Ogden (Hill AFB)

Hill Air Force Base is not just a point on the map, but a true legend of American aviation, located at the foot of the picturesque Wasatch Mountains. Unlike standard passenger terminals, the air here is filled with the spirit of history and the power of jet engines, as this is one of the key logistics and technical centres of the US Air Force. Although the airfield itself is closed to commercial flights, travellers often flock here to visit the famous Hill Aerospace Museum located nearby and touch the history of flight.

Features and Highlights:

Since Hill Air Force Base is an active military facility, it does not accept tourist charters or scheduled flights. Travellers wishing to visit this region usually fly into Salt Lake City Airport or the regional Ogden-Hinckley Airport. However, the base has its own unique features that attract the attention of guests to the region:

The main attraction for tourists is the Hill Aerospace Museum, located at the north-west boundary of the base. Its collection features more than 90 aircraft and missiles, from historical biplanes to modern fighter jets, making it a mandatory stop for aviation enthusiasts. In addition, the base periodically hosts the grand Warriors Over the Wasatch air shows, which gather thousands of spectators and allow you to see aerobatics against the backdrop of mountain peaks.

As Hill Air Force Base is an active military facility, services familiar to civilian airports, such as check-in counters or commercial baggage tracing, are absent here. The primary contact for external inquiries is the Public Affairs office. Separate contacts are available for tourists visiting the museum.

• Official Base Website: www.hill.af.mil
• Official Museum Website: www.aerospaceutah.org (for planning tours)
• Information Service Phone (Base Operator): +1 801-777-1110
• Address (for navigation): Hill Air Force Base, Ogden, UT 84056, USA
• Museum Address (accessible to civilians): 7961 Cottonwood St, Hill AFB, UT 84056
• Email (Public Affairs): 75abw.pa@us.af.mil
• Social Media: Official Hill Air Force Base pages are available on Facebook, X (Twitter), and Instagram (links are in the footer of the official website).
• Lost Luggage Information: Service unavailable as the airfield does not serve commercial passenger flights. For items left on the territory of the Aerospace Museum, call +1 801-825-5817.
• Support Contacts (Public Affairs): +1 801-777-7221 (for general questions and media inquiries).

Since Hill Air Force Base is an active military facility and closed to civilian flights, travellers usually arrive in the region via nearby major aviation hubs and then reach the base (most often the Hill Aerospace Museum) by ground transport. The main point of arrival is Salt Lake City International Airport, located approximately 37 kilometres south. There are several ways to get to the base from there or from the centre of Ogden.

By Car and Parking

The most convenient way to travel around Utah is by renting a car. The base is located in immediate proximity to Interstate I-15. If you are driving from the centre of Ogden, the journey will take only about 15 minutes. From Salt Lake City, the road will take approximately 35–45 minutes depending on traffic. To visit the museum, use Exit 338.

For museum visitors, free and spacious parking is provided, requiring no special passes, as the museum is located outside the base's secure perimeter. However, if you have official permission to enter the base itself, remember the strict inspection rules and the necessity to have all vehicle documents with you.

Public Transport (Train and Bus)

Utah's public transport system (UTA) is quite well developed. The most scenic and fastest option is the FrontRunner commuter train, which connects Ogden, Salt Lake City, and Provo. The nearest station to the base is Clearfield Station or Roy Station.

• Travel time by train from Salt Lake City to Clearfield station is about 40 minutes.
• Ticket cost depends on the trip distance but usually varies between $2.50 – $10.
• From the station to the museum or base gate, you will need to use a bus (routes may change, check the current UTA schedule) or call a taxi, as walking is quite far and inconvenient.

Taxi and Transfers

Taxi and ridesharing services (Uber, Lyft) are available and popular in the region. This is the optimal option for those who arrived by train at Clearfield station and want to reach the museum quickly.

• A trip from central Ogden will cost approximately $15–25.
• A transfer from Salt Lake City airport will be significantly more expensive — from $50–60 and up.

Other Airports Nearby

If for some reason the region's main airport does not suit you, alternative arrival options can be considered, although they are at a significant distance:

• Provo Airport (PVU) — located approximately 103 km from the base. This is the second most popular option for those travelling in Utah. More details: Provo Airport.
• Pocatello Airport (PIH) — located in the neighbouring state of Idaho, at a distance of about 205 km. Link: Pocatello Airport.
• Rock Springs Airport (RKS) — 248 km away. More details: Rock Springs — Sweetwater County Airport.
• Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA) — located 265 km to the north. Link: Idaho Falls Regional Airport.

Structure and Terminals

It is important to understand that Hill Air Force Base (HIF) is an active military facility of strategic importance, not a civilian transport hub. For this reason, passenger terminals in the usual sense are completely absent here. You will not find Duty-Free zones, numbered gates for boarding commercial flights, business class lounges, or baggage belts here.

The airfield infrastructure consists of:

• Operational hangars and technical zones designated exclusively for servicing military equipment, including F-35 Lightning II fighters.
• Administrative buildings and logistics centres, access to which is strictly limited and requires special clearance.
• Hill Aerospace Museum — this is the only conditional "terminal" accessible to tourists. It is located on the north-west boundary of the base and effectively serves as a visitor centre for the general public.

Navigation Scheme and Access Zones

The base territory is clearly divided into two zones: the Restricted Area and the publicly accessible museum zone.

For tourists, only the museum complex is of interest. Its structure is simple and clear:

• Main Gallery: Major exhibits from World War II and the Cold War are located here.
• Lindquist Stewart Fighter Gallery: A separate hangar with a collection of jet aviation.
• Outdoor Area: An open-air exhibition of large-scale equipment (transport aircraft and bombers).

Transitions between museum galleries are free and take no more than 2–3 minutes on foot. The base itself is closed for civilian navigation.

Registration and Inspection Procedures

Since passenger flights are not operated, flight check-in procedures do not exist here. However, there are specifics regarding access to the territory:

1. Access to the Museum:

Entrance to the museum is free. The "inspection" procedure here is minimal and visual in nature. There are practically no queues; the time to walk from the parking lot to the exhibition is less than 5 minutes. Presenting a passport or ID to enter the museum itself is usually not required unless you enter through the guarded base gates.

2. Access to the Base (for official visits):

If you have an official invitation to the base (not the museum), you will have to go through the Pass & ID Office at the South or West Gates. The procedure for issuing a temporary pass and vehicle inspection can take from 20 to 45 minutes, especially during morning peak hours. A passport, driving licence, and vehicle documents will be required. It is strictly forbidden to bring weapons, narcotics, or take photographs at the checkpoint.

Navigation Recommendations

When using a GPS navigator, be careful when entering the destination.

• If your goal is tourism, enter strictly Hill Aerospace Museum into the navigator. This will lead you to Exit 338 off I-15, bypassing military checkpoints.
• Do not attempt to drive through the Main Gate if you simply want to see the planes. You will be turned away, and this may take a lot of time due to strict security protocols.
• "Arrival" and "Departure" zones exist only for military crews, and it is best to observe them from the museum grounds or during official air shows when access to the flight line is partially opened to spectators.

Foundation and Early Years

The history of the base began in the late 1930s when Utah residents and the Ogden Chamber of Commerce lobbied for the construction of a major aviation hub in their region. The official start date of construction is considered to be 1940. Initially, the facility was called "Hill Field" in honour of Major Ployer P. Hill, a talented test pilot who tragically died in 1935 while testing the prototype of the famous B-17 Flying Fortress bomber.

The World War II Era

With the US entry into World War II, Hill Field instantly acquired strategic importance. It became a key supply and repair centre known as the Ogden Air Depot. Here, B-17 bombers, B-24 Liberators, and P-47 Thunderbolt fighters were repaired and prepared for missions around the clock. At the peak of the war, more than 15,000 civilians and 6,000 military personnel worked at the base, making it the largest employer in Utah.

The Cold War and the Missile Age

In 1948, the facility received its current status and name — Hill Air Force Base. During the Cold War, the base's specialisation expanded: it became a centre for servicing jet aviation (such as the F-4 Phantom II) and intercontinental ballistic missiles. It was here that the strategic Minuteman complexes, which played a key role in nuclear deterrence, were based and maintained.

Modernisation: Home of the "Falcons" and "Lightnings"

A significant milestone in Hill's history was 1979, when the base became the first location for the 388th Fighter Wing, fully equipped with the then-newest F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters. For many years, the silhouette of the F-16 became a symbol of the sky over Ogden.

In the 21st century, the base underwent massive modernisation to accept fifth-generation fighters. Today, Hill is the primary basing and maintenance location for the F-35 Lightning II, which required the construction of new hangars, runway upgrades, and the implementation of advanced digital logistics technologies.

Interesting Facts and Achievements

• Connection with Space: Hill AFB manages the unique Utah Test and Training Range (UTTR). It was on this desert stretch that capsules from NASA spacecraft, such as "Genesis" and "Stardust," landed, delivering samples of cosmic matter to Earth.
• Cinematic Trace: Thanks to the picturesque mountain landscapes and impressive infrastructure, the surroundings of the base and its airspace have repeatedly appeared in Hollywood lenses, including during the filming of the blockbuster "Independence Day" (although main filming took place at the neighbouring Wendover airfield).
• Museum Heritage: In 1982, the Hill Aerospace Museum was founded to preserve the base's rich history. Since opening, its collection has grown from a few aircraft to one of the largest displays of military equipment in the USA.
• Logistics Giant: The Ogden Air Logistics Complex located on the base is a leading centre for landing gear, wheel, and brake repair for all US military aviation, servicing equipment from heavy C-130 transports to A-10 attack aircraft.

Since Hill Air Force Base (HIF) is a military facility and does not serve commercial passenger flights, the range of services here differs significantly from a standard civilian airport. Infrastructure inside the base perimeter (restaurants, shops, gyms) is accessible exclusively to military personnel, their families, and civilian staff with appropriate clearance. For tourists and visitors, all available infrastructure is concentrated in the area of the Hill Aerospace Museum and in adjacent settlements.

Restaurants, Cafes, and Shops

There are no full-service restaurants or cafes within the museum complex itself. Visitors are advised to plan lunch before or after their visit.

• Dining: Vending machines with drinks and light snacks may be installed inside the museum. During air shows or large events, outdoor food vendors (food trucks) operate on the open grounds. The nearest cafes and restaurants (fast food, pizzerias, diners) are just a 5–10 minute drive from the museum in the towns of Roy and Sunset, immediately outside the base.
• Shopping: An excellent gift shop operates within the Aerospace Museum building. Here you can purchase aircraft models, themed clothing, patches, aviation books, and commemorative gifts with US Air Force insignia. Proceeds from the shop go to support the museum exhibition.

Lounges, Wi-Fi, and Communications

Standard business lounges or VIP areas for passengers are not provided here.

• Wi-Fi: Free guest Wi-Fi is typically available in the museum building for visitors, allowing you to quickly share photos of exhibits on social media.
• Charging Stations: There are few specialised stations for charging gadgets, but free power outlets can be found in the museum lobby. It is recommended to carry a portable charger (power bank).

Financial and Medical Services

• Banks and ATMs: An ATM may be located on the museum grounds. Full-service bank branches and currency exchange points are located outside the base in residential areas.
• Medical Assistance: The 75th Medical Group operates on the base, but it serves only the attached contingent. In case of emergency, tourists should call 911. The nearest civilian hospital is Davis Hospital and Medical Center in the city of Layton, located a few kilometres from the base.

Services for Passengers with Children

Visiting the base (specifically the museum) is an excellent family activity. The infrastructure is well adapted for young guests:

• Education Centre: The museum features a STEM centre (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), where interactive classes and workshops explaining flight principles are regularly held for children.
• Amenities: Changing tables are provided in the museum restrooms. Spacious halls allow for comfortable movement with strollers.

Services for Passengers with Reduced Mobility

The Hill Aerospace Museum fully complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements:

• Hangar entrances are equipped with ramps or are at ground level.
• Wide aisles between exhibits are provided for manoeuvring in a wheelchair.
• Special parking spaces for people with disabilities are allocated in the parking lot, located as close as possible to the main entrance.
• If necessary, museum staff can provide a wheelchair for temporary use (subject to availability).

Hotels Near the Airport

The hotel on the base itself (Hill Air Force Base Lodge) is available only for military and government employees on assignment. However, thanks to the location next to the I-15 highway, tourists can choose from many comfortable hotels within a 3–5 km radius (in the cities of Clearfield and Layton):

• Tru by Hilton Clearfield Hill Air Force Base — a modern hotel located practically at the base gates.
• La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham — a popular option with breakfast, convenient for car travellers.
• Holiday Inn Express & Suites Layton — located slightly south, next to Layton Hills Mall and restaurants.

Conference Rooms and Business Centres

For business purposes, civilians can utilise the museum's facilities. There are conference rooms and classrooms available for rent for private events, seminars, or ceremonies against the backdrop of historical aircraft. This is a unique venue often used by local companies for corporate meetings.

In terms of dining, Hill Air Force Base (HIF) is fundamentally different from civilian airports. You won't find familiar terminals with food courts accessible to everyone here. Since the base is a closed military facility, access to dining points is strictly regulated. However, for tourists visiting the Aerospace Museum and those near the base, there are excellent opportunities to experience local cuisine.

Dining at Hill Aerospace Museum

For most tourists, the "terminal" is the museum itself. It is important to note that there is no full-service cafe or restaurant inside the museum hangars.

• Format: Light snacks on the go.
• What is available: Vending machines with soft drinks, water, crisps, and chocolate bars are installed in rest areas.
• Special Occasions: During major events, such as open days or air shows, food trucks operate on the open grounds. Here you can buy hot dogs, tacos, burgers, and local ice cream.
• Tip: Picnics are allowed outdoors on the museum grounds (in designated areas), so many visitors bring food with them.

Gastronomic Legend Near the Base: Burger Bar

If you want to try a real "aviator's dish" and visit a local landmark, you should drive just outside the base gates to the town of Roy, which is only a 3–5 minute drive from the museum. A cult establishment is located here that is a must-visit.

• Name: Burger Bar
• Location: 5291 S 1900 W, Roy, UT (less than 2 km from the museum).
• Signature Dish: The famous "Big Ben" burger — a huge bun, fresh beef patty, cheese, and cured meat. This dish became famous nationwide after being featured on the TV show Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.
• Exotic Options: The menu often features burgers made from buffalo or elk meat — a true taste of the Wild West.
• Desserts: Be sure to order their thick milkshakes or fried onion rings.
• Average Bill: Budget-friendly, $10–15 for a substantial lunch.

Restaurants and Cafes in the Vicinity (Roy and Clearfield)

Since civilians cannot dine in the officers' mess halls on base, the main choice becomes establishments along the main road near the base (1900 West and Riverdale Road). A wide selection is presented here:

• Fast Food: Within a 5-minute drive are popular American chains: Chick-fil-A, In-N-Out Burger (California classic, popular in Utah), Starbucks, and Panda Express.
• Full Lunch:
  • Slackwater (in neighbouring Ogden) — an excellent pizzeria with a lively atmosphere.
  • Jeremiah's Restaurant — a classic American diner, ideal for breakfast (try their cinnamon rolls).

Dining for Personnel (Inside the Secure Perimeter)

This information is relevant only for holders of a military ID or special passes. A full food court operates on the base territory (Main Base Exchange).

• Establishments: Subway, Burger King, Charleys Philly Steaks, Taco Bell, and Arby’s.
• The Landing Club: A place for official lunches and dinners for military personnel, offering a buffet and a la carte menu.
• Location: Airside / Restricted Area (Unavailable to tourists).

Dietary Preferences

Since most tourist dining takes place outside the base, it is easy to find options for any request in nearby Utah restaurants:

• Vegetarian and Vegan: Burger Bar and most chain cafes offer burgers with plant-based patties (Impossible/Beyond Meat) or salads.
• Gluten-Free: Chick-fil-A and In-N-Out ("Protein Style" without the bun) offer safe options for people with gluten intolerance.
• Halal: The nearest certified Halal restaurants are located closer to Salt Lake City; however, local menus always feature fish and vegetarian options suitable for various dietary requirements.

Expert Recommendation: Do not count on food inside the museum. Plan a visit to Burger Bar immediately after touring the aircraft exhibition — this will be an excellent gastronomic conclusion to your immersion in American culture.

Since Hill Air Force Base (HIF) is an active military facility and not a civilian airport, travel tips here differ radically from standard instructions for commercial airline passengers. Your "trip" here is most likely a visit to the famous Aerospace Museum or attending a grand air show. Here are key recommendations to make this visit comfortable and safe.

Arrival Time and Visit Planning

Since there is no flight check-in here, the "arrive 2 hours early" rule works differently:

• For visiting the museum: Arrive at opening time (usually 9:00 AM) to get the best parking spot and calmly view the exhibition while there are few people in the halls. Allow a minimum of 2–3 hours for a full tour of the collection, including the outdoor area.
• On Air Show days (Warriors Over the Wasatch): This event gathers hundreds of thousands of spectators. It is strongly recommended to leave early in the morning, 3–4 hours before the flights begin, as traffic jams on the I-15 highway can stretch for kilometres.

Security Features and Pass Regime

This is federal territory, so rules here are stricter than in an ordinary city.

• Documents: Always carry identification (passport or driving licence). It may not be needed to enter the museum, but if you accidentally turn towards the base checkpoint, documents will definitely be requested.
• Prohibited Items: It is strictly forbidden to bring firearms onto the base and museum territory (even with a state licence), as well as narcotics (despite state laws, this is a crime on federal land).
• Drones: Flying quadcopters in the base area is strictly prohibited and punishable by huge fines.

"Seat" Selection and Registration

There are no commercial flights here, so advice on choosing a window seat is irrelevant. However, there are nuances:

• In the museum: Try sitting in a pilot's cockpit! On certain days, volunteers open access to the cockpits of some aircraft (for example, a C-130 transport or helicopters). Follow the schedule on the museum website.
• At the air show: The best seats are folding chairs that you bring with you. VIP zones with stands are sold in advance and sell out months ahead.

What You Can and Cannot Bring (Hand Luggage)

Rules are lenient when visiting the museum:

• Allowed: Backpacks, strollers, cameras (photography is allowed everywhere in the museum), water in closed bottles.
• Prohibited: Food and open drinks inside hangars (to avoid attracting insects and damaging exhibits), large bags that might brush against equipment.

Tips for Transit Tourists

If you have arrived in Salt Lake City and have a long layover (more than 5–6 hours), a trip to Hill is an excellent way to spend time.

• Logistics: Rent a car or take the FrontRunner train to Clearfield station. This will allow you to see unique aircraft instead of waiting boringly in the SLC terminal.
• Luggage: There are no luggage storage lockers at the museum. If you have large luggage, it is better to leave it in storage at Salt Lake City airport or travel by rental car, leaving items in the boot.

Saving Time and Money

• Free Admission: The Hill Aerospace Museum does not charge an admission fee, although donations are welcome. This is one of the best free attractions in Utah.
• Souvenirs: The museum shop is tax-free for certain categories of goods, making the purchase of quality clothing or aircraft models more advantageous.
• Dining: Don't spend money on expensive snacks. Have a picnic in the specially designated outdoor area with a view of the fighter jets — it is free and atmospheric.

What to Do in "Non-Flying Weather"

Since the exhibition is divided into indoor hangars and an outdoor area:

• In heat or rain, start your tour with the two huge indoor galleries. They have air conditioning and heating.
• If you came for the air show and flights are cancelled due to wind or storms, do not rush to leave. Weather in the mountains often changes rapidly, and flights may resume in an hour. Use this time to view the static ground display.