Visiting the USAF Academy, Colorado Springs, CO
You might be wondering what is there to see in the Academy that it is considered one of the most visited destinations in Colorado. It opens its doors to over a million expecting guests each year. Are you interested yet? Find out what is in the Air Force Academy that is worth visiting.
The Academy is found in the north of Colorado Springs. It is an educational institution for the officers of the United States Air Force.
The Academy is found in the north of Colorado Springs. It is an educational institution for the officers of the United States Air Force.
When Can You Visit the Academy?
It is open to the public every day except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas, and New Year's Day, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The U.S Air Force Academy Chapel
The Academy is most famous for its beautifully structured chapel. The 150-feet Air Force Academy Chapel is an inclusive house of worship to service the cadets' spiritual needs. There is a separate chapel for Protestant, Catholic, Jewish, and Buddhist, and all-faiths room especially used by Muslim cadets.
The total cost for building the stunning chapel is $3.5 million. CNN dubs it as one of the most epic churches in America.
The total cost for building the stunning chapel is $3.5 million. CNN dubs it as one of the most epic churches in America.
USAFA Planetarium
The U.S. Air Force Academy Planetarium was established in 1959 but was closed in 2004. It is set to reopen in 2019 thanks to many donations the institution received for its reestablishment. The planetarium is a 50-foot dome that showcases modern reclining seats and interconnectivity with other planetariums throughout the world. When it reopens, it will feature daily shows including the Journey to the Center of the Milky Way, Robot Explorers, and Fighter Pilot.
Hiking and Biking Trails
There is something for the outdoor lovers in the Academy. There are several trails which guests can enjoy from 5 a.m. until the afternoon. Don't forget to bring different clothing because the weather in the mountain can drastically change.
Dining Options
If you find yourself craving for delicious food, there are plenty of options in the area. There are fast food and popular food chains, and some restaurants where you can have a sumptuous meal.
Events in the U.S. Air Force AcademyThe U.S. Air Force Academy hosts several events throughout the year. If you want to see the full list of the events and their schedule, you can check their website. The cadets compete on NCAA Division 1, and you can watch their game for the sports they play including basketball football, hockey, and volleyball.
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Who Goes to the U.S. Air Force Academy?
It is not easy to get into the academy because of the selective process. The cadets in the U.S. Air Force Academy are selected based on their academic standing, leadership, athletics, and character. The candidates will also undergo a fitness test and medical examination before he can be allowed to enroll in the Academy. The candidate should also be nominated, typically by a member of the Congress to secure admission. There usually are 1,400 cadets who enroll for each academic year, but less than a thousand make it through to graduation. Tuition is free, but they have to serve some years in the military after they graduate.
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