The United States Air Force Academy was established in 1954 by President Eisenhower. Since the doors were opened in 1958, 33,000 men and women have graduated from this prestigious school. With their motto of "To inspire and develop outstanding young men and women to become Air Force officers with knowledge, character and discipline; motivated to lead the world's greatest aerospace-force in service to the nation," it is apparent why many apply to this competitive school.

The Academy is open to the public daily from 5:30 AM to 6:00 PM. There are no guided tours, but when you enter, you can visit the Visitor Center and Gift Shop. Here you can view the 14-minute video that shows the life of a Cadet on the base. The visitor center also has exhibits for you to explore. From here you will get a map, which guides you to the chapel and the field house.

The Air Force Academy Chapel took 5 years of planning before it was built, and 4 years to build. The chapel contains an upper level for 1,300 Protestant worshipers, and a lower level with a 500 seat Catholic chapel, as well as a 100 seat Jewish Temple. The goal of the chapel was to provide a place for the spiritual needs of all the cadets.

Also on your tour you can visit the field house. At the field house, you can find cadets working out or practicing with a team. With the major role that athletics play in academy life, Sports Illustrated dubbed the academy "the most athletic school in the country." Many of the intercollegiate teams compete at the field house, one team being hockey. In the field house there is also an indoor field where lacrosse and football teams can practice during bad weather. The Clune Arena is the most impressive arena of the field house, seating 6,000. It was built in memorial of former Athletic director Colonel John J. Clune. Outside the field house, 57 athletic fields cover 140 acres.

Places to Stay near the U.S. Air Force Academy:

El Colorado Lodge

Majestic Pikes Peak overlooks our 4 acres of adobe cabins and giant Blue Spruce trees! AAA Approved. Historic modernized cabins in Manitou Springs near Colorado Springs. Large heated pool.

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Goldfield RV Park Open all year. Between Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs. Near all Pikes Peak attractions. Shaded level full hookup sites with pull-thrus, cable TV and Wi-Fi. Many discount programs. Plus camper cabins.

More Activities & Information:

View a map of the U.S. Air Force Academy
(Map provided by the U.S. National Park Service)

Directions:
North of Colorado Springs Metro and south of Denver. Enter the Academy from the North Gate entrance. Exit off I-25 at exit 156B.

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