U.S. Air Force Academy: In-Depth Welcome Center

Introduction

Welcome to the U.S. Air Force Academy! This premier institution trains and educates men and women to be leaders in the United States Air Force with character and integrity. The U.S. Air Force Academy is nestled at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and is approximately 9 miles north of Colorado Springs, CO.

The U.S. Air Force Academy population comprises more than 4,000 cadets, 1,750 active-duty military members, and over 1,800 civilians. The surrounding Colorado Springs is a military town with over 50,000 retirees, family members, and military personnel living in the area.

Continue reading for an in-depth guide on the U.S. Air Force Academy to aid in your transition to your new base – explore where to live, the best schools, food hot spots, and more!

• Where Is the U.S. Air Force Academy?
• U.S. Air Force Academy Map
• U.S. Air Force Academy Directions
• Entering U.S. Air Force Academy and Base Amenities
  • Check-In Procedures for Incoming Personnel
  • U.S. Air Force Academy DEERS Office
  • U.S. Air Force Academy Gate Hours
  • U.S. Air Force Academy Commissary
  • U.S. Air Force Academy Exchange
  • U.S. Air Force Academy Barber Shops
  • U.S. Air Force Academy Post Office
  • U.S. Air Force Academy Finance Office
  • U.S. Air Force Academy Legal Office
  • U.S. Air Force Academy Library
  • Hotels Near U.S. Air Force Academy
• Where Should I Live Near U.S. Air Force Academy?
• U.S. Air Force Academy Schools
• U.S. Air Force Academy Weather
• Things To Do Around the U.S. Air Force Academy

Where Is the U.S. Air Force Academy?

Air Force Academy
6248 W. Pine Loop
USAF Academy, CO 80840
Phone: 1 (719) 333-3444

U.S. Air Force Academy Map

U.S. Air Force Academy Directions

Directions from Colorado Springs Airport

1. Drive west on Milton E. Proby Pkwy.
2. Merge onto S Academy Blvd./CO-83.
3. Take I-25 N toward Colorado Springs.
4. Exit onto Academy Blvd., EXIT 150, toward CO-83.
5. Turn left onto N Academy Blvd. towards South Gate Blvd.

Directions from Denver International Airport

1. Take Pena Boulevard when exiting the airport.
2. Take I-70 West.
3. Merge I-225 South.
4. Exit onto I-25 South.
5. Take the Academy EXIT 156 toward the U.S. Air Force North Gate.

Please be advised: This route will traverse Monument Hill (elevation: 7,254 ft.). Monument Hill can be icy during the winter months.

Directions from the Greyhound Bus Station

1. The Greyhound Bus Station in downtown Colorado Springs is located on Weber Street.
2. Head south toward Weber.
3. Head west on Cimarron toward the mountains.
4. Take I-25 North.
5. Turn left onto N Academy Blvd. towards South Gate Blvd.

Shuttle and Taxi Service

There is no military shuttle service to and from the Colorado Springs Airport or the Denver International Airport. Taxi services are available.

U.S. Air Force Academy Transportation Office

Transportation and Household Goods Office
5136 Community Center Drive
USAF Academy, CO 80840
Phone: 1 (719) 333-3007

Entering U.S. Air Force Academy and Base Amenities

Check-In Procedures for Incoming Personnel

Upon arrival, you will need to check in with the Military Personnel Section (MPS). You must be in uniform and carrying all necessary documentation, like your common access card, five copies of your PCS orders, and your Military Personnel Flight package.

If applicable, vital documentation to hand carry would be spouse employment and education records, personal identification documents, children’s immunizations and school records, medical records, birth certificates, and marriage documents. Your sponsor can assist in this transition before you arrive at USAF Academy.

Military Personnel Section
5136 Eagle Drive, Suite K102
USAF Academy, CO 80840
Phone: 1 (719) 333-8766

U.S. Air Force Academy Visitor Center

All visitors will check in at the Barry Goldwater Visitor Center. Then, you can take a self-guided tour of the 31,000-square-foot facility, complete with a movie theater, exciting exhibits, and a gift shop.

You can click here for an interactive map of Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs. For directions to the Air Force Academy, see the list above.

Visitor Center
2346 Academy Drive
USAF Academy, CO 80840
Phone: 1 (719) 333–2025
Hours: Open daily from 0900 to 1700

U.S. Air Force Academy DEERS Office

The U.S. Air Force Academy DEERS office is where all DoD members, military personnel, and dependents must be registered within the database to obtain their military ID or CAC Card. You must be enrolled with DEERS to be eligible for TRICARE and other health services on base.

DEERS Office
5136 Eagle Dr.
Bldg. 5136
USAF Academy, CO 80840
Phone: 1 (719) 333-8766

U.S. Air Force Academy Gate Hours

All visitors will arrive through one of two entrances. The Air Force Academy North Gate is open daily from 0500-2200, and the other Air Force Academy Gate (South Gate) is open 24hrs a day.

• South Gate: Open 24/7
• North Gate: Daily from 0500-2200

U.S. Air Force Academy Commissary

The U.S. Air Force Academy commissary is a great place to shop for groceries, especially for those on a budget. The commissary offers online shopping for those in a rush, a deli department, and catering for special events. Check the Air Force Academy map here for the exact location.

U.S. Air Force Academy Commissary
5126 Community Center Dr.
USAF Academy, CO 80840
Phone: 1 (719) 333-2227
Hours:

• Sunday: 1000-1800
• Monday: Closed
• Tuesday-Friday: 0900-1900
• Saturday: 0800-1900

U.S. Air Force Academy Exchange

The Air Force Academy Base Exchange (BX) offers tax-free shopping with all of the amenities of a regular shopping mall. The Air Force Academy Exchange has everything you need, from name-brand items to a uniform shop, barber shop, and a food court.

U.S. Air Force Academy Base Exchange
5120 Community Center Dr.
USAF Academy, CO 80840
Phone: 1 (719) 472-0861
Hours:

• Monday-Saturday: 0900-1800
• Sunday: 1000-1700

U.S. Air Force Academy Barber Shops

Barber Shop
Community Center Facilities
Bldg. 5136
USAF Academy, CO 80840
Phone: 1 (719) 472-1369
Hours:

• Sunday: Closed
• Monday-Friday: 0800-1700
• Saturday: 0800-1500

Barber Shop
Fairchild Hall
Bldg. 2354
USAF Academy, CO 80840
Phone: 1 (860) 694-2256
Hours:

• Monday-Friday: 0700-1400
• Saturday-Sunday: Closed

U.S. Air Force Academy Post Office

The local post office is located at the transportation office and offers certified and express mail services and P.O. box rentals.

U.S. Air Force Academy Post Office
5136 Community Center Drive
USAF Academy, CO 80840
Phone: 1 (719) 472-0537
Hours:

• Sunday: Closed
• Saturday: 0800-1300
• Monday-Friday: 0800-1700

U.S. Air Force Academy Finance Office

The Air Force Academy Finance Office offers resources to assist military members with finances. Take classes on budgeting, receive counseling, or gain advice for all of your financial and money management questions.

U.S. Air Force Academy Finance Office
2304 Cadet Drive
USAF Academy, CO 80840
Phone: 1 (719) 333-4298

U.S. Air Force Academy Legal Office

The U.S. Air Force Academy Legal Office provides legal services to active-duty military members and their dependents. You must present your DoD identification to receive legal assistance. Schedule an appointment for wills, medical power of attorney, and personal civil matters. Walk-ins are welcome for non-medical power of attorney and notary services.

Legal Assistance
2304 Cadet Drive, Suite 2100
USAF Academy, CO 80840
Phone: 1 (719) 333-3920

U.S. Air Force Academy Library

McDermott Library
2354 Fairchild Drive
Suite 3A15
USAF Academy, CO 80840
Phone: 1 (719) 333-4664
Hours:

• Sunday: 1400-2200
• Monday-Thursday: 0700-2230
• Friday: 0700-1700
• Saturday: Closed

Hotels Near U.S. Air Force Academy

There are several hotels near the U.S. Air Force Academy, including the Rampart Lodge, located on base next to the Falcon Club. The Rampart Lodge offers a fitness center, coffee stand, and store to purchase gifts and souvenirs. The Holiday Inn and Drury Inn are located just outside the U.S. Air Force Academy gate.

Rampart Lodge
3130 Academy Dr.
USAF Academy, CO 80840
Phone: 1 (719) 472-1940

Holiday Inn Express
9856 Federal Dr.
Colorado Springs, CO 80921
Phone: 1 (719) 284-0000

Drury Inn
1170 Interquest Pkwy.
Colorado Springs, CO 80920
Phone: 1 (719) 598-2500

Hot Tip: Download MyBaseGuide’s U.S. Air Force Academy Military Relocation Guide for information about hotels nearby.

Where Should I Live Near U.S. Air Force Academy?

If you’re considering living on base, check out the available on-base housing options. Otherwise, read on to find out more about living off base.

Major Cities Near U.S. Air Force Academy

Colorado Springs is the second-largest city in Colorado and is the closest city to the U.S. Air Force Academy. It is a favorite among military personnel. Aurora, Colorado, is located approximately 51 miles north of the base, and Denver, Colorado, is also located about 52 miles North of the Academy.

Best Places To Live Near U.S. Air Force Academy

Colorado Springs, CO

Colorado Springs is a military town because many military members choose to retire here due to its proximity to various military installations. Colorado Springs offers its visitors and residents an excellent quality of life. Outdoor recreation is abundant, from the natural wonders of the Garden of the Gods to the Pikes Peak views. Families enjoy living here due to the above-average schools and low crime rate.

U.S. Air Force Academy Schools

Most students will attend school within the Colorado Springs School District for families stationed at the U.S. Air Force Academy. Check out our guide to the best schools in Colorado Springs near the U.S. Air Force Academy for a complete rundown. 

The U.S. Air Force Academy is a school in itself for those seeking to become leaders in the U.S. Air Force. The U.S. Air Force Academy Summer Seminar is an excellent opportunity for students to experience life on campus before formally attending. 

U.S. Air Force Academy Weather

The summers are warm at the U.S. Air Force Academy, the winters are frigid and snowy, and it is partly cloudy year-round. Over the year, the temperature can vary from 20°F to 84°F and is rarely below 4°F or above 92°F. Be sure to dress in layers and keep your heavy coat handy for when the sun goes down.

Things To Do Around the U.S. Air Force Academy

Here, there is a variety of on-base amenities, including a movie theater, golf course, planetarium, parks, trails, and outdoor recreation. The neighboring Colorado Springs embraces all the seasons, from skiing in the winter to ziplining in the spring and summer. If you don’t want to miss out on some of the best things to do near the U.S. Air Force Academy, you can click here.

Hot Tip: Connect with military-trusted businesses and deals exclusively for U.S. Air Force Academy at MyBaseGuide.

Conclusion

At the U.S. Air Force Academy, you will have the opportunity to influence and impact the lives of cadets, Airmen, and their families. You are leading and developing the future Air Force officers of the nation, all while living in one of the best places in the nation.

The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.