oregon state capitol

We drove around Salem on a weekend road trip from Seattle to Portland and then points south. The Oregon state capitol grounds in Salem are very modern-looking with a capitol building not modeled after the US Capitol in Washington, DC. It was a Saturday afternoon that was not exactly the time for touring the legislative building.Worth the visit...

My friend recently completed her degree in law; I met her for a quick coffee break at the capitol building. What a strange building! It reminded me of the Devil's Tower from Close Encounters of the Third Kind with Richard Dreyfuss! Inside were amazing murals from the early 1900s, beautiful art deco architecture and shocking reliefs outside; and at this point, humerous aphorisms carved into the front entryway, reminding me of how far this country and its beaurocrats have strayed from the ideal. I thoroughly enjoyed this visit!

What a fabulous view of the front of the capitol when the dozens of cherry trees bloom that line the walkways across the street!! It is so stunning, it takes your breath away. Locals visit each year to take photos. Walking among the trees in late March or early April is just enchanting.

It is a beautiful building and a nice gift shop. You are allowed to walk around at your own pace and much of the building is assessable to visitors. You can learn a lot about your government and how things work plus the history behind it all. Really had a nice time and it's free. I also think there are guided tours.

Every Oregonian should visit the Capitol. Painted art featured througout the building displays the state's history. Free tours guide visitors through both chambers. Marble stairs inside and out serve as great places to take photos.Above all, the energy in the building cannot be felt elsewhere. There is a vibrancy for all alike--adult and child, Democrat or Republican. Visitors from other countries can see democracy at work in this Oregon treasure. And who can beat free admission?

overall was good really disappointed in the gift shop nothing made in Oregon there might be tricky finding a parking spot very busy around there nice looking building not much history

There is not much too see compared to other State Capitols in the US. Rather bland. No museum and very few artifacts from the States earlier years. Better to take the time and visit Mission Mill.

Interesting and beautiful. Beautiful murals on the walls. Had a neat souvenir shop. Could have a tour or go self-guided.

Interesting architecture makes the stop off in Salem worth the hour or two of your time. However, the surrounding government buildings and park are nothing to see. FYI Willamette University is across the street so look at it too. Salem is a cute town.

Living in Salem, for 17 years, gave me hundreds, even thousands of times to see the 'Golden Man' on top of the capital building. There's a tour to the top of the capital-it's free. You can get a good meal in the lower level. You can go to the Governor's office and say hi to his staff, and sometimes our jean clad Governor. They'll even give you an Oregon pencil. The gift shop is incredible. Pictures, inside and out, are spectacular year round. One of the most important things done here is the legislature in action. You can sit within feet of these men and women as they work, attend any number of committee meetings and, in general, see how our government works.

The Oregon State Capitol building is a splendid and beautiful place to visit. The Guest Host is friendly and helpful and there are tours to be taken at various times of the day. The grounds surrounding the Capitol Building are beautifully kept and history markers are everywhere. There are fountains to look at and some for children to play in. The benches are numerous so that you can rest if you feel like it. A great stop for someone from out of State. I am an Oregonian myself and have been to the Capitol many times and still enjoy it. Christmas season at the Capitol Building and grounds is a vision of lights and music. Great!!

Fall time around the capital is really pretty with all the trees leaves changing colors. The area is safe to stroll in and some of the historic buildings can be toured.

Took the tour up to the top and the capital tour. The guides were knowledgeable. Cute little gift store downstairs.

I've been to quite a few state capitals and this one was certainly unique; I enjoyed the grounds and the architecture. I think this is worth a stop if you enjoy history or a beautiful unique building.

We got to the Capitol first thing in the morning and had missed the first tour; however, there was a tour guide who wasn't scheduled for another 45 minutes, so he took us on our own personal tour of the building. He spent a lot of time telling us about the building and escorting us to the different areas. He had many stories to tell of the history and present day happenings within the building. A most interesting building and visiting it with a tour guide is highly recommended.