The following information contains important guidelines to assist you in planning your fieldtrip.
This tour provides an introduction to representative democracy and the three branches of government and includes information on the Legislative Building's function, operation, symbolism and history.
Students also visit the Temple of Justice, home of the state Supreme Court, where they participate in a mock court hearing. The tour explores the Rotunda, the State Reception Room, Legislative Galleries, and offices of elected officials. Total tour time is three hours (including a lunch period).
Civic tours are available to 4th-12th grade classes of 20 or more students from mid-January through June. The Department of Enterprise Services Visitor Services Program accepts requests for civic tours throughout the year, but we suggest that you sign up as early as possible due to limited availability. Please fill out the Civic Tour Reservation Form to request a tour. For questions, contact us at (360) 902-8880 or email tours@des.wa.gov.
Groups with fewer than 20 or younger students are encouraged to contact the State Capitol Tour Office at (360) 902-8880 to discuss other educational tour options that might be available.
Because the Washington State Capitol is the seat of government, teachers and chaperones are expected to set clear behavioral expectations for their students and to provide direct management and discipline of their groups. To ensure a safe and positive tour experience, groups are expected follow their tour guide's instructions throughout the tour, including emergencies and building evacuations. Guides reserve the right to cancel a tour at any time due to student misbehavior.
Before arrival, please separate lunches by class and bring them in labeled containers/boxes small enough for one person to easily carry. Lunches will be stored on carts while groups are on tour. To reduce food waste, groups are encouraged to pack lunches in reusable containers. Food going home will be returned to the main entrance where it can be picked up at the end of the tour. Recycling receptacles will be available during your lunch period. Food, gum, and beverages (including water), are not permitted on the tour unless required for medical reasons. This applies to students and adults. Upon arrival, groups will drop off lunches and use restrooms.
416 Sid Snyder Ave. SW
Olympia, WA 98504
Take Exit 105, then Exit 105A. Continue for 0.6 miles. Merge with traffic on the left and continue in the left hand lane of 14th Ave. SW through the roundabout (Jefferson St.) and under the tunnel 0.4 miles to Capitol Blvd. The Capitol Campus will be directly ahead.
Take Exit 105 and bear left for the "State Capitol/City Center" exit. Cross over Interstate 5 and keep in the left lane on 14th Ave. SE through the roundabout (Jefferson St.) and under the tunnel 0.4 miles to Capitol Blvd. The Capitol Campus will be directly ahead.
Parking on the Washington State Capitol Campus is 2.00 per hour. There are three main public parking areas for visitors. Each visitor parking area is serviced by a large meter located near each entrance. Meters accept debit/credit cards, 1.00 bills, and coins. After paying, place your parking ticket on your dashboard.
View a map of campus with each of the visitor parking spaces labeled.
The Visitor Services Program offers limited bus parking for "Civic Tour" School Buses only. To be eligible to utilize the bus zone, Civic Tour groups must be scheduled and approved through the State Capitol Tour Office.
Proceed to the intersection of 14th and Capitol, as directed above under "Driving Directions." As you proceed through the intersection, veer slightly to your right and onto the South Diagonal. There is a bus zone located on the South Diagonal that is available to scheduled Civic Tour School Buses only.
View a map of the civic tour school bus parking options.
Your tour guide will meet the school bus. If you arrive early, please contact Visitor Services at (360) 902-8880.
Please be aware that if bus parking is full, buses will drop off the students in the roundabout at the end of the south diagonal and then will need to park off campus.