Architectural treasure boxes always worth a quick peek!
What’s so interesting about an old government building? The truth is, each state capitol building has its own, unique design that has loads to tell about the culture and history of the states you’re visiting. From the architecture to the interior design, art and artifacts, state capitol buildings are a not-to-be-missed destination, and you can complete a visit in less than 20 minutes.
State capitols are one of our family’s favorite stops. The first thing we do once inside is check out the rotunda and the dome and then look for the state seal. Once inside, we talk about what’s unique to the building. For instance, the Oklahoma statehouse has incredible murals that depict and honor the history and resources abundant in the state. In Texas, the lone star symbol can be found wherever you look. It’s also fun to peek into the house and state senate chambers and have a look around. Funny enough, in all the statehouses I have been in, we have never caught either of the chambers in session.
Occasionally we will meet folks who work in the statehouse who have been kind enough to take us into the Governor’s office, or let us get a copy of the state seal. Being polite and well behaved goes a long way, sometimes garnering some extra special souvenirs and/or photo ops. That’s how my kids ended up taking a seat at the governor’s desk!
Each visit only lasts about 15 to 20 minutes. That’s more than enough time to look around, snap pictures, and be on your way. Sometimes if you’re lucky, there may be a great gift shop. Afterwards, take the opportunity to engage everyone in what they saw. The sculptures on the grounds can also inspire conversations about historic figures associated with the state. Once my family had visited a few capitol buildings, the kids started to compare the things they saw. They definitely have their favorites—not every one is a jaw dropper, but most are pretty incredible. Just 20 minutes in the building is enough to get the wheels turning. Just another wonderful way to make history come to life while on the road and inspire conversation about architecture, art and history.
This sculpture on the grounds of the North Dakota State Capitol building sparked a great conversation about homesteaders and the difficult life they had.
The famous Texas lone star can be found everywhere at the capitol building in Austin, even on the fence.
By far one of the prettiest capitol buildings –The Iowa statehouse
The rotunda and dome inside the Iowa statehouse are magnificent-a definite crowd pleaser.
One of the most architecturally interesting done in the Art Deco style with corn, Indian, and buffalo motifs-one of my favorites-Nebraska.
Stunning murals in the Oklahoma state capitol building-notice the oil rigs.
Another fine example of magnificent architecture and design-The Wisconsin capitol has amazing mosaics.
Posing with the state seal
Sitting at the governors desk-Good behavior garners plenty of perks!
