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Texas State Capitol
Category: Public Services & Government Landmarks & Historical Buildings Landmarks & Historical Buildings [Edit]
1100 Congress AveAustin, TX 78701
Neighborhood: Downtown
(512) 463-0001
66 reviews for Texas State Capitol
Review Highlights
"This is worth the trip, even without the official tour."
(in 22 reviews)
"It's a beautiful building and grounds."
(in 18 reviews)
"Got to walk around the house and senate chambers."
(in 4 reviews)
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66 reviews in English
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Review from Yen D.
Santa Barbara, CA
12/15/2011
So great, with or without the free tour. You can wander the senate and house chambers and the governor's visiting room place, but the best view is the main dome, looking up to the lone star and down to the seal. There's also portraits of all the governors, and there's some fun trivia that you can learn if you take the tour (first female governor, check).
Also hosts the Texas Book fair, and turns out there's even more underground. Big yet still intimate auditorium held us for a great author Q&A, and there's plenty of benches everywhere to recup and sync watches (or whatever you do when visiting places with people).
The grounds are absolutely delightful and serene and gigantic. Visitor's center has random texas history exhibits, which aren't necessary for enjoying a walk around the beautiful area. Plus it's close to downtown.
The first time I came to Austin I thought the bats were high-flying fireflies. Because that makes sense. Because, you know, Texas. -
Review from Anthony M.
Chicago, IL
I headed over to the capital building for the free tour and had to wait about 20 minutes until the next tour started.
Once the tour started I learned that the tour was going to be less history of the capital and more about the Holidays and the Capital. Our tour guide was very nice but she was not comfortable with the holiday script. A couple of times she made reference that if she was giving the normal script she would have no problems remembering facts. I kept laughing to myself thinking she could just be making stuff up through our tour and we would never now.
I was able to get facts other then Christmas because I kept asking non-holiday related questions. Our tour guide was very comfortable with giving facts about the capital building and I am glad that she was able to answer them for me.
The building is beautiful and it is nice that the State of Texas opens up this majestic building and shares it with the public. I really enjoyed the tour and would recommend that anyone visiting Austin check it out. Hey it's free...you can not beat that!!! -
Review from Titus L.
Austin, TX
11/29/2011
So, why am I sharing about the Capitol and why am I giving it 5 stars?!
I'm not going to bore you with everything that we already know--like how it's an architectural masterpiece, and how there's history up the wazoo in the building.
I'm reviewing the Capitol strictly from a runner's perspective!
Now, don't get me wrong...I absolutely HATE running. That being said, I'm fairly active, so when I do run, it's NOT at Town Lake--it's at the Texas Capitol!
Wake up people! It's time to avoid the large crowds of runners, obnoxious bikers (that apparently own both roads AND trails), strollers, and dog poo that has littered Town Lake for a while now! Plus, for all my female friends tell me how tired they are of all the creepers/heebie dudes that coincidentally run right behind themand purposely roid-PANT out loud. *shudders
The Capitol is probably the best AND safest place to run after the sun is down. There really isn't much to be afraid of, because it's most likely the safest outdoors spot to be after dark--there are troopers all over the place!
I usually run the the large concrete path around the building. About three laps give you a mile, plus you can change it up and run up/down hills or stairs. There are many ways to change up your runs and up your heartbeat. If you really want to get creative, then you can also take some of the mini paths around the Capitol campus.
On top of that, the Capitol is super quiet/peaceful. It's a spot where you can get your mind off of things or just get away. Try it out and hate on me if you hate it, but I highly doubt that you will.
TIP--it's also a great place to play sardines, throw a football, or even play a small-numbers game of ultimate frisbee. The Capitol pretty much rocks. -
Review from allegra k.
Austin, TX
2/3/2012
It started with the employee who was holding the front door open taking care of some task involving a screw driving letting it shut in my face when I was about a foot away. Really, Texas State employee, couldn't have held onto that door another two seconds?
Then came the security check point where my dad was instructed to take off his belt and empty his pockets of everything including one penny. They asked me to take off my "jacket" which was actually a cardigan, and I had to show them I had nothing but a tank top on underneath to be able to keep it on. Then, of course, the metal detector beeped on me, so a surley security lady gave me some gruff orders while the people in line behind me guessed at which of my articles of clothing of mine was setting the metal off. The culmination was being instructed to lift the back of my shirt (aren't you gong to buy me a drink first?) before I was allowed to enjoy the splendor and glory of the capitol.
The dome was cool, as was the floor under it. The agricultural room was interesting. Apparently the state senate meets once every two years, so that room doesn't see too much action. I especially appreciated the no smoking signs.
Overall, unless you enjoy rude , armed, employees of the feel-you-up variety, enjoy the capitol from the outside. -
Review from Doug C.
The Texas state capitol is an immense building with immaculate grounds making it easy to spot from a distance. It's an easy walk from anywhere in the downtown area and has a few monuments along the walk up to the building (most notably, the Confederate monument to states rights).
The building is made up of huge red rock with four hallways radiating from the center. The hallways are filled with offices for the congressmen and senators with a few adjacent side chambers. Pictures of all of the former governors and Presidents of the Lone Star Republic are lined up in order along the walls.
The Senate and House chambers are in opposite hallways but have expansive viewing galleries above. It was entertaining to go and see the dated old-school voting buttons on the congressional desks. There are some ornate pieces in the rooms, such as the TEXAS light fixtures, that you start to notice the longer you're in the room.
In the center area, don't forget to look down and up. Up to see the dome with the lone star with Texas scrawled around the edges and down to see the giant seal with the Six Flags of Texas (France, Spain, Mexico, Lone Star Republic, Confederacy, US). -
Review from Apurva N.
Austin, TX
11/2/2011 109 Check-ins Here
It's the Capitol of Texas. 'Nuff said. Go there or you suck.
No seriously... Many people who are here everyday take the Capitol and it's great facilities for granted, but this is one top notch state building.
The lawns surrounding the Capitol are immaculate, with 100 year old oak trees shading the lawns for kids and picnics all year round. My wife and baby visit at lunch sometimes and there may not be a better place in the state to break bread in the afternoon.
If you have visitors from out of town, bringing them in for a tour of the Capitol rotunda, house and senate floors are a must. Only takes about 10-15 minutes and it's just a really cool deal to check out. -
Review from Chanel L.
10/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
"Austin is the capital of texas!" - Adam
My only tourist spot in Austin, TEXAS is visiting the state capitol at night. I wasn't able to go inside, but I can now say I walked around the whole state capitol and peaked inside every window I can.
They also have guards in uniform, I asked if I can take a picture with them, but they politely declined and said they were not allowed to.
All tourist should come just for the experience to say,. I VISITED THE TEXAS STATE CAPITOL!Listed in: Austin, Texas
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Review from Kriss abigail P.
Chicago, IL
9/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've lived in Chicago 29 out of my 31 years and I have never been to Springfield. Yet, my folks live in San Antonio full time for 3 years and there we were walking the halls of the Capitol building in Austin.
We started off with a tour of the houses and learned some interesting tidbits about Texas history. For a history buff, it was like being in a huge candy store made of jolly ranchers...though be warned, they do not allow you to lick the walls. Our tour guide was charming and unintentionally funny.
It was nice to see the great pride that a nation (errr...state) took in it's history. I didn't get to spend as much time as I would have liked, so I'll definitely plan on going back.
As if one needed an excuse to go to Austin, am I right? -
Review from Patrice D.
Arlington, TX
11/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
This was a great history lesson for both young and old. Anyone visiting Austin should definitely make this one of their stops.
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Review from Celina B.
Fort Worth, TX
9/19/2011
Free plus you get your daily exercise while walking up and down the stairs!
I noticed there were trashcans everywhere like one every 15ft...they really didn't want you littering.
Beautiful building! Wish the gift shop had more of a selection.
-Always a Texan! -
Review from Eric W.
8/9/2011 2 Check-ins Here
First off, best place to park is off to the east, about a block or two away in a large parking garage (http://www.yelp.com/bi...)... Just follow the signs. First two hours are free and you are not gouged for extra time. Major kudos to the city for this.
Anyone traversing the 35 corridor should plan to visit the Capital. It's free, parking is convenient, and it's very informative (be sure to take the free tour).
Other reviews will hit the highlights, but my personal favorites were the "TEXAS" lights in the house and senate rooms, and that the past governors photos move up the walls (the process takes 4 days and there are only 7 spaces left... I wonder what they will do?).
On the day of our visit temperatures were still in the 100s, so the grounds were not as enjoyable as they could have been, but if you keep to the shade you won't over-heat too much (do try to wander to the southeast corner of the Capital grounds to the visitor center (http://www.yelp.com/bi...). I particularly like the display that shows how complex the dome is.
PS. There are (free) self-guided tour brochures for both the capital and the capital grounds. -
Review from Stephen H.
Overland Park, KS
6/12/2011
This is a MUST for anyone visiting Austin. This capitol dome - taller than any in any other state in the Union, and almost as tall as the US Capitol, is beautiful and impressive. Much like the St. Louis Cathedral Basilica, there is an additional dome that sits above the actual functional rotunda dome.
A great 30 minute tour runs every 30 minutes starting just inside the building that is much more of a historical than an architectural tour. Very worthwhile.
The building itself sits on 3 acres. The architecture is stunning, classy, and beautiful, but not so gaudy as to be overwhelming.
Cool little-known secret. If you go to the second floor, and go see the Sergeant of Arms (he's right by the House of Reps chamber), you can buy a flag that has been flown over the State Capitol! You can even pick the day, name an occasion, and have it sent to you in a commemorative box! Best $25 I spent on a souvenir during my visit.
http://www.flags.house...
Don't forget the Capitol Visitors Center, which is a one minute walk from the Capitol Building itself. Movies, exhibits, and a great gift shop there.Listed in: Austin Top 55
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Review from Duane M.
11/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
Impressive - one of those gotta see's when in Austin.
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Review from Gretchen P.
Houston, TX
3/14/2011
For many years I lived in Austin. For many years I looked upon the Capitol as a monolithic traffic impediment. There it sat, on top of its hill. Looming. Getting in my way as I wound around the streets of Austin's "downtown." Having to bypass it daily. Even more so if there were TV trucks with their ariels with wires shooting up into the air.
For those years I lived in Austin, I thought of the Capitol as sitting on borrowed ground. It was the entire state's political meeting place, not mine. As an Austinite, I thought of City Hall (have you seen it?) as my political meeting area. That capitol, that gigantic building on the sprawling grounds, was more of a myth materialized...in my driving path.
For shame.
Well, maybe it just took me leaving hipster hell to really appreciate the awe and horror that is the Texas Capitol Building and all it encompasses. If you've never been, you should absolutely check it out, most especially if Legislature is in session.
For those of you out there that vote. Yay for you. For those of you who voted, but don't follow who/what your Reps and Senators vote for. For shame. For those of you who follow who/what your Reps and Senators vote for and don't let them know what you think about the way they are voting, you're just as voiceless as a non-voter. You may ask, "what's the point, they're not going to listen to me." Well. They only listen to the people who speak to them. At least I don't thing they're going to magically appear at your bar table as you drunkenly complain with your buddies about how horribly your Rep/Senator is voting. Go speak to your reps (or their staff members) while you're in Austin. Totally worth it.
The grounds (I mentioned the sprawling) are gorgeous. Live Oaks and a nice sloping hill. If the sun is too much for you, head indoors and wander. The building is gorgeous. Door Hinges that say "State of Texas," the rotunda with portraits of all of the Texas Governors, the annex with hallway after hallway of state-elected's offices. Go sign the governor's guest book and leave him a little message. If you lose your way, ask. 98% of the people that I and my colleagues asked for help, bent over almost backwards to assist us. It was remarkable.
Short and simple: when you visit Austin, go to the capitol, sightsee, speak your mind...and bring your obstinate "local" friends with you.
I'm deducting one star (should be more) because our current governor sucks. Really, his presence and aura take away from the experience. Sad. -
Review from Bill S.
Austin, TX
5/24/2011
Regardless of how you feel about the politicians who frequent the Capitol building, you have to admire the building itself. My wife and I used to take our three-year-old daughter to the Capitol building every weekend. The Capitol grounds are beautiful. We'd take a bag of pastries, eat them at a bench beneath a big shade tree, and then feed the crumbs to the birds and squirrels.
Afterward, we'd enter the Capitol building, stand on the star beneath the top apex of the dome, and listen to our voices echo off the walls. Sometimes we'd climb the stairs and wander around the legislative chambers. -
Review from Brandy C.
I spent my early years rolling down the lawn at the State Capitol building in Baton Rouge, Louisiana when my aunt worked for the governor and she'd take me to work. Just seeing that building evokes strong emotions for me, so I'm a weird sucker for government buildings. But I'm a Texan for most of my life, and so Austin is my new capital of choice. And even though there are morons in there making terrible decisions (education, anyone?), it's a great building with fantastic public access and a strong sense of history (even if you have to tolerate seeing W's and Perry's faces on the wall).
I've been here a handful of times with varying degrees of publicness. This last visit was for the education rally (easy access, nice grounds, polite officers) but my last two were during the Ike evacuation (Evacuated? Go spend the day at the capitol!) and during a school trip I sponsored (connections, baby!) On your own, you can see plenty of stuff and it is worth doing. There is so much rich history and so much history in the making. I have a picture of me next to the printer in the Congress room because the idea of the bills coming out of that printer blew my mind a little. My kid's lack of education funding blows too, but oh well.
On the private tour arranged through a student's contacts when I was teaching, we got to go a little further. My understanding is that this is all still publicly accessible (maybe with appointment? maybe not), but we got to go down to the newer addition and see the individual reps (we went to Cohen's). There's something that heightens your sense of history and respect for the work (even when the results suck or they're run by morons) to see the stack of bills they're considering, to see the chaos of them in their element. I like that stuffed dead animals in the hall too; that and fancy stonework really say "Texas."
Random conclusion: my political hope is that one day Texas will break off into four states, each led by El Paso, San Antonio, Dallas and then the last with Austin and Houston. I love Austin and Houston, we think similarly most the time and I'd really like to keep that capitol too. The other three areas I'm pretty sure are responsible for Rick Perry and I'm fine with seeing them go. Sea World ain't that great and why would I ever go to El Paso? But the capitol is super and I dig it. Everyone should go at least once.Listed in: Austin by someone who is not…
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Review from DeAnn C.
Roanoke, TX
10/31/2011 1 Check-in Here
Pretty cool. i'd go back. Pretty building with lots of history.
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Review from Christine L.
Houston, TX
12/13/2010 11 photos
Been to conferences in the underground renovated area, visited friends working for representatives-- I became pretty familiar with this beautiful structure.
If you can, take a dome tour. It's fabulous. -
Review from Ken G.
6/20/2011
Wow, what an incredible building. I had a great time taking pictures and learning about Texas history. Everything was impressive and it was nice to have a spot where one can learn and appreciate the rich history of Texas.
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Review from Christine A.
Austin, TX
9/9/2010
I've had a love affair with the Texas State Capitol Building since I was a kid. My family would drive up from San Antonio for a visit to Austin and I would lock my eyes on what looked, to a 10 year old, like a giant wedding cake. The magnificence of the structure would amaze me and take my breath away.
In 1995, the Capitol Restoration Project was completed which included 10 historic spaces, new and restored furnishings and the restitution of the monuments and grounds. A bevy of architects, designers, stone masons, art restorers, curators and furniture makers worked for fifteen years to make it happen. I unfortunately worked myself out of a job on the project.
If you visit seeking Texas history, you will find gritty, wonderful, fascinating stories during a tour of the building. Before the tour, entertain yourself and friends by standing in the exact center of the Rotunda on the Lone Star and listen to your voice echo. Do not miss H.A. McArdle's paintings "Dawn at the Alamo" and "Battle at San Jacinto" in the Senate Chamber. He researched the battles and his subjects for years and was never paid for his stunning depictions.
Perhaps the blue light from the antique oculi in the north wing atrium will capture your fancy or the bronze sculptures in the Seal Court in the underground Extension. Don't forget about the cafeteria where you can grab coffee, a meal or a frozen yogurt. If it is a nice day check out the the 17 restored monuments through the self guided tour of the grounds available through the Capital Tour Guides office.
We have come a long way from Bastrop plank lumber used in the first state capitol which was located a few blocks west from what we have now. The Texas State Capitol still amazes me. It's grandeur. It's permanence. It's history. When the building was dedicated in 1888, Senator Temple Houston, Sam Houston's son, pronounced: "This building fires the heart and excites reflections in the minds of all..." And so it does.Listed in: My Austin
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Review from Raffi M.
Astoria, NY
6/6/2011
What a neat place. But let me point out the best feature, since everyone else has talked up a storm about it already -- it's open till 10 pm on many weekdays. I've never even heard of a public building open so late to members of the public, and especially not one that's so important. A beautiful, historic, building that, were I Texan, would make me proud to be one.
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Review from Trina H.
9/25/2010 3 Check-ins Here
I have visited Austin since I was a kid, but coming from a hardcore Mexican family... we only visited with family and never really ventured into the city. I do remember one time having a birthday party at Lady Bird Lake but that's it. I grew up driving by the Capitol on every road trip to Mexico, just gazing at it's amazingness. I didn't want my son to just be left wondering, so what's better than taking him inside, right?
I loved how you have the option of getting a guided tour, but we just wanted to look around on our so off we went. The look on my 3 year old's face was amazing. His curiosity sparked and he wanted to go up and down every step, thus reminding me how out of shape I really am. No worries, I needed that work-out.
It was a great learning experience. It was nice visiting on a Thursday morning as soon as they open, because when we drove by again that afternoon (around 3pm) it was jam-packed. People like it!
If you visit Austin, this is definitely an excellent place to absorb some Texas history. -
Review from Monica M.
10/21/2010
I love visiting the Capitol. It's a beautiful building that can be appreciated by all ages.
What I hate - all the damn quincinera and bridal pictures that are inevitably being taken EVERY TIME I visit. Maybe that's just the hater in me...but probably not. I just find it annoying that I see it each random time I visit.
It always seems busy, but never crowded. We managed to walk from our hotel not too far away the last visit.
The best part is that you are free to wander around and look in to pretty much all the rooms. There were some parts roped off, but nothing that you can't see in another room. There are guided tours as well.
It's a great way to lose some time and easy on the pocket book considering it's free. Some of the troopers there are hotties too, so that's always a plus. :-) -
Review from jocy c.
10/26/2010
The Texas State Capitol is a neat place to visit when you're in Austin. It is conveniently located in Downtown Austin. There's so much history there! Great for photographers... also a great place for people watching.
It can be very busy though as it is a very popular tourist attraction. Also, there is currently some construction in progress on the building; however, you can still appreciate all its glory.
Plus... the accountant in me says - don't miss the "Check Perforator"!!Listed in: Austin, Texas
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Review from Kimberly A.
New Iberia, LA
7/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is a great tour option for travelers, locals with kids and everyone in between. The grounds are stunning and the free tour provided was very informative. Thumbs up to Texas for providing this service.
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Review from Ava Y.
This jewel deserves the five stars for free accessibility and free tours every half hour. Take note of the gaudy chandeliers that scream possible props from a local production of Chicago. Also take note of the door hinges that are adorned with engravings representing of the Texas State Capitol. Texas pride galore! Make sure to stop by the visitor center as well and leave your pocket knives at home for fear of getting wisked away by the metal detector security!
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Review from Mary V.
10/26/2010
A colossal labyrinth of good ol' Texas history. It's like a city of its own at times.
I had to walk through this building on errands for one of my summer internships every few weeks, and I think I finally have the place mapped out. It's all good stuff! Some of the staff members can really be extreme, depending on who their representatives are... but that's just Texas for you. -
Review from John D.
Stamford, CT
1/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
This building is gorgeous. Take an afternoon and walk around the property, take a tour.
If we know anything, it's that Texas loves Texas... this is probably the pinnacle of that sentiment. -
Review from Jordan P.
Irvine, CA
1/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
Awesome place to visit!
Got to walk around the house and senate chambers. Even got to see a private Senators party room, the door was open and the cook invited us in. A lot of random cool stuff to see, very interesting to be in the center of government of Texas... -
Review from Christa S.
Austin, TX
7/7/2011
I've been here multiple times and it never disappoints. It's a good touristy thing to do with out-of-towners, and I like the fact that you can do a tour or be your own guide (ah, sorta like the old choose your own adventure books...I wonder if they are still around) and still get something out of the visit. Great place to take scenic photos (Kodak moment, anyone?), and if you're downtown on a hot summer day like I was this weekend, the air conditioning is a nice break from the triple-degree heat. I seem to learn something new every time I visit, so I'm sure the friendly staff will see me again in the near future!
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Review from Tony G.
10/24/2008
This is a beautiful building with lots to see. The best thing about this place is Texas State Representative Renee Oliveira!
http://www.house.state...
Zipzap Zubidy Bop!Listed in: Anthony's Awesome Austin…, Austin, TX
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Review from Sarah G.
5/3/2009
Maybe since I didn't take a Texas history class i didn't appreciate this as much as I should have, or maybe it was all of the pictures of George Bush I kept seeing throughout here that made me feel a little funny inside ha ha but we didn't find ourselves spending too much time here on our visit.
It is free to go inside and the strange thing was there was no security to get inside! Maybe in California we are just crazy lovers of metal detectors and security guards, but here there were no metal detectors to walk through and hardly any security to be seen! I felt like I was in another world, but then again people say Texas is like its own country, so I basically was in a new land ha. And for a place that supports guns so much I guess we just were expecting lots of metal detectors but we walked right in ha
The decor is nice inside, big archways, the famous dome, their center tiling stating the republic of texas with all of the crests and you can walk into some of the chambers as well. The banisters of the stairwells are very intricate and there is marble everywhere, so definitely worth it to stop by and take a gander, but if you aren't familiar with Texas it just may not strike home for you as much as it does for native Texans, ya know? -
Review from Dan G.
Austin, TX
11/8/2010 1 Check-in Here
Well-preserved history, beautiful architecture, and amazing park space make the State Capitol a can't miss.
Plus, throw in some of the fun events and you've got a great space. -
Review from Aaron M.
2/25/2009
The capitol has a pretty great guided tour which costs you absolutely nothing. Texas does have the largest (or second largest depending on how you count Wisconsin) capitol building, making this a very nice alternative to the hassle of seeing the national capitol.
The guided tour included a nice bit of history. We covered the importance of the battle of San Jacinto, the six nations to have sovereignty over Texas, and some factoids about Sam Houston, including that he was adopted by the Cherokee, took a Cherokee name, Colonneh, and maintained contact with that community throughout his life. That's also why he is often depicted wearing a Cherokee blanket.
Yes I could have learned this all on Wikipedia but would I ever really randomly look up Sam Houston?
You can also do a self guided tour, as there are pamphlets for this purpose in the main lobby near 10th and Congress. -
Review from Tommy G.
Austin, TX
7/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
My wife and had a great morning @ capital thats all i have to say about that.
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Review from Lyn P.
1/11/2009 3 photos
Don't miss taking a tour of the Capitol when you are in Austin. It is a beautiful building inside and out. I loved all the little details in the inside of the building - look at all the etched glass doors and the special hinges. Or the chandeliers in the Senate and House where the lights spell Texas.
I walked around a bit before taking the official tour - it's worth your while to take the official one because you learn so many details. The history major in me enjoyed every minute of it.
The tour ends in the Capitol extension, where there is a really unique view of the dome through the skylights. While you are there, check out the gift shop - they have some really unique items.Listed in: ATX
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Review from Kurt G.
Austin, TX
8/2/2009
Take a tour of the State Capitol Building, you will find something interesting I promise. Many times I have walked through the lower level halls looking at the congress pictures and noticing how they describe the times through the elected officials faces. The 1880's are full of handlebar mustached cowboys, the 1930's are full of smartly dressed guys, the 1940's are full of very old guys as everyone was off to war. Late 1940's full of war heroes.
Well worth the effort to take a self guided or Docent guided tour- free.
The building was paid for in part by a land grant to the builder of 3 million acres in the panhandle- now the XIT Ranch. most of the structural and interior parts are built of Limestone from Oak Hill. It was found to discolor so the exterior was built of pink granite (donated) from near Marble Falls. -
Review from Manorah R.
Yonkers, NY
7/1/2011
Set your GPS to 11th and Jacinto where the visitor parking is. The tour leaves from inside the south entrance under the 'surrender of santa anna' painting. Last tour leaves at 330pm.
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Review from ryan c.
Jacksonville, NC
10/21/2011
I love visiting the Capitol. I actually used to work here for about 4 months in '97, as a Senate Messenger.
This is a grand, old building. Beautiful grounds. Took the family this summer for a day visit and my kids loved running up the stairs. We sat in the House chamber and watched them work. I explained to my daughter what they were doing and watched them pass some resolutions. We saw the old Supreme Court room, and walked down to the new annex.
Since it was lunchtime we ate at the Capitol restaurant in the annex. My wife was thoroughly impressed with the prices for the amount of food we got (we had the brisket and sides and my kids had sandwhiches and we had leftovers it was so much.) The food was excellent (I made my wife's day recommending eating there.) We paid a visit to the Governor's office and signed the guest book but didn't see Rick (or Pointy Boots as Jeff Ward calls him.)
We went to the gift shop and found a lot of cool stuff but didn't get anything.
This is a great place to go. We even had to go through security with metal detectors, and they even had to wand my son for some reason (he's 6.) If you are in Austin, stop by here and visit. They do have tours but it's not necessary. We saw a couple of legistlators walking around too. -
Review from Jacob R.
4/19/2010
The Capitol Building closes! What kind of unresponsive government is this. Actually I'm glad because I won a bet from a guy who would not stop talking about how you can go there all hours of the night. It turned out well that they were closed also, because leaving the bar to visit a government building and trying to stagger around it is a sure-fired way to get a P.I.
Instead we just got a nice little walk and few of how nice it is outside at the Capitol at night.
It really is amazing how good it looks with the lights on it at night, and they are still alot of poeple walking around in the big courtyards.
