Soaring dome, gleaming marble, statues galore—you’ve seen one state capitol building, you’ve seen them all, right? Oh, no, no, no, says Sociology Professor Jill Grigsby, who has made it her decade-long hobby to visit these symbols of democracy, “they are very different.”
Grigsby has set foot in 32 state capitols so far, most recently hitting Dover, Del., Harrisburg, Pa., Providence, R.I. and Salem, Ore. over summer break. She hopes to visit all 50. The quest began a decade ago when Grigsby and her husband, Computer Science Professor Everett Bull, were on sabbatical taking a cross-country drive. After their first capitol stop in Salt Lake City, it was on to Helena, Mont., and then once you’ve done both of the Dakotas, you’re pretty well committed to the quest.
Bismarck, by the way, has one of the most unique state capitol buildings: a 19-story, art deco-ish tower—no dome—dubbed “the skyscraper on the prairie.” To the east, the attractive capitol buildings in Minnesota (pictured) and Wisconsin should be visited one after another, says Grigsby, who suspects the neighboring states were trying to outdo each other. “Madison’s is imposing and impressive,” says Grigsby, who blogs as Capitol Diva. “But St. Paul has this gorgeous, gorgeous sculpture on top of the dome.”
After so many capitol trips, Grigsby can offer a few tips. Tagging along on a tour with school kids is great fun because “fourth-graders have wonderful questions.” And while you’re soaking up history, do make a detour to the loo, as the lavish lavatories are usually “amazing.”