As the state of Oklahoma's seat of government, Oklahoma State Capitol building houses the Oklahoma Legislature and the meeting place of the Oklahoma Supreme Court. The present structure includes a fabulous dome that was completed in 2002. Located along Lincoln Boulevard in Oklahoma City, the building is undoubtedly a national historic landmark.
A visit to the Oklahoma State Capitol is for certain a vivid history lesson for visitors, giving an opportunity to catch up on the origins of Oklahoma City. If you want to experience the history and impact of the entire building, take part in an Oklahoma State Capitol tour.
Oklahoma State Capitol tours, under the operation of Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation, are offered in various forms including private trips, school field trips or other groups. Guided tours can be scheduled in advance. There are also brochures available to assist you in a self-guided tour.
Admission and Tour Schedule: The Oklahoma State Capitol is open daily from 8:30am to 5:30 pm and the admission to the building is free. Guided tours are given hourly from 9am to 3pm from Monday to Friday. It is better to schedule your tour in advance by call. The phone No. is (800) 652-6552. Tours depart from the Welcome Center in the first floor rotunda.
Trained volunteers will take you to visit the State Capitol building on a 45-minute tour. During the tour, they will give pieces of fascination Oklahoma history along the way. There are also two-hour guided tours available for adults by appointment from Monday to Friday.
What to see on the tour? The building lies directly on top of the Oklahoma City Oil Field. As the only state capitol in the United States with active oil rigs, it is surrounded by working oil wells. The structure itself is Greco-Roman architecture, serving as home to over 100 works of art including bronze sculptures, murals, paintings and portraits. Covering more than 100 acres of land, it houses approximately 650 rooms, a newly added dome, 11 acres of floor space with restored stained glass, tribal flag plaza and more. With so many unique features, Oklahoma State Capitol provides visitors with much to see.
Is dining available at Oklahoma State Capitol building? Although the complex itself has no restaurants, there are a snack bar and Winnie Mae Cafe on the third floor, serving items like candy, soup, soda and sandwiches. If you want a wonderful dining experience after your visit, a short drive also can take you to the surrounding neighborhood - Bricktown, which is home to numerous restaurants and bars.
Dining in Bricktown
http://www.bricktownokc.com/dining.asp
For visitors who come from a very distant place to take an Oklahoma State Capitol tour, equip yourself with a few hotel options in the nearby area.
- Microtel Inn and Suits (624 South MacArthur Boulevard, Oklahoma City, just 1.8 miles from State Capitol)
- Renaissance Oklahoma City Convention Center Hotel (10 North Broadway Oklahoma City, less than 2 miles from State Capitol)
- Courtyard By Marriott Oklahoma City Downtown (2 West Reno Avenue Oklahoma City, just 1.9 miles from State Capitol)
- The Skirvin Hilton Oklahoma City (1 Park Avenue, Oklahoma City, just 1.7 miles from State Capitol)
- Colcord Hotel (15 N Robinson Avenue, Oklahoma City, just 1.9 miles from State Capitol)
To explore more hotels near the Oklahoma State Capitol, visit this page:
Hotels near Oklahoma State Capitol
http://www.expedia.com/Oklahoma-State-Capitol-Hotels.0-l6080681-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels