North Dakota State Capitol

Visitors to the Capitol will find a unique blend of prairie-themed Art Deco styling. Designed in monumental scale with majestic proportions, visitors will see chandeliers representing heads of wheat; ceiling lighting representing the sunrise, moon and stars; and bronze elevator doors depicting the history of life on the prairie. The observation deck provides a 360-degree view of the Bismarck-Mandan area. The grounds are equally spectacular with many monuments and statues, as well as an Arboretum Trail with more than 75 types of trees and the trail passes statues and memorials which symbolize our state's history and heritage.

There are four ways to experience a tour of the North Dakota State Capitol this summer: guided tours, self-guided tours, virtual tours and guided outdoor tours of the Capitol grounds.

Guided indoor tours are expanded for the summer beginning the week of May 26, through Labor Day, Sept. 1:

• Monday through Friday: 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m.
• Saturdays: Noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m.
• Holidays (Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day): Noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m.

Guided outdoor tours will take place at 6 p.m. on June 2, July 7 and Aug. 4. The outdoor tour will focus on the history of the building and grounds, the Capitol monuments and the nature trail. The tour will be approximately one mile and one hour. Scooters and wheelchairs are welcome. The public is asked to meet outside the south/visitor entrance to the Capitol at 600 East Boulevard Ave. and may park in the visitor parking lot to the east.

Virtual tours are available online using this link.