Colorado Springs, CO Hotel near U.S. Air Force Academy

Air Force Academy Areas Development Visitor Center Self Guided Tours

The United States Air Force Academy campus is situated on 18,000 stunning acres near the impressive Rocky Mountains. Facilities range from laboratories to observatories to a library with more than 700,000 volumes. Thousands of visitors from all across the globe visit the youngest of the four U.S. military branches every year. You can be one of them when you’re a guest at the Crowne Plaza Colorado Springs, a full-service hotel 18 miles from the U.S. Air Force Academy.

U.S. Air Force Academy Areas of Development. The U.S. Air Force Academy focuses on four areas of development: military, academic, physical and character.

Military Development. The main focus in this discipline is to develop the knowledge, values, skills, and behavior patterns that are the hallmark of an effective Air Force officer.

Academic Development. Cadets are provided with an expansive, top-quality education that befits a person focusing on a career in the military.

Physical Development. The first goal is to develop a solid physical condition. Along with that, the attributes of teamwork, aggressiveness, self-confidence, courage, and a deep desire to win are instilled in all future military officers.

Character Development. Professional military character is taught by stressing Air Force core values, ethics instruction, human relations education, moral/spiritual development, and the Cadet Honor Code.

For more information, visit http://www.usafa.af.mil/index.cfm?catname=AFA%20Homepage.   [Top]

U.S. Air Force Academy Visitor Center. A great way to get introduced to the U.S. Air Force Academy is via the Visitor Center. Stop by the 250-seat theatre to see a 14-minute movie highlighting the academy experience. After the film, check out the 5,652-square-foot exhibit area where you can view a variety of video and photographic displays along with a hometown map. There is also a section focused on Academy history, as well as current and former superintendents.

Information on the Academy and self-guided tour maps are available at the Visitor Center, which is open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Center is closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve Day, and New Year's Day.

For more information, visit http://www.usafa.af.mil/superintendent/pa/visitor-center.cfm?catname=Visitor%20Info.   [Top]

U.S. Air Force Academy Self-Guided Tours. There are many areas on the U.S. Air Force Academy campus that visitors can check out on their own. These include

Arnold Hall. Enjoy several military and Air Force Academy exhibits. Arnold Hall also features a snack bar and auditorium for special events.

Field House. This facility has an indoor athletic field, ice rink, and basketball court.

Cadet Chapel. Guests are welcome to stop by the chapel, which features 17 spires that rise 150 feet in the air. However, the chapel is occasionally closed for private services, weddings, and funerals.

Hiking Trails. There are several scenic hiking trails open to the public. The Stanley Canyon and Falcon trails are open daily between 5:00 a.m. and sundown.

For more information, visit http://www.usafa.af.mil/superintendent/pa/visitor-center.cfm?catname=Visitor%20Info.  [Top]