Recently had occasion to plan a daytrip for family visiting from out West. The Michigan State Capitol, in tandem with other nearby sites, was a perfect site to take in! After going through security, we began to walk through the building, floor by floor, wing by wing. The Rotunda was not open as it is undergoing a yearlong refresh, although we could see some of the Governor portraits. Still there is plenty of other sites throughout the building to enjoy. Designed by Elijah Myers, built in the 1870s, the building features the work of some of the best artisans of the day. The iron staircases. Beautiful hardwood. Stunning ceilings and walls. Light fixtures and door handles and even door hinges feature the state capitol and other state symbols. We stopped in the State Senate chambers and talked with the Sergeant at Arms. We watched the State House in chambers. We were to peek into the Governor's Office. Free admission. Plenty of metered parking on the streets. Definitely worth a return visit!!

Beautiful building and historically accurate. Tour starts out in Heritage Hall, on the north side, with a short, very well done video that gives a nice overview. Our tour guide, Jacob, was excellent and very knowledgeable. He allowed time for those who needed to use the elevator and obviously enjoys what he does. This is our 50th state capitol and, I have to say, one of the better ones!

The tour guide was very knowledgeable. I have seen 14 capitols. This was one of the better tours. We got to peek in the Governor’s office, saw the House and Senate from the balcony and the old Supreme Court. One negative was that the liberty bell replica is not viewable to the public. It is in Constitution Hall. However, the security guard was able to call someone to get us an escort to see the bell.