General Information
The State House Tour Office provides free tours of the capitol by reservation. Guides explain the site’s history, art and architecture, and the legislative process.
Tour Times
Tours are offered Monday through Friday at 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m, and 3:00 p.m. All tours begin in the State House Annex. Tours are approximately an hour in length.
The State House is closed on Sundays, Saturdays, and the following State holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Election Day, Veterans Day observed, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. (Please note that holidays occurring on a Saturday are observed on the preceding Friday and holidays occurring on a Sunday are observed on Monday.)
Reservations
Reservations are required for all visitors. Group tours and public tours are limited in availability and capacity – especially in the spring – so reservations should be made as far in advance as possible. Reservations can be made by calling the Tour Office at 609-847-3150 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
If you are calling to book a group tour, please be prepared to provide the following:
- Name of organization
- Contact phone number and mailing address
- Contact email address and cell phone
- Approximate number in your group
- Multiple dates when your group is available to visit
- Earliest possible arrival time and latest possible departure time
- Any special mobility or learning needs
A confirmation email will include information about directions, parking and a publication request order form. The order will be ready for pick up on the day of your tour. Teachers can download publications in PDF formats.
Cancellations, Delays and/or Inclement Weather
Please report cancellations and delays for reserved tours as soon as possible. Many tours are led by volunteers and we want to alert them of schedule changes in a timely manner. If the State House closes due to inclement weather, a staff member will call the groups’ contact person.
The State House will close whenever there is a State of Emergency declared by the Governor. Notice of emergency closings will be broadcast on the legislative website and on Twitter @statehousetours.
Security
All visitors to the State House over the age of 18 must be prepared to show photo identification. All visitors regardless of age, are required to go through a security screening. Self-guided tours are not permitted at the State House.
Meeting the Governor or Legislators
The Governor and legislators do not routinely greet tour groups. Teachers may contact their legislators to arrange a “Back to School” visit.
Gift Shop
The State House does not have a gift shop. Souvenirs are available for purchase at the State Museum, Old Barracks Museum and Trent House.
