Pennsylvania State Capitol Tours

Pennsylvania State Capitol Tours Pennsylvania's State Capitol is a priceless architectural and artistic treasure, a majestic symbol o

Come check out these beautiful paintings by one of our very own tour guides, Sharnee! You can find her work on TikTok an...
06/12/2026

Come check out these beautiful paintings by one of our very own tour guides, Sharnee! You can find her work on TikTok and Instagram at , and view her first solo exhibition in the East Wing Rotunda here at the Pennsylvania State Capitol.

The exhibition runs through the end of the month, so be sure to stop by before June 30 to take in these wonderful and beautiful pieces of art!

On this day in 1832, the Pennsylvania Legislature and Governor George Wolf officially chartered and incorporated the Str...
06/09/2026

On this day in 1832, the Pennsylvania Legislature and Governor George Wolf officially chartered and incorporated the Strasburg Rail Road. The Strasburg Rail Road is the oldest continuously operating railroad in the United States. It remains in operation today, offering historic heritage train excursions. Visitors can enjoy a 45-minute ride through the picturesque Amish countryside of Lancaster County. For booking information, visit the Strasburg Rail Road website at https://strasburgrailroad.com/

06/03/2026

We had a very special guest this week to the Capitol! None other than Punxsutawney Phil! No need to ask if he saw his shadow, as the weather here in Harrisburg is beautiful and warm. Enjoy the warm weather as we head into summer!

On this day in 1988, the Pride of the Susquehanna was launched in Harrisburg. This authentic stern-driven paddlewheel ri...
05/28/2026

On this day in 1988, the Pride of the Susquehanna was launched in Harrisburg. This authentic stern-driven paddlewheel riverboat has become an iconic symbol of Harrisburg and the Susquehanna River.



If you’re interested in taking a voyage, book your cruise at https://www.hbgriverboat.org/.

Here are some charming photos of the Capitol's beautiful fountain, located at the entrance to the East Wing of the Capit...
05/26/2026

Here are some charming photos of the Capitol's beautiful fountain, located at the entrance to the East Wing of the Capitol Complex.

The fountain is dome-shaped, complimenting the Pennsylvania State Capitol's iconic dome. The fountain runs from around Memorial Day through the end of October.

In our opinion, the Capitol's fountain is a fantastic spot to snap a picture. Feel free to share any photos of the fountain you have taken over the years!

Today we would like to honor Jennie Wade. Wade was the only direct civilian casualty during the Battle of Gettysburg. Sh...
05/22/2026

Today we would like to honor Jennie Wade. Wade was the only direct civilian casualty during the Battle of Gettysburg. She was struck and killed by a stray bullet in her home at just 20 years old.

Born on May 21, 1843, her legacy lives on today through the thousands of visitors who tour the home where she was killed and visit her gravesite, where an American flag flies year-round. She shares the rare distinction of being one of only two American women honored with a perpetual flag, alongside Betsy Ross.

We would like to show some love to one of the most unique paintings to grace the chambers of the Pennsylvania State Capi...
05/13/2026

We would like to show some love to one of the most unique paintings to grace the chambers of the Pennsylvania State Capitol.

That painting is Divine Law, by Violet Oakley, which hangs over the entrance to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.

Violet Oakley's work at the Pennsylvania Capitol made her a trailblazer, as she became the first woman to receive a commission to paint mural work for a public building in the United States. Oakley was more than just a barrier-breaker, however, as her artwork contains deep and meaningful symbolism.

Divine Law contains such symbolism and also has words hidden inside forming a shape poem.

You can also think of it as a word search! Can you find the four words hidden in the mural? Comment them down below.

Today, we would like to highlight an interesting figure from Pennsylvania history: John L. Burns, a veteran of the War o...
05/08/2026

Today, we would like to highlight an interesting figure from Pennsylvania history: John L. Burns, a veteran of the War of 1812 and a resident of Gettysburg, PA.

When the Civil War came to the small town of Gettysburg, Burns could not stand aside as the fighting tore his hometown apart. Despite being too old for service (Burns was almost seventy), he resisted the Confederate occupation of Gettysburg fiercely.

On the first day of the Battle of Gettysburg, John L. Burns picked up his musket and joined Union soldiers defending the woods bordering the McPherson Farm. He held his position with honor, despite receiving multiple wounds to the arms, legs, and chest.

Burns was able to escape Confederate capture by claiming to search for his wife. Burns passed away in 1872 at the age of 78.

On this day in 1933, mountain laurel was selected as the state flower by the General Assembly. Found throughout much of ...
05/05/2026

On this day in 1933, mountain laurel was selected as the state flower by the General Assembly. Found throughout much of Pennsylvania, it often grows in mountainous and rocky areas, forming large thickets. Its white and pink flowers bloom in late spring and early summer, peaking from late May through June.

Tell us if you’ve seen any mountain laurel on your favorite Pennsylvania hike!

Address

Harrisburg, PA
17120

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4pm
Friday 8:30am - 4pm
Saturday 9am - 3pm
Sunday 9am - 3pm

Telephone

+18008687672

Website

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