There is a lot of excitement in Colorado Springs these days as the June debut of the new U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum draws closer. The new facility marks another chapter in the city’s partnership with the U.S. Olympic movement, as many sports have headquarters in the city, and thousands of athletes train throughout the area.
The museum details the history of the Olympic Games, dating back to their origin in ancient Greece, with a special focus on Team USA. Students will learn how athletes train, see medals and other memorabilia, and even take a virtual walk at the opening ceremonies alongside U.S. athletes. Other curriculum-based programs will be part of the new attraction’s programming.
Floy Kennedy, director of tourism industry sales with Visit Colorado Springs, says another popular spot for school groups is the recently reopened U.S. Air Force Academy Planetarium.
“The U.S. Air Force Academy is a destination that will inspire many students to further explore STEM subject matter,” she says. “After the morning program at the state-of-the-art planetarium, they can watch 4,000 cadets in the noon lunch formation and then visit the Barry Goldwater Visitor Center to learn more about life as a cadet at the Academy.”
The planetarium offers interactive sessions with astronomers and other staffers, behind-the-scenes tours, and space shows on the big screen.
To learn more, email Kennedy or go to visitcos.com.
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Top photo: U.S. Air Force Academy Planetarium
Photo by U.S. Air Force Academy Planetarium
