Visiting the Capitol Campus:
The Washington State Capitol Campus is beautifully nestled in the trees in the state’s capital city of Olympia. There is much to see and do on the campus, both indoors and outdoors. The entire campus covers 50 acres. The three main structures include the Legislative Building, the Temple of Justice, and the Governor’s Mansion.
Legislative building
The grand structure that serves as the home to Washington State’s government and a symbol of Washington’s free government is known as the Legislative Building. Many will recognize this iconic building as it stands at 287 feet tall. It also sports the tallest masonry dome in North America, and the fifth tallest in the world. This building was completed in 1928 after six years of construction. The building itself has withstood several earthquakes and nearly an hundred years of democracy within. Visitors are always welcome to enter the building and tours may be arranged prior to one’s visit. The building is open every day of the year excluding Thanksgiving and the day after, Christmas Day, and New Years Day.
Temple of justice
The Washington State Temple of Justice just reached 100 years since its construction in 1912. The Temple of Justice houses the Washington State Supreme Court and the State Law Library. At the current time, renovations are being made on this historic building so the Supreme Court and Law Library will be returning from their temporary location in Fall 2022. Though the Temple of Justice is closed to the public, visitors are welcome to walk around the perimeter of the building and view its architecture.
Governor’s mansion
The Governor’s Mansion has served as home to the Washington State Governor since 1909. Since that time of its completion, it has housed 17 governors. Preceding the completion of the Temple of Justice by three years, the Governor’s Mansion holds the title of the oldest standing building on Capitol Campus. Guided tours of the Mansion are available through signing up with the Governor’s Mansion Foundation.
https://wagovmansion.org/tours/
Memorials & Outdoor Attractions
Capitol Campus hosts a plethora of memorials and artwork that are featured both indoors and out. Some of the most notable memorials include Veterans of WWI and WWII, Korean War, Vietnam War, and Fallen Law Enforcement Officers.
Aside from the magnificent structures, Capitol Campus is filled with a variety of trees, flowers, and other plants that beautify the area. Within walking distance and adjacent to the main Capitol Campus are six parks that provide trails, birdwatching, lakeside activities and an overall access to the beautiful nature of Washington State.
