The Airplane Restaurant (Boeing KC-97)

Yes, absolutely! The Airplane Restaurant offers a unique dining experience where 42 patrons can enjoy their meal inside the historic 1953 Boeing KC-97 tanker aircraft. The interior maintains much of its original character, with tables covered in aviation maps and charts, providing an immersive atmosphere.

Yes, it is highly recommended for families. Both children and adults love the opportunity to explore the cockpit, sit in the pilot's chair, and interact with the original controls. The aviation-themed menu and extensive collection of memorabilia also make it an engaging experience for all ages.

While the restaurant itself is a dining experience, Colorado Springs offers numerous easy and family-friendly walks. You can find various outdoor activities and walking trails suitable for families by exploring routes on komoot or checking local guides for parks and open spaces in the area.

The Airplane Restaurant itself is not designed for pets inside, but Colorado Springs has many dog-friendly parks and trails. It's best to research specific trail regulations beforehand, as some areas may require dogs to be on a leash or have restrictions.

The restaurant serves American favorites, including burgers, sandwiches, steaks, and pasta dishes. Many items on the menu feature fun, aviation-themed names such as the "BBQ Bomber Burger", "Philly Flyer", and "Flying Fortress Fajita Salad", adding to the unique dining experience.

Yes, a significant highlight for many visitors is the opportunity to explore the cockpit. It remains intact and accessible, allowing guests to sit in the pilot's chair and interact with the controls and gauges, offering a truly hands-on experience with aviation history.

The Boeing KC-97 at the restaurant was built in 1953 and served as a strategic tanker aircraft for the U.S. Air Force, including missions in Europe. It was one of the largest piston aircraft ever made by Boeing. After its military service, it was purchased in 2001, transported to Colorado Springs, and reassembled to become the centerpiece of the restaurant, which opened in May 2002.

While the restaurant itself has accessibility features, for outdoor paths, you would need to look for specific accessible trails in Colorado Springs. Many city parks and paved paths are designed to be wheelchair-friendly. It's advisable to check local park and recreation resources for detailed information on accessible routes.

While the restaurant is a popular destination, especially for families and aviation enthusiasts, visiting during off-peak hours, such as earlier in the week or outside of typical lunch and dinner rushes, might offer a more relaxed experience. The main building can accommodate up to 275 patrons, so it can get busy.

Colorado Springs is rich with natural beauty. For scenic viewpoints and hidden gem hikes, you'll want to venture into the surrounding areas like Garden of the Gods Park or Cheyenne Mountain State Park, which are a short drive away and offer stunning vistas and diverse trail options.

The restaurant is a treasure trove of aviation history. Its walls are adorned with hundreds of photos, memorabilia, and rare artifacts, including the plane's last flight logbook. The main building also features a wing and engine of the KC-97 sticking through the wall, serving as a display area for model airplanes and other aviation-related items, creating an immersive museum-like atmosphere.