Colorado State Capitol050

Yup, them thar's real gold covering the dome of the Colorado State Capitol - 47 1/2 ounces, give or take (it's spread even thinner than tissue paper), shipped in from Florence, Italy.

Tours are offered on the half hour and usually include topics such as early Colorado history, Capitol construction, the lawmaking process, the gold dome, several stained glass windows, Women's Gold Tapestry, presidential portraits, and a stop outside the Senate and House of Representatives' chambers. The tour desk is located at the left side of the north (Colfax Avenue) entrance.

Colorado's Senators meet in the Senate Chambers from mid-January to mid-May, and it's a wonderful experience for kids who are studying government in Social Studies class to see the state's leaders in action.

In the Gallery of Presidents, see how many famous faces the kids (and you!) can identify on the third floor rotunda.

If you're game (and have strong legs), you can climb the 99 stairs to the Observation Gallery; the view from the dome is unforgettable. To the northwest, Longs Peak shimmers, 50 miles away. To the southwest is Pikes Peak, and to the west is Mount Evans. Large brass markers help identify what you're spotting.

45 minute tours are offered Mon-Fri; Between Sept-May Mon-Fri 9:15am-2:30pm; June-Aug Mon-Fri 9am03:30pm. Advance reservations are required.