The Michigan State Capitol in Lansing, Michigan

The current State Capitol in Lansing is Michigan's third capitol building.  It was designed by Elijah E. Myers in the Neoclassical Renaissance style .  Construction began in 1872 and was completed in 1878.  The Capitol was officially dedicated in January 1879.








The spire at the top of
the dome rises 267 feet.

Austin Blair served as

Michigan's Governor during

the Civil War.

The Capitol's dome

The stars in the center of

the dome represent

Michiganders' inspirations

that have brought so much

to this state.

Replicas of Michigan's
Civil War Battle Flags
encircle the rotunda on
the first floor.

The flooring beneath the dome

is glass supported by

iron work.

Gerald R. Ford is the only
President from Michigan.

Our tour guide, Barb,

opened the Governor's

 ceremonial office so
we could see inside.

Many pieces of furniture were

returned to the Capitol during

the 1989 restoration.

This cabinet is an amazing

work of art. 

From the third floor, 

the glass flooring looks

bowl-like.

Former Governor

Jennifer Granholm 

The House of Representatives is closed this summer for re-carpeting.

The Senate Chamber is 

being re-carpeted while

the Senate is in recess.

The Senate Gallery

runs along three sides

of the chamber. 

The glass tiles in the ceiling 

include all fifty states.

The glass ceiling above the 

chamber allows natural

lighting into the Senate.

First Michigan Sharpshooters
Memorial honors this
volunteer regiment.

This memorial honors Michiganders

that served in World War I,

World War II, the Korean War

& the Vietnam War.

Eric and I really enjoyed our tour.  Capitols with domes really speak to us.  We also appreciate the effort that goes into decorating this peoples' house.  Constructed of brick and iron, artisans created beautiful wall art and dramatically accented columns and arches.  Michigan's history is available to explore inside the Capitol and while walking the spacious grounds.  

This is the first State Capitol we've toured since I broke my ankle on June 30th.  We were able to park right in front of the Capitol.  The three hour meter ensured that were able to take our time visiting the Capitol and its grounds.  Entrances on the ground floor have automatic doors making accessing the building as easy as possible.  

We went to the Michigan Library about three blocks away to buy post cards.  The terrain around the Michigan State Capitol is flat, making our walk as easy as possible on Eric.