marktwainmuseum.org Missouri History Museum / Historical Society mohistory.org

Colorado State Capitol

Denver

The Colorado State Capitol and its golden dome is a prominent feature in the Denver skyline. The Neoclassical building was constructed from 1886 through 1901 — its walls are constructed of granite quarried near Gunnison, Colorado, and the pink stone seen throughout the capitol is rose onyx discovered near Beulah, Colorado. This coloration of onyx has never been found anywhere else in the world. The Colorado State Capitol is the nation’s only capitol building with a LEED® Gold certification. Tour operators can schedule guided group tours of the capitol and can choose from a variety of tour options, like the Attic/Dome Tour, which includes a 99-step climb to the observation area. 303-866-2604, leg.colorado.gov/visit-learn

Nearby: Head a couple blocks down Broadway to the History Colorado Center, across Civic Center Park to the Denver Art Museum or toward 17th and Wynkoop to Union Station.

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Texas State Capitol

Austin

It’s only fitting that the nation’s second-largest state is home to a grand statehouse. The four-story Texas State Capitol, the nation’s largest, has 400 rooms, 900 windows, and 306,000 square feet of floor space and stands over a 22-acre, park-like complex that visitors can spend several hours exploring. At the Visitors Center, located in the restored General Land Office building, groups can view exhibits that showcase Texas history. Guided Capitol Tours typically last an hour and include spaces inside and outside the capitol. While exploring the grounds, visitors will find monuments, historic buildings, trees and beautifully landscaped lawns — a perfect spot for a picnic. 512-305-8402, tspb.texas.gov

Nearby: For more Texas history, travel three blocks away to the Bullock Museum, the official history museum of the State of Texas. The museum tells the story of Texas through dynamic exhibits and films.

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