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
The Vermont State House is one of the oldest and best preserved of our nation’s state capitols. After nearly 160 years it remains an icon in Montpelier, the smallest capital city in America. Its House and Senate chambers are the oldest active legislative halls in the United States that have preserved their original interiors.
This architectural gem is also home to some of the state’s most important art. 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. Highlights include the Governor’s Office, the Cedar Creek Reception Room, the Hall of Inscriptions, and the legislative chambers.
We hope your visit to the State House will allow you to fully appreciate this beautiful building and all its treasures.
state house hours
State House Re-Opening!
As of July 6, 2021, the State House is open to the public Monday through Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. for self-touring only. The State House will be open for touring on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. If you need assistance, contact the Sergeant at Arms’ office at 802-828-2228 or by email at sgtatarms@leg.state.vt.us
school & group tours
For walk-in visitors, free guided tours are available only from late
June through October, and generally last about a half hour. These tours depart from the Main Lobby every half hour.
Group
tours are available throughout the year, but they must be arranged in
advance by contacting the State House Tours Coordinator at visit@leg.state.vt.us or 802-828-1411.
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.
Plan Your School Tour
Contact:
State House Tours Coordinator
(802) 828-1411
Email Address: visit@leg.state.vt.us
All Group Tours must be Scheduled in Advance.
Each year during the legislative session, thousands of students visit the Vermont State House in Montpelier, one of the nation’s oldest and best preserved state capitols. Students experience government in action in this rich historical setting. They meet their legislators, observe committee hearings, and see how participatory representative government works today. Elementary students enjoy learning the basics of the legislative process during the tour. Middle school and older students focus on the process in more depth. A role-play tour, requiring pre-visit classroom work, is also available for middle school and older students. In addition to touring the State House, consider visiting the Vermont Historical Society’s Museum as well as the Vermont Supreme Court—both options just steps away from the State House.
Note: It is important to call 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 should be made in advance.