Peterson Air & Space Museum
Explore Colorado's oldest aviation museum on Peterson SFB, featuring touchable aircraft and passionate volunteers.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more interaction
Peterson Air & Space Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more interaction

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Colorado's oldest aviation museum on Peterson SFB, featuring touchable aircraft and passionate volunteers.
"A must-see with phenomenal volunteers and hands-on aircraft exhibits!"
Plan for Base Access
Ensure you have the necessary credentials or an escort for base entry. Check requirements beforehand! :ticket:
Dog-Friendly Exploration
Well-behaved dogs are welcome on the grounds, making it a great spot for pet owners. :dog:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Outdoor Aircraft Displays
Exterior grounds
Explore a fascinating collection of historic aircraft and missiles up close. Many exhibits are touchable, offering a unique hands-on experience.

Informative Plaques
Adjacent to exhibits
Each aircraft and missile features an informative plaque detailing its history and significance. Learn about military aviation's evolution.

Knowledgeable Volunteers
Throughout the museum
Engage with passionate volunteers who share incredible stories and insights. Their expertise significantly enhances the visitor experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing Peterson SFB
Outdoor Aircraft Museum
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Plan for Base Access
Ensure you have the necessary credentials or an escort for base entry. Check requirements beforehand! :ticket:
Dog-Friendly Exploration
Well-behaved dogs are welcome on the grounds, making it a great spot for pet owners. :dog:
Check Weather for Outdoors
Extreme heat can close outdoor exhibits. Plan for weather, especially in summer. :cloudwithsun:
Touch the Planes!
Unlike many museums, you can often touch the aircraft. Great for kids! :handpointingright:
Tips
from all over the internet
Plan for Base Access
Ensure you have the necessary credentials or an escort for base entry. Check requirements beforehand! :ticket:
Dog-Friendly Exploration
Well-behaved dogs are welcome on the grounds, making it a great spot for pet owners. :dog:
Check Weather for Outdoors
Extreme heat can close outdoor exhibits. Plan for weather, especially in summer. :cloudwithsun:
Touch the Planes!
Unlike many museums, you can often touch the aircraft. Great for kids! :handpointingright:
Talk to Volunteers
The volunteers are incredibly knowledgeable and make the visit special. Ask them questions! :speech_balloon:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Peterson Air & Space Museum for its well-maintained exhibits, especially the touchable outdoor aircraft, and the exceptional knowledge of its volunteers. The dog-friendly policy and interactive nature make it a hit with families. However, access to Peterson Space Force Base requires planning, and extreme weather can impact outdoor exhibit availability.
"Small museum but all the artifacts and displays are well done and can tell the staff take great care of the museum. Facility was dog friendly, I'd highly recommend checking this place out if in the area. It is on the Space Force Base so will require access or going through the visitor center."
Jesse Daines
"If you work on Peterson SFB, or have a few extra minutes when visiting, I highly recommend walking around this amazing open outdoor Aircraft Museum. No gates, cost, or entrance procedure, just see it anytime. Each aircraft and missile has an informative plaque. It is a fun and memorable walk through military aviation history."
Dan Cunningham
"A must see and experience recommendation. We were so disappointed with the AFA visitors center that we landed here. So worth it. Just know it closes early. The volunteers that guide you and share information are literally the most phenomenal people I have ever met! Definitely plan accordingly to weather, if it's too hot the plane will have to close early. Great visuals ans explanations to everything. Plus the property and grounds themselves are a very pleasant scenery. We will be back !"
Carrie Beth
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located on Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado Springs. Access to the base is required, which may involve a visitor pass or being escorted by base personnel. It's recommended to contact the museum or base security in advance to understand current access procedures.
Yes, there is parking available on the base near the museum. However, ensure you have proper base access before attempting to drive directly to the museum.
Yes, but you'll need to go through the visitor center to obtain a pass or be sponsored by someone on base. This process can take time, so plan accordingly.
Specific driving directions will depend on your entry point to Peterson SFB. Once on base, follow signs for the museum. It's advisable to use GPS with the base address and then look for museum signage.
Public transportation options directly to Peterson SFB are limited. It's generally easier to access the base via personal vehicle or rideshare, provided you have arranged for base access.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to the Peterson Air & Space Museum is generally free. However, access to Peterson Space Force Base is required, which may involve specific entry procedures.
The museum's operating hours can vary, and outdoor exhibits may close early due to extreme weather like heat. It's best to check the official Peterson Air & Space Museum website or call ahead for the most current hours.
Since admission is typically free, advance booking isn't usually required for the museum itself. However, arranging base access might require prior planning.
Some visitors have mentioned strolling through the outdoor Airpark after hours, suggesting it might be accessible without formal museum entry. However, this is not guaranteed and official hours should be prioritized.
The museum occasionally hosts special events. Guided tours are also available and highly recommended, often led by knowledgeable volunteers who share fascinating insights.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum features a significant collection of historic aircraft and missiles displayed both indoors and outdoors. You'll find informative exhibits on military aviation history and space exploration.
Yes, a major highlight is that many of the outdoor aircraft exhibits are touchable, allowing for a more interactive experience, especially for children.
Absolutely! Kids often love running between the planes and the interactive nature of the outdoor exhibits. The volunteers are also great at engaging younger visitors.
Restrooms are available. While specific details on a gift shop can vary, the focus is on the historical exhibits and educational experience.
The 'Airman's Attic' is a resource for active-duty military personnel to get free uniforms. It's a separate service located at Peterson SFB, not directly part of the museum's exhibits.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed at the Peterson Air & Space Museum, especially for personal use. Capturing the impressive aircraft and historical displays is encouraged.
While personal photography is usually fine, professional or commercial photography might require special permission. Always be respectful of other visitors and the exhibits.
The outdoor Airpark offers fantastic opportunities for photos with the aircraft against the Colorado sky. The historical terminal building also provides a unique backdrop.
Drone usage is strictly regulated on military bases. It's highly unlikely that drone photography is permitted without explicit, advanced authorization from base command.
The indoor exhibits also offer great photo opportunities, showcasing artifacts, uniforms, and detailed displays that tell the story of air and space history.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
✈️ Aviation Enthusiasts
🐶 Dog Owners
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Peterson Space Force Base
This base access is a key factor that differentiates the Peterson Air & Space Museum experience. While some visitors have mentioned being able to stroll the Airpark after hours, relying on official access during operating hours is the safest bet. Understanding these requirements will ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit, allowing you to focus on the incredible history on display.
The Outdoor Aircraft Collection
Each aircraft and missile is accompanied by an informative plaque, providing context and details about its operational history and significance. This makes for a memorable walk through military aviation history. However, it's important to remember that these exhibits are exposed to the elements. Colorado Springs weather can be extreme, and during periods of intense heat, the aircraft may need to be closed for safety reasons. Planning your visit during cooler times of the day or seasons is advisable.
The Value of Museum Volunteers
Engaging with the volunteers can provide a richer understanding of the aircraft and the people who flew them. They are often happy to answer questions and share anecdotes, making the museum experience incredibly personal and memorable. For those looking to truly immerse themselves in the history, making time to chat with the volunteers is highly recommended.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit