tours
As you tour this remarkable piece of living history, you will develop a sense of what makes this building, and the state for which it was built, unique.
Tour the Vermont State House
state house hours
The State House is open to the public Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4 pm. for self-touring. If you need assistance, contact the Sergeant at Arms’ office at 802-828-2228 or by email at sgtatarms@leg.state.vt.us
The Under the Dome Gift Shop is currently closed, and will reopen in January.
group tours
Group tours are available throughout the year, but they must be arranged in
advance by contacting the State House Visitation Services Coordinator at visit@leg.state.vt.us or 802-461-9923.
For walk-in visitors, guided tours are available only from early July through October, and generally last about a half hour. These tours, led by volunteer docents, depart from the Main Lobby. A suggested donation of $3 per visitor is encouraged.
self-guided tours
This type of tour allows the visitor to move at one's own pace, and offers both a general and more detailed narrative of the State House. At any time of the year, visitors can pick up an informative map/brochure in the Main Lobby, or check out a free audio tour wand at the Sergeant-at-Arms' office. A suggested donation of $3 per visitor is encouraged.
Guided State House tours are available through October.
The State House is a hub of activity year-round and visitors are always welcome. Self-guided tours are available throughout the year. Guided tours for walk-in visitors are offered from early July through October. Group tours (including schools) can be scheduled in advance for any time of year. Most tours are offered at no charge, but a $3/per person donation is suggested. See details below.
Vermont’s annual legislative session runs from January to June. As space permits, visitors can observe activities in the chambers and committee rooms. No reservations are necessary.
Self-Guided Tours
This type of tour allows the visitor to move at one’s own pace, and offers both a general and more detailed narrative of the State House. At any time of the year, visitors can pick up an informative map/brochure in the Main Lobby, or check out a free audio tour wand at the Sergeant-at-Arms’ office (just off the Main Lobby of the State House). The brochure is available in English, French, Spanish, German, and Chinese.
The audio tour wand is available free of charge (English only). You can also listen to the same tour on your cell phone, by clicking here, calling 802-526-3221 or by using your phone’s QR code scanner. Audio tour stops are found in each of the principal areas of the State House where a “whoosh” icon is displayed on the wall.
Self-guided tours are always available, throughout the year.
Guided Tours (individual and group)
For walk-in visitors, free guided tours are available, from our volunteer docents, only from early July through October, and generally last 30 to 45 minutes. They are offered Monday through Friday, 10am to 3pm. Tours depart from the main lobby every hour on the hour. Group tours are available throughout the year, but they must be arranged in advance by contacting the State House Visitation Services Coordinator at visit@leg.state.vt.us or 802-461-9923.
Bus Tour Operators MUST also book their tours by contacting the State House Tours Coordinator, and must send a check (made out to Friends of the Vermont State House) that covers a charge of $3 per passenger. The mailing address is Vermont State House/Tours, 115 State St., Montpelier, VT 05633. If a bus tour group is NOT booking a tour, but wishes to lunch at the State House, those arrangements must be made by calling the State House Cafeteria at 802-828-2252 or by emailing capitol@abbeygroup.net.
To schedule any group tour, please contact:
Holly Taylor, State House Visitor Services Coordinator
802-461-9923 | htaylor@leg.state.vt.us or visit@leg.state.vt.us
All Group Tours must be Scheduled in Advance.
Contact:
State House Visitation Services Coordinator
802.461.9923
Email Address: visit@leg.state.vt.us
Plan Your School Tour
Each year, the State House welcomes thousands of students from around the state. Our field trip experiences offer a guided tour of the State House, a visit to the History Museum, and a mock trial at the Supreme Court. Availability is very limited.
For educators interested to bring their classes to
the capitol for an in-depth learning experience about Vermont state government and history, please reach out to Holly Taylor, State House Visitation Services Coordinator at visit@leg.state.us or 802.461.9923.
Note: It is important to contact us early in the school year. Montpelier is a popular destination for school visits, particularly during the legislative session. If a group would like to eat lunch in the State House cafeteria during the visit, arrangements must be made in advance.