate Entrance. Use this map of the Academy to help you find them.
