Illinois State Capitol

We turned a corner in Springfield Illinois, and there it was! The State Capitol Building! It wasn’t even on our radar, so we didn't have too much time to stop and explore but next time we will for sure because the interior is just as glorious as the exterior!

The first legislative session was held here in 1877, and today, if the legislature is in session, you can still watch the action from balcony level seating.

There are lots of things to do here, besides gasp at the beauty of it all, from the grand staircase to the painted ceilings.

There are regular exhibitions, and you can also take a free tour. (you’re also welcome to wander around without a tour group if that’s a better option - I’m sure this is a great tour, but occasionally, you know, sometimes, or when you’re short on time, and I’m not talking about here specifically, because there is a lot to learn, but … well …  guided tour groups can sometimes, every now and then .. just saying …. they can make us want to zzzzzzz)

But back to OUR much less informed tour … wowee the paintings and sculptures in this building! … if only we’d taken the guided tour we could probably tell you a lot more about those. But a highlight are the Faith, Hope and Charity murals on the ceiling of the first floor. And don’t miss the sculpture collection on the third floor - many statues of prominent people throughout Illinois history -of course, if we’d taken the guided tour, we could probably tell you who, exactly.

But I do know President Barack Obama served as a state senator here from 1997 to 2004.

And also, that every doorknob in the building has the state seal imprinted on it.

And again, look at that 405-foot dome!! (you know, when a mere 400-foot dome just won’t do)

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Midwest USA No. 22 - last visited October 2023