Peterson Air & Space Museum

Peterson Air & Space Museum

Peterson Air & Space Museum
4.5
Military Museums • Historic Sites • Science Museums
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Tuesday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
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About
The Museum preserves and portrays the rich aviation and space history of Colorado Springs and Peterson Air Force Base. From our barnstormer beginnings in the Roaring Twenties, through the daring exploits of our World War II pilots and into the modern space era, our exhibits are sure to capture your attention. The museum is open to the public even though the museum is on an active Air Force installation. All that is required is for non-military ID card holders and groups to call us or submit a request on our web site a minimum of one day in advance of your visit (before noon MDT) to arrange for a pass and detailed instructions (https://petemuseum.org/visitor-information/). A State or federal issued Photo ID is required for all Non-DoD visitors over 18. Drivers will need to have proof of insurance and registration for their vehicles. Non-US Visitors: allow an additional day.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
162 reviews
Excellent
113
Very good
32
Average
9
Poor
3
Terrible
5

Carl P
Alexandria, Virginia, United States3 contributions
Feb 2023
I've never visited this Museum and probably never will -- even though it's only 20 minutes away and I'm on the base about every week.

Why?

Because the hours of operation are NOT designed for anyone with a job. 10a -- 3p Tuesday through Friday. Really? Who's your target audience? Retirees with nothing to do? That's pretty much the only group with nothing better to do during that time period.
Written February 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Jim R
1 contribution
Sep 2022
Museum is only open until 3:00PM, Monday thru Friday. I was in Colorado Springs for 4 days and 3 of the 4 days the museum was closed for private events. Seems like this museum is mostly a perk for the brass hats rather than an educational opportunity for the taxpayers who fund it. Very disappointing!!!
Written September 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

DontStopExploring
Winnipeg, Canada621 contributions
Aug 2022
It was worth going through the process of getting a civilian invitation to see this museum. They have an impressive collection of Cold War and later jets on display outside. Of special interest is the missile silo training room they have. Everyone who visits must be accompanied by a tour guide and is knowledgeable and helps remind people not to damage displays. I’ve seen many museums where over time the displays get damaged by young children or uncaring visitors. I don’t see that happening here and I’m glad.

I tip my hat to my guide, Richard, and loved the story of how NORAD got into the business of tracking Santa every Christmas.
Written August 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Theodore Kim
7 contributions
Feb 2022
Went to visit the museum, which was closed due to snow storm. But the display outside was still worth the visit. Great number of famous aircraft in AF history! Well worth the time.
Written March 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Nick Schwartz
Bloomington, MN260 contributions
Mar 2021
I visited this place with my father in 2003 and was amazed by the vast collection of aircraft and exhibits.
Written February 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

michael g
1 contribution
Jan 2022
As a non military British citizen I experienced some difficulty entering the base despite contacting the museum a week ahead of my visit. However docent Glyn Howells got involved and brought me to the museum and gave me an amazing tour. He went way beyond what you might expect. It was such a unique experience as he shared his his insights from his years of service. They have a unique collection of artifacts you would not find anywhere else. Really brought to life the effort and dedication of a generation that protected our western democracies through the long cold war. An inspiration to the men and women who now carry on that mission.
Written January 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Rahaal
Tampa, FL310 contributions
Sep 2021
Any historian or fan of aircraft and other US Air Force memorabilia will enjoy both the variety of the displays, as well as the from many of the volunteers who staff this museum and have first hand experience of of using it during the Cold War and the decades after. Beyond a few very rare aircraft, the displays of the Distant Early Warning system are especially interesting. Also interesting is the art deco style of many of the buildings that make up the museum, a few of which predate the establishment of Peterson as a military base.
Written September 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Designster
5 contributions
Mar 2020
Don't miss a trip to Peterson Air and Space Museum. Military or DOD ID gets you in, but because it is on Peterson AFB, planning and registration either on line or phone call is required ahead of your visit. So many displays to see inside the City Hangar and just walking around the plane park. Families with young children love it too.
Written January 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Mike3305
Danville, CA10 contributions
Sep 2018
Small museum, but well done; covers lots of Cold War information; the outside plane exhibits are great!
Written August 23, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thanks for the great review! Glad you enjoyed your time with us and hope to see you again soon!
Written August 24, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Casemis
Chesterton, IN27 contributions
Jul 2019 • Family
This is a small but nice military museum that is perfect to visit when you have a morning free. I would recommend older children (over 10 or maybe even 12) visit - could be boring for younger. Our guide was very friendly & shared a lot of information not available on the info plaques. I liked that we could get up close & touch many of the exhibits. One of the hangers with exhibits is not available if it gets too hot so try to plan going at cooler times. We only got to tour the one hanger unfortunately. If your not military, get online & request civilian visitor passes ahead of time. Then you can just go right to gate to check in.
Written July 28, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thanks for the great review! The exhibit that was closed due to being too hot was our Lockheed Warning Star Super Constellation aircraft. Your advice to go at cooler times, such as when we first open at 9 am, is absolutely correct. As we move into the fall, the weather is not such a problem of course. Hope to see you again when the weather cooperates and we’ll be able to show you the inside of the Warning Star! Six tons of electronics, no computers, and vacuum tube technology - keeping the country safe against airborne threats!
Written July 29, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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Peterson Air & Space Museum, Colorado Springs

Frequently Asked Questions about Peterson Air & Space Museum

Peterson Air & Space Museum is open:
  • Tue - Fri 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM