Colorado State Capitol

Free to enter and visit, good place for kids to understand the government structure and how it works. The museum in the top is great and has lots of educational information. There is also a tour to go up to the dome, but needs to reserve in advance although it's free. A very typical state capitol in US and worth to visit.

All tours of Denver should start here. We arrived and were allowed to join a tour that had already started which was nice. The tour moved along at a good pace. My main comments are: 1. The guides should dress in a uniform as the women did in the 1950s, in the state flag colors. It would make it more special. 2. Mr. Brown's Attic, a large long room with poster boards on the walls telling the history, before one goes up to the dome, but which anyone can walk up to even if not on a tour, has great info, and we read every word, and spent maybe 30 minutes in this. 3. They should colorize the B&W photos as I did here with one. 4. They should redo the photo on the dome veranda looking west, which is old and faded, and have lines pointing out differences from then and now. It is poor that they can't allocate money to this. We were there from 12:30 until 2 p.m., but took lots of time. You can see everything without being on a tour, except going up in the dome, but if you are in Mr. Brown's Attic, from where a door goes to the stairs to the dome, you could probably ask a tourguide to tag along and he would say yes.

The Colorado State Capitol is a true gem, steeped in a rich and captivating history that dates back long before it became a state in 1876. This magnificent building, with its stunning Beulah Rose Onyx walls and Colorado Granite and Marble, stands as a testament to the state's remarkable past. The Capitol's architecture is simply breathtaking, with every detail meticulously crafted to transport visitors back in time. As you step inside, you can almost feel the weight of history pressing against the walls, inviting you to uncover the countless stories that have unfolded within these hallowed halls. The Ute Indian and Southern Ute Indian history is intricately woven throughout the building, reminding us of the indigenous peoples who once called this land home. The state flag, with its striking representation of the sky, snow, rocks, and sun, serves as a vibrant symbol of Colorado's natural beauty and cultural heritage. The government's annual session from January to May adds a dynamic energy to the Capitol, as lawmakers gather to shape the state's future. The Hall of Presidents, with its impressive collection of portraits, offers a glimpse into the political leaders who have guided Colorado's journey. While the temporary removal of the 45th and 47th Presidents' portraits may have sparked some curiosity, it only serves to highlight the Capitol's commitment to preserving its rich history and honoring the diverse perspectives that have shaped the state. Visiting the Colorado State Capitol is a truly immersive experience, where you can feel the weight of history and the pulse of the present intertwine. Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply someone seeking to deepen your understanding of this remarkable state, a visit to the Capitol is a must-add to your Denver itinerary. As I reluctantly depart this impressive landmark, I'm left with a profound sense of appreciation for the enduring legacy of Colorado. Though my journey has come to an end, the memories and lessons I've gained will forever enrich my understanding of this great state. The Colorado State Capitol is a true gem, and I highly recommend it to anyone seeking to explore the depth and diversity of this remarkable place.

They offer free 1-hour tours starting at 10 am. If you're into US history and inspired architecture, this is a worthwhile tour. They talk a lot about the different branches of capitol: senate, house, executive. When I went, the legislative process was in session, so I got so see legislature convene to consider bills. The tour also gives you access to the golden dome at the top which gives you a 360-view.

Hello Denver! What a majestic place you are. Here, bright sunshine often gives way to sweet, short rain showers, creating a dynamic sky. Historic buildings stand proudly alongside modern architecture, and art splashes color everywhere you look. It's a truly beautiful, clean city with refreshing air quality, and the lush green of the abundant trees is a sight to behold. Denver is an absolute must-see, even if it's just for a once-in-a-lifetime visit.

Beautiful building with impressive architecture, classic and grand without being overdone. It’s a great place to walk around, take photos, and enjoy a bit of history in the heart of Denver. I visited in late April and was surprised by a light snowfall - picturesque, but I do wish the weather had been a bit warmer.

I had lived in Denver for years, close to two decades, and always driven by the capital with thoughts of taking a tour... one of these days. And, it really is silly that it took me so long to put my name on the line for one of the daily free tours. Colorado really has such a wonderful Western, independent spirit. The tour was not only decent with the history of the building and the culture which is Colorado, I learned some things contributed by this state that I didn't know. Like, did you know that the song "America the Beautiful" was a poem written by English professor Katharine Lee Bates after climbing Pikes Peak? Did you know Colorado was really active in the women's suffrage movement? There's plenty more to say about this fair state and the house that leads it, but I'll let ya'll learn for yourselves. The view from the top is also soooo very TOPS, well worth the tour just to take in that vista.

My visit to the Colorado State Capitol was an unforgettable experience. As I approached the building, its neoclassical architecture, with its grand columns and golden dome, instantly captured my attention. The Capitol’s striking appearance against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains was breathtaking. Inside, the Capitol exuded both elegance and history. The ornate interiors, including the impressive rotunda and intricate ceiling murals, created a sense of grandeur and reverence. I was particularly fascinated by the 24-karat gold leaf that adorns the dome, making it shine brilliantly in the sunlight. The guided tour was exceptional, providing fascinating insights into Colorado’s history and the workings of its government. Exploring the legislative chambers and learning about key moments in Colorado’s development was both enlightening and engaging. The Capitol grounds were equally delightful, with beautifully maintained gardens and statues that reflect Colorado’s diverse heritage. Standing on the steps and taking in the panoramic views of Denver and the surrounding mountains was a highlight of my visit. Overall, the Colorado State Capitol is a stunning blend of architectural beauty and historical significance. It’s a must-visit for anyone interested in the rich tapestry of Colorado’s past and the striking design of its government buildings.

The free state capital tour was great. Very informative. The views from the top were great. Would highly recommend.

Finally checked the Colorado State Capitol off my list. The gold leaf dome shining in the Denver sun was even more impressive in person. I was able to stand on the "One Mile High" step, and took in a perfect view of the Rockies in the distance. Every state capitol has its own vibe and Colorado's definitely didn't disappoint.

We enjoyed our informative tour of the Colorado capital building. Tours are free and meet during the week on the hour. We toured the Senate, Judicial branch, General Assembly and the offices of the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Treasurer. The building, a prominent feature of the Capitol Hill district, is a Neoclassical structure with a gold dome that stands 272 ft tall. It was constructed in the late 19th century & has undergone renovations and restorations throughout its history. Many of the windows are Stained Glass, depicting historical figures and events. The interior is adorned with Colorado Rose Onyx, a marble unique to the state The building has a "Mile High" marker engraved on the West steps, commemorating Denver's elevation of 5,280 feet above sea level. .

One of the most beautiful state Capitol buildings I've been to! Love the history and the architecture. The highlight was taking the free walking tour and being able to go to the top of the building and get a 360 degree view of Downtown Denver. It also happens that the building sits on the mile high marker. Truly breathtaking building that should be a top the list of everyone visiting Denver :)

This is one of the most beautiful buildings I've been in a long while. We didn't have a lot of time so we just walked around on our own instead of going on a scheduled free tour. It was built in the 1890s, and opened in 1894. It's constructed of Colorado White Granite and topped with the gold dome. The gold was added to commemorate Colorado's Gold Rush. The West steps has 3 markers stating the mile high evation status. Two additional markers were added after resurveying with more modern tools. They offer free tours during office hours and you get to go to the dome. Make sure to check the opening hours as it seems to change seasonally. Otherwise, you're free to roam around on your own. The rotunda is gorgeous, I love the big open space. The detail in the architecture is amazing. Even down to the last details around the doors. Such great craftsmanship . It's all wonderful. If you are ever in the area, make sure to get a quick trip in. It is worth every minute. Definitely recommended!

If you have a chance to visit the Colorado State Capitol Building, make sure you take the time to go on one of their free tours! We found it very enjoyable to learn about the history of the state and this building. There is an opportunity to climb up to the top of the dome and walk around to take in the views of the surrounding landscape! It really wasn't too difficult to climb as the tour takes you up a few floors stopping on each one to learn more about the the building and the way the Colorado government works. We were even able to see the Colorado General Assembly in action!. The tour ends at the top of the dome but the guide gives attendees a chance to opt out before the final climb. We felt it was definitely worth going all the way up! On the way, there is another floor to walk around on your own with photos, etc. concerning the building and people important to the state.

For a free tour, it was very informative and entertaining. Matt is great guide. Enjoyed exploring the floors, looking at pictures, and taking pictures. The museum at the top was a real treat. So much more to learn.

I have been to this building a couple of times. I love architecture and this is one of the nicest State Capital buildings that I have seen. It was constructed in the late 1800s and is made of white granite. The golden dome commemorates the Colorado gold rush. I haven't been inside, but the building interior is made of rose-colored marble and has many stained glass windows. There is a hallway inside with painted portraits of every American president. I really enjoyed walking around the Civic Center where the capitol building is located. The landscape surrounding the government buildings is really beautiful. The park has gardens, statues, a Greek amphitheater, a war memorial, and a seal pond. The Civic Center hosts festivals and parades throughout the year. This is a great area to walk around and enjoy, especially when the weather is nice.

I've been to many state capitols and although Colorado's is on the smaller side, it is one of the most elegant. The designer was Elijah Myers, probably the top civic architect of his time. He had previously designed the Texas and Michigan capitols plus many other civic buildings and definitely knew what he was doing. The Legislature provided a budget of $1 million and Myers' design came in at just under that amount. The building was too small from the day it opened in 1894, but it is a gem of civic construction. A committee of major movers and shakers was appointed to supervise construction. The first thing they did was to fire the architect (fortunately he had prepared extremely detailed drawings and specifications). The next move was to upgrade the main construction material from sandstone to granite. The committee proceeded to go way over budget, but manhandled additional appropriations through the Legislature. The architect's fee was a percentage of the total cost, so getting rid of him was probably a cost-saving ploy. The final price was about $3 million. The exterior of the dome is copper. There was general dissatisfaction with its appearance as it weathered, so the dome was covered with gold leaf in 1908. This has been redone several times due to weathering and hail damage. Electricity was not considered reliable in 1894, but with tremendous foresight, all of the fixtures were wired for both gas and electric use. Thus, virtually all of the fixtures in the building have been preserved and are mostly original. A series of huge restoration and systems upgrades have recently been completed after almost 20 years of effort. Major problems with fire safety have been corrected and the legislative chambers restored to their original condition. This is now the only capitol building with a LEED Gold certification. This building is really extraordinary. Only about one third of the space is actually occupied by offices and the House, Senate, and Supreme Court chambers. The rest is mostly grand public spaces that are extremely well-defined including the foyers from the main entrances, the grand staircase, the atrium, and the dome. The Supreme Court moved out many years ago and is now in a new judicial building across the street so its former chambers are used for the occasional ceremonial event or large committee meeting. The building is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Visitor Information Desk (north side, first floor) is open from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Free guided tours run on the hour from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. They leave from the information desk and are limited to 30 people, first come, first served. The tours take about an hour and do include a visit to the dome which offers spectacular views of the city and the Rocky Mountains. The stairs to the dome begin in Mr. Brown's Attic (Henry Brown donated the building site in 1868), an interesting space wedged between the skylights of the two legislative chambers. This is filled with a number of exhibits about the construction of the building and the State of Colorado. There are also numerous windows that provide a good look at the internal construction of the building. Visitors are welcome to take self-guided tours, including this space. You can see the entire building, walking around by yourself, except for access to the dome. Please note, if you're visiting from out-of-town, that the building is not open on weekends. Elevators only go to the third floor. It's 99 steps from there to the dome. The formal entrance at the west exterior staircase is not open to the public. There's an accessible public entrance on the south side facing 14th Avenue, under the staircase, and another public entrance on the north side facing Colfax Avenue, up the stairs. The annual legislative session is 120 days, from early January to early May. Visitors cannot access the main floor of the Senate and House chambers during this time, but there are large observation balconies in each chamber that provide a good view.

This place was pretty cool. I have never visited a state Capitol building. The security guard lazy was so nice, like really nice! She deserves a raise. She's so patient and so knowledgeable about everything in that building. We got there too late to go to the top of the dome. But everything in there is free to visit. They also have a candy food drink gift shop. I really enjoyed touring this state Capitol. It was really cool!

This is Colorados state capitol located in Denver. It is beautifully preserved and great for first time visitors to see.

This may be the smallest capitol building that we have visit. We arrived 3:45 pm. The building close at 5 pm. The guided tour is over by that time. We just roam the building by ourselves. The entrance is the ground floor on the south entrance. You will need to go through the metal detectors. From the ground floor we took the elevator to forth floor. We were able to visit the house chamber. The senate chamber is close. The top of the dim also close for visit. The president pictures display on one of the floor. I like the grand staircase. It is beautiful. The dome is a bit small. Overall is a good visit.

The Capitol building is open from 7:30am to 5:00pm Monday through Friday. Free guided tours are available at 10am, 11am, 12pm, and 1pm, and are first come, first serve. Guided tours include a trip to the Dome observation deck. Guests are also welcome to self guide through the building as well, but please note, the dome is not accessible except on guided tours. We had a guided tour with Amanda, who was very passionate about her job and the tour. The superstructure of the building was constructed using granite from the Aberdeen Quarry near Gunnison, Colorado. Approximately 280,000 cubic feet or 24,000 tons of the granite were quarried for the building. This gray granite forms the exterior of the building. The interior of the building uses a large amount of Colorado Rose Onyx, a rare rose marble from a quarry near Beulah, Colorado. The amount used in the building consumed the entire known supply. White Yule Marble from the quarries near Marble, Colorado was also used throughout the capitol for the floors. Many designs have been found in the marble including an image resembling George Washington and another of Molly Brown. Many of the windows are made of stained glass, depicting people or events related to the history of Colorado. The halls are decorated with portraits of every president of the United States, with all the presidents from George Washington to George W. Bush being painted by Lawrence Williams. Painter Sarah A. Boardman took over from Williams, and has since painted Barack Obama, Donald Trump, and Joe Biden (in progress) as well. The guided tour was great and definitely worth it, to learn a bit more about Colorado history.

This is a beautiful historical building. We went in and walked around as a self guided tour. The inside and outside were all spotless clean . The meeting room , portraits on the wall , the monument outside were all interesting . It was a nice capital building.

Well, the outside of the building is need of some upkeep....weeds... dirty.....area needs some TLC... closed on the weekends so I can't comment on the inside.... All of downtown needs to be cleaned up.....really didn't feel safe in this area... Sorry, but as a visitor I need to feel Safe...

PROS: this is an amazing capital building. The architecture is beautiful and the building itself looks as historic as it is. The staff is very nice and they allowed you to enter the conference rooms to an extent. It's also free CONS: hardly any street parking around the building and it's tough to find the entrance since there are entrances on each side of the building, but only one do they allow you to enter OVERALL: if you're looking for a government and historic style building to tour look no further. And spend some time on the Civic center park lawn before or after going

Went on a tour of Colorado State Capital building with is right down the street from where my daughter lives. I had just missed the tour but could walk around the building on my ours. Sargent Darrell really provided a private tour of the Capital. Since I'm a person that loves to eat, the first thing I noticed while at the first location is the penny candy machines in the back with a variety of goods. I forgot to take a picture of them, but I asked if the elective officials have snacks. Yes!!!! That is so funny. You can walk around the Capital just about anywhere. I saw a lot and learned a lot. Ten stars.

Visiting the state capitol building was high on our list, and I ended up planning to visit on the same day we went to the Molly Brown House and to Jelly Cafe for lunch, both very close and it worked out great. We parked on the street, there's lots of metered parking and it was easy to find a spot. I did not like that I could not schedule a guided tour in advance; once again we arrived right after opening and the earliest available time was hours away. It's not feasible to sit and wait for hours or double back usually. So we ended up not going on the whole guided tour and instead signed up for an abbreviated tour that just goes "straight to the top of the dome". The building itself is beautiful and it has some cool history, like twelve thousand people came to the building for Buffalo Bill's funeral, some standing outside in the snow for 6 hours to pay their respects. The rose granite is also beautiful, although a bit sad to look at it and know that they mined it to extinction to build the building. The climb to the dome is hard--online they describe it as a 100 step climb. It's actually 174 steps. That's about 15 floors of stairs. I was all ready to do 100 steps, but when we got to 100 and we were only half way there I was rethinking it. There are no elevators. Is it doable? Sure, it was the equivalent of a hard workout. Was it pleasant? It was not. There were some older individuals who were really huffing and puffing and I wouldn't bring anyone with asma or COPD, etc. Deducted a star for not being able to book online and plan accordingly; deducted a star for adding 74 steps not in the description.

Everything presented here is an accurate and true experience I had here on April 23, 2023. I've been hesitant to share this experience because I think it's important to process and digest before sharing. My early spring day started like any other - I went to an indoor volleyball competition. Because of that, sand went inside deep crevices of my pants. Since the wedgie incident of 1999 (I won't go into it here as I want to keep this focused) I don't wear underwear. So, when I arrived at the park on the aforementioned date, I was struggling with debilitating chafing. My private areas felt raw and red, and I knew I needed to give the area attention. The people of the Capitol building pointed me towards a large grouping of porta potties. When I entered one, expecting the best, I removed my thick jeans and sat down. I would have never been expected what would come next. Pants off, I noticed a faint buzzing noise. Before I knew it I was swarmed by bees. Chafing quickly became swollen sores. I soon realized that my vegan crotch deodorant was the culprit. As my buttocks bled from the sand paper taint denim dilemma, I wept over the distant sounds of Phoebe Bridgers performing live. "I have emotional motion sickness" -- shut the hell up Phoebe. Have you ever experienced a swarm of a thousand bees while a port o potty tips over due to a rough nudge of a equine police patrol? I waddled out of this thing covered in the worst scents I've ever experienced. A Huckleberry brownie color palette. I'll be haunted by it for the rest of my life. When I crawled from the port-o-potty (I do have to give credits to the Capitol police for hauling in the jaws of life to wrench me out of the chamber of doom), I was dealing with both the original chaffing, but also a much newer dilemma - the experience of being covered with the shit of 246 other outdoor toilet users. When I requested a shower at the Capitol I was turned away, and harshly. And for that, I won't be returning to the Capitol.

I did a really bad job at planning my Denver trip. Had I done a better job, I would've found out that the Capitol is closed on weekends (as is expected from government facilities) and would've worked the tour into our itinerary upon arriving into the Denver area. So instead we did the tourist-y thing and took pictures outside. The highlight was getting a picture on the step that marked 5,280 feet or one mile above sea level. Woohoo, official welcome to the Mile High City! The park and areas surrounding the Capitol building are lined with lots of homeless folks, who weren't necessarily threatening in any way, but also didn't make it the most pleasant area to hang around.

Our goal is to take our boys to all 50 states and visit state capitals, and their buildings. Sorry to say The outside of the building is so depressing, they don't keep up the maintenance, or the landscaping. The inside makes up for the shortcomings of the outside. The cool thing since covid restrictions have been lifted there are tours all the way to the attic.

On Friday, July 5, the website listed the opening at 7:30 am so I planned my morning accordingly; do the tour and go to nearby museums that opened at 10:00 am. I got there at 7:30 and tried 3 doors which were all locked. No signs at any except one saying locked go to south entrance. Even at the south entrance, there were no signs welcoming visitors. There happened to an employee who told me it was closed today. There needs to be more signs with arrows directing visitors to the entrance. Who knows which way is south?

I am certain that the architects of the Colorado State Capitol, the men who quarried the granite, hauled it here, carved it and placed it, the sculptors of the toppled bronzes, and all the other laborers, artists, and artisans who created this magnificent edifice would be thrilled if they could see the love and respect with which their artistry and hard labors are being treated by the current citizenry of Colorado. Mayor Federico Pena said "Imagine a great city." I'm still imagining.

Love exploring state capitals. While this isn't my absolute favorite, it is quite lovely inside. I like to wander around and do my own self-guided tour, so I did just that. While I didn't visit the dome, I did visit Mr. Brown's attic, which is a museum of sorts. Lovely architecture. Friendly staff. Nice walk on a brisk day.

When you visit Denver, I highly recommend making it to the 15th step of the Colorado State Capitol Building. This is the famous step that marks one mile above sea level at a 5,280 elevation. When I visited Denver I made it to the Mile High step. And so did several other tourists. This is a popular spot where people frequently have their picture taken above the words, "One Mile Above Sea Level." I'd have to patiently wait my turn to have my picture taken above those words. The picture is below. The One Mile Above Sea Level step is also an opportunity to take in the Rocky Mountains from Denver. Outside my hotel window this was the first time that I saw the Rocky Mountains from Denver. The State Capitol Building is part of the Denver Civic Center Historic District. The State Capitol is historic and interesting. It was built in the 1890s, then opened in November 1894. Elijah E. Meyers designed the Colorado State Capitol Building to resemble the United States Capitol. However, there were some differences. The Colorado State Capitol Building is constructed of Colorado White Granite. The gold dome includes real gold leaf. Thousands of miles west of the United States Capitol, the Colorado State Capitol's dome celebrates the Colorado Gold Rush. I'd spend time by the west-facing side of the Colorado State Capitol Building taking in the architecture and statues. Just like Washington DC, the Capitol Building anchors a mall. In Denver the mall is called Lincoln Memorial Park east of Broadway and Civic Center Park west of Broadway. Standing at the opposite end of the mall, is the Denver City and County Building. After taking in the state capitol building, I walked further into the mall taking in distant views. My favorite close up view is the Veteran's Memorial with the State Capitol Building. The Colorado State Capitol Building with both Lincoln Memorial Park and Civic Center Park was worth the few hours of time. Having my picture taken on the Mile High Above Sea Level step made it really worth it. I am concluding this review with the exact words I led it off with, "When you visit Denver, I highly recommend making it to the 15th step of the State Capitol Building."

There's definitely some competition going on for which state has the nicest and most majestic Capitol building. Colorado's capitol in Denver definitely ranks towards the top as one of the best of the 19 I have seen and reviewed so far. The building has a large grassy mall area that faces the City/County building for Denver. Between the two of them, there's definitely some "National Mall" feeling going on. Stunning. There was some sort of fund raising band thing going on here today, on both sides of the building. The building was constructed in the 1890s and was opened for use in 1894. You'll want to keep your eye out for the step that says "One Mile Above Sea Level" and the two others. Oops. Bummer again that it's not open on weekends.

Early in the morning, my mom and I visited the one mile above sea level stairs, and decided to go into the building and look at it. We found out there were free tours offered as well. The tours offer a chance to go up to the rotunda, where there is an exceptional view of the city and mountains. We decided to come back later for the tour. I think tours are offered multiple times a day and usually on the hour. We went back for a later tour and the intern who did the tour was great. The architecture in the building is wonderful, and the information given on the tour was great. When we walked up to the rotunda, it was breathtaking. I would definitely suggest to at least wander in this Capitol and look at the different elements. If you have time, take the tour. It offers the magnificent views, and the museum upstairs.

I have lived in Denver for eight years and very much enjoyed my first visit. Took a Thursday Afternoon Group Tour of the State Capitol. Climbed to the top floor of the Dome for some amazing views. Learned a lot about Colorado's state history, the creation and upkeep of the building, the importance of most of the face portraits scattered throughout, and a viewing of the House of Representatives and Senate Rooms.

Something missed last trip but caught this time to Denver. What a great building. From the gold dome(yes, real gold) to the ornate interior this place is opulent. There is abundant marble gracing the floors and walls and ornate handcrafted wooden doors & frames. Polished brass rails, spectacular chandeliers hanging from ceilings, palatial marble pillars and a magnificent grand staircase with marble stairs and brass railings. Can't forget the art deco style elevators. If you like late 19th - early 20th century architecture this is your place. There are other things to see: The State House & Senate galleries are open to visitors. I visited during the recess period, so I don't know the policies when the Houses are in session. You may want to check before hand. Plan to spend time there - we got there an hr before closing and missed out in quite a bit. They offer tours on a first come basis. Two in the morning and two in the afternoon. With all the brass that needs polishing I'm trying what the annual brasso budget is!

Great facility that has regularly scheduled guided tours. You can go up in the dome and walk around the outside and see a beautiful view of Denver. Has a mini-museum to visit on the inside as well.

It's Beautiful, even looks better when you go inside. I didn't expect a State Building to have this Royal look to it . There is a man playing piano in The Senate room. Interestingly, if you visit the President Gallery, there is no Trump portrait, they still put the year of Obama 2009-blank. Not sure if it's on purpose

The building is amazing but what makes it worth it is the view from the dome. You gotta see the view! The tour guides are a little awkward (i experienced 2 tours) but its about the history. The nice thing is they keep you moving the entire time. There are a lot, A LOT OF STAIRS. So if you have any condition not agreeable to stairs beware.

I was able to get on a 9:30am tour which I was not even aware existed based on the website (online says 10a). You can get into the building as early as 7 for a self-guided tour, but the free 45 minute tours start apparently at 9:30am. The tour guide wasn't the greatest; he seemed nervous and maybe was new at his job. He was hard to understand at times. However, the content of the tour was good. We learned about the construction of the building, its history and what offices were housed in the capitol. We got to go into the Senate and House of Representative lobbies as well. The coolest part for me was getting to climb 90 steps into the dome of the building. From the dome you can see the mountains. You have a great view of the city and the guide did a good job walking us around the observation deck and describing what was below. The dome can only be accessed via the free tours. I'm a fan of state capitol tours and do them as a travel around the country. This one was shorter than average, but did grant dome access which is a unique feature. While apparently air conditioned, I found the building hot and stuffy.

A very neat government building that offers open exploration and guided tours. The tires only run at ten thirty and three so be sure to be there in time if you want a tour. Otherwise you can self explore the building after checking in through security. There is construction currently going on outside the building so you'll need to enter from there sides, not the front. The do have signage to help guide you around to the right entry. Once inside it's several floors. There Oculus is near and has a mural around the bottom to check out. Be sure to peek into the meeting rooms and see how the house for operate. Overall: A Fun government exploration. Try to hit tour times!

The Capitol Building of Colorado is architecturally stunning and rich with history. For the most part, the capitol building looks exactly as it did when it was built in the nineteenth century. The building was built using lavish materials - the only rose onyx left in the world can be found here in the pillars of the building, and the shining dome that tops this building is made of gold. I came here along with my husband and brother-in-law for a free tour of the capitol building, which run every hour on the hour in June and July. This tour is only offered Mon- Fri and the stated duration is 1 hour. In actuality, our tour lasted around 1 hour and 40 minutes. We arrived for the 10AM tour on a Monday and set off with a small group of about 10 people. Our tour guide, Rick (?), was an older gentleman who volunteered as a docent to share his love of Colorado with visitors. He was full of knowledge. We walked around the building as he pointed out important busts of past governors, artwork, and architectural features of the building, elaborating each facet with a detailed story. After we had seen the old court and legislative rooms, we were passed off to another docent. She was a nice grey-haired lady who wore glasses and had a lot of spunk. She took us up to the dome, which can only be seen on the tour. We enjoyed a fantastic view of the city and eagerly listened as she pointed out nearby buildings and told us about their historical significance. When we had finished our tour of the some, we were free to explore a small museum on the top floor of the building. The Capitol Building of Colorado was truly a sight to see and should be explored by those visiting Denver. It's informative, educational, and totally free! It also made for some great photo ops. :) YELP 100 CHALLENGE 2015: #224

Yes, I do more than drink alcohol and eat decadent meals on my trips... I also visit historical buildings - even if by complete random accident. First day in Denver... walking around, seeing the sites. No plan for anything in particular, but damn... it's hot in Denver in the summer! We desperately needed a place to take recluse from the scorching sun. I didn't realize that you even could go in the Capitol building and then I saw the signs... Hey, I'm always up for a little impromptu tour! What a fantastic building! Had they not been closing in less than an hour, we could have easily spent a couple of hours looking around. Great art, beautiful historical touches (old marble, elevators, etc.) and amazing architecture. It's kind of sad but we were both talking about how they don't build like that anymore and they probably never will in our life time. If you have the time, do the proper walking/historical tour. Overall, a great 2 hour side trip. Also, make sure you check out the outdoors monuments on your way out.

Free Must See Attraction In Denver! My husband and I came to The Capitol on a Thursday (September 17) around 9 am. We parked in the residential area a few blocks away (with a limit of a 2 hour parking... if you choose to park in this area, be sure to keep tabs on your time). After taking a few photos of the Capitol from the outside on the side of the front entrance, we walked through the doors (went through a quick security check... you are allowed to bring in food, your electronic devices, cameras, etc) and walked around. But just as we entered one of the larger rooms, we were fortunate to join a tour with a highly knowledgeable and friendly tour guide (docent?). He just barely began the tour 10 minutes before so we didn't miss too much. Throughout the tour, our tour guide provided some very interesting facts about the capitol and stories that took place at the capitol. One story that I remember was about Governor John Hickenlooper when he came to visit the capitol. The rule for the Governor is that he can only come to the capitol when he is invited (so he can't come whenever he wants). Also when he comes, he must be dressed in formal clothing (which includes in a tie). So one day he was invited to come, in which he was fully dressed appropriately. However the next day he came back, but was informally (without a tie). And so the capitol had to lend him a tie in order for him to enter. Anyways, the highlight of the tour included a visit up to the dome. There are quite a bit of steps to get up here (I don't believe you would be able to view the dome unless you are on a tour) so bring good walking shoes. The stairs to get up is rather narrow as well. But once you make up the stairs and outside, the view is stunning. Yes this is a selfie moment if you are into that and post worthy (on yelp, facebook, instragram, etc). You can see the civic center, the civic center park and so forth. Just a few other fun facts for you before I end this review... The capitol's dome originally was made of copper but eventually changed to gold. Why you wonder? Copper unfortunately oxidizes (exposure to oxygen) and will turn a different color and also become quite corrosive, which would not look fitting for the state's capitol. And so the dome was plated with 24 karat gold that pays tribute to this state's gold rush. Pretty cool huh? And now you know (because the more you know ...). Anyways, if you haven't already, be sure to take some time to visit this fantastic freebie the next time you head out to Denver (or if you live here and haven't already, then you should just go). 1-2 hours is a fair amount of time to allow yourself to soak in some of the culture. By the way, there is a cafeteria in the basement. This is where you can also find the restrooms (be sure to use them before your tour or if you choose to venture off on your own). Also it is worth mentioning that there is free WiFi at the capitol (yes your hard earn tax dollars at work) and also you can find phone chargers down here in the basement in case you need to recharge after taking so many photos.

Take the free tour!!!! You get to go all the way up to the top. Our tour guide wasn't the best. He kept ending each statement with "pretty cool." Actually it was pretty cool.

A MUST see and visit for Denverites, Coloradoans, Transplants and tourists alike!! I made an appointment for the Dome tour and the History Visit of Colorado State Capitol. Indeed it was an enriching visit to know more about Colorado, its history, how Colorado got its name, its Founders and how Colorado has been developing as one of the great States in the US. Indeed the Tour Guide who is assigned to you and your group knows alot about Colorado. He or she is willing to share his or her knowledge and answer your questions relating to Colorado The view when you reach almost to the top of the Dome is so majestic. Colorado State Capitol Building is surrounded with beautiful buildings all around. It WORTH your trip to Colorado State Capitol Building and learn more about Colorado. Please make your appointment early like 2 to 3 weeks before your visit, especially to the Dome Tour coz the Tour only last up to 2 pm each working day, Monday-Friday. This Tour fills up easily. Coz it limits the intake per day. As for the History Tour of the Building you can ask at the Tour Desk counter. All Historic Tours begin at the tour desk located on the east side of the north (Colfax Avenue) entrance on the first floor. They provide hourly tours. Do visit the respective website for further details. http://www.state.co.us/gov_dir/leg_dir/lcsstaff/Scrollpages/TourScroll.htm http://www.state.co.us/gov_dir/leg_dir/lcsstaff/CapitolTour/DomeIndex.htm I cant wait to return to Colorado State Capitol Building for another visit perhaps one day with Sean. Perhaps learn more in depth and take lots of pictures surround this building. Love it! If you are a history buff, this visit is a MUST for your trip! Enjoy :)

Beautiful state Capitol building. Loved the preserved walk down doors around the sides. Read the numerous plaques for a history of the area. The cannons out front weigh so much! Interesting to see their construction. Make sure to get a photo on the mile high step out front!

The capitol was amazing ! We went on a guided tour that was free and the guide was very knowledgeable , answered almost every question, it was very informative and very educational. I was not bored. I would recommend this to be a spot to visit for those interested in learning about Colorado. It seems to be perfect for all ages , however know that it's hard to navigate with strollers , so make sure your little ones can walk or easily carry them. The tour was about 40 minutes. Also know that if you have a mobility disability you can do a majority of the tour, about 90% as there are some steps to navigate if you take a guided tour. There are elevators but only for certain areas. Restrooms are in the lower level only. There are amazing views at the top of the dome in any weather. Dress comfortable as there is not air conditioning in most of the building for those hot days. There is a place to purchase drinks & snacks on the lower level. I could come here over and over to look at the beauty of this building. Makes you proud to live in Colorado!

Tips! 1) Be prepared to go through a metal detector 2)The last tour ended at 3PM 3)The stairs to the top of the dome closed at 4PM. 4) Bring some quarters with you to buy stamps 5) People work here, so be respectful to them! We came in at 3:15pm, so we missed the last tour which is unfortunate because walking around ourselves meant we didn't get to learn anything. We took the elevator to the top level but walked down the stairs because they were just so beautiful. Stop by this place if you are visiting from out of town and need something to do. Enjoy~

On a whim decided to visit the Capitol Building. We were able to take a volunteer led tour. What a wonderful surprise- we not only learned so much about the history of Colorado but we were also able to climb the 90 steps to the top of the building where we were rewarded with gorgeous views. We also were able to sit in the seats of the senate chambers. Craftsmanship in the building included stained glass, carved wood, ceiling molding, marble, wrought iron work- amazing! There is also a museum detailing the history of Colorado and the Capitol building.

This is a beautiful building and a gem of a museum piece , right in downtown Denver . If you haven't been here, the capitol is a treat . The guided tour happens every hour on the hour and is conducted by knowledgable guides who really care about imparting the history and story of the building and its surroundings. You can take an hour to see the tour and soem beautiful sights from the Dome . I would recommend it to any tourist , local or student.

This tour is so much fun! I've been twice and learned so much both times. It's a free tour and the building itself is packed full with history and beautiful design. I have gone with multiple family members from children to my grandmother. Everyone will love it! They have elevators to most parts of the tour but if you'd like to go up in the Dome there are a few flights of stairs. Not bad though, my grandma did it!! It's about 45 minutes and well worth it. Very fun and interesting experience.

This is probably my best steakhouse in town...Just kidding! (Those were the recommended example words for a YELP! post. I love Colorado and I am impressed by Colorado's beauty and city planning. I am writing a review to recommend Denver, Colorado as a world-class business center with room to grow! Our Colorado State government is persevering through challenges and rapid growth with great results.

As long as you don't come inside wearing a tuxedo and claiming that you are the emperor, you can get a nice guided tour of the building. Now sure why you would be so bored in Denver that you would want a tour, but whatever floats your boat and tickles your pickle. The building is very much a landmark in Denver, and I believe on the top step of the building you are officially at 5280 feet... oh yes, now you are really in the mile-high city. For all of you r lushes out there, the top dome of the building is actual 24 karat gold that is supposed to be a celebration of Colorado's Gold Rush days. * Star one is for being a Colorado landmark... With pride ** Bling bling star two is for the gold dome, I like gold, me want to touch *** Top of the world star three is for reaching 5280 feet exactly... So ha on you **** Entertain me star four is for giving tourists something to do that does not include being active in the mountains

I was one of the bored people in Denver who went on the Colorado State Capital Building tour. For individuals and families, you don't need to make a reservation. The tours are available M-F (September-May 9:15 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and June-August 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.) and lasts about 45 minutes. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable. It included early Colorado history, Capitol construction, the lawmaking process, several stained glass windows, Women's Gold Tapestry, presidential portraits and a stop outside the Senate and House of Representatives' chambers. We also saw Bill Ritter, the governor of Colorado. He happened to walk by our tour group. He was nice - he smiled and waved to us. The tour was very interesting. There's a separate tour to visit the capitol dome. You have to call to make a reservation. The dome is beautiful and you can get a nice view of Denver from the top. Be prepared to climb lots of stairs.

Although I typically wouldn't overtly mix my political bias with a review, but when reviewing a government building, it doesn't seem quite as gauche. Nevertheless, there are often efforts to restrict civil liberties; usually with the best intentions (think nanny state), but the end result is the same. Yet, when visiting the capitol you can't help but marvel in the freedom that is taken for granted in the United States which is nearly unthinkable in a number of other countries. Consider: you can walk, unannounced, to the capitol steps and other than passing through a metal detector, stroll straight in and up to the doorway of the offices of any number of state officials. And should you choose to wander in, it's a nice hour or two tour of one of the regional palaces of democracy. There are the obligatory pamphlets describing the material composition of the dome with each state boasting of the mineral wealth of its' region. (And some day I hope to visit the capitol that messes this up: "....and the dome is made up of the finest balsa wood in all of Vermont.....") You can wander around the halls and gaze at the doors of all the different elected officials or even into the senate and house chambers. Pilfered pamphlets describe that these are only in session at the start of the year and during my visit these were empty: plastic preserved the chairs of the legislators. Actually, in this day and age that's probably a mistake. It makes it seem like the officals are all doing nothing, asleep on vacation. I'd certainly be more impressed if the chairs were beat up, coffee stains littered the tables and if one of the representatives was sleeping on the floor. I'd nod and say "those guys are hard at work, best not disturb them." Practically, out of session, the chambers look mostly like a museum. Seeing where they hold press conferences is also interesting. It's held in one of the side halls facing a staircase to the second floor. These look grand on TV, but in person it's a little bit less impressive: there are about 12 plastic chairs and the same AV equipment that you could find in Sheraton Conference Room B. Interesting quirks aside, it's a nice place to visit not only for the brief civics lesson, but also from an architectural point of view. After all, how often do you get to wander up marble staircases?