wisconsin state capitol

Made a quick stop while in town to check out the build. My girlfriend and I didn't plan on going on a tour because of the sort time we had to spend at the building. When we asked the older gentlemen at the front desk where the bathroom was he provided some great help. He was really friendly and offered to give us a quick tour in the "coolest" meeting room we will ever see. He was very knowledgeable and loved his job. The only down fall about our trip was that we currently have the worse mayor ever elected in office.

Walking around the capitol creates a feel of history and strength. I felt very safe during my walks and had a chance to look at the detail of a beautiful State Capitol.

We visited the capitol with a traveling choir and very much enjoyed the free guided tour. We were also fortunate enough to speak with a representative who had obtained a permit for us to sing in the Rotunda. Wow...that was amazing. With the height of the dome and the many solid surfaces, the sound in that space was spectacular.The building contains some exceptional murals, very ornate stairwells, and even cool doorknobs...check them out. There's also some great history in the building and several firsts (house was first legislative body in the world to use electronic voting, etc.). If you are in the area and have an hour, take the tour and bring your camera. If you are a touring choir, this is a must stop. Get a permit and see how you sound in the rotunda!

It's a hunt, up by the museum, but you can again get up inside that railing WAY up in the dome. If you get vertigo, don't go. Limited hours during the day, check the website.

FREE tour, available on Saturdays and Sundays! I believe it is also open to tours during the week. A small table in the main vestibule has Wisconsin souveneirs and free encyclopedic "Blue Books", which describe detailed demographics about the Badger State.The architecture of this c. 1916 structure is amazingly ornate, with murals and stone from around the world! Be sure to look for the hidden fossils impregnated into some stone surfaces!

I was disappointed after reading a lot of reviews about the beautiful views from the observation deck when I was told that they couldn't get anyone to shovel the snow so the deck is closed during the winter. I enjoyed walking around the building, and there was a nice display of art from Madison students, but didn't get the tour which is supposed to be good as well. I wish I'd come in the summer!

I'm honestly not a huge "history buff" but this place was really amazing to see. Beautiful, ornate, so much history -- plus within walking distance of many delicious restaurants, awesome pubs, and fun shops!

I've been here several times. The tours are free. The best part is going up to the top of the observation deck and walking around on the outside and you don't have to go on the tour to experience this. Best views of Madison.

Easily one of the most beautiful state capitol buildings, Wisconsin's State Capitol is a huge source of pride for any Wisconsinite. It is especially nice to visit on a Saturday morning in the summer when the Madison Farmer's Market circles around the capitol lawn.

Incredible architecture. The first time I walked in and saw the dome, it was truly amazing.If you have time I would definitely recommend the tour. In the summer, make sure you go up to the outdoor observation deck that over looks the city with 360 degree views. Great place to take the kids and explore the building. If you go on a Sat., take in the huge farmers market that is all the way around the capital.

Absolutely worth your time if you're in Madison! Spend 15 minutes or 4 hours. You HAVE to walk to the middle of the main floor rotunda and look up. 2nd tallest dome in the US. Liberty on the outside top of the dome faces Washington, DC. Enjoy the amazing mozaics, the marble from all over, the clever clear tiles that allow natural light to penetrate to deeper hallways. If time allows, definitely take a guided tour to see more rooms, including the Supreme Court, Executive meeting rooms, and Senate and Assembly Chambers. (Call (608)266-0382 for more info or visit the excellent website.) If weather permits and you're physically able, climb through the building up fairly steep stairways to the first balcony (access to the higher other two is not allowed). On your way, you'll be treated to a very cool historical museum that shares interesting facts and perspectives of Madison, WI and the building itself. The views from atop this outdoor balcony are really spectacular! Very family friendly, but it is a government building (some business is likely going on somewhere in there). :-)

Beautiful architecture, laid back atmosphere. Impressive and awe inspiring. Could use a little more historical narrative.

My granddaughters enjoyed the zoo on a hot summer day. Mom, girls, and grandmother had a wonderful time. Your family will too.

Come visit our Capitol and City.The best time to visit is summer or fall and make sure you can stay for Saturday Farmers Market!

Truly a gem and the fact that Madison has an ordinance limiting the height of other buildings ensures that it's presence will be forever seen by all of Madison! I admit I am prejudiced, my son married his gorgeous wife in the Assembly chambers! What a remarkable day that was for all. You must take the tour if you visit Madison, then you too will be awed!