The creation of an Air Force in 1947 was followed in 1954 by the establishment of the Air Force Academy to train new cadets.  This 18,000 acre facility is located in a scenic setting at the base of the Rampart Range of the Rocky Mountains just north of Colorado Springs.  Much of the site is open to the public, including a Visitor Center with a gift shop, snack bar, exhibits, and information on the history of the academy.  A pleasant 0.3 mile nature walk leads to the Cadet Chapel, whose innovative and dramatic architecture was recognized by the prestigious American Institute of Architects in 1996.  The Chapel, controversial when it was first built, has 17 spires reaching 150 feet in height.  The visitor is also welcome to hike on the Stanley Canyon, Falcon, and Santa Fe trails that wind through the site.