Wisconsin State Capitol

The Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison is one of the most beautiful state capitols in the US, a magnificent Beaux-Arts building crowned by the only granite dome in the country, topped by a gilded statue. It sits on an isthmus between two lakes at the heart of downtown Madison, its four symmetrical wings radiating from a stunning rotunda decorated with marble, murals, and mosaics. Free guided tours take you through the legislative chambers and up toward the dome; an observation deck (seasonal) offers a panorama over the lakes and the university city.

It's a genuine working seat of government and an architectural gem, free to visit. The surrounding Capitol Square hosts one of the country's largest farmers' markets on Saturdays in season, a lovely combination. It's the centrepiece of laid-back, lake-ringed Madison.

Don't miss

• The only granite dome in the United States
• The marble-and-mural rotunda
• Free guided tours of the chambers
• The seasonal dome observation deck and lake views
• The Saturday Dane County Farmers' Market on the square

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Wisconsin State Capitol

Cheapest way inWisconsin's Madtown: A Madison Self-Guided Walking Tour4.4★ · 17 travelers1–2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$8 per personSee dates →Most bookedPersonal and Detailed Milwaukee Sightseeing Bus Tour4.9★ · 863 travelers~2 hoursFrom$47 per personSee dates →Private & flexiblePersonal Guided Tour of the Covered Bridges of Madison County4.8★ · 60 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$31 per personSee dates →

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Know before you go

• Free guided tours run at set times, check the schedule for the chambers and dome.
• The seasonal observation deck gives great views over Madison's lakes.
• Saturday mornings in season bring a huge farmers' market to Capitol Square.
• It's free and central, an easy, beautiful stop in downtown Madison.

A bit of history

Completed in 1917 after the previous capitol burned, the current building was designed in the Beaux-Arts style. Its dome, the only granite dome in the US, is among the largest by volume, and the building remains the tallest in Madison by local ordinance.