Tour the Michigan State Capitol - Lansing, MI

Lansing is the capital city of the state of Michigan. The current State Capitol is the third of Michigan’s capitol buildings. It is a federal building, open to the public for free tours on weekdays. It opened in late 1878 to much acclaim and was restored to its original splendor in the early 1990’s removing half floors, drop ceilings and layers upon layers of paint which allowed historians and artisans to recreate the original designs. This building is one of the premiere examples in the country of decorative painting. Each year the Michigan State Capitol welcomes over 115,000 people including tourists, schoolchildren, and families.

Tour Hours

Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
First Saturday of each month, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Closed state and federal holidays

Admission

Free

Reservations: Tour reservations are required for groups of 10 or more visitors. Reservations are not required for groups of less than 10 visitors. For those unable to visit in person, Zoom tours are also an option. To reserve a tour call (517) 373-2353 or (517) 373-2348. Learn more about planning your tour.

Last updated March 16, 2026

Don't Miss Checklist

• Eight Figures of Women ("muses"): Depicted in the dome, each representing a field of endeavor important to Michigan’s progress as a state. They represent Fine Arts and Architecture, Agriculture, Philosophy, Science, Law and Government, Industry, Commerce, and Education.
• The Gallery of Governors: A collection of gubernatorial portraits, primarily displayed in the 2nd and 3rd-floor rotunda. These portraits, often featuring symbolic elements representing the governor's legacy (such as the Mackinac Bridge for G. Mennen Williams or green energy for Jennifer Granholm), are traditionally commissioned after they leave office. The main gallery features the most recent 14 governors. Governors typically pay for their own portraits.
• Glass Tile Floor: In the summer of 1878, workers began installing 976 pieces of glass into the new Capitol’s iron rotunda floor frame. According to newspaper reports, approximately 50 tiles could be installed in a day. For the best view of the dome, lie flat on the floor and look straight up—it’s worth it...it's not only allowed, but encouraged.
• Replica Civil War Battle Flags: Find 80 replica Civil War battle flags in the Capitol rotunda. These replicas replaced the originals, which were removed for conservation due to deterioration and are now housed at the Michigan History Museum.

Pro-Tip

Want more history? Don't miss visiting the Michigan History Museum, only 0.6 miles away! Find immersive exhibits of important moments in Michigan's rich history. 

Know Before You Go

Can I visit the top of the dome? 

The dome is not reachable by visitors. While you can't physically visit it, you can take a virtual tour of it with the Michigan Dome Tour. 

When is the best time to take my tour?

Summer is usually a good time to visit if you don’t want to run into the many school groups that visit during the school year. If it's during the school year, it's less crowded after 3 p.m. 

Do I have to schedule my tour with a tour guide?

No, visitors can do self-guided tours as well. You are welcome to take your own self-guided tour. Self-guided tour books are available at the information desks. "Smartphone Tours" are available on the Michigan State Capitol's website. 

Is admission free?

Yes, admission and tours are free. 

Where is the main entrance?

Visitors should enter through Heritage Hall (323 W. Ottawa St.), which serves as the Capitol's welcome center. On the first Saturday of the month, visitors enter through the ground floor east doors at 100 N. Capitol Ave.

Do I need to make a reservation for a tour? 

Reservations are only required for groups of 10 or more. Smaller groups and individuals do not need a reservation and can simply join the next available tour.

Where should I plan on parking?

The Capitol does not have a dedicated visitor parking lot. Street parking is available on the surrounding streets and can be paid for via card, cash, or by using the Passport Parking App. There are also several public parking ramps within a few blocks, including the North Capitol, South Capitol, and North Grand ramps.

Is the Michigan State Capitol building accessible?

Yes. There are elevators and ramps available. In addition, wheelchairs are available to borrow for free on a first-come, first-served basis. The Capitol also provides sensory-friendly kits, colorblind glasses, 3D models of the building, and a braille version of the self-guided tour book. American Sign Language interpreters can also be scheduled in advance for groups of 10 or more.

What are the security requirements? 

All visitors must pass through a security screening, which includes a metal detector. Bags and personal items are also subject to x-ray screening. All individuals, objects, and or personal effects are subject to inspection and/or search. No weapons are permitted within the Capitol building. Learn more at Policies and Procedures of the Michigan State Capitol Commission. 

Can I bring in food and drink?

Food and drinks are generally not allowed to be consumed in public areas of the Capitol. 

What other activities are nearby?

The Michigan State Capitol building is in the heart of downtown Lansing. You are within walking distance of several attractions.

• Jackson Field: Home of the Lansing Lugnuts minor league baseball team.
• Michigan History Museum: Explore interactive exhibits on the state's past
• Impression 5 Science Center: Visitors of all ages will enjoy their hands-on exhibits and have fun playing while learning basic science principles.
• R.E. Olds Transportation Museum: Dive into Lansing's automotive history
• Riverwalk Theatre: Catch a local community production
• Planet Walk: Step outside to the Lansing River Trail for an outdoor science experience with this scale model of the solar system
• Lansing River Trail: A paved pathway that follows the Grand River through downtown Lansing and beyond

Nearby Food & Recreation

• Lansing Shuffle: A food hall with  multiple vendors and indoor shuffleboard, just a short walk north
• Play Michigan! Playground: A fully accessible, inclusive playground
• Preuss Pets: A legendary local pet store with an indoor zoological tropical paradise experience located a short drive north in Old Town.