Capitol visitor’s information

The Kansas State Historical Society leads tours of the Capitol. Guided tours are offered at 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. The building is also open weekdays for self-guided tours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The tours are free and last approximately 40 minutes.

For more information on tours, contact the tour coordinator at 785-296-3966. Or e-mail Capitol@kshs.org or visit the Kansas State Historical Society Web site.

Tours start at the Capitol Tour Center at the Kansas State Capitol, 300 W. 10th, Topeka (map).

¢ Parking

There is metered street parking close to the Capitol. But, during the legislative session, these spots fill up quickly, so allow yourself extra time to find a parking space. Handicap parking is available in the Capitol parking lot.

  • Renovations

The Capitol continues going through renovations to restore the building’s historic beauty and make access easier and more enjoyable for visitors. Renovations have taken years of planning and at times have been controversial. Officials estimate the renovations will not be entire complete until 2010.

¢ Work to begin on Capitol’s east wing (11-29-03)

¢ Kansas to be first state to switch Capitol statues (1-2-03)

¢ Statue finally caps Capitol (10-11-02)

¢ Capitol dome dispute more than a century in the making (6-17-02)

¢ Capitol dome project nears completion (4-20-02)

Cedar Crest

The governor’s recently renovated mansion, Cedar Crest, is also open for visitors. Although it’s not the original governor’s mansion, every governor since 1962 has lived there. It is located in the west hills of Topeka.

Originally built in 1929-30, it was renovated in 2000. There are ponds and trails on the grounds.

Tours are every Monday afternoon, except on state holidays, starting at 1 p.m. and ending at 3:30 p.m. For more information, visit the Cedar Crest Web site.