Fort Bragg, a sprawling U.S. Army base located in North Carolina, is not your typical open-access military installation. With its rich history, diverse training facilities, and status as the home of the Airborne and Special Operations Forces, Fort Bragg is a place of intrigue and restricted access. In 2024, the base covers approximately 500 square miles, with 146,000 acres dedicated to training, more than 1,400 miles of paved roads, and 21 miles of railroad. The post supports a population of about 260,000, including military families, retirees, contractors, and others.
Accessing Fort Bragg: Visitor Passes and Security Checks
Gaining access to Fort Bragg is not as simple as walking through the gates. The base is closed to the general public, and visitors must undergo a thorough security screening process. Civilians without a military sponsor or Department of Defense identification card must first stop at the All American Visitor Control Center to obtain a pass. The center is open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. during the week, and visitors must have a valid ID and a legitimate reason for access. A complete background check is conducted by security, and a temporary one-day pass is issued.
Visitors must also have valid registration to bring a personal vehicle onto the post. Once inside the base, they can explore various amenities and attractions, such as museums, recreational facilities, and dining options.
Museums and Attractions on Fort Bragg
Fort Bragg offers several museums and attractions that provide insight into the base’s history and the roles of the Airborne and Special Operations Forces. The 82nd Airborne Division War Memorial Museum features exhibits dating from 1917 to the present, showcasing the division’s rich history. The John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Museum, dedicated to Special Forces, civil affairs, and psychological operations, offers exhibits from the American colonial period to the present.
In addition to these museums, Fort Bragg also features recreational facilities open to visitors, such as the Cleland Ice Rink, which offers year-round ice skating, and Dragon Lanes, a bowling alley with 24 lanes, arcade games, and a snack bar.
Outdoor Recreation and Off-Post Amenities
Fort Bragg’s vast acreage includes several outdoor recreation areas, such as the Smith Lake Recreation Area, which borders a 67-acre, man-made lake with pavilions, bumper boats, paddle boats, kayaks, and a floating, climbable iceberg in the swim area. The area also features hiking and biking trails.
For golfers, Fort Bragg offers the Stryker Golf Course, open from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The Clay Target Center, located just outside the post gates, features 12 competition-level skeet fields, a pro shop, snack bar, and a lighted range.
While Fort Bragg is a restricted military base, it offers a variety of amenities and attractions to those with access. From museums showcasing the base’s history to recreational facilities and outdoor recreation areas, there is something for everyone on this unique U.S. Army installation.