Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
Canada
Mexico
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Australia
Fiji
New Zealand
Papua New Guinea
Military institution · Colorado Springs, Colorado
United States Air Force Academy
An officer training school of the Air Force north of Colorado Springs, with a visitor center and the Cadet Chapel, a modernist chapel with 17 aluminum spires.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About United States Air Force Academy
The United States Air Force Academy has trained officers since 1958 on a campus north of Colorado Springs, near the mountains. The modernist buildings of glass, steel, and aluminum were designed in the 1950s and form a complex protected as a National Historic Landmark.
The best-known building is the Cadet Chapel, a chapel with 17 pointed aluminum spires and colored stained glass that houses worship spaces for multiple faiths. The chapel underwent a long restoration; check whether it has reopened to visitors.
The visitor center has exhibits about cadet life and the academy’s history. Trails and overlooks on the campus let you watch cadets in formation and the glide program’s sailplanes. Visitor access follows the base’s security rules.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
One to two hours.
Best time
On weekdays, when there is more cadet activity; check the events calendar.
How to get there
About 20 km from downtown Colorado Springs via I-25, at the academy’s north exit. Visitors must present photo ID at the gate.
Tip
Bring a passport or other photo ID: access may require verification at the gate, and rules change with the base’s security level. Check before you go.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about United States Air Force Academy
Can tourists visit the Air Force Academy?
Yes. The visitor center and some areas are open to the public, with photo ID and subject to the base’s security rules. Check before you go.
What is the Cadet Chapel?
The academy’s chapel, with 17 aluminum spires and stained glass, protected as a National Historic Landmark.
How far is the Air Force Academy from Colorado Springs?
About 20 km, roughly a 20-minute drive via I-25.