United States
Vermont (VT)
Montpelier
Things to Do in Montpelier
Vermont State House
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Vermont State House

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See all things to do
Vermont State House
4.5
477 reviews
#2 of 24 things to do in Montpelier
Architectural Buildings • Government Buildings
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Gold dome building located in Montpelier.
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Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
46 within 3 miles
J Morgan's Steakhouse
522
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Three Penny Taproom
382
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Pub
Sarducci's
831
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Bar • Pub
Kismet
180
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
The Skinny Pancake Montpelier
307
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Quick Bites • American • Cafe
Capitol Grounds
158
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Quick Bites • American • Cafe
Wilaiwan's Kitchen
43
0.2 mi$ • Asian • Thai • Vegetarian Friendly
Positive Pie Inc.
293
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Pizza • Vegetarian Friendly
Royal Orchid Thai Restaurant
128
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Asian • Thai • Vegetarian Friendly
Chill Gelato
66
0.3 mi$ • Dessert
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Attractions
23 within 6 miles
Vermont Historical Society Museum
107
480 ftLibraries • History Museums
Pavilion Building
10
0.1 miHistory Museums
Capitol Region Visitors Center
1
0.1 miVisitor Centers
Lost Nation Theater
42
0.3 miTheaters
Hubbard Park
71
0.5 miParks
VT Dept of Tourism & Marketing
12
0.5 miVisitor Centers
Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks
490
2.5 miFarms
Capital City Farmers Market
1
0.7 miFarmers Markets
Bragg Farm Sugar House & Gift Shop
310
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Green Mount Cemetery
2
0.8 miCemeteries
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
477 reviews
Excellent
310
Very good
137
Average
23
Poor
6
Terrible
1
Mark G
Catonsville, MD2,913 contributions
Magnificent
Aug 2022
Montpellier is the smallest state capital city in the country, but we had no idea we would be able to pull up to a parking space right in front of it. That's not going to happen in our capital city of Annapolis.
It is almost park like walking up the steps ascending to this stunning structure. The gold dome caught our eye a 1/2 mile away from the visitor's center. Once at the heavy entrance doors you can turn around for a beautiful view with the fitting statue of Ethan Allen at your side and the goddess of agriculture Ceres high above on the gold dome. The original was built in 1808, the 2nd in 1833 and after the fire of 1857, built in 1859 sits the 3rd building you see today on the site.
We took a tour and the air of reverence in the building was uplifting. The house and senate chambers were incredible, and we saw a good bit of the 1st and 2nd floors. The Cedar Creek reception room was a site to behold with a painting of the battlefield in Virginia that takes up nearly the entire wall. The architecture is wonderful with famed architect Standford White stating that "it was the finest example of Greek Revival architecture in the nation". You could send hours in the capitol looking at all the pictures, reading all the plaques etc.
Written September 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
J W
35 contributions
The most public-friendly state house I've ever seen
Jul 2022
It's a very cute, historic capital, and definitely worth a visit. The grounds are inviting and doesn't feel as detached as many government-owned properties. It had more of a park-like atmosphere with families picnicking, playing frisbee, kicking balls around, people reading books, etc. The doors were open for self-guided tours when we visited. We entered the building five minutes before they were getting ready to close for the day, but the security guard was super nice and said it would be okay to walk around for a few minutes. I'm so glad we got to see the inside. It was neat to see the chambers and all the paintings, especially the the civil war scene that took up an entire long wall of a room.
Written August 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
alan s
44 contributions
Beautiful building in a gorgeous setting!
Oct 2022
Our leaf peeping fall foliage road trip took us through Montpelier and I recalled seeing this beautiful iconic building years ago. It is an elegant gold domed building with hills in the background and vibrant colorful trees in the foreground. It was just gorgeous and well worth the stop!!!
Written October 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
jaybeeFL
Palm Harbor, FL3,123 contributions
Underwhelmed
Aug 2021
Average compared to most state capitols--rather small with a gold dome its only real accentuating feature. The statue of Ethan Allen, leader of the Green Mountain Boys, is somewhat hidden on the front west side of the building. Thought they would give him a more prominent position. Am waiting to see if they fund a much larger, more prominently placed bust, sculpture or monument of Vermont's favorite son BERNIE, BERNIE, BERNIE!!!
Written August 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
USMCRip
Merrimack, NH1,709 contributions
Easy peasy place to visit
Aug 2022 • Couples
It the capital and while parking is readily available you may have to look or be a ways away.
Walking in was so easy and we were greeted by the guard and guides.
There are various choice for tour the building and all seemed to work and be very informative.
You can eat lunch in the restaurant in the building . They have a limited but nice selection of foods and drives for a reasonable price.
Throughly enjoyed our visit and so will you.
Written August 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dewayne P
Elizabethtown, KY1,818 contributions
Charming capitol
Jul 2022
I enjoyed the self-guided tour of the building. Upon entry an information table is set up where I was greeted. They provided a map of the building to explore at my leisure. Free and paid parking is available within walking distance.
Written July 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
David C
Wadsworth, OH3,141 contributions
Smallest one I’ve seen
Dec 2020 • Solo
Montpelier is the most small town capital city I’ve seen. Cute historic buildings, churches, and shops in a small down town/mountain setting. The Capitol building is small. Not much to the grounds. I couldn’t go in but it’s nice to see the state capitals. I parked for free and walked up there. Pretty easy access.
Written December 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
MongoSchwartz
Traverse City, MI642 contributions
Surprising
Jun 2022 • Couples
The capitol is imposing, but, upon entry, intimate.
The building is surprisingly small, almost understated. I don't think guided tours are given, but you don't need one.
This is a refreshing contrast to others of its type.

Written July 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tyson C
San Juan Capistrano, CA494 contributions
Nighttime drive by
Nov 2021
We traveled around New England last year and saw a bunch of state houses. This one we came by at night. It was def cute. I would love to come back during the day as it seemed like a great place. I think I walked up to the front door.
Written March 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
tymetraveler222
Bay City, MI6,811 contributions
Gold Dome a must see....................
We visited the Capitol building of Vermont, located on Montpelier. We thought the gold dome was beautiful and very unique, after having seen many state Capitol buildings. The building is quite simple, with a Greek Rivival architecture , and that just makes that gold dome shine even more! The building itself is constructed of Vermont granite, of course, and has some lovely lawns surrounding it. It was a beautiful fall day that we visited, and many families were using the lawn for picnics, frisbee throwing, and just running around with their children. So, for history lovers, architecture lovers, government/political lovers, this might be a great sight for you to see.
Written October 16, 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Vermont State House, Montpelier

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