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Visit the Oregon State Capitol

 

Did You Know?

A fourth grade class from Sunset Primary School in West Linn petitioned the Oregon Legislature to make the Dungeness crab the official crustacean of Oregon.



The State Library offers an amazing service for students to connect with a state librarian for research and answers to all types of questions at answerland.org.

Full Day in Salem?

In addition to visiting the Oregon State Capitol, consider stopping by theWillamette Heritage Center, the Hallie Ford Museum of Art, and Gilbert House.

 

School Tour Options

Due to the CAMS construction project, onsite guided tours have been suspended through 2025. In-classroom guided virtual tours are still available. Call 503-986-1388 to learn more. 

​Virtual Tour Option

We now offer a version of our 360° Virtual Capitol Tour designed specifically for students: Oregon State Capitol School Tour. You can also schedule a guided virtual tour by contacting 503-986-1388 or visitor.services@oregonlegislature.gov​

If you are looking for supplemental lessons for your classroom visit the Oregon State Capitol on Flip.​​

​K-3rd Grade Tour Option

Picture of Capitol Building Interior and DomeA 30-minute building tour is offered, subject to space availability, from September 1 – November 20th.  Note: The 30-minute tower tour is only available during the month of September for K-3rd grade and is subject to weather conditions. One adult chaperone per 5 students is required. Maximum group is 60.

4th Grade Tour Option

Picture of Capitol Building Interior and DomeThe guided tour supports the information outlined in the 4th grade lesson plans which follow the Oregon Department of Education Standards as outlined in the lessons.

A 60-minute building tour and 30-minute tower tour is offered subject to space availability. Tower season is April 1 – June 1st and the month of September and is subject to weather conditions. A 60-minute building tour without the tower is available October – November and January – March. One adult chaperone per 5 students is required. Maximum group is 90.

5 – 12th Grade Tour Option

Picture of Capitol Building Floor SealA 60-minute building tour and 30-minute tower tour is offered subject to space availability. Tower season is April 1 – June 1st, and the month of September, and is subject to weather conditions. A 60-minute building tour without the tower is available October – November and January – March. One adult chaperone per 5 students is required. The maximum group is 90.

Reserve a Tour

Picture of Parking Meter outside of Capitol BuildingCall 503-986-1388 to reserve a tour. Due to capacity limitations, guided tour times may be full. When calling to schedule consider having several dates as options and reserve as soon as possible. Review your confirmation. It is important to call and cancel your reservation if your plans change as schools may be on the waitlist.

Arrival Time

Picture of Gift Shop inside of Capitol BuildingArrive 15 minutes before your scheduled tour. Your school tour leader should check-in at the information desk located on the first floor, while students wait on the front steps, and are divided into groups of 30 or less. Arriving early will allow for restroom breaks before your tour begins. Late arrivals take away from your tour time and experience. 

Teacher and Chaperone Responsibility

While Oregon's Capitol is yours to visit, it is also a place of business. Teacher and chaperone participation is important. One adult chaperone per 5 students is required. Teachers and chaperones are expected to:

  • assist students with tour guide activities;
  • keep the assigned group together and stay with the students at all times;
  • direct students to be quiet and orderly and ask them to stay in single file to the right and behind the tour guide;
  • remind students that food, gum and beverages are not allowed on the tour;
  • tuck away cell phones;
  • leave backpacks and lunches on the bus; and
  • put trash in wastebaskets located throughout the Capitol and in the state park.

Steps for a Successful Tower Tour

The tower tour is a special opportunity. Tower tours are capacity controlled and subject to weather conditions. Please remember to bring the group's tower waiver forms with you and turn in prior to the start of your tour. Consider watching the tower video prior to your visit.

On the tower tour, teachers and chaperones are expected to:

  • direct students to remain quiet, stay in single file to the right, hold on to the rail and remain orderly when climbing the stairs;  
  • inform students that jumping is not allowed on the tower staircase and tower platform;
  • leave backpacks on the bus*.

*teacher or chaperone backpack for medical and emergency items is allowed.​