Olympia is perfectly located on the I-5 corridor. Seattle and Portland are an easy jaunt, and after a short drive you can find your toes in the Pacific or head in the clouds. But do not forget that as a state capital, we are a destination unto ourselves.
Whether you are entertaining visitors or turning a school holiday into an informal field trip, the downtown Capitol Campus offers a wealth of learning, beauty, architecture and history. And thanks to the online Interactive Map, planning a visit is easier than ever.
More than simply offices and legislative buildings, the campus is home to memorials, ornamental gardens and visitor-friendly walking paths. Pack a lunch and explore all day for free or enjoy downtown dining via the DASH. Start with driving directions and the updated map to find visitor parking options or look for free short-term spaces along Capitol Boulevard.
Have an electric car? Do not worry! There are three charging stations spread across the expansive grounds. Filter the map’s legend for directions, charger specifics and hourly costs.
Once parked, you can use the map to guide you to memorials, artwork, key buildings and even varieties of trees. Want to see a Dawn Chinese Redwood, Bush Butternut, Saucer Magnolia or Northern Catalpa? You are covered. With 113 total destinations, the campus can meet any interest.
If you are not sure where to start, or are feeling frazzled at being in charge, never fear. Guided campus tours take place seven days a week from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. weekdays and 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on weekends. The free tours leave hourly from the second floor of the Legislative building and are open to everyone.
Larger groups or those with specific needs can contact the Department of Enterprise Services (DES) Visitor Services Program. Email tours@des.wa.gov or call 360-902-8880 to arrange your visit. These include botanical tours, adventure tours for students, a civic education tour and even a Governor’s Mansion tour.
The Legislative building, with its signature rotunda, is a work of art. The DES reports it to be “the fifth tallest masonry dome in the world, and the tallest in North America,” built from an array of globally-sourced materials. “The Legislative Building is comprised of more than 173 million pounds of stone, brick, concrete and steel . . . Approximate tons of stone and granite: 12,000 or 8850 Volkswagen Beetles. Approximate tons of brick: 9,500 or 5538 Orca whales. Approximate tons of concrete: 28,800 or 3740 African elephants.”
While outside, look for powerful memorials to the cultures and veterans that define Washington’s history. Perhaps the most prominent is the centrally located golden Winged Victory, dedicated to those who served in World War I. Aligned with the newly restored Tivoli fountain and the soaring rotunda dome, it is one of the most popular photography spots on campus.
There are also memorials to service members from World War II, the Korean and Vietnam wars and Prisoners of War/Missing in Action and Medal of Honor recipients.
History buffs can visit the Arc of Statehood on the nearby Capitol Lake walking path, the Territorial Sundial surrounded by popular outdoor seating and the famous flowering cherry trees of the campus.
To see government in action schedule your trip when the citizen legislature is in session. Meeting in alternate years for either 60 or 105 days, their arrival opens the floodgates of public hearings, campus concerts, lobbying events and much more.
Daily legislative agendas are posted online with times for Senate and House hearings. These are open to the public and include presentations from local groups and the passage of bills. Floor sessions, when all 49 Senators or 98 Representatives are present to debate or vote, are also viewable from balconies in the rotunda building.
During the legislative session, two on-site restaurants are open for breakfast and lunch or just a quick cup of coffee, and the Legislative Gift Center is open year-round selling everything from wine and chocolates — locally produced, of course — to stuffed animals and sundries.
“Whether it’s an empty wallet, a heavy workload or a young family tied to the school term that’s preventing you from traveling, the situation doesn’t have to extinguish your wanderlust . . . there are myriad ways to experience your home as a traveler would,” says travel writer Etain O’Carroll. Bring friends and family for a day of tours and culture. Or just your dog and a book for some peace, quiet and gorgeous scenery. Visiting the Washington State Capitol Campus is a perfect destination 365 days of the year.
