Educational Programs: Pre-school to 6th Grade

Reservations are required for all programs.

Piece of the Puzzle
Pre-schoolers role play architectural forms, hear and see the rhythm in the architectural designs, search for shapes and symbols and see the preservation of the capitol as a puzzle that they will be part of solving. Maximum group size is 15.
3 - 5 year olds
Tuesdays, June - December
Fee: $2 per child
40 minutes

Grand Tour
Designed especially for K-3 grade Scout and Youth using interactive techniques, students become visually alert to the beauty of this grand old building. They hear stories about Minnesota history and the work that goes on in the capitol.
K-3rd grade
Fee: Free
45 minutes

Art Treasures in the State Capitol
Search and discover the art in the capitol using a self-guided brochure. Students become a junior art historian after finding each of the treasures.
8 years and up
Fee: $2 per person
45 minutes

Rally 'Round the Flag' Civil War Experience
What was it like to be a Civil War soldier from Minnesota? Why is the capitol a time capsule of Civil War memories and objects? Hands-on activities include outfitting a volunteer soldier and writing a letter home. Maximum group size is 30.
4th-6th grade
Fee: $5 per person; (non-refundable partial prepayment is required: minimum group fee of $75)
90 minutes

Architecture Adventure
Guided interactive activities illustrate architectural features - domes, arches and focal points - used by architect Cass Gilbert in designing the capitol. Maximum group size is 30.
4th-6th grade
Fee: $5 per person; (non-refundable partial prepayment is required; minimum group fee of $75)
90 minutes

Girl Scout and Boy Scout Tours
Older Scout groups can tour the capitol to earn an achievement award or badge. Leaders should mention the badge their group is working on and guides will focus on topics like flags and symbols, citizenship, career explorations or architecture.
4th grade and up
Fee: Free
45 minutes

General Tour
Students 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. Content and activities vary with grade level.
4th- 12th grade
Fee: Free
45 minutes

Mall Walking Tours
This self-guided brochure introduces students to the outdoor sculptures and memorials on the capitol mall and explains their significance in Minnesota government and history. This is a perfect instructional tool to use before or after a guided tour of the capitol.
6th-12th grade
Fee: $2 per brochure
30 - 60 minutes

Theatrical Presentations
These short presentations are included as part of a 45 minute tour for reserved school groups.

  • Statehood Week Tour and Vignette - Early May
    Reserved tour groups see historic photographs and hear stories about political happenings from 1858. A costumed delegate to the state constitutional convention or a school teacher explains the issue of how Minnesota's boundaries were shaped.
  • Pose and Prop Performer "Votes for Women" - October
    A mime performance begins this fast-paced learning experience in which students participate. Using props and stories the presenter tells stories about the struggle to get Minnesota women the right to vote in the early 1900s.

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