The United States Air Force Academy (USAFA), located on the northern edge of Colorado Springs, is both an active military installation and one of the most visited sites in the state. Open to the public in designated areas, it draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year — largely because of the Cadet Chapel, which has been designated a National Historic Landmark and is described as the most visited man-made tourist attraction in Colorado.
Founding and History
The Academy was not always in Colorado. An Air Force Academy Site Selection Board, established in 1949, reviewed more than 300 candidate sites across 22 states before settling on a location near Colorado Springs. Construction began in 1954. On 29 August 1958, a wing of 1,145 cadets moved to the present site, and the Academy received accreditation less than a year later. The first class graduated in June 1959. The institution enrols around 4,000 cadets as undergraduates and employs approximately 723 faculty members, serving a wider community of around 25,000 people on and near the campus.
The Cadet Chapel
The Chapel, constructed in 1962, is the Academy's most architecturally distinctive feature. Its 17 aluminium spires reach 46 metres (150 feet) into the sky, making it visible from a distance across the campus. The design is strikingly modernist — angular and striking in its mountain setting. As a National Historic Landmark, it attracts visitors well beyond those with a specific military interest. The Chapel contains separate worship spaces for different faiths, including Protestant, Catholic, Jewish and other traditions.
Visiting the Academy
The Barry Goldwater Visitor Center serves as the public gateway to the Academy. A self-guided tour route includes a one-third-mile paved trail from the Visitor Center to the Cadet Chapel. Visitors should note that the trail involves hills and is described as strenuous for those with limited mobility. The Visitor Center itself spans 35,000 square feet and includes exhibits on Academy history, cadet life and the wider Air Force, as well as a snack bar and gift shop.
Public access to the Academy is subject to security requirements that can change. Visitors should check current access procedures with the Academy before travelling, as gates and hours may vary. The North Gate is the standard public entry point for the Visitor Center. Falcon Stadium and academic buildings are visible on a self-guided walk but access to operational areas is restricted.
Military Context in Colorado Springs
The Academy is one of several significant military installations in the Colorado Springs area, which has a pronounced defence and aerospace identity. The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) is also associated with the region — currently located near Peterson Air Force Base. This concentration of military and space-related operations has shaped the local economy, population and cultural character of the city considerably. Fort Carson, listed as one of the nearby communities in the city's surroundings, adds further military presence to the metropolitan area.
Practical Notes
The Academy is located north of the main city, accessible by car via Interstate 25. Entry to visitor areas is free, though current security requirements should be confirmed in advance. Visitor Center hours have historically been 9am to 5pm daily, but schedules should be checked directly with the Academy as they can change. The Cadet Chapel may be closed during graduation, religious services or other events. Photography restrictions apply in certain areas of the campus.
Sources: US Air Force Academy - Visit Colorado Springs • Self-Guided Tour - United States Air Force Academy • United States Air Force Academy - Wikipedia • USAFA - Uncover Colorado • USAFA Founding - National Park Service