Thursday, November 5, 2009

Air Force Academy In Colorado Springs

One of the most popular tourist destinations is the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs.

Above is the web cam at this fine military school in Colorado Springs.


Established back in 1954, approximately 4,000 cadets each year learn how to be the best possible Air Force officers they can be on 18,000 beautifully manicured acres.

We visited with three small children and had a blast. There is a lot of room to let the little ones run and burn off energy outside. Just remember that this is a military school and there are rules and regulations, but they are family-friendly. Keep an eye on your children and do not let them run wild.

You can observe cadets drilling and marching. Tour museums. See the beautiful Cadet Chapel. You have probably seen photos of it, such as the one above. It is the building with the 17 shining silver-colored spires reaching up to the sky, 150 feet up in the air. You can actually go inside and visit Monday through Saturday. Services are held on Sundays at 10am and they are open to the public.

Just so you know, during special events and for five days prior to graduation, the chapel is closed to the public so they can do special set ups as needed.

Located a short walk away from Cadet Chapel is Arnold Hall which houses some museum exhibits, the cafeteria, and a theater where lectures and shows are held.

In the photo above, my husband and son pose by an Air Force jet.

The academy is about 12 miles north of downtown Colorado Springs. Take exit 156B off of I-25. Use the North Gate to enter. There is a cool B-52 bomber at the corner of North Gate Boulevard and Stadium Boulevard that you will want to stop and look at. Take a few photos there.

In about one mile, North Gate Boulevard turns into Academy Drive. The Cadet Field House is located here where you can watch the ice hockey team and the basketball team play.

About six miles up Academy Drive, you will see signs for the Barry Goldwater Air Force Academy Visitor Center. Here you will find films, exhibits, tour maps, a gift shop and a coffee shop for your convenience. Restrooms, too.

The Airforce Academy is open everyday from 9am to 5pm. Admission is free. Bring your camera. For more information, you can visit their site.

In the photo above, wearing her baby and standing in front of the stairs to the Academy is me a few months after giving birth to my daughter, Tiffany. Our family visited the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. Matthew is in the stroller and Andrew is next to him. David is taking the photo. This is a family-friendly place, even with a newborn. It is beautiful and you will have a great time. Your kids will love it, too!

No comments:

Post a Comment