US Air Force Academy - Visitors

Visitor Information

Visitors to the Academy may enter through either the North Gate, which can be accessed from Exit 156B on Interstate 25, 14 miles north of downtown Colorado Springs, or from the South Gate, which can be accessed from Exit 150 on Interstate 25. For more information, call the Visitor’s Center at 719-333-2025 or e-mail pa.comrel@usafa.af.mil This, e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Note: Backpacks or large bags are not allowed in the Visitor Center, the paved nature trail, or the Cadet Chapel.

Special Event Visitor Access Procedures

Organizations sponsoring events in excess of 100 people during visitor hours will need to notify Security Forces of their event to ensure the gates are prepared for the increase of traffic/searches. The following information will be required:

• Name of event
• Date/Time
• Sponsor/Contact number
• Approximate number of visitors

Visitor Center

The center was built with donated and borrowed funds totaling $4.5 million. The private organizations which 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. As a courtesy to visitors wheelchairs are provided for use within the Visitor Center, however, they cannot be taken out of the facility.

A one-third-mile paved nature trail east of the facility allows visitors to walk to the Cadet Chapel. *Note the paved nature trail is a very strenuous walk with a variety of hills. The walk back from the Chapel to the Visitor Center is mostly an up-hill walk. People with limited mobility should have a wheel chair to get to and from the Chapel. *WHEEL CHAIRS ARE NOT PROVIDED TO THE PUBILIC FOR OUTSIDE USE. ALL PERSONNEL NEEDING ASSISTANCE IN WALKING MUST HAVE THEIR OWN WHEELCHAIR. You may also park in the Arnold Hall parking lot to access the Cadet Chapel; however this still requires you to walk approximately 1/3 of a mile and is mostly uphill when returning to your vehicle.

Self-guided Tour Highlights

Cadet Chapel: Check out the Chapel webpage for Chapel services and tour information. Note: The chapel is occasionally closed for private services, weddings and funerals throughout the year. During these private services the chapel will not be open to the public.

Buses/RV: Due to the large volume of bus traffic to the Visitor Center, busses may off-load passengers on the top level, Right Side of the entrance. Buses will then be parked on the bottom parking lot level. Buses may later return to the top level, Left Side of the entrance to pick up passengers. This policy is to ensure safety of pedestrians in the parking areas. The Visitor Center does not accept reservations for guided tours. Only self-guided tours are available. Any large group that plans to eat at the Visitor Center should make a courtesy call ahead to ensure the food court is open at 719-472-9664. General Visitor Center Food Court hours are Monday-Sunday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. There is also a food court in Arnold Hall, 719-472-0664.

Falcon Store gift shop: Members of your group with active or retired military ID cards will receive a discount in the Visitor Center gift shop at 719-472-0102, or Toll Free at 800-955-4438 or visit www.goairforcefalcons.com.