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Michigan's Second Capitol. Michigan’s second capitol, located in Lansing. Constructed of wood, this building was always intended to be a temporary home for Michigan’s government. It served as the capitol from 1848-1878.
Guided tours of the Capitol are provided Monday through Friday and begin at the top of every hour, with the first tour beginning at 9:00am and the final tour beginning at 4:00pm. Tours should be scheduled in advance for groups of between 10 and 45 people.
Did you know that Michigan has had two capital cities and three capitol buildings? Three Capitols Take a scenic trip through time and see the evolution of the Capitol Square’s 11 acres.
Have you ever heard that your town was almost Michigan’s capital city? Travel back in time to the early days of statehood to learn about the history of Michigan’s two capital cities (Detroit and Lansing) and the three capitol buildings we’ve used since the territorial period.
The west side of Capitol Square is home to a state-of-the-art geothermal system that provides clean, renewable heating and cooling for the Capitol. Comprised of nearly 300 wells, bored 500 feet deep, it uses the earth’s constant 54-degree temperate as a heat source in the winter and a heat sink in the summer.
Read updates from the conservation lab and browse Michigan’s battle flag collection. Follow the research, discoveries, and developments from the Capitol’s Art Department and painting team. Interested in anything Capitol & Michigan history?
The Capitol is closed on Sunday and state holidays. Capitol Video: A 29-minute video documenting the history and restoration of the Capitol is available for loan. It can be borrowed by contacting the Capitol Tour and Information Office, P.O. Box 30014, Lansing, Michigan 48909-7514, or by telephoning 517-373-2353.
