A local institution of aeronautical excellence is also one of Colorado’s busiest tourist attractions.The Air Force Academy is not only the area’s busiest man-made tourist attraction, but also a military academy training officers that serve the U.S. military and a university campus hosting National Collegiate Athletic Association competitions.History: The concept of an Air Force Academy had been discussed as early as World War I. These discussions finally turned to action when President Dwight Eisenhower signed the Air Force Academy Act on April 1, 1954.The five-person Air Force Site Selection Commission reviewed 580 proposals in 45 states and inspected 34 sites; the commission stressed the significance of selecting a site with immense natural beauty and the potential to become a national monument.On June 24, 1954, Secretary of the Air Force Harold Talbott announced Colorado Springs would be the Air Force Academy’s permanent home.Lowry Air Force Base in Denver served as the academy’s temporary home while the facility near Colorado Springs was completed.The first class of 306 cadets was sworn in July 11, 1955. On Aug. 29, 1958, 1,145 cadets moved to the permanent location, and the first class graduated in 1959.On June 26, 1976, 157 women first entered the academy after President Gerald Ford signed legislation allowing the admittance of female cadets.Our favorite part: The vast amounts of visual stimuli should captivate visitors at the Air Force Academy. The academy, spanning more than 18,000 acres, rests comfortably at the side of the Rampart Range of the Rocky Mountains, and the grounds are strewn with stoic evergreens.The Cadet Chapel is a remarkable site to behold, with its dramatic crossed-sword architecture. The chapel features 17 150-foot-tall aluminum spires, and the beautiful Protestant Chapel Organ contains 4,334 pipes ranging from 32 feet high to the size of a ball point pen.Inside the Protestant Chapel, the pews were crafted to resemble early aviation’s laminated propellers, and the pew backs to mirror aircraft wings. The Cadet Chapel took five years of planning, four years to build and $3.5 million to complete.Kids will love: Even more visual stimuli of the aeronautical variety! Upon entering the facility, kids will see an immense Boeing B-52 Stratofortress lurking on the left side of the road.Bet you didn’t know: The Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce apparently played a role in luring the academy here.Dress for the occasion: You will be trekking around outdoors a bit. You can wear whatever you please, but a short nature trail links two areas visitors can access, so you may want to wear comfortable walking shoes.Busiest days: The Air Force Academy Visitors Center’s busiest time is Labor Day weekend.Best time to visit: Come to the academy during the week to avoid the weekend rush. The morning hours should be quieter than the afternoons.Souvenirs and snacks: The gift shop seemingly dwarfs the rest of the visitor’s area. Visitors can find almost any tourist item bedecked with an Air Force Academy logo. Someone in the gift shop might even “brand” your children with an academy logo.Hunger is not a problem at the Visitors Center. A Subway and Godfather’s Pizza will squelch any hunger pangs.DETAILSHours: The Air Force Academy Visitors Center is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Labor Day. Winter hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Cost: Free

Tours: Grab an in-hand navigation system, called a map, and enjoy a selfguided tour.

Phone: Call the visitors center information desk at 333-2025, the gift shop at 472-0102, the Cadet Chapel at 333-2636 or the Cadet Field House at 472-1895.

Web site: www.usafa.af.mil; click on “Visiting the Academy” on the left side of the home page.

Location: The academy is 14 miles north of downtown Colorado Springs. Take Interstate 25 north to Exit 156B (AFA North Gate). Follow North Gate Boulevard to the North Gate, where academy visitors are required to enter. North Gate Boulevard will head west and eventually turn south. The road’s name changes to Academy Drive. The visitors center will be on your left.Parking: Free, and an abundance awaits you and your caravan.Handicapped-friendly: Yes. There is ramp access to the visitors center and the Cadet Field House. Elevator access is available at the rear of the Cadet Chapel. For access, call the chapel and arrange to have an attendant meet you, or just make your way to the elevator and call an attendant from the phone in back.Pet-friendly: No. Guide dogs only.

Visitors to the Cave of the Winds in Manitou Springs can have their photographs taken in the cave. When you visit the cave, even in summer, make sure to take a sweater or jacket ” the temperature stays around 54 degrees. Photo by GAZETTE FILE PHOTO