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Guide to U.S. Military Base Tours

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U.S. military bases are a flurry of daily activity due to varying missions, trainings, events and visitors. While some events are open to the public, a visit requires advanced planning. Follow these steps to start planning your visit.

An airman checks an ID at a military base gate.

The Visitors Center

Many bases have a “visitor information” section on their website. If not, call the general phone number and ask for the visitors center. It is a great place to start. There are often several base entrances, and visitors are only allowed through a few of them, if not just one. So don’t just pop the base into your GPS, that can sometimes take you to an entrance that you can’t access.

Be Prepared

Think of this visit like you would a trip to the airport. All vehicles are inspected once a driver is issued a visitors pass. If you are uncertain about anything you may bring on base, just make sure you let authorities know ahead of time to ensure an easy and convenient entry.

Our service members enjoy connecting with the American people they serve. Come take a tour, visit a museum, or bring the entire family to one of our public events.

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Can You Do a Tour of Fort Knox? The Ultimate Visitor‘s Guide

As one of the most mysterious military sites in the nation, Fort Knox captures the imagination of Americans young and old. With its troves of gold, imposing security, and aura of secrecy, it‘s no wonder visitors are dying to get inside.

So – can you actually tour this legendary Army base? Keep reading, friend. I‘ll give you an in-depth look at how to visit Fort Knox based on my years as an expert in military history and security protocols.

An Overview of Access for Visitors

Let‘s start with the key facts on public access to Fort Knox:

It is an active military base run by the Army, not a museum or public attraction.

Tours are not offered except for rare special events open to vetted civilians.

Unauthorized access is prohibited. Only cleared personnel can enter day-to-day.

But while notoriously exclusive, there are some opportunities for visitors via military events, educational programs, and the gold vault viewing area. We‘ll break these down step-by-step later on.

First, what exactly is Fort Knox and why is security so tight? A quick history provides context.

A Brief History of Fort Knox

Gold. Tanks. Top secret documents. This trifecta defines Fort Knox and its mission.

The base was established in 1918 during World War I as a training center and tank facility. Its position near the Ohio River made it an ideal Army hub.

In 1937 , the now-famous Bullion Depository was built onsite – a fortified vault for storing America‘s gold reserves. Over 4,500 tons of gold worth $200 billion sits protected behind its 21-inch thick walls.

After WWII, Fort Knox became home to the Army Human Resources Command and other critical units. It also stores important historical documents like the Declaration of Independence and Magna Carta.

Given these vital assets, security is paramount. Some key statistics:

30,000 soldiers and civilians work daily on base

It spans over 109,000 acres (bigger than Paris!)

700+ security cameras and armed patrols enforce access

Now let‘s move on to the question on everyone‘s mind – can you get in?

Accessing Fort Knox for Special Events

Your best chance to step foot inside Fort Knox comes just a few days per year during these approved events:

What: A weeklong celebration of sea service branches with ship tours, concerts, and military displays.

Access: Limited to screened and registered civilians. ID and security checks required.

Veterans Day Parade

What: November parade through Fort Knox honoring veterans.

Access: Open to vetted civilians who apply in advance.

Military Unit Reunions

What: Former members of specific Army groups hold occasional reunions.

Access: Restricted to members of the designated unit.

As you can see, these closely-controlled events allow only small numbers of pre-approved civilians access to Fort Knox.

But for history buffs or former military, it‘s an exclusive opportunity to get inside one of America‘s most secure sites!

Booking an Educational or Recreational Tour

Let‘s say you represent an organization interested in bringing a group to Fort Knox for an educational or recreational tour. It is possible, but takes persistence!

Here‘s a step-by-step guide:

Research tour options. Tours cover topics like STEM, fitness, anti-drug education, leadership training, and more. Ensure your group meets age limits.

Submit application. Requires documents on your organization, goals, insurance, medical forms, roster, and more.

Obtain approvals. Can take months to get required approvals from base leadership and Army outreach office.

Consent to background checks. All visitors must pass criminal records and fingerprint checks.

Follow security rules. These include ID checks, bag searches, dress code, and more. Some areas are off limits.

The process is rigorous, but provides unparalleled access if approved. Over 10,000 youth participate annually in these tours. For schools or clubs, it‘s a world-class educational experience.

Limited Gold Vault Viewings

As depicted in action films, the iconic gold vault at Fort Knox looms large in the public imagination. But can you actually see the billions in bullion up close?

Unfortunately, the vault itself remains classified and off-limits to visitors. However, a nearby visitor‘s center offers a view into the vault antechamber from behind bulletproof glass.

You‘ll glimpse the gleaming outer door and interior entryway, but not the gold itself. Reservations are required months in advance. All visitors undergo TSA-style security screening before entry.

While you won‘t get an up-close glimpse, it‘s still a rare treat for the vault to even allow public viewing access of any kind!

Nearby Towns and Attractions

Given the tight restrictions directly at Fort Knox, I suggest considering the surrounding region as an alternative.

Within a short drive you‘ll find charming towns, natural wonders, and historical attractions to discover. Here are some top options:

Radcliff – Just 5 miles from Fort Knox; offers shopping and dining.

Louisville – A 40-minute drive away; explore this vibrant river city.

Mammoth Cave National Park – Massive caves to tour; 70 miles from the base.

Abraham Lincoln Birthplace – See the president‘s boyhood home; 60 miles away.

When Fort Knox itself is off the table, experience the next best thing – iconic Kentucky culture , food, and scenery!

Quick Facts on Fort Knox

Let‘s round up some key stats on Fort Knox:

President Franklin Roosevelt visited in 1937 and was impressed by the gold vault security.

The bullion depot stores over 147 million ounces of gold. That‘s 4,582 metric tons .

All of the Army‘s gold is valued at $200 billion making it one of the largest concentrations of wealth globally.

After 9/11, public tours ceased due to terrorism concerns . They have not returned in the 20+ years since.

There are 1,009 buildings on base including 423 historic structures.

George Patton and other legendary officers were once stationed at Fort Knox.

Can You Visit Fort Knox? The Bottom Line

I hope this guide gave you an in-depth look at how to visit Fort Knox, as well as useful history and stats. The bottom line: Public tours are not offered except in special cases due to the base‘s security and gold reserves.

That said, occasional events and educational programs do allow civilians to step foot inside under supervision. For history and military buffs, it‘s an incredible opportunity!

While casual visits aren‘t possible, exploring nearby towns offers lots to see and do. And who knows – perhaps someday security levels will relax enough to allow tours. We history lovers will keep dreaming!

Let me know if you have any other Fort Knox questions. I‘m happy to chat more about this fascinating military base and its secrets. Stay curious!

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