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This building is gorgeous. We travel to see all the capitol buildings, and this one did not disappoint. You enter on the lower level from the front of the building, and there is a looping video, gift shop, and mini museum on that floor. Then you can go up and tour the bulk of the building. The state library has cool, glass floors that you can see through, and there is a tour that takes you all the way to the top of the dome (if you dare). Worth a visit!
Had an amazing time doing a self guided tour of the Kansas State Capitol... and the thrill of 296 steps up to the top of the cupola of the state capitol building. The NPS Rangers at Brown vs Board of Education, Topeka suggested I visit the state capitol and it was a great recommendation. I was able to sneak in to the last tower tour on Friday (3:15 pm). Our tour guide Darren was amazing as he gave us a tour of the inner and exterior dome. It already starts on the fifth floor of the building and you climb On a clear day you can see almost 45 miles out from the top. Darren gave us the history behind the original plans for the dome, what it turned into in real life, and how the staff makes sure it will last into the future. The lower floors of the capitol building allow you to see a variety of rooms, from the Senate and State Representative chambers, the first floor of the Rotunda has various murals from David Overmyer depicting various events in Kansas history. You will also see two amazing murals... one depicting the decision of Brown vs. Board of Education on the third floor, and another depicting the Bleeding Kansas and John Brown called the Tragic Prelude by Curry that sits on the second floor of the Rotunda. The basement has other artifacts like a panel from the exterior dome, portraits of famous Kansans, and the cafeteria. Besides the inside, you can walk the 20-acre grounds and see the replica of the dome topper, Ad Astra; a replica of the Statue of Liberty, and statues of former presidents, Lincoln, and Eisenhower. The same guy that did Lincoln, also sculpted a monument dedicated to Pioneer Women of Kansas. It's walkable, self paced... and if you're not totally afraid of heights, worth the trip up to the top of the dome.
Loved visiting the state capital. So much history in a beautiful easily toured building. Austin was a great tour guide for both the historical and dome tour!
It was kinda unorganized, got lost in the old halls. Cool stone work, I know it took a lot of hard work to make back in the day.
The Capitol of Kansas is def one of the ones you want to see in beautiful Topeka, Kansas! Historic guided tours FREE Monday through Friday. (or visitors can just explore the building with a self-guided tour approach with the help of the brochure) Be sure not to miss the Abraham Lincoln sculpture out front. It took a whopping 37 years to build the Kansas Statehouse & cost $3.2 million. The swanky long list of materials is impressive. They include architectural elements of gleaming copper and 17 types of marble, crystal, granite & gold leaf paint. The Kansas state Capitol was also added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. Of course it's famous for its Historic Dome, the Dome Tour is breathtaking, literally breathtaking haha, with 296 steps and no elevator. It is also the only U.S. capitol building where brave visitors can go to the top of the dome & walk along the outside balcony for a birds-eye-view of the city, while at the same time, witness a rare view & unparalleled look at the elaborate architecture & recent renovation of it's Historic Dome. After 13 years & $332 million in renovations, the Kansas State Capitol Building is completely refinished & refreshened, just like the day it was built. The modern renovations restored the original architect's vintage vision while increasing accessibility & safety for it's future citizens enjoyment, thanks in part to Governor Laura Kelly What a wonderful small American town Topeka is, with beautiful farm lands as far as the eye can see, with one of THE most beautiful American Capitols. Maybe the best one. Def in the top 3. We Really enjoyed our visit, we got the most breathtaking photos for my Christmas Card project. A must see. Bucket list worthy. Highest Recommendations.
First, I am OBSESSED with the Kansas Capitol dome. Topeka may tie Albany as my favorite Capitol building. First, this building has a unique limestone foundation that's cool to see. And second, their rotunda is gorgeous. So many photo ops. And the Kansas state building has something that you might not see anywhere else: an outside dome beyond the inside dome. I took the historical tour and the tour that allows access to the outer dome. The outer dome tour is 260 winding, narrow steps with no air conditioning, but again, unsure you'll see anything else like it. I had the same guide for both tours and she was knowledgeable and nice. She also encouraged us to stop and rest and to go at our own pace on the steps up. There are many cool artifacts concerning Kansas. Some beautiful murals and statues. You can see the house and senate chambers. People are essentially allowed to roam the building freely, at least when congress isn't in session. If you're near or in Topeka, this is a must do. A midway point between my initial stop in Abilene and my destination of Kansas City, MO.
I absolutely loved visiting this capitol building! We did both the regular and dome tours. Our guides were amazing. If you are here, you must climb the 296 steps to the top of the exterior dome. It's 100% worth it. The experience is one I will never forget. The guide gives ample breaks as you climb up and the top offers amazing views. It is quite nerve wracking coming back down but you can go at your own pace. The capitol is a stunning place filled with a history of Kansas museum, a library filled with books related to Kansas and beautiful artwork and architecture. Oh and be sure to ride the historic cage elevator. Very nice gift shop too.
Topeka is the 32nd State Capitol that I've visited. On a weekend with the storms coming in and I could see lightning flashes and hear thunder claps, I opted to only risk a few quick pictures and not explore the grounds as much as I would have liked. The building is beautiful with the dome that is actually taller than the one on the US Capitol in Washington DC though it is actually about half the diameter. No worries, it looks beautiful. It did not appear that the building was open for visiting on the weekend, which is a bummer because the dome is open for visitors. Constructed between 1866 and completed in 1903, much of the structure is native limestone from Kansas. Atop the dome is a Native American with bow and arrow, pointing at the North Star. It's called "Ad Astra." [Review 11410 overall, 1187 of 2019.]
What a gem! Born in Topeka and raised just an hour away, I'm a bit ashamed to say that this was my first visit to the Kansas Statehouse. I was also skeptical that the $325 million renovation was tax money well-spent but, as a Kansas native, I'm very proud of our recently restored capitol. We were here on a Wednesday morning and the legislature was not in session so the place wasn't very busy. There were other visitors touring the building, but my wife and I were the only ones taking the 11:00 am guided tour. Our guide, Joe, was outstanding. He provided so much interesting information that is not in the brochure and he pointed out some spectacular features that we probably would have missed if not for him. He also took us on the dome tour which was also excellent but I wouldn't recommend it for someone afraid of heights or of limited physical ability. I highly recommend a visit to anyone who finds themselves in Topeka.
Kansas state Capital was definitely better than I expected, the building is very nice and well maintained from the exterior to the lovely interior, the staff was definitely terrific and very helpful, they are plenty of monuments and artworks that made this trip feel more like a museum as well, my overall journey through the building was excellent and no disappointments at all.
Don't miss it if you are in town and looking for something to do. And absolutely don't skip out on walking the steps to the top. It is crazy mind blowing to see the staircase that goes up and is suspended over the dome. Even if you're afraid of heights, at least try to go up part of the way and see the stair case. The murals on the ceilings down below are pretty stellar too. Could spend hours here. The library is also badass.
If you are from Kansas City or are just passing on through on I-70, make a pit stop at the Kansas State Capitol building. This amazing structure was completed in 1903 after 37 years of construction! And thanks to a huge renovation project in the 2000s, not much has changed since its opening. Prepare for your equilibrium to be thrown off because this is the second tallest dome on any state Capitol (even taller than the U.S. Capitol building) behind Nebraska! I highly suggest taking advantage of this incredible, free, educational experience. Throughout the week, the Capitol is open for regular business hours. You can self-tour the Library of Kansas, the Senate Hall, the House of Representative Hall, the Supreme Court, and the Rotunda, but the real gem of this place is taking the free guided tour of the inner dome. This tour can last anywhere from 30-60 minutes and it features 296 steps in a series of endless, dizzying stairwells and no elevator. Prepare accordingly when attempting this tour, as many have turned back in the past. Wear comfy shoes and ditch any fear that you have of heights. This is such a unique experience as only one other state offers this (Colorado but you only go half as high). I don't recommend it for kids or if you have bad knees, but expect a very rewarding view when you get to the top. The worst part is going back down. Man, my heart rate was on the rise. You won't regret anything once you're back on the ground. The staff was beyond friendly and we had many engaging conversations while we were here. They seem to always welcome curiosity, and there are endless quirky architectural features here to view and learn about. A day well spent!
The best free attraction in Kansas State Capital is the Kansas State Capitol Building in Topeka, Kansas. I really liked the inside of the Capitol and the murals. It's educational to read these important artifacts. There have beautiful murals, sculptures and historic photographs. Even the limestone and marble were impressive. History- the construction of the Kansas State Capitol Building began in 1866 and it took 37 years to complete. The Capitol is open to visitors from 8AM - 5PM, Monday through Friday and 8AM - 1PM on Saturday. There is free tours conducted by the State Historical Society 4 - 6 times during the day on weekdays. The tours take you above the inner dome, & outside to a 360 degree view from the top of the dome. You can take photos inside and out. Security wasn't strict, noone checked my bags. You can call (785) 296-3966 to confirm times in advance. The State Capital Building is closed Sundays and Kansas state holidays.
For years, we've driven past on I-70 and spotted the capital's dome. This trip we planned to get off I-70 and visit the capital. Interestingly enough, the State of Kansas helped with those plans by closing I-70 through downtown. We took a guided history tour of the capital (about an hour) where we learned about the history of the building and got to see the very ornate senate hall and the house of representatives. We also got to see the governor's ceremonial office. The interior view of the capitol's dome is fabulous. I strongly recommend taking the guided tour. read more
It's hard to rate state capitol buildings as they all have something unique about each one of them. Like in Kansas, they have the dome which you can go to the top and go outside it! But I would advise that you do so if you are not afraid of heights. I've been skydiving before so I didn't think it was a big deal. But going up and down the steps was very intimidating. There's so much history in that part of the building as kids would write graffiti all over the inside of the top part by the dome. Kansas does have some cool history as it pays tribute to its culture, the Native Americans, its most famous residents, agriculture, and much more. A lot of it may surprise the visitor, or even a Kansas resident! Parking is underground, and it doesn't cost extra. They do have a cafeteria or restaurant in there. read more
Where else can you climb to the top of the capitol dome? Nowhere! This is the only capitol that allows this. Be sure to check the website for dome tour times. And take the guided tour as well. We hit the 2:15 dome tour and then the 3:00 guided tour. Our tour guide (7/9/2025) was very knowledgeable and I enjoyed learning from her very much. I've visited several state capitol buildings. This isn't the most elaborate or opulent capitol building--but that's why I like it even more. There is so much to see if you look at the details. The tour guides help you see all the fine details I would have otherwise missed. And getting to climb all the way up to walk around the top is just magical! Be sure to check the website for parking details. There is 2-hour FREE GARAGE VISITOR PARKING if you know what street to enter. It was so nice to get back into a shaded cool car on a super hot summer day. read more
5 months ago
This building is gorgeous. We travel to see all the capitol buildings, and this one did not disappoint. You enter on the lower level from the front of the building, and there is a looping video, gift shop, and mini museum on that floor. Then you can go up and tour the bulk of the building. The state library has cool, glass floors that you can see through, and there is a tour that takes you all the way to the top of the dome (if you dare). Worth a visit! read more
Had an amazing time doing a self guided tour of the Kansas State Capitol... and the thrill of 296 steps up to the top of the cupola of the state capitol building. The NPS Rangers at Brown vs Board of Education, Topeka suggested I visit the state capitol and it was a great recommendation. I was able to sneak in to the last tower tour on Friday (3:15 pm). Our tour guide Darren was amazing as he gave us a tour of the inner and exterior dome. It already starts on the fifth floor of the building and you climb On a clear day you can see almost 45 miles out from the top. Darren gave us the history behind the original plans for the dome, what it turned into in real life, and how the staff makes sure it will last into the future. The lower floors of the capitol building allow you to see a variety of rooms, from the Senate and State Representative chambers, the first floor of the Rotunda has various murals from David Overmyer depicting various events in Kansas history. You will also see two amazing murals... one depicting the decision of Brown vs. Board of Education on the third floor, and another depicting the Bleeding Kansas and John Brown called the Tragic Prelude by Curry that sits on the second floor of the Rotunda. The basement has other artifacts like a panel from the exterior dome, portraits of famous Kansans, and the cafeteria. Besides the inside, you can walk the 20-acre grounds and see the replica of the dome topper, Ad Astra; a replica of the Statue of Liberty, and statues of former presidents, Lincoln, and Eisenhower. The same guy that did Lincoln, also sculpted a monument dedicated to Pioneer Women of Kansas. It's walkable, self paced... and if you're not totally afraid of heights, worth the trip up to the top of the dome. read more
6 months ago
Loved visiting the state capital. So much history in a beautiful easily toured building. Austin was a great tour guide for both the historical and dome tour! read more
The Capitol of Kansas is def one of the ones you want to see in beautiful Topeka, Kansas! Historic guided tours FREE Monday through Friday. (or visitors can just explore the building with a self-guided tour approach with the help of the brochure) Be sure not to miss the Abraham Lincoln sculpture out front. It took a whopping 37 years to build the Kansas Statehouse & cost $3.2 million. The swanky long list of materials is impressive. They include architectural elements of gleaming copper and 17 types of marble, crystal, granite & gold leaf paint. The Kansas state Capitol was also added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. Of course it's famous for its Historic Dome, the Dome Tour is breathtaking, literally breathtaking haha, with 296 steps and no elevator. It is also the only U.S. capitol building where brave visitors can go to the top of the dome & walk along the outside balcony for a birds-eye-view of the city, while at the same time, witness a rare view & unparalleled look at the elaborate architecture & recent renovation of it's Historic Dome. After 13 years & $332 million in renovations, the Kansas State Capitol Building is completely refinished & refreshened, just like the day it was built. The modern renovations restored the original architect's vintage vision while increasing accessibility & safety for it's future citizens enjoyment, thanks in part to Governor Laura Kelly What a wonderful small American town Topeka is, with beautiful farm lands as far as the eye can see, with one of THE most beautiful American Capitols. Maybe the best one. Def in the top 3. We Really enjoyed our visit, we got the most breathtaking photos for my Christmas Card project. A must see. Bucket list worthy. Highest Recommendations. read more
First, I am OBSESSED with the Kansas Capitol dome. Topeka may tie Albany as my favorite Capitol building. First, this building has a unique limestone foundation that's cool to see. And second, their rotunda is gorgeous. So many photo ops. And the Kansas state building has something that you might not see anywhere else: an outside dome beyond the inside dome. I took the historical tour and the tour that allows access to the outer dome. The outer dome tour is 260 winding, narrow steps with no air conditioning, but again, unsure you'll see anything else like it. I had the same guide for both tours and she was knowledgeable and nice. She also encouraged us to stop and rest and to go at our own pace on the steps up. There are many cool artifacts concerning Kansas. Some beautiful murals and statues. You can see the house and senate chambers. People are essentially allowed to roam the building freely, at least when congress isn't in session. If you're near or in Topeka, this is a must do. A midway point between my initial stop in Abilene and my destination of Kansas City, MO. read more
2 years ago
I absolutely loved visiting this capitol building! We did both the regular and dome tours. Our guides were amazing. If you are here, you must climb the 296 steps to the top of the exterior dome. It's 100% worth it. The experience is one I will never forget. The guide gives ample breaks as you climb up and the top offers amazing views. It is quite nerve wracking coming back down but you can go at your own pace. The capitol is a stunning place filled with a history of Kansas museum, a library filled with books related to Kansas and beautiful artwork and architecture. Oh and be sure to ride the historic cage elevator. Very nice gift shop too. read more
1 year ago
Topeka is the 32nd State Capitol that I've visited. On a weekend with the storms coming in and I could see lightning flashes and hear thunder claps, I opted to only risk a few quick pictures and not explore the grounds as much as I would have liked. The building is beautiful with the dome that is actually taller than the one on the US Capitol in Washington DC though it is actually about half the diameter. No worries, it looks beautiful. It did not appear that the building was open for visiting on the weekend, which is a bummer because the dome is open for visitors. Constructed between 1866 and completed in 1903, much of the structure is native limestone from Kansas. Atop the dome is a Native American with bow and arrow, pointing at the North Star. It's called "Ad Astra." [Review 11410 overall, 1187 of 2019.] read more
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Kansas H.
Thank you for stopping by! We are glad you enjoyed your visit. We…
2 years ago
What a gem! Born in Topeka and raised just an hour away, I'm a bit ashamed to say that this was my first visit to the Kansas Statehouse. I was also skeptical that the $325 million renovation was tax money well-spent but, as a Kansas native, I'm very proud of our recently restored capitol. We were here on a Wednesday morning and the legislature was not in session so the place wasn't very busy. There were other visitors touring the building, but my wife and I were the only ones taking the 11:00 am guided tour. Our guide, Joe, was outstanding. He provided so much interesting information that is not in the brochure and he pointed out some spectacular features that we probably would have missed if not for him. He also took us on the dome tour which was also excellent but I wouldn't recommend it for someone afraid of heights or of limited physical ability. I highly recommend a visit to anyone who finds themselves in Topeka. read more
4 years ago
Kansas state Capital was definitely better than I expected, the building is very nice and well maintained from the exterior to the lovely interior, the staff was definitely terrific and very helpful, they are plenty of monuments and artworks that made this trip feel more like a museum as well, my overall journey through the building was excellent and no disappointments at all. read more
5 years ago
Don't miss it if you are in town and looking for something to do. And absolutely don't skip out on walking the steps to the top. It is crazy mind blowing to see the staircase that goes up and is suspended over the dome. Even if you're afraid of heights, at least try to go up part of the way and see the stair case. The murals on the ceilings down below are pretty stellar too. Could spend hours here. The library is also badass. read more
Business owner information
Kansas H.
We are glad you enjoyed your visit. Thanks for stopping by!
3 years ago
If you are from Kansas City or are just passing on through on I-70, make a pit stop at the Kansas State Capitol building. This amazing structure was completed in 1903 after 37 years of construction! And thanks to a huge renovation project in the 2000s, not much has changed since its opening. Prepare for your equilibrium to be thrown off because this is the second tallest dome on any state Capitol (even taller than the U.S. Capitol building) behind Nebraska! I highly suggest taking advantage of this incredible, free, educational experience. Throughout the week, the Capitol is open for regular business hours. You can self-tour the Library of Kansas, the Senate Hall, the House of Representative Hall, the Supreme Court, and the Rotunda, but the real gem of this place is taking the free guided tour of the inner dome. This tour can last anywhere from 30-60 minutes and it features 296 steps in a series of endless, dizzying stairwells and no elevator. Prepare accordingly when attempting this tour, as many have turned back in the past. Wear comfy shoes and ditch any fear that you have of heights. This is such a unique experience as only one other state offers this (Colorado but you only go half as high). I don't recommend it for kids or if you have bad knees, but expect a very rewarding view when you get to the top. The worst part is going back down. Man, my heart rate was on the rise. You won't regret anything once you're back on the ground. The staff was beyond friendly and we had many engaging conversations while we were here. They seem to always welcome curiosity, and there are endless quirky architectural features here to view and learn about. A day well spent! read more
The best free attraction in Kansas State Capital is the Kansas State Capitol Building in Topeka, Kansas. I really liked the inside of the Capitol and the murals. It's educational to read these important artifacts. There have beautiful murals, sculptures and historic photographs. Even the limestone and marble were impressive. History- the construction of the Kansas State Capitol Building began in 1866 and it took 37 years to complete. The Capitol is open to visitors from 8AM - 5PM, Monday through Friday and 8AM - 1PM on Saturday. There is free tours conducted by the State Historical Society 4 - 6 times during the day on weekdays. The tours take you above the inner dome, & outside to a 360 degree view from the top of the dome. You can take photos inside and out. Security wasn't strict, noone checked my bags. You can call (785) 296-3966 to confirm times in advance. The State Capital Building is closed Sundays and Kansas state holidays. read more
Wasn't planning on making this stop but couldn't resist. Pretty nice building on the outside! The Dome was very tall considering Topeka is a pretty short city. Nice inside with lots of murals and very polished details. Had an opportunity to go up into the Dome and actually could have gone all the way to the top spire but couldn't make it. The thought of climbing those stairs so high above the glass Dome kind of freaked me out. A great building that everyone should see if they can! read more
11 years ago
IMPRESSIVE! This is one of the most intricately detailed and beautiful building in America. From the majestic Ad Astra sculpture on top of the dome to the limestone base of intricate walkways in the basement this building shines. It proudly shows Kansas history, art, architecture and citizenry off beautifully. Next time I visit it will be a workday, so I can experience the dome tour and see government in action. A must see for anyone in the area, not just Kansans. read more
13 years ago
Gorgeous Capitol building. While there isn't a ton to check out on a Saturday morning visit and dome tours are only on weekdays, it was well worth a stop and the security officers made us feel very welcome. It's impeccably kept and there's plenty of history to check out. Be aware the visitor entrance is a bit hard to locate initially, and is basically in the basement of the building. I am not a Kansan but still felt (I suppose) a bit of "regional pride" and was very excited to learn more about the Wheat State! read more
13 years ago
Highly, highly recommended to anyone interested in architecture, beautiful buildings or Kansas history. While staying in Topeka for a few days, it turns out that our hotel was just a couple blocks away so I had to check this out on the first evening we were there. Walking around the grounds, I was confused because I thought it was a very old building, but it and the hardscaping and landscaping look brand-new. Turns out that there was an extensive renovation completed quite recently, and everything both inside and out is extremely gorgeous, with the highest craftsmanship and style, with plenty of art and history to go along. Early one morning, we showed up just in time to take the dome tour, which gives not only a bird's eye view of the neighborhood from an exterior walkway near the top of the dome, but also an inside view of the construction of the dome and how it sits on top of the interior dome. We had a great tour guide who explained everything well and did not rush us at all. Afterword, we spent an hour and a half giving ourselves a tour of the rest of the building which was all open to the public during the summer hours. Spectacular! read more
7 years ago
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10 years ago
There is a lot to see at the State Capitol. The beautiful and ornate architecture with tons of detail are a sight to see. The murals and art feature so much history both in their depictions and inception. It's worth touring the Capitol if you're a visitor or native Topekan. Plus if you're daring, you can go up to the very top and view the surrounding downtown skyline. read more
10 years ago
One of the prettiest Capitol buildings in the country. Enter on the Northwest side parking underground. read more
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