Climb 296 Steps to the State Capitol Dome for Stunning Views of Topeka, Kansas

All 50 states have their own Capitol buildings, but the Kansas State Capitol in Topeka is a little more unique than most. Did you know this is the only U.S. state Capitol building where tourists are able to walk around the dome to view the city? As you can imagine, this offers up some pretty incredible views, and it's no wonder that this historic building is one of the most popular things to do in Topeka, KS. It's a beautiful piece of architecture and the views offered up by a walk along the dome are unbelievably stunning.

The Kansas State Capitol building houses the state's executive and legislative branches. Previous capitol buildings were constructed in the 1800s when the state was still a territory in both Lecompton and Topeka.

This is an impressive building. At 304 feet high, it's actually a little taller than the United States Capitol (though the dome is a good bit smaller in diameter).

It was designed by famed architects Edward Townsend Mix and John G. Haskell and took 37 years to construct, finally being completed in 1903.

Ever wondered about the statue up top? It was added in 2002 and depicts a member of the Kansa tribe pointing an arrow up at the North Star. Its name is Ad Astra, a reflection of the sttate motto Ad Astra Per Aspera ("to the stars through difficulty").

A visit here is fascinating and quite informative, and one of the highlights is undoubtedly a trip up to the top of the dome. You'll have to climb 296 steps from the fifth floor to the top to get there, but the views are definitely worth it.

The panoramic views of the surrounding city are stunning in any season.

This is such a stunning building that reflects so much Kansas history!

For more information about touring the Kansas State Capitol, check out the Kansas Historical Society website.

Interested in other unique things to do around Kansas? Take a peek at the Sunflower State tours offered through Viator.