Sangamon Sun

Politics, government, history and architecture enthusiasts are encouraged to pay a visit to the Illinois Capitol this year while the general assembly is in session to check out the historical Statehouse and see Illinois legislators in action.

The Illinois Senate Republican Caucus released a guide to visiting the Illinois Capitol last week, which includes tips on parking, admission and touring the Renaissance Revival/Second Empire style building and its 405-foot dome. 

The guide encourages visitors to come while lawmakers are at work. 

| via Enjoy Illinois

"Seeing the passion on lawmakers' faces while they debate legislation and learning about the legislative process makes for a more interesting visit to the statehouse," the guide video said. 

Parking

A lot southwest of the Capitol on College Street in Springfield is the free visitor center parking area. If the free lot is full, coin-metered street parking is available. The lots immediately surrounding the Statehouse are for state workers only, no visitors. 

Admission

Admission is free but a metal detector security checkpoint is required. Bags and backpacks are subject to search. A form of identification is not necessary and visitors do not need to surrender their cell phones. 

Touring

After the security checkpoint, visitors are free to roam the public areas of the Statehouse, and are encourage to check out the rotunda, artwork, sculptures and historical architecture. Free guided tours are available and can be requested through the information desk; the tours are 25 minutes long, embark every 30 minutes and are not offered from noon to 1 p.m.

Visitors are not allowed beyond the first floor of the Capitol after 4 p.m. on weekdays and anytime on weekends unless the legislature is in session. Visits while lawmakers are in session are encouraged to witness state government firsthand. 

Sessions on the House and Senate floors can be spectated from the gallery for free without a ticket as long as there is seating available. 

The schedule for the Illinois Senate can be viewed here, and the schedule for the Illinois House here. Live audio is also available when the legislature is in session. 

Statehouse free guided tours

Monday through Friday

8 a.m. through 4 p.m.

Saturday 

9 a.m. through 3 p.m.

No tours 12-1 p.m.

More tour information: (217) 782-2099

401 S. 2nd St., Springfield, IL 62701