Our First Time: Wisconsin State Capitol tour
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Sometimes we may act like know-it-alls, but even Decider has holes in its Madison knowledge. So periodically we’ll grab our fanny pack and camera to check out some of the city’s more famous attractions and events, and then report back on what you may or may not be missing.
More than 265 feet tall, our state’s Capitol is the most visible and iconic building in Madison. But how many Madisonians have done anything more than walked by, used it as a shortcut through the Capitol Square, or squatted in one of its fancy marble bathrooms? Taking a Capitol tour, and getting a firsthand look at all the spin and pork inside its walls, can remedy this situation.
What to expect: Your cheery, green-vested guide will meet you in the rotunda and lead you through the strangely quiet second and third floors (even though they’re pretentiously called the first and second). You'll visit the north hearing room, Senate, Assembly, Supreme Court, and governor's conference room, all while learning how many types of marble are in the building (43), how many pieces of glass are in the mosaics, and what the hell classical-style murals have to do with Wisconsin's past (not much). You’ll also see a replica of the Liberty Bell (minus the crack), as well as a rough-looking, taxidermied eagle meant to represent the famed Civil War eagle, Old Abe, who was tragically killed by smoke inhalation during a fire at the Capitol. When the legislature is not in session—which seems to be most of the time—you can sit at the desks occasionally occupied by our legislators. Then rub shoulders with the governor, or at minimum his secretary, on the trip to his office area.
What to watch for: Fossils! Look for the starfish fossil on the fourth stair of the second floor staircase leading up to the hearing room. The yellow marble walls of the hearing room are also covered with prehistoric, spiral-shelled sea creatures resembling snails. Keep yourself entertained by counting the badgers and W's worked into the marble, murals, statues, and mosaics.
Impress your friends: The Capitol dome is the largest dome by volume in North America. That's right—our dome takes up more space than any other dome on the continent. Kind of fitting for a state known for its cheese curds, sausage, and beer.
Tour highlight: Look down on your fellow citizens from the observation deck that’s accessible by climbing a dizzying spiral staircase from the fifth floor. Here you'll get an excellent, but slightly disorienting, panorama of downtown and the lakes.
When to go: The tour is offered every day of the week, lasts around an hour, and is free. Tours run Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., every hour except for noon; and Sunday, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Weekday tours are generally quieter and smaller, but you’ll often have to deal with groups of screaming school kids.
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