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Updated: July 17, 2024

The Top 11 U.S. Air Force Academy Attractions

Set at the base of the Rocky Mountain foothills, the U.S. Air Force Academy is so much more than an undergraduate institution and military base.

The U.S. Air Force Academy is a collection of awe-inspiring attractions open to the public. In addition to state-of-the-art technology and modern architecture, this campus offers eleven different sites for civilians to explore. Don't miss these eleven sights while you're here.

1. Barry Goldwater Visitor Center

A must for those who have never previously been to the campus, the Visitor Center hosts exhibits of the campus, tells the history of the institution and features a mock cadet dorm room. The 250-seat theater plays a short movie on the hour and half hour. Catch the show and glimpse into everyday cadet life, complete with a snippet of the Graduation ceremonial hat toss and legendary Thunderbird flyover. Here visitors can purchase souvenirs and Academy apparel to show their Falcon pride.

2. U.S. Air Force Academy Planetarium

The original U.S. Air Force Academy Planetarium, which greeted visitors from 1959-2004, is back open after a multi-million dollar renovation from generous donations. The 50-foot dome is complete with built in 8K projectors, immersive surround sound and state-of-the-art reclining seats. Check out the latest schedule and enjoy free shows such as Oasis in Space, Great Bear Rainforest and Fighter Pilot. .

The US Air Force Planetarium, a white domed building, sits on a hill at the US Air Force Academy

2. Noon Meal Formation

From the Honor Court, visitors can enjoy watching the noon meal formation. At 11:30 a.m., the Cadet Wing lines up numerically by squadron in front of the dormitories, Vandenberg and Sijan Halls. At the formation, 4,000 cadets march across the Terrazzo into Mitchell Hall to the Air Force song and other Department of Defense anthems, provided by our very own Cadet Drum & Bugle Corps.

The formation is scheduled Monday, Wednesday and Friday during the school year, weather permitting. Since the formation is subject to cancellation without notice, call the Visitor Center at 719-333-2025 on the morning of your visit to find out if there will be a lunch formation taking place.

4. Cadet Chapel

Please note: The Cadet Chapel is closed for a major restoration that is estimated to last until Spring 2027.

Perhaps the most notable structure on campus, the Cadet Chapel encompasses the beauty of midcentury-modern architecture with inspiration from Air Force vessels. With stained glass symbols and historical accents, each congregation center has its own beauty.

Interior of the US Air Force Academy Chapel with rows of pews, triangular stained glass windows, and an illuminated ceiling

5.. The B-52 Display

When accessing the base through the north gate, this static display will be hard to miss. The awe inspiring B-52 bomber was the backbone of America’s manned bomber force for more than half of the 20th century. Recent additions include the Air Warrior combat Memorial and an HH-3 Jolly Green Giant rescue helicopter.

B-52 bomber

6. Cadet Field House

This mega-sized sports arena is home to Clune Arena (basketball/volleyball) that seats 5,856 supporters, an ice hockey arena with seating for 2,502 fans and a six-lane indoor track that can accommodate 925 spectators.

7. Academic Overlook

Drive up North Gate Boulevard (which becomes Academy Drive) and pull over at this overlook to enjoy a scenic view of the Academy’s various campus buildings. Being one of the country’s finest higher education institutions, the U.S. Air Force Academy’s mission is to provide a well-rounded education for cadets to use throughout their Air Force or Space Force career and their individual lives.

8. Athletic Overlook

Just a few hundred yards to the west of the Academic Overlook, the Athletic Overlook provides guests a bigger picture to see just how massive the sports facilities at the U.S. Air Force Academy are. There are 150 acres of playing and practice fields that can be viewed from here. The public can attend games at the track and field, soccer, baseball and softball stadiums.

9. Arnold Hall

A student union and ballroom all-in-one location, this large hall hosts a 2,900-seat theater for cadets and the Richter Lounge Food Court, which has multiple food options catering to a wide variety of tastes. Stop by here to view displays featuring the Tuskegee Airmen, Women in Leadership and cadets who have become astronauts.

10. Doolittle Hall

This building is hard to miss, with a large Pegasus statue out front and houses the alumni association, The Association of Graduates. Following the Heritage Trail, you’ll cross the Challenge Bridge, see the Mall of Heroes, Memorial Wall, and the Southeast Asia Pavilion; an indoor and outdoor exhibit that is a stunning reminder of our role during the Vietnam era.

Don't forget to check out Doolittle Outfitters Retail Store for apparel, fan gear and more. Shop online or in person!

11. Falcon Stadium

The site of home football games and graduation, this large stadium was built in the fall of 1962 at a cost of $3.5 million. It is built in a natural bowl, has a capacity of 46,692 and stands at the base of the Rampart Range. In addition to Falcon Football, the stadium hosts a variety of sports and special events. To purchase football tickets call 719-472-1895 or visit www.goairforcefalcons.com.

For more U.S. Air Force Academy visitor information click here or check out this additional content below.

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