Michigan State Capitol

Special visit for me, the 50th state capitol I have visited, a quest since ~1973. It’s heartening to see such a beautiful restoration, and some work still underway to replace/restore the translucent glass tiles of the rotunda floor. The paintings throughout are interesting and beautiful. We took the tour, which is one of the most nicely executed tours in any state capitol, starting in the relatively new underground visitor center with a film presented in the orientation room. Knowledgeable guide, and even a short presentation by a (former?) State Senator on the Senate floor. Michiganders should be proud, all should visit.

It was a Saturday and the State Capitol was closed and did not have a lot of time, but seeing it was first time here, decided to walk around and look at some of the architecture, statues and signage. To read about when the capital was built and restored was very interesting. The grounds around the Capitol are kept very neat. Will definitely come back to spend some more time at Michigan's State Capitol.

We had an amazing time here today! The guide/staff was super friendly and brought my parents a Chinese version of Capitol intro brochure 😊 Mom is especially happy! I learned a lot about Michigan history and how they spent tax-payers’ money 😂

Nice capitol building with public tours. The new learning center gives a good overview of the history of Michigan's capitol buildings (all 3 of them). It was a bit confusing to get down to the visitors center if you enter through the public enterance, but there are enough signs to guide the way. There are guided and self-guided tours available. I did a guided tour which gave good insight as to the history of the building. The guided tours also get to peek inside the governors ceremonial office, which is closed otherwise. Overall a nice way to kill time and learn some Michigan history.

It’s a good time to visit the Michigan State Capitol now with the weather getting better. FYI the guided tours are available Monday through Friday. If you are a larger group it’s recommended to make reservations. The reservations can be made through their official website. They are also open on the first Saturday of each month!

This is a stunning state capitol. The Rotunda is absolutely amazing, and the paint work throughout is great. I'd recommend taking a tour.

⭐️ The Michigan State Capitol Building in Lansing is a stunning architectural gem with rich historical significance. Completed in 1879, it stands as a remarkable example of classical architecture with its striking dome, grand columns, and ornate detailing. The exterior is a harmonious blend of sandstone and limestone, giving it a stately and enduring presence. Inside, the Capitol is equally impressive, with intricate woodwork, beautiful murals, and a breathtaking rotunda that showcases the grandeur of the building. Guided tours offer fascinating insights into Michigan’s history, legislative process, and the building’s restoration efforts. The knowledgeable guides bring the stories of the past to life, making it an educational experience for visitors of all ages. The legislative chambers, with their period furnishings and rich decor, evoke a sense of stepping back in time. The Capitol grounds are beautifully landscaped, providing a peaceful setting for a leisurely stroll. Monuments and memorials scattered across the lawns honor Michigan’s history and those who have served the state and nation. Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply looking for a place to explore in Lansing, the Michigan State Capitol is a must-see. Its blend of history, politics, and artistry makes it a treasure worth visiting.

Our tour guide Jerry is enthusiastic about his job.

This tour was absolutely amazing. They made sure that we knew all of the intricacies of the previous capitals of the state of Michigan as well as the new location and how it evolved overtime. We got to understand how legislation has evolved over time. It assisted with us learning how the sessions of the House and Senate work as well and being able to see the floor and the works spaces. I appreciated all of the knowledge and the tour guide as well. My favorite part is the architecture of the building and the care that was put in everything from the Dome to the doorways to the chandeliers with the state of Michigan animals.

Cool Capitol with a lot of other nice buildings and sites nearby. Across the street from a federal courthouse as well. Check it out if you are ever in Lansing!

We had an escorted tour with May. Outstanding, knowledgeable, personable, accommodating and professional. Highly recommend ! Thanks so much.

This is pretty much the heart of Michigan Government. What a great looking building inside and out. You got to see it, feel it, and touch it to believe it. You can visit the visitor center on the north side of the building, which has some pretty interesting history to explore. We happen to be there on a Saturday for a protest.

Beautiful and historic building! Michigan's third state capitol building designed by Detroit architect Elijah E Myers. Apparently it is recognized for establishing the domed capitol as an American icon, how cool!

Beautiful experience!! The vintage and historical vibes are the best! We watched a movie that has the 30s vibes as well. When i went out after the movie, i felt like I traveled in time. I like this place! I think i will come here again and again. Prices are good too. 10 dollars for adults, 8 dollars with student ID.

Another wonderful state capitol building, surrounded by statues on the grounds, with a large dome that dominates the skyline. Unfortunately, there was some kind of construction going on during my visit that blocks the rotunda, which is one of the best features of the most beautiful state capitols. But I was able to take a tour of the capitol and see the rest of the inside of this stunning building. The Senate and House chambers have ceiling tiles with the seals of each state, which was a particularly nice and unique touch I hadn't seen anywhere else. There are nice portraits throughout the building of past governors and other important state figures. You are basically surrounded by beauty in every room. There are a few state capitols that have it beat on sheer size, but this building should be on your to-do list if you are anywhere near Lansing.

Great tour! Beautiful building and historically accurate. The tour guide, Jacob, knew his stuff.

My husband and I just had the most wonderful art/architectural tour of our gorgeous state Capitol located in Lansing, Michigan. Our tour was done by Anthony, the restoration artist that works at the Capitol. It was an amazing tour, not only did Anthony share the unique beauty of the building but told us how he maintained and repaired things. The Capitol is a beautiful building and the tour with Anthony was one of my favorite architectural tours ever. This is saying a lot as I had a private tour of the Vatican. Thank you Anthony for an excellent tour and keeping our Capitol in pristine condition. We loved the tour learned a lot.

Continuing my collection of state capitols, I stopped by Lansing for my 29th. Sadly, the building was not open for access when I was here. Also, the back side of the structure is undergoing some construction and improvement. But the front? Beautiful. This building is the third to house Michigan's government. The first state capitol was in Detroit, which was the original capital of Michigan. The second building was a simple two-story wooden structure until it was destroyed in a fire in 1882. The current building was started in 1872 and dedicated on January 1, 1879. It is an impressive structure that was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971 and a National Historic Landmark in 1992. [Review 11106 overall, 879 of 2019.]

For the history buff, political junkie, or art/architecture lover, a trip to the Great State of Michigan's Capitol Building would make for a great day date! They offer guided tours or self exploration during business hours, and you can even sit in the gallery during a live House or Senate session to see our legislature at work. There are a number of sculptures outside the building to learn about, and there is a nice courtyard behind the Capitol that takes you all the way to the Hall of Justice if you enjoy walking. Watch for opportunities to explore the Farmers Market on the Capitol Lawn through summer months, and the annual tree lighting ceremony during the Silver Bells in the City celebration before the holidays!

I couldn't find a spot to take a picture of the entire front of the Capitol, which was kind of disappointing. Perhaps it's possible when the trees have no leaves in the winter. Overall, I wasn't very impressed. It was a rather small building and many of the legislators and Governor have offices in nearby buildings. I entered from the ground floor, which seemed to be intentionally drab (it had paint that made the floor look nicer than it was). Instead of waiting for the free guided tour, I took a map/brochure and did a self-guided tour (the map/brochure explains the things on every floor in great details). First floor: view up of the rotunda (cool design, colors, and artwork on the way up), nice designed floor (great color and tile), and glass enclosed flags. Second floor: closed Governor's office (you can view inside if you take a formal tour) and the modern Governor's portraits (Jennifer Granholm and the intentionally uncompleted John Swainson: http://michi101.blogspot.com/2013/09/the-unfinished-legacy-of-john-b-swainson.html). Third floor: House of Reps chamber (cool tiled ceiling), Senate chamber (very comfortable and spacious chairs), and the Michigan's more senior Governor's portraits. Fourth floor: nothing.

All because of the new governor I left the state she made MI unlivable also I don't like the roads power grids system the system the food only thing good about is Tim Hortons mind as well go to Windsor or Sarnia for it taste better also it's expensive too much government regulations to live here the taxes are crazy and I heard it's cheap to live here what a joke worst state I've ever lived in even the restaurants are expensive and they don't taste good

I've never been to Lansing before, let alone the State Capitol. I was passing through on my way to Grand Rapids and made a point of stopping in here for a tour since I figured it was time. The building itself is amazing. It was built in the 1870's and is really beautiful. I entered and waited for my tour to start, which was about an hour long. There are about 5 different levels to the Capitol itself, and we did all but the top floor. The building is really pretty inside and out and has beautiful paintings throughout. We got to see the flags from way back when and learn about the history of the building itself. What really impressed me was some of the more stately offices. Such things as the old Michigan Supreme Court that is now a committee room. The Governor's office furniture over 100 years old that is still used today. Actual legislature's offices with names and what part of the state they are from. My favorite part of the tour was seeing the House of Representatives. It was like being in Washington DC seeing the desks from above. To actually see where laws are changed, passed and made in person is really amazing. It kind of takes it beyond the political yard sign and the voting booth, if you will. The only downside to the whole thing is the parking. It can be problematic and a chore here, from what I found out. Streetside parking is tough, metered and the machines only take quarters. Also, some of them weren't in working order. No credit cards or dollar bills, so come prepared. Also, getting a really good picture of the capital can be tough since trees get in the way, but I got some good shots, so I'm okay. Overall, a must see for anyone young or old. It's not as far from Detroit as I thought it would be and took me a little over an hour to get there. Educational on all fronts. I would love to come back when the Senate is in session so I can see them in action!

Beautifully restored capital in a cute town! This was our 36th Capital to visit and it was a great one. We visited on a Saturday and were able to join a guided tour that is offered on the half hour. The tour guides are well trained and offer a very informational and interesting tour. We visited three levels including the governors office, the house and Supreme Court. The building has been restored to its original 1879 decor. We were able to park close by and tour all within an hour. The legislation meets Tuesday-Thursday and the gift shop is only open during the week. To order Capitol Christmas ornaments visit Capitol.Michigan.gov/shop.

Stephanie is the best tour guide! She will accommodate your school field trip, groups of any size, your family or solo. Be sure to request her and your expectations will be exceeded. Stephanie has one of those smiles that is impossible to miss or forget!

Very nice building! I appreciate the well-kept grounds and the fact that the Dome on the outside is very unique compared to other State Capitol Buildings. This was one of the very few capitols I've been able to enter into without going through a full security scan. Just a guard there nodding hello and pointing you towards the tour desk. They offer tours every half hour from a very friendly group of people. The tour was very informative and I appreciated all they did. The building is very beautiful and I got a lot of good pictures. If you are in Lansing this is definitely a place to visit if you enjoy architecture and history!

I went on a tour with a large group and everyone was friendly and knowledgeable from the minute we entered. Luck was on our side and the tour started shortly after we arrived. Tours are conducted daily and our guide was interesting and engaging. The pacing was great and we learned a great deal about the history of the capital and current operations.

I believe every citizen should visit their state capitol building at least once. Thankfully, the Michigan State Capitol is a gorgeous building. A lot of us probably visited on a field trip as children. I recommend a visit as an adult. They give tours pretty much every weekday. This is a working building, and you never know what you might be able to see. Our tour guide was really knowledgeable, and filled us in on the history of the building. This building was fully renovated in 1992. There were plans at one point to replace it. I'm glad they didn't. The glass floor located in the rotunda is a favorite. Otherwise, there is a ton of architecture and design to be seen here. Plus, the tour is free. FREE. There is no reason not to visit. Don't listen to the review from Dave S. He's probably just jealous that his state isn't as cool as Michigan.

The Michigan State Capitol was the fourth capitol I visited. I was there in the summer of 2002. Now that I've seen quite a few state capitols I'm staring to notice some trends. For one thing, the Midwestern Capitols tend to be really, really ornate. Sometimes to the point of being over the top. The Michigan Capitol is like that. There are some nice touches here and there, and it's a clean, well maintained building, but, like Iowa's Capitol, the Michigan State Capitol is trying way too hard to impress the visitor. Maybe the fact that the Midwestern Capitols tend to be overly ornate almost to the point of tacky says something about the Midwest. Maybe, or maybe not. Either way, the Michigan State Capitol is not quite Victorian, not quite Beaux Arts. It's definitely decorated differently than many of the classic Beaux Arts capitols I've been in. Almost .... Victorian. But not quite. Dark wood panelling fills the common chambers, with ample color so as to avoid monotony. But there are few rooms that really "grab you" and fill you with wonder, like in a lot of other capitols. There seems to be a scarcity of good light fixtures in the Captiol. Many of the rooms seemed overly dark. Maybe the Michigan legislators like it that way so thay can catch a nap between (or during) sessions. Like most Capitols, a lot of thought was given to the view of the inner dome from the rotunda. This is where the Michigan Capitol steps it up a notch. In the middle of the inner dome you've got an oculus set with a simple painting representing a starry sky. The effect is serene, but the rotunda and inner dome are dark. I was there on a bright sunny summer's day, and it felt like midnight in there. The grounds of the capitol also left a lot to be desired. The capitol is just kind of "there," in the middle of Lansing. No real parklike setting to speak of.

Such a beautiful place. Original architecture was amazing. We walked around on our own but they do have free guided tours. Packet gives you information for every floor. It is under construction - so some areas were inaccessible. Would love to come back when they are in session to witness process.

I have been there for a big event every year and it was a great place to visit there is a lot of good chances to get good pictures of the stairs

Lovely building. The lighting was so fabulous and I loved the glass floor. There was a tour going on and my friends and i hooked up with it. It was so interesting. I try to go to every state capitol building when I travel. You learn a lot that way. Plus, you can't beat them. All buildings are really cool and have a lot to offer.