Adult Group Tour Options

Reservations are required for all programs: call 651-296-2881 or e-mail statecapitol@mnhs.org

Organized adult groups and motor coach groups can choose topics from a variety of tours. During the legislative session, they may combine a tour with lunch in the restored rathskeller.

For adult tours with an admission fee, a non-refundable partial pre-payment is required with a minimum group fee of $135. Groups need reservations 2 weeks in advance.

Theme Tours
Fee: $9 adults; $8 seniors; Members save $2
90 minutes
Choose one of the following topics:

• Art & Artists of the State Capitol
  See the murals and paintings that are integral to the architecture of the capitol, and learn about the nationally acclaimed muralists who created them.
• Architecture of the State Capitol
  Learn about Cass Gilbert's classically designed capitol and the national context for this Beaux-Arts style of architecture as preserved in Minnesota's capitol.
• Civil War
  See original battle flags, paintings and statues and hear the stories they tell about Minnesota's role in the Civil War.
• Women's History
  Compare women's roles in government in 1905 to their roles today and hear the journeys traveled by many women to make those changes.
• State Capitol Construction Tour
  The Minnesota State Capitol took nine years to build and involved hundreds of skilled craftsmen and laborers. Learn about the process, materials and men behind one of the most impressive statehouses in the nation.

Shadows and Spirits of the State Capitol
This once-a-year opportunity brings costumed "historical spirits" out of the dimly lit corridors and chambers to tell stories about the art, architecture and history of the capitol. Tours leave every half-hour, 6:30 - 8:30. Offered certain days in October only.
Fee: $12 adults; $11 seniors; Members save $2
60 minutes

Evening Tours
Book an evening tour of the capitol followed by a walk up to the roof to see the quadriga, the golden horses statuary at the base of the dome, weather permitting. Visitors see the lighted quadriga and the city lights of both St. Paul and Minneapolis.
Fee: $9 adults; $8 seniors; Members save $2
60 minutes

Voice of the People: Your Role in Minnesota Government
This experiential lesson focuses on how to become involved in the law-making process through first -hand observation of an actual legislative committee; they interact with their legislators and gain an understanding of Minnesota's unique political history. Offered Monday through Friday during the legislative session.
Fee: $9
3 hours

General Tour
Visitors hear stories about the capitol's history, art and architecture and experience state government when the legislature is in session. They will see the government chambers and walk to the quadriga, the golden horses, on the roof of the capitol, weather permitting.
Fee: Hourly guided tours are free with a suggested donation of $5 per person.
45 minutes

Self-Guided Tours
Fee: $2 per brochure

• Capitol Mall Walking Tour
  This brochure describes the memorials and statuary on the capitol mall and provides a map to find each one.
• Art Treasures in the Capitol
  Find the designs pictured in this brochure and enjoy learning about the details found in the art and architecture of the capitol.