Peterson Air & Space Museum - Museum of The United States Air Force Display Buildings
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Peterson Air & Space Museum

4.4
·51 reviews·Colorado Springs, United States

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more interaction

CrowdLow
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Peterson Air & Space Museum - Museum of The United States Air Force Display Buildings

Peterson Air & Space Museum

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more interaction

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.4
(51 reviews)

"A must-see with phenomenal volunteers and hands-on aircraft exhibits!"

Vertical photo
TIP

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:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Outdoor Aircraft Displays

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

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

Knowledgeable Volunteers

Throughout the museum

Engage with passionate volunteers who share incredible stories and insights. Their expertise significantly enhances the visitor experience.

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Planning Your Visit

Accessing Peterson SFB

Visiting the Peterson Air & Space Museum requires access to Peterson Space Force Base. Plan ahead for base entry requirements, which may involve visitor passes or escorts. Check the official museum website for the latest access protocols to avoid any last-minute issues.

Outdoor Aircraft Museum

Much of the Peterson Air & Space Museum's collection is displayed outdoors. Be mindful of Colorado Springs weather; extreme heat can lead to early closures of aircraft exhibits. Check forecasts and consider visiting during cooler parts of the day.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more interaction
Crowd
Low
When
Spring and Fall
Why
Pleasant weather for outdoors
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Airman’s Attic pour les uniformes gratuit pour les soldats active duty #usarmy #fypage #miltok #airman #airmanattic #tiktokafrica #tiktokafrique🇹🇬🇨🇩🇨🇮🇧🇯🇬🇦🇨🇲🇬🇦 #armeamericaine #E1 #e2 #e3 #e4 #e5
@fabiolesaint
1.1K likes • 19.3K views

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:

@Jodi Lytle We should have made a video of us making this video 😂 We finally had the chance to film together! We are in fact sisters and not the same person ❤️ #different #same #sisters #sister #family #steelers #petersonairforcebase #oregon #colorado #california
@jill_settineri
906 likes • 12.4K views
Come with us as we visit Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado Springs! Chance and I went to visit the Airpark after hours for a nice little stroll. As much as we love nature, this was a nice change of pace. The Peterson Air and Space Museum is Colorado’s oldest aviation museum. The Terminal (COS first airport passenger terminal built in 1941) serves as the entry point and houses the museum sto...
chance.meatball
18 likes • 228 views

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

4.4
(51 reviews)

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

Touchable outdoor aircraft
Knowledgeable volunteers
Dog-friendly grounds

What People Dislike

Base access required
Weather dependent closures

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Since admission is typically free, advance booking isn't usually required for the museum itself. However, arranging base access might require prior planning. Reddit

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. Instagram

The museum occasionally hosts special events. Guided tours are also available and highly recommended, often led by knowledgeable volunteers who share fascinating insights. Reddit

🎫 🧭 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. Reddit

Yes, a major highlight is that many of the outdoor aircraft exhibits are touchable, allowing for a more interactive experience, especially for children. Reddit

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. Reddit

Restrooms are available. While specific details on a gift shop can vary, the focus is on the historical exhibits and educational experience. Reddit

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. TikTok

📸 📸 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. Instagram

While personal photography is usually fine, professional or commercial photography might require special permission. Always be respectful of other visitors and the exhibits. Instagram

The outdoor Airpark offers fantastic opportunities for photos with the aircraft against the Colorado sky. The historical terminal building also provides a unique backdrop. Instagram

Drone usage is strictly regulated on military bases. It's highly unlikely that drone photography is permitted without explicit, advanced authorization from base command. TikTok

The indoor exhibits also offer great photo opportunities, showcasing artifacts, uniforms, and detailed displays that tell the story of air and space history. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Peterson Air & Space Museum is a fantastic outing for families. The outdoor aircraft displays are a huge hit with children, as they can often get up close and even touch the planes – a rare treat! Reddit The volunteers are also great at engaging younger visitors, making the learning experience fun and interactive. Remember to check the weather, as extreme heat can affect outdoor access, and plan for base entry procedures. Reddit

✈️ Aviation Enthusiasts

For anyone passionate about aviation history, this museum is a must-visit. The collection of aircraft and missiles, each with its own informative plaque, offers a comprehensive look at military aviation's evolution. Reddit The opportunity to interact with knowledgeable volunteers who can share in-depth stories and technical details adds immense value to the experience. Reddit

🐶 Dog Owners

A unique perk of the Peterson Air & Space Museum is its dog-friendly policy for the outdoor grounds. Well-behaved canine companions are welcome to explore the Airpark alongside their owners, making it a great destination for those who don't want to leave their furry friends behind. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating Peterson Space Force Base

Visiting the Peterson Air & Space Museum means entering a U.S. Space Force Base, which comes with specific access protocols. Unlike many public museums, you can't just drive up and walk in. Visitors typically need to go through the visitor center to obtain a pass or be sponsored by someone already on the base. This process can sometimes take time, so it's crucial to plan ahead and check the latest requirements on the museum's or base's official website before your visit. Reddit

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. Instagram

The Outdoor Aircraft Collection

A significant draw of the Peterson Air & Space Museum is its extensive outdoor aircraft collection. This 'open outdoor Aircraft Museum' allows visitors to get up close and personal with a variety of historic planes and missiles. What sets it apart is that many of these exhibits are touchable, offering a rare hands-on experience that’s particularly engaging for families and aviation enthusiasts alike. Reddit

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. Reddit

The Value of Museum Volunteers

The volunteers at the Peterson Air & Space Museum are consistently highlighted as a major asset, transforming a good visit into a great one. Many reviewers describe them as 'phenomenal,' 'knowledgeable,' and 'helpful.' These individuals often have deep personal connections to or extensive knowledge of military aviation history, offering insights and stories that go far beyond what's written on the exhibit plaques. Reddit

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. Reddit

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