Tour & Visitor Information

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Plan Your Visit to the Wisconsin State Capitol

Welcome!​​
The Wisconsin State Capitol is open to the public year-round, and we’re proud to offer free guided tours that showcase the history, architecture, and function of Wisconsin’s government.​

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🕒 Tour Schedule

Tours are offered daily at the following times:

Monday – Saturday

  • 9:00 AM
  • 10:00 AM
  • 11:00 AM
  • 1:00 PM
  • 2:00 PM
  • 3:00 PM

Sunda​y

  • 1:00 PM
  • 2:00 PM
  • 3:00 PM

☀️ Summer Schedule (Memorial Day – Labor Day)

  • Additional 4:00 PM weekday tour (excluding holidays)

⏱ Tour Duration: Approximately 45–50 minutes

🚫 No Tours On:

  • Easter Sunday
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Eve
  • Christmas Day
  • New Year’s Day ​

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📍 Where Tours Begin

All tours start at the Information Desk in the Capitol Rotunda (Ground Floor).

  • Enter through any of the eight entrances
  • Proceed toward the center Rotunda
  • Staff at the Information Desk are happy to assist



👥 Group Visits & Reservations

Small Groups (fewer than 10 people)

  • No reservation needed
  • Simply arrive at your preferred tour time

Large Groups (10 or more people)

  • Reservation required
  • Book online or call ahead:
    • 📞 (608) 266-0382 (Mon–Fri, 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM)
    • 🌐 Online reservations available
    • The Department of Administration recommends that school officials print and bring with you, reunification cards​ for each child. This will make reunification more efficient
      ​for students and parents, should a critical incident occur at any point during your travel or visit to the State Capitol. This Standard Reunification method is consistent with
      ​the ​"I Love You Guys" Standard Response Protocol​. This is optional and completed forms should be kept with your school group and only shared with the Division of Capitol ​Police if needed.



🔎 What You’ll See on the Tour

Tours typically include these areas:​

  • Rotunda
  • Assembly Chamber
  • Senate Chamber
  • North Hearing Room
  • Governor’s Conference Room
  • Supreme Court

Please note:

  • Some areas may be unavailable due to official business
  • When the Legislature is in session, access to the Assembly/Senate floors is restricted
  • Visitors may still observe proceedings from public galleries



🕰️ Capitol Building Hours

Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday & Sunday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

State & Federal Holidays:

  • Building closes at 4:00 PM



🌆Outdoor Observation Deck

Enjoy panoramic views of Madison from the observation deck:

  • Open mid-April through December
  • Weather and construction may affect availability
  • Opening April 10, 2026

👉 More Information about the Observation Deck



♿ Accessibility

The Capitol is committed to being accessible to all visitors.

Accessible Entrances:

  • Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd
  • East Washington Ave
  • West Washington Ave
  • Wisconsin Ave

Parking:

Inside the Building:

  • Elevators provide access up to floor 4
  • Universal changing table available in restroom 31E


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🚗 Parking & Transportation

  • 🅿️ Public parking is available in nearby ramps located within one block of the Capitol Square.
  • 🗺️ View parking maps and availability through the City of Madison
  • 🚌 Bus parking is not available around the Capitol Concourse. 
    • Buses may discharge passengers from the right-hand bus lane of the Capitol Square, seek parking nearby, and return to pick up passengers at the end of the tour. 
  • ​⚠️ Passengers should not be discharged in the traffic lane or in the Capitol driveways (drivers who do so may be ticketed). 
  • 📍 The City of Madison recommends Duane F. Bowman Park for bus parking.​



🏢 Offices Located in the Capitol

The Capitol houses several key state government offices: