Kansas State Capitol Building
Kansas State Capitol Building
4.5
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Built in 1866, the Capitol building contains magnificent artwork, including murals by native-born artist John Steuart Curry, ornate architectural features and elaborate Senate and House Chambers.
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- Tim TCrossville, Tennessee60 contributionsKS State Capitol building is a must-see!The history tour and dome tour were both awesome (although the dome tour is not for everyone due to the 296 steps up and down). You see the Senate and House chambers as well as the former Supreme Court room which is now used for committee meetings. Our excellent tour for both tours was Darren who was outstanding!Visited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 5, 2024
- AmarilisVosJabbeke, Belgium2,480 contributionsNice buildingWe visited this State House on June 12. There is free parking under the State House. You have the option to visit the State House with a guide. In the auditorium there is a film about the construction and renovation of this State House.Visited June 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten July 17, 2024
- NemoTravelerAarhus, Denmark906 contributionsDome tourThe Kansas State Capitol is situated downtown Topeka. A good underground parking garage is located on 8th Avenue. Tours are available Monday through Saturday and as we visited on a sunny and clear day we chose to take the dome tour. It is not an easy tour with about 300 steps to the top and steep, narrow stairs, but climbers are rewarded with some excellent views of the inner and outer domes. Also the views of the Topeka area from the top were very good. Our excellent guide did a great job giving interesting details about the Capitol. We would have loved to also take a historic tour to see more of this beautiful building, but unfortunately our timetable made this impossible. Instead we took a self guided tour enjoying some of the highlights.Visited September 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten September 29, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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newengland50
Franklin, MA442 contributions
Jun 2019
The State Capitol Building was fully renovated and it's a great and beautiful place to visit. One tour is a walking tour of the building. The guide was knowledgeable about the building's history. It was an informative and enjoyable tour.
The second tour was a bit more adventuresome and fewer people took it. It included climbing stair to reach higher into the building and to see more of its structure. Then, we reached a point where some people decided not to go further. We climbed steel stairs that rose high above the interior dome (see photo). If you fear heights, the second portion of this tour is definitely not for you. Next, we reached the top of the building and had an opportunity to go outside (it's safe) and see a high, panoramic view. It was spectacular and worth the climb.
Both tours are free. There is also a nice little store.
The second tour was a bit more adventuresome and fewer people took it. It included climbing stair to reach higher into the building and to see more of its structure. Then, we reached a point where some people decided not to go further. We climbed steel stairs that rose high above the interior dome (see photo). If you fear heights, the second portion of this tour is definitely not for you. Next, we reached the top of the building and had an opportunity to go outside (it's safe) and see a high, panoramic view. It was spectacular and worth the climb.
Both tours are free. There is also a nice little store.
Written January 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for visiting!
Written February 7, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
bustrorl
Leawood, KS580 contributions
Sep 2020 • Friends
What a Beautiful historic building in Topeka Kansas. The hand-painted ceiling is amazing and definitely worth seeing in this historic capital building. Well worth the visit.
Many of the businesses surrounding the capital are gone which is a shame. We had to leave the area to find a restaurant. I cannot recommend visiting the Kansas state capitol building more it is a must see in Topeka Kansas
Many of the businesses surrounding the capital are gone which is a shame. We had to leave the area to find a restaurant. I cannot recommend visiting the Kansas state capitol building more it is a must see in Topeka Kansas
Written September 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lauren Z
Topeka, KS3 contributions
May 2020
We had the time to tour this Capitol Building. Glad we did. The remodeling was carefully creative to bring the feel back to when it was built. There are several tours to chose from...and one to walk up to the top!
Written May 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for visiting!
Written May 29, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Doug F
Middletown, NY627 contributions
Nov 2022
This is an enjoyable attraction to visit. First, entry is through the Visitor Center which is located under the plaza of the Capitol Building. The Visitor Center is the starting point of the tours. The most elaborate and challenging tour is the Dome Tour. This includes climbing stairs to the top of the dome. These stairs are narrow and steep; it is a challenge to complete this tour. The second tour excludes the dome tour and walks through the first five floors of the Capitol Building. The last tour is the self-guided tour. We completed the self-guided tour.
Surprisingly, the self-guided tour allowed us to roam, at our leisure throughout the building. We sat in the Senate and House Chambers and observed the murals and exhibits on the first five floors. Being that the legislature was not in session, we were probably allowed this access to the building. The ground floor was impressive. The large stones of the foundation, of the Capitol, are clearly visible. The architecture of the building is impressive.
We enjoyed the tour and would recommend it to others.
Surprisingly, the self-guided tour allowed us to roam, at our leisure throughout the building. We sat in the Senate and House Chambers and observed the murals and exhibits on the first five floors. Being that the legislature was not in session, we were probably allowed this access to the building. The ground floor was impressive. The large stones of the foundation, of the Capitol, are clearly visible. The architecture of the building is impressive.
We enjoyed the tour and would recommend it to others.
Written December 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hrobinson1114
Nashville, TN5,779 contributions
Aug 2022 • Solo
First, I am OBSESSED with the Kansas Capitol dome. Topeka may tie Albany as my favorite Capitol building.
First, this building has a unique limestone foundation that’s cool to see. And second, their rotunda is gorgeous. So many photo ops. And the Kansas state building has something that you might not see anywhere else: an outside dome beyond the inside dome.
I took the historical tour and the tour that allows access to the outer dome. The outer dome tour is 260 winding, narrow steps with no air conditioning, but again, unsure you’ll see anything else like it.
I had the same guide for both tours and she was knowledgeable and nice. She also encouraged us to stop and rest and to go at our own pace on the steps up.
There are many cool artifacts concerning Kansas. Some beautiful murals and statues. You can see the house and senate chambers. People are essentially allowed to roam the building freely, at least when congress isn’t in session.
If you’re near or in Topeka, this is a must do. A midway point between my initial stop in Abilene and my destination of Kansas City, MO.
First, this building has a unique limestone foundation that’s cool to see. And second, their rotunda is gorgeous. So many photo ops. And the Kansas state building has something that you might not see anywhere else: an outside dome beyond the inside dome.
I took the historical tour and the tour that allows access to the outer dome. The outer dome tour is 260 winding, narrow steps with no air conditioning, but again, unsure you’ll see anything else like it.
I had the same guide for both tours and she was knowledgeable and nice. She also encouraged us to stop and rest and to go at our own pace on the steps up.
There are many cool artifacts concerning Kansas. Some beautiful murals and statues. You can see the house and senate chambers. People are essentially allowed to roam the building freely, at least when congress isn’t in session.
If you’re near or in Topeka, this is a must do. A midway point between my initial stop in Abilene and my destination of Kansas City, MO.
Written August 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RetiredTravelerTN
Nashville, TN3,994 contributions
Jun 2023
We enjoyed a great tour of the Kansas State Capitol Building that has been magnificently restored in recent years. Our guide was perfect in both timing and information as she led us through the building explaining the history of the building and state, the murals and other art works, and architectural features.
We stayed a little more than two hours spending a little time on our own before the tour and then retracing our steps through parts of the building for more photos after the one-hour tour. This stop was one of the highlights of our recent trip to eastern Kansas.
We appreciated the good information on the capitol website about the building, hours, driving directions, and parking.
We stayed a little more than two hours spending a little time on our own before the tour and then retracing our steps through parts of the building for more photos after the one-hour tour. This stop was one of the highlights of our recent trip to eastern Kansas.
We appreciated the good information on the capitol website about the building, hours, driving directions, and parking.
Written July 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DustyBuck
Tucson, AZ157 contributions
Aug 2023
This is a beautifully restored state capital that is worth taking a tour of. You can go with a tour guide or take a self-guided tour. If you can climb 296 steps and are not afraid of heights, the dome tour is spectacular. You get to see the construction of the inner dome and go outside near the top of the outer dome. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and full of all sorts of stories about the capital. Two people in our tour stopped partway and waited for the rest of us. Be aware the dome can get quite warm in the summer.
Written August 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chuck Olexik
Raleigh, NC116 contributions
Oct 2024 • Couples
We thoroughly enjoyed touring the Nebraska State Capitol. The free tours are conducted hourly (except at noon) and afterwards you may roam the accessible areas further including the 14th floor observation deck. As Nebraska is the only state that only has one legislative body, the story behind it is very interesting. The docents are extremely knowledgeable and can seemingly answer any questions posed. The tours last an hour and you may want to look for another half hour or so. Recommend entering at the top of the stairs at the main entrance on the front of the building facing the Capitol Fountain across K street. The information booth where the tours start is immediately to your right upon entering. If you want, you can walk around the entire building on the ‘patio’ that surrounds it. That will give you a firm grasp as to the enormity of this magnificent structure.
Written October 9, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mixa's Travels
Oldsmar, FL4,148 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
We took the History Tour at 11:00AM with Darren then returned for the 1:15PM Dome Tour with Darren. On the History Tour, we learned about the Capitol, the time to build it over many years. We ad views of the murals that depict Kansas over the years from Spanish Explorers to Lewis & Clark to the Chisholm Trail to Trains and more. We visited the Senate, the House of Representatives, the Supreme Court (initially in the Capitol now in Judicial Building). We learned about the Dome, the murals in it and various aspects of it.
On the Dome Tour - we first saw various murals and learned there history on the fifth floor. Then the tour begins climbing stairs along the wall to eventually be outside the inner dome and below the outside dome. Here a narrow balcony circles the wall inside the outer dome. From this point there is a stairwell basically suspended from this level to the door then to a tight spiral staircase leading to the Cupola. Here one can actually go outside. I only made it to this balcony as the suspended stairs (with a vertigo issue) did not seem smart. I had been to the top of El Duomo in Florence which was taller but staircase was not suspended. Both tours are terrific- even if you just go to the level before the final staircase it is still good for those who may not want to all the way to the top. We highly recommend these tours.
On the Dome Tour - we first saw various murals and learned there history on the fifth floor. Then the tour begins climbing stairs along the wall to eventually be outside the inner dome and below the outside dome. Here a narrow balcony circles the wall inside the outer dome. From this point there is a stairwell basically suspended from this level to the door then to a tight spiral staircase leading to the Cupola. Here one can actually go outside. I only made it to this balcony as the suspended stairs (with a vertigo issue) did not seem smart. I had been to the top of El Duomo in Florence which was taller but staircase was not suspended. Both tours are terrific- even if you just go to the level before the final staircase it is still good for those who may not want to all the way to the top. We highly recommend these tours.
Written July 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jen
31 contributions
Mar 2023 • Family
Beautiful architecture inside and out. We were there on a cloudy, rainy day, so we spent our time inside. There was construction going on outside, so it may be wise to double check where to park and enter before you go. We did not go on a tour, but if you want to go up in the dome you must. I wish we would’ve gotten there in time for the tour. They were in session, and it was cool getting to see that. The library with the glass block floor is a must see, accessible by a gorgeous iron spiral staircase. I desperately wanted to ride the open cage elevator, but it wasn’t moving and I’m not sure it ever is. It’s a nice quick stop I do recommend.
Written May 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Do the guided capitol tour and the dome tour each take an hour? Or are them combined? What is the total time you need to do both tours?
Written July 11, 2024
Has the capitol reopened to public tours?
Written May 5, 2020
Kansas Historical Society
Topeka, Kansas
Hi, Bill! It is still currently closed to the public.
Written May 6, 2020
Are visitors allowed to climb all the way to the top of the dome?
Written January 17, 2017
A Tripadvisor member
Topeka, Kansas
On the guided tour, yes. The spiral staircase takes you all the way to the outer dome.
Written January 17, 2017
8-5 Monday Friday and mornings on Saturday but dome tours only on weekdays....about six tours each day from 9:15 and the every hour after that.
Written July 12, 2015
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