Vermont

Many state capitol buildings sit open and proud, viewable from all sides. However, the Vermont State House is nestled at the foot of a wooded hillside with its gold dome reigning over downtown Montpelier, the smallest state capital by population (about 8,000) in the United States.

The Vermont State House is the perfect reflection of the state itself. It’s small and beautiful, with a lot going on underneath. It’s friendly, but without needing to be bothered by others. I love Vermont. I’d consider a move if it weren’t for the winters there (this Texan has a very low tolerance for real winter weather).

Learn more about the Vermont State House, view maps by floor, or plan a visit.

My uncle and I visited the Vermont State House after returning to the United States from a weekend trip to Montreal. We visited several weeks before the catastrophic July 2023 flood that inundated Montpelier and other areas of Vermont. The flood stopped at the edge of the capitol grounds, so the Vermont State House was spared.  

We parked at the Capitol Region Visitors Center at 134 State Street, a couple of blocks away. However, it is still closed due to damage from the 2023 floods. I hope it reopens soon because of a nice gift shop and knowledgeable, friendly travel professionals who provide information about Montpelier and the Capitol Complex. We valued their expertise and conversation.

The state house is primarily used for the Vermont General Assembly, consisting of the Senate and House of Representatives. The Vermont Governor has a ceremonial office in the state house; the Governor’s working office is a block away on State Street.

The Cedar Creek Reception Room next to the Governor’s office on the third floor features two stained glass skylights and View of Montpelier, a mural that depicts the red dome of the previous capitol.

The Capitol Food Court and State House Cafeteria is on the bottom floor; it has large windows facing the back of the building and provides a lush, green view of the hillside. Under the Dome Gifts is open from late June through October and operates a gift cart during the January–May legislative session.

Downtown Montpelier is a short walk on State Street from the capitol and has local restaurants and shops. Montpelier Alive provides more information about events by season.

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