Michigan State Capitol building Lansing

If at all possible a trip to Michigan should include a visit to the Michigan State Capitol building in Lansing. Not only is this a walk back in history and an idea of the political workings of the state but you can’t help but be impressed by the building itself.

The current State Capitol building is actually the third to house the state government offices. Building construction was completed in 1878, was dedicated on January 1, 1879. The architect, Elijah E. Myers, designed the building in a Renaissance Revival patterned after the capital in Washington, D.C. After completion of the Michigan Capitol Myers went on to build three other state capitol buildings.

The most unique thing about the Michigan Capitol is the fact that to save money on construction materials such as Michigan pine, plaster and iron were used and then painted to appear as expensive materials. The walnut wood work, the marble columns, and even the center dome are less expensive materials artistically hand painted.

Words can’t describe the majestic feeling visitors get from the first view of the State Capitol to walking the stairways to the upper floors and looking down to the lobby below. Be sure to check out the slide show below for more pictures of the Michigan State Capitol.

Location:
Capitol Avenue at Michigan Avenue,
Lansing - Ingham County

Cost of Tours:
FREE

Days/Hours of Operation:
Guided tours are offered from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Tours last an hour and leave from the Information Desk at the building’s front (east) ground floor entrance on the hour and half-hour.

The Historical Marker at the Capital Building is a double-sided Marker.

Side one reads:
The State Capitol of Michigan, rededicated on its centennial, 1979, is the third structure to serve as the symbolic and functional center of state government. In 1837, when statehood was attained, the old Michigan Territorial Courthouse in Detroit became the first Capitol. Twelve years later, the legislature voted to move Michigan's seat of government to Lansing where a new Capitol was erected. That frame building was soon found inadequate. Then in 1871, Governor Henry P. Baldwin recommended construction of a new Capitol and the legislature concurred. It was completed at a cost of nearly $1,500,000.

Side two reads:
Michigan's present State Capitol building was first dedicated in 1879 at the inaugural ceremony of Governor Charles M. Croswell. This classically styled structure, designed by Elijah E. Myers, has a 267-foot spired dome. It represents over six years of planning and construction. Michigan's resources are exhibited in the copper, slate, and white pine used throughout the structure. Built to house the governor's office, the legislature, Supreme Court and other state functions, the building has been substantially renovated over the years to meet changing needs.

Reservations are required for groups of 10 or more visitors.
For reservations call (517) 373-2353 or (517) 373-2348;
fax (517) 373-7599; or write:
Capitol Tour and Information Service
Capitol Square
P.O. Box 30014
Lansing, MI 48909-7514

More Lansing Sites to Visit:
Travel to Lansing the capital of Michigan the Great Lakes State
Potter Park Zoo a great place to spend a day in Lansing
The Fenner Nature Center Lansing Michigan
Turner-Dodge House Lansing Michigan
Golf Courses in and around Lansing
Free Blues on the Grand concerts at Lansing City Market
Music in the Parks free summer concerts in Lansing
 

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