Things to Do at Vermont State House

Complete Guide to Vermont State House in Montpelier

About Vermont State House

Vermont State House preserves important local heritage with guided tours from $8. Photography is permitted in most areas without flash for the comfort of other visitors. Step into rooms where gentle air circulation creates a comfortable atmosphere while period furnishings and restored architectural features transport visitors through time. The facility serves as an important cultural hub for the local community, hosting events and educational programs throughout the year.

What to See & Do

House and Senate Chambers

Beautifully restored legislative chambers where you can observe sessions when the legislature is in session, or take guided tours to learn about Vermont's lawmaking process

Gold Dome and Exterior

The iconic 14-karat gold leaf dome topped with a statue of Ceres, goddess of agriculture - a nod to Vermont's farming heritage that you can appreciate from various angles around the building

Hall of Flags

An impressive collection of Civil War battle flags and other historic banners that gives you a sense of Vermont's military history and the state's role in national conflicts

Governor's Ceremonial Office

Often included in tours, this formal space showcases Vermont craftsmanship and provides insight into the state's executive branch operations

Historic Portraits and Artwork

Throughout the building you'll find portraits of past governors and other notable Vermonters, along with artwork that reflects the state's cultural heritage

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday-Friday 7:45 AM - 4:15 PM (tours typically 10 AM - 3:30 PM on weekdays). Weekend hours vary seasonally. Closed on state holidays.

Tickets & Pricing

Free admission and tours. No advance booking required for individual visitors, though group tours should be arranged ahead of time.

Best Time to Visit

January through April when the legislature is in session offers the most activity, but summer and fall provide easier parking and a more relaxed touring experience.

Suggested Duration

45 minutes to 1 hour for a guided tour, though you might find yourself lingering longer if you're particularly interested in the architecture or history

Getting There

Montpelier sits right off I-89. Take Exit 8 and follow signs to find the State House on State Street-dead center of downtown. Parking gets tight during legislative sessions, but several public lots are within walking distance. Everything is walkable downtown. The city is compact enough that getting lost isn't possible. Most hotels and restaurants are a short walk from the capitol building.

Things to Do Nearby

Hubbard Park
A lovely 185-acre park just behind the State House with walking trails and a stone tower offering panoramic views of the Winooski River Valley

Vermont History Museum
Located in the same building as the Vermont Historical Society, it provides deeper context about the state's past and complements what you'll learn at the State House

Downtown Montpelier
A genuinely charming small city center with local shops, cafes, and restaurants that give you a taste of authentic Vermont community life

Cold Hollow Cider Mill
About 20 minutes away in Waterbury, this working cider mill lets you watch cider being made and sample Vermont's liquid gold

Hope Cemetery
An unexpectedly fascinating cemetery in nearby Barre featuring elaborate granite monuments that showcase the artistry of local stonecutters

Tips & Advice

Check the legislative calendar online before visiting - watching an actual session can be more interesting than a standard tour, and Vermonters are famously accessible to visitors

Parking fills up quickly when the legislature is in session, so arrive early or be prepared to walk a few blocks from alternative spots

The building can get quite warm in summer despite its age, so dress in layers since the marble and stone interiors stay relatively cool

Don't miss the view from the front steps - it's one of the best vantage points for appreciating how Montpelier nestles into the surrounding hills