New York State Capitol

The Adirondacks

LoginSave

Completed in 1899, this grand building is the heart of the state government. The interior features detailed stone carving, carpentry, and tile and mosaic work, with highlights being the Great Western Staircase, the Governor's Reception Room and the HH Richardson–designed Senate Chamber. Saturday tours require online reservations.

Visitor's entrance is on the east side of the building. If you can't make one of the guided tours, self-guided tours of the building are available in office hours. Guided tours are also held on the second Saturday of the month at 11am and 2pm.

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

  • Saratoga Spa State Park

    Saratoga Spa State Park

    28.05 MILES

    Saratoga Springs' boom as a destination for leisure and healing was in large part thanks to the eponymous springs from which early European settlers…

  • Clark Art Institute

    Clark Art Institute

    27.94 MILES

    Even if you're not an avid art lover, don't miss this gem, set on 140 gorgeous acres of expansive lawns, flower-filled meadows and rolling hills. The…

  • Empire State Plaza

    Empire State Plaza

    0.21 MILES

    While the plaza's ensemble of architecture surrounding a central pool is hugely impressive, it's the splendid collection of modern American art liberally…

  • New York State Museum

    New York State Museum

    0.36 MILES

    There are exhibits on everything from New York's original Native Amerian residents, the state's history of activism, its architectural and engineering…

  • Williams College Museum of Art

    Williams College Museum of Art

    28.54 MILES

    In the center of town is this worthwhile – and free! – art museum. It has a collection of some 15,000 pieces, with substantial works by notables such as…

  • Hancock Shaker Village

    Hancock Shaker Village

    26.29 MILES

    This evocative museum illustrates the lives of the religious sect that founded the village in 1783. The Shakers believed in communal ownership, the…

  • Pleasant Valley Wilderness Sanctuary

    Pleasant Valley Wilderness Sanctuary

    29.91 MILES

    This 1300-acre wildlife sanctuary has 7 miles of pleasant walking trails through forests and meadows, as well as a challenging hike to the summit of Lenox…

  • National Museum of Dance

    National Museum of Dance

    28.59 MILES

    Although horse racing and healing spas get much of the attention in Saratoga Springs, the town is also known for its rich history with the performing arts…

View more attractions

Nearby The Adirondacks attractions

1. Empire State Plaza

0.21 MILES

While the plaza's ensemble of architecture surrounding a central pool is hugely impressive, it's the splendid collection of modern American art liberally…

2. Albany Institute of History & Art

0.24 MILES

If for nothing else, it's worth dropping by one of the oldest museums in the US (founded in 1791) to see its two Egyptian mummies, one of which is…

4. New York State Museum

0.36 MILES

There are exhibits on everything from New York's original Native Amerian residents, the state's history of activism, its architectural and engineering…

5. Washington Park

0.69 MILES

Covering 90 acres of central Albany, this beautifully landscaped park includes a lake, formal gardens, basketball and tennis courts and a playground. It's…

6. Destroyer Escort Historical Museum

0.85 MILES

For a glimpse of naval life take the hour-long guided tour around the USS Slater, a navy destroyer that saw action in WWII. The expertly restored ship is…

7. Shaker Heritage Society

6.7 MILES

Enthusiastic volunteer guides help bring alive the history of the nine original buildings and recreated herb garden that make up what was the first Shaker…

8. Hancock Shaker Village

26.29 MILES

This evocative museum illustrates the lives of the religious sect that founded the village in 1783. The Shakers believed in communal ownership, the…