The Texas State Capitol

The Texas State Capitol is located right here in downtown Austin.  It is a great opportunity to visit and teach your kids about the government, elections and representation.  This building houses the governor office and the Texas legislature.  It is the the sixth tallest state capitol in the United States and taller than the US Capitol building in Washington, D.C.   The building gets it unique reddish rust color because it is made from local Texas red granite from a quarry in Marble Falls. 

The capitol is over 360,000 square feet and is surrounded by 22 acres with various statues and monuments.  

   

 

30 minute guided tours are available from the South Foyer during the following times:
Monday through Friday - 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Saturday - 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Sunday - 12:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
The Capitol is closed for tours on New Year's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Self-guided tours are available during the following times:
Monday through Friday - 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday - 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Self-guided brochures of the Capitol and the Capitol Grounds are available at the Capitol Information and Guide Service inside the Capitol South Foyer and at the Capitol Visitors Center.