Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania State Capitol in downtown Harrisburg is majestic, but this is not surprising given Pennsylvania’s contributions to American history. The light green dome, based on St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, is distinctive, and one of the most ornate capitols in the United States.

It is part of the Capitol Complex, which overlooks the Susquehanna River in downtown Harrisburg. The Capitol and Capitol Complex are grand, and maps are available to help you navigate.  Learn more about Pennsylvania State Capitol history or plan a visit.

Video tours and the Tour the PA Capitol mobile app (for Android and Apple) are available for those who prefer a virtual visit.

This was the last state capitol I visited with my uncle during our Mid Atlantic and New England Road Trip in 2023. Despite the frequency of my visits to Pennsylvania, this was the first time I had ever been to the Harrisburg area.  

We arrived at the capitol late afternoon; the Pennsylvania General Assembly was in session, so it was very busy. Both the Senate and House of Representatives were on the floor, so no photographs were allowed in the gallery. I was able to get my State Capitols Passport stamped, but the gift shop had already closed.

Feeling incomplete, I went back the next morning. Fortunately, the Senate and House were not in session, so I was able to get my photos and visit the Capitol Shop.

I’m glad I went back, because I was able to better appreciate this gorgeous building without the flurry of activity. The Senate and House chambers are ornate and stunning.

The rotunda is my favorite of all state capitols nationwide (the banner image on the State Capitols landing page is of this rotunda). The pristine white walls are Vermont marble, and the grand staircase is Italian marble. The mosaic floor, known as the Carpet of History, is the original floor and has 400 picture tiles that depict primitive industry, early transportation, wildlife, and insects.

Pennsylvania is my father’s home state, and my mother is from neighboring Ohio. They moved from Pennsylvania to Texas two weeks before I was born, so I was almost born there. I was destined to be a Texan. I have family and friends in Pennsylvania, so I visit often; this is a state I know very well.

After visiting the capitol, plan to stay for a few days. Harrisburg is close to other important Pennsylvania destinations I highly recommend:

• Gettysburg: The Gettysburg National Military Park is about a half-hour drive from Harrisburg. If you visit the museum and do the auto tour, this will take up an entire day so plan accordingly.

• Hershey: A short drive from Harrisburg, this is home to the Hershey’s Chocolate World, which includes the free Hershey’s Chocolate Tour ride and an incredible store devoted to everything Hershey.

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