Colorado State Capitol, Denver Travel Guide

4.5 (695)

Explore Colorado's history and governance at the iconic State Capitol Building in Denver, featuring stunning architecture and free tours.

Home
Travel Guides
Colorado
Denver
Colorado State Capitol

The Colorado State Capitol Building, located in Denver, is home to the state's General Assembly and the offices of the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Treasurer. Designed to resemble the U.S. Capitol, its distinctive gold dome commemorates the Colorado Gold Rush. Visitors can explore Colorado history through its architecture, artwork, and free guided tours.

A brief summary to Colorado State Capitol

200 E Colfax Ave, Denver, Central, Colorado, 80203, US
Click to display
Click to display

Monday 7:30 am-5 pm
Tuesday 7:30 am-5 pm
Wednesday 7:30 am-5 pm
Thursday 7:30 am-5 pm
Friday 7:30 am-5 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Colorado State Capitol.

Arrive early for guided tours, as they are limited to 30 people and operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to climb to the dome observation area, as it requires ascending 99 steps.
Visit the 'Mr. Brown's Attic' exhibit to learn about Colorado history and the Capitol's construction.
Look for the three 'mile high' markers on the west steps of the building, each marking the official elevation of Denver based on different surveys.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more about listing your business on Evendo

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Denver Zoo

Molly Brown House Museum

Denver Museum of Nature & Science

Denver Art Museum

Denver Botanic Gardens

Explore Colorado State Capitol on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Colorado State Capitol, mapped for you.

Unlock the Best of Colorado State Capitol

Buy tickets

No tickets available

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Getting There

Public Transport

The Colorado State Capitol is conveniently accessible via public transportation. The building is located one block southeast of Civic Center Station, which can be reached by light rail from the 16th Street Mall. Several bus lines also stop near the Capitol, including routes 0, 15, 16, 52, and 83L. A single ride on the bus or light rail costs $3.
Walking

From Denver Union Station, the Colorado State Capitol is approximately a 25-30 minute walk. Head southeast on 17th Street, then turn left onto Colfax Avenue. The Capitol will be on your right between Grant and Sherman Streets. Alternatively, from Civic Center Park, walk east along Colfax Avenue for a few blocks to reach the Capitol.
Taxi/Ride-share

Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft provide a quick way to reach the Colorado State Capitol. A ride from Denver Union Station typically costs $7-9 and takes only a few minutes. Be sure to specify the address, 200 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80203, to ensure accurate navigation.
Driving

If driving, parking is available in nearby lots and garages, though availability can vary. Several parking options are located within a few blocks of the Capitol, such as the Capitol Center Garage and the Art Garage, with hourly rates typically ranging from $8 to $17. Be aware that parking in the immediate vicinity may be limited, especially during weekdays. Monthly parking options are also available for state employees.

Discover more about Colorado State Capitol

The Colorado State Capitol Building, situated at 200 E Colfax Ave in Denver, stands as a testament to Colorado's rich history and its role in shaping the state's future. Constructed between 1886 and 1901, the building houses the Colorado General Assembly, the offices of the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and the Department of the Treasury. Designed by architect Elijah E. Myers, the Capitol mirrors the U.S. Capitol's neoclassical style, featuring a stunning gold dome that commemorates the Colorado Gold Rush.The exterior of the Capitol is built from granite quarried near Gunnison, Colorado. The unique pink stone found throughout the interior is Rose Onyx, a rare marble discovered near Beulah, Colorado; the entire known supply of this marble was used in the building's construction. The floors are constructed of Yule Marble from Marble, Colorado, the same marble used in the Lincoln Memorial and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Many of the building's windows are made of stained glass, depicting important figures and events in Colorado history.Visitors can explore the building's three mile-high markers, each placed after different surveys. The dome is gilded with gold leaf donated by Colorado miners in 1908 to commemorate the gold rush. Free guided tours are available on weekdays, offering insights into the building's history, architecture, and artwork. The tours include a visit to the dome observation area, accessible via a 99-step climb, and a closed-captioned video tour is available for those unable to make the climb. The third floor rotunda features portraits of U.S. presidents and other artwork.