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It’s Time to Visit the Michigan Capitol Building in Lansing
Don’t Wait for a Field Trip to Explore the Michigan State Capitol Building
Did you know that you can tour the Michigan Capitol Building in Lansing? While it’s a popular field trip spot, you can also take a self-guided tour.
The Capitol Building in Lansing, Michigan, is a treasure. If you’re hoping to explore the Capitol Building yourself, this is what you need to know:
in this article
How to Tour the Michigan State Capitol Building
The Michigan State Capitol moved from Detroit to Lansing in 1847. The Capitol Building we know today was completed in 1873. The building was designed by Detroit architect, Elijah E. Meyers (the same architect who later planned the Texas state capitol in Austin).
Visit the Texas State Capitol and the buildings’ similarities will strike you.
There is a reverence of sorts when you walk into either building.
Don’t let that intimidate you.
You are welcome to take a self-guided tour of the Michigan State Capitol building within its hours of operation.
Even if you went as a kid, touring the history, art, and detail as an adult is a whole new experience.
Michigan State Capitol Stats
Height: 267 feet tall, from the ground to the tip of the spire
Floors: 4
Rooms: 139
Building Dimensions: 420 ft × 274 ft
Year Inaugurated: 1879
Self-Guided Tours
Self-guided tours generally take place 9 AM – 4 PM Monday – Friday.
When you check in at the information desk, the guide will explain a bit about what you’ll see, but most of your findings will be all on your own.
Be sure to pick up a self-guided tour book at one of the information desks located inside Heritage Hall or the Capitol. These books are also available in Español (Spanish), Français (French), Deutsch (German), Pусский (Russian), 日本語 (Japanese), 中文 (Chinese/Mandarin), and العربية (Arabic).
Guided Tours of the Capitol Building
Guided tours are available at the top of the hour 9 AM – 4 PM Monday – Friday. Groups of 10 or more people can schedule a tour in advance, smaller groups and individuals are permitted to join with scheduled groups. Please call 517-373-2353 to confirm tour times or schedule a tour.
Beginning January 4, 2025, the Capitol Building will be open on the first Saturday of the month 10 AM – 3 PM for guided tours. NOTE: Please enter at the ground floor, east doors of the Capitol at 100 N Capitol Ave as Heritage Hall will not be open.
Smartphone Tours
The Capitol also offers smartphone tours. These efficient, self-guided experiences delve into specific Capitol themes, including historical furniture, portraits, and artwork throughout the Capitol and its surroundings.
5 Reasons to Take a Self-Guided Michigan State Capitol Building Tour
All self-guided tours including the Smartphone tours are FREE of charge.
1 – Soak Up Grandiose Structure and Beauty
Don’t have a lot of time, but want to take an awesome adventure?
Try touring the Capitol Building by wandering through it. You’ll be able to take in a lot in a short amount of time, it’s worthwhile and can be really fun.
You’ll love seeing the decadence and learning all about the Capitol Building.
The absolutely gorgeous dome high above will really get your attention.
2 – Notice the Detailed Architecture and Monuments
13 monuments grace the grounds before you even walk into the building. The Hiker Memorial was sculpted by Theo Alice Ruggles Kitson, one of the first American women sculptors to gain international prominence.
Slowing down to learn about each individual piece is really special.
The amazing artwork continues inside the building.
Sauntering the halls and seeing the wall-to-ceiling hand-painted detail of the architecture is breathtaking!
Can you imagine being one of those painters? Thrilling!
Each balcony has a unique view and you’ll find an extensive amount of architecture throughout the Michigan Capitol Building.
3 – Explore the Fine Art
Fine art pieces of each Governor, eight muse paintings, and hand-painted murals are placed purposefully throughout the building.
The starry dome in the center of the Capitol Building is included on this list .
Stand on the round glass floor at the main level and gaze upward to get the best view.
4 – Learn Michigan and American History
Lansing wasn’t always the capital city; it was first in Detroit. In March of 1847, Lansing was chosen as the second capital location – and there have been three buildings.
The Capitol Building in Lansing’s downtown is Michigan’s third Capitol Building.
Now, more than 100 years later, boy have we proved the “horrified observers” wrong – Lansing is not a “howling wilderness” or “village-less.”
Lansing not only has villages, but a vibrant community filled with amazing people and tons of things to do with families.
You’ll find all of this information and much, much more when you visit and take the Historic Tour of the Capitol Building.
5 – Explore it All
Spend the day at the Michigan State Capitol Building by doing all of the tours.
If you’re visiting from out of town and want to have a memorable experience, this is a great way to make the drive worthwhile.
Tips for Visiting the Michigan State Capitol
Check out the tips below to make your day trip to Lansing great:
- Parking: There are credit card meters along Washington Square. Finding parking there will ensure you don’t go over your meter and provide a nice walk through Lansing’s downtown strip. There’s also parking structures on Capitol Ave between Shiawassee and Ionia, and Washington and Kalamazoo. Both of these structures are within walking distance of the Capitol.
- Coming with kids? Have the Talk: Visiting the Capitol Building is a lot of fun, but letting the kids know it’s not ok to touch the walls or important pieces is good to know before you go.
- No worries: The building has many people walking in and out at all times. You might feel overwhelmed when you arrive, but don’t worry, you are welcome, even with kids in tow. The friendliness as you walk through the building is awesome.
Visiting the Michigan State Capitol Building Will Stick With You
As my son and I walked up to the Michigan State Capitol Building he said, “Mommy! Is this where the King of the castle lives?!”
I replied, “Well, sweetie, if this was a castle – technically it would be considered where the Queen of the castle resides. After all, we now have our second female Governor in Michigan’s history!”
Special trips like this can bring up fun and engaging conversations with our kids.
The Michigan State Capitol is one of those wonderful places mutually enjoyed by all ages. Kids are welcome in the Capitol building and they love to see all of the beauty, history, art, and information just like adults do.
Try it out and let us know how your trip goes! We’d love to hear your feedback, thoughts, and tips.
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