United States Air Force Academy
The United States Air Force Academy isn’t just a premier higher-education establishment. It’s an unparalleled academic and military institution that provides young men and women with rewarding opportunities to transform into the leaders of tomorrow. It’s life at a different altitude.
The U.S. Air Force Academy is FREE and open to visitors daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Visitor’s Center is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors may access several overlooks across the Academy, the Cadet Chapel, the Honor Court, Arnold Hall, the Cadet Field House, Falcon Athletic Center, Falcon Stadium, the Association of Graduates building and the Visitor Center.
The United States Air Force Academy is located 55 miles south of Denver and eight miles north of Colorado Springs. There are many convenient travel options and places to stay to facilitate your visit to the Academy. There are also plenty of nearby destinations to explore if you have the time while in Colorado.
Driving Directions
If you travel to the Academy by car, you will find that entrances are clearly marked.
- From the north, you may enter the Academy at Exit 156.
- From the south, the easiest access to the Academy is at Exit 150. (You must have some type of DOD ID card to enter the Academy at the south gate.)
- Academy Boulevard, a major street that dissects Colorado Springs, goes from the eastern and southern part of the city directly to the south entrance of the Academy.
Visitor Center Information
The center was built with donated and borrowed funds totaling $4.5 million. The private organizations that donated the building to the Air Force named it in honor of retired Arizona Senator Barry M. Goldwater, an avid supporter of the academy. The facility opened its doors in June 1986.
The 31,600-square-foot building contains exhibits, a snack bar and a gift shop. It is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. but closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve Day, and New Year’s Day. Self-guided tour maps and information on the Academy are available at the information desk. For additional information call the front desk at 719-333-2025.
As a courtesy to visitors wheelchairs are provided for use within the Visitor Center, however, they cannot be taken out of the facility. ALL PERSONNEL NEEDING ASSISTANCE IN WALKING MUST HAVE THEIR OWN WHEELCHAIR FOR USE OUTSIDE OF THE VISITOR CENTER.
Theater
A 14-minute movie highlighting the academy experience is shown throughout the day in the 250-seat theater. The exhibit area features displays on history and cadet life with specially designed exhibits to explain the academy’s four “pillars of excellence.” These refer to the four areas of the cadet training program: character development, academic, athletic, and military training.
Exhibits
The 5,652-square-foot exhibit area includes video and static displays, a hometown map, and a historical exhibit featuring information on Academy history, current and former superintendents and other significant features of the Academy’s history.
Gift Shop
Members of your group with active or retired military ID cards will receive a discount in the Visitor Center Falcon Store Gift Shop. Call 719-472-0102, or Toll Free at 800-955-4438 or visit www.goairforcefalcons.com.