Kansas State Capitol, Dome Tour

Dome Tours

The Capitol Dome is now open for guided tours. You will want to take advantage of this incredible opportunity to explore history in a whole new way!

This spectacular tour will literally take your breath away. There are 296 steps to the top and no elevator. You will marvel at the elaborate architecture of the inner and outer domes. At the summit, you will see the city of Topeka, Kansas from a most unique viewpoint. Accomplishing this feat will give you bragging rights to having successfully overcome your fear of heights and open spaces.*

Go to the Online Flash Dome Tour

Watch a Dome Tour video

*Souvenir merchandise is available!
T-shirts are $13, XXL $15.

Tour Information
Dome tours June - January:	10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m. 2:30 p.m. Monday - Saturday
Dome tours January - May:	11:45 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 12:45 p.m., 1:15 p.m., 1:45 p.m., 2:15 p.m., and 2:45 p.m. Monday - Friday 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. Saturday
Length:	Tours last approximately 40 minutes.
Cost:	Free during scheduled times
Maximum group size:	30. Reservations accepted. Walk-up visitors will be accommodated as space is available.
Scheduling:	Submit a Dome Tour Request Form, call 785-296-3966, or email: capitol@kshs.org.

Safety Rules

Provided by the Department of Facilities Management

Tour guides will be stationed at three levels of the dome with communication to Security for emergencies.

Follow instructions of the tour guide.

Proceed single file up and down the stairs.

Proceed slowly and carefully on the stairs.

Do not raise your voice in the dome.

Act responsibly while on tour.

Do not throw or drop anything over the railing.

Do not write on any dome surface.

Leaning on railings is prohibited.

Tell a guide if you do not wish to proceed.

Stay with your group at all times.

Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Wear comfortable shoes (there are 296 steps)!

These rules will be strictly enforced for everyone's safety and enjoyment.

The Capitol Tour Center is operated by the Kansas Historical Society.

The Kansas Historical Society does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission to, access to, or operation of its programs. The Society requests prior notificationto accommodate individuals with special needs or disabilities.

Dome Facts

The state legislature approved the dome in 1881 and the construction began in 1885.

There are 296 steps leading up from the fifth floor to the top of the dome.

The bronze statue of the Kansa warrior, Ad Astra, was placed on top of the dome in 2002. It is 22 feet and 2 inches tall and weighs 4,420 pounds.

The outer copper dome extends approximately 75 feet above this inner dome.

The copper sheeting covering the outer dome turns green when it oxidizes.

The inner dome is composed of glass panels.