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2014-2015 First Regular Session | 70th General Assembly

Second Regular Session | 74th General Assembly

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Legislative Council Staff

Tour information.

colorado capitol building tours

Colorado State Capitol Tour Information

The Colorado State Capitol welcomes about 300,000 visitors annually, with nearly 70,000 visitors taking tours of our beautiful and historic Statehouse.  We welcome you to visit and learn more about this building, the work of our General Assembly, and our unique Colorado heritage.

Capitol tours are limited to 30 people.  If your group has 10 or more visitors or has special needs, you are required to make a reservation.

Demand for Capitol tours is high – group tour reservations can be made up to one calendar year in advance. Student group tours during the legislative session (January through May) are extremely popular and space is limited. Tour availability is not guaranteed as time slots do fill up quickly.

Building Hours

The Colorado State Capitol building is open to the public from 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.  The building is closed on weekends and most legal holidays.

We are unable to schedule formal tours the following dates:

  • Monday, July 3, 2017
  • Independence Day – Tuesday, July 4, 2017 (CAPITOL CLOSED)
  • Labor Day – Monday, September 4, 2017 (CAPITOL CLOSED)
  • Columbus Day – Monday, October 9, 2017 (CAPITOL CLOSED)
  • Thanksgiving Day – Thursday, November 23, 2017 (CAPITOL CLOSED)
  • Friday, November 24, 2017
  • Christmas Day – Monday, December 25, 2017 (CAPITOL CLOSED)
  • Tuesday, December 26, 2017
  • New Year’s Day – Monday, January 1, 2018 (CAPITOL CLOSED)

All other dates are subject to availability.

If we are unable to schedule a tour for you, you are welcome to self-guide throughout the building but note that you will not be able to visit the dome on a self-guided tour.

Please note that student group tours are extremely popular and space is limited for Spring 2017.

TOUR AVAILABILITY IS NOT GUARANTEED AS TIME SLOTS DO FILL UP QUICKLY.

  • Public Statehouse tours are hourly 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM.   (In June and July ONLY, tours are offered on the hour and half hour.)
  • Tours last 45 minutes to an hour and include a trip to the dome. (Self-guided trips to the dome are NOT permitted).
  • There is no charge for tours.
  • All tours leave from the Visitor Services desk located on the first floor north wing.
  • Groups of 10 or less do not require a reservation.  Groups needing special accommodations may request a reservation for a group of less than 10 people..
  • All self-guided groups must be limited to less than 30 people.
  • For group reservations or more information, please visit  https://leg.colorado.gov/visit-learn .

Please call the tour desk at 303-866-2604 for updated tour and scheduling information or visit https://leg.colorado.gov/visit-learn .

We are happy to welcome student groups. Please note that student group tours during the legislative session (January through May) are extremely popular and space is limited. We recommend making your reservation request early. TOUR AVAILABILITY IS NOT GUARANTEED AS TIME SLOTS DO FILL UP QUICKLY.

Historical and legislative tours, as well as attic tours and dome walks, are available for school groups. We recommend making your reservation request early, as tour availability is limited.

School Bus Parking

Effective July 2016

  • All tour buses visiting the Capitol must load and unload all passengers on the corner of Grant and Colfax.   Grant is one way southbound.
  • Bus driver must remain on and move the bus after unloading passengers.
  • No tour bus parking is allowed on Grant – loading and unloading ONLY.
  • Tour buses may park on the East side (ONLY) of Broadway between the hours of 9:30-2:30.   TOUR BUSES ARE NOT ALLOWED TO PARK ON THE WEST SIDE OF BROADWAY.
  • For the safety of your passengers,  LOADING AND UNLOADING ON BROADWAY IS NOT ALLOWED UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.  This area will be monitored closely.

School Group Lunch Area

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Capitol Visitor Services Colorado Legislative Council Room #029, State Capitol Denver, CO 80203-1716

Visitor Information: [email protected] (Ph) 303-866-2604

Colorado General Assembly

[email protected]

Colorado legislature email addresses ending in @state.co.us  are no longer active. Please replace @state.co.us with @coleg.gov for Colorado legislature email addresses.  Details

The effective date for bills enacted without a safety clause is August 7, 2024, if the General Assembly adjourns sine die on May 8, 2024, unless otherwise specified. Details

State Capitol Guided Tours Resumed

July 2, 2021 - The State Capitol visitor center has resumed free guided public tours of the Capitol. Because of ongoing restoration work, the visitor center staff recommends that you call 303-866-2604 on the day of your visit for updated tour information.  

Daily tours will be available at 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 2:00 p.m. Capitol tours are limited to 15 people, first come first serve.

As of June 30, 2021, the north entrance of the Capitol building is closed. To enter the building please use the south entrance at 14th and Sherman, under the stairs. 

For further information on scheduling, please see Capitol Tour Information. 

For further information about the Capitol building, please see Colorado State Capitol.

Public Notice to All DPA Vendors & Contractors: Information & Communication Technology Accessibility Requirements Effective July 1, 2024

State Capitol Guided Tours Resumed

July 2, 2021 - The State Capitol visitor center has resumed free guided public tours of the Capitol. Because of ongoing restoration work, the visitor center staff recommends that you call 303-866-2604 on the day of your visit for updated tour information.  

Daily tours will be available at 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 2:00 p.m. Capitol tours are limited to 15 people, first come first serve.

As of June 30, 2021, the north entrance of the Capitol building is closed . To enter the building please use the south entrance at 14th and Sherman, under the stairs. 

For further information on scheduling, please see Capitol Tour Information . 

For further information about the Capitol building, please see Colorado State Capitol .

The capitol building is between Colfax Avenue and 14th Avenue. It is east of Lincoln Street.

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Colorado State Capitol

Colorado State Capitol Building – Denver

Denver’s skyline wouldn’t be complete without Colorado’s golden-domed State Capitol building. Constructed over the course of 5 years, the Capitol building was completed in 1901 and serves as the home of Colorado’s most influential branches of government: the Senate, the House, the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, and the Department of the Treasury.

Though the building resembles the basic design of the Capitol building in Washington, DC, there are numerous architectural elements that are incredibly unique and native to Colorado. Notable local Colorado building materials include:

  • The rare rose onyx was found in Beulah, CO , a magnificent pink stone applied as wainscoting and column plinths.
  • The marble floors originate from the namesake town of Marble, CO .
  • The granite for the Capitol’s exterior walls was sourced from Gunnison, CO .
  • Even the golden dome has Coloradan roots, as local gold miners gifted 200 ounces of gold to gild the Capitol building’s most visible feature.

Touring the State Capitol Building in Denver

Colorado State Capitol

A visit to Denver isn’t complete without a stop at this magnificent structure. The Denver Capitol building oozes Coloradan pride, and there is much to learn by walking its grounds. The interior is stunningly designed, dripping in opulent combinations of brass, marble, oak, murals, stained glass, and unforgettably: rose onyx. The stained glass throughout the buildings was carefully thought out, depicting prominent events and people that shaped Colorado’s history.

But there’s more outside, too. On the West steps of the building, the 15th step is engraved, reading “One Mile Above Sea Level.” But over the years, this has been re-evaluated by researchers. Today, the 13th step is considered to be one mile above sea level, and it has also been marked. But, the 15th step shouldn’t be missed. From this step, you can revel in the view of watching the sun as it sets behind the Rocky Mountains.

Denver’s Capitol building is a must-see for lovers of architecture, history buffs, and first-time visitors of Colorado. Guided tours of the building are free and offered Monday through Friday, with the exception of holidays. It’s wise to arrive early to a tour, about twenty minutes in advance should suffice. They fill up quickly as they are limited to 30 people per tour.

Colorado State Capitol

Address: 200 E Colfax Ave, Denver , CO 80203

Season: Year round, Monday-Friday, except holidays (public tours)

Admission: Free

Website: colorado.gov/pacific/capitol

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UponArriving

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colorado capitol building tours

Colorado State Capitol Tour Review: Stunning Architecture & Historic Corridors

There’s just something about visiting state capitals that is so charming and interesting.

Within their hallowed halls, colossal government decisions take shape, impacting the lives of countless individuals annually. If only the walls could whisper their stories, they would regale us with captivating tales of power, progress, conflict, and change.

Yet, state capitals are not mere bureaucratic centers; they are treasure troves of history, where the past echoes through opulent architecture and resonates within artistic masterpieces. And in Denver, the Colorado State Capitol epitomizes this.

Below, I’ll give you everything you need to know about visiting the Colorado State Capitol. I’ll provide you with the inside scoop on the tours and some interesting information to help you best prepare for your visit! I’ll also share a lot of photos of the Capitol, giving you a virtual tour of sorts.

How to tour the Colorado State Capitol

The Colorado State Capitol is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 5 PM.

The tours of the Capitol building are offered Monday through Friday and are 100% free. Typically, the daily tours are offered four times a day: 10 AM, 11 AM, 1 PM, and 2 PM. Each tour is limited to a total of 15 people and is offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Because the tour schedule is subject to change, it’s a good idea to contact the Capitol before visiting. You can do so by calling 303-866-2604.

If you’re coming in with a vehicle, recommended parking garages include: Denver Post Building Garage and Cultural Center Complex Garage. There is some street parking available around the perimeter of the park but it is limited in availability.

Personally, we like to park at the Cultural Center Complex Garage because it’s so easy to find a spot and they also have EV parking.

Colorado State Capitol stairs leading to entrance

Our experience touring the Colorado State Capitol

We arrived around 10:30 AM to the capitol building after not having any luck with openings for the US Mint Tour .

We made our way through the security line and then went up to the front desk to schedule a tour. They told us that one would be available at 11 AM, took down our names, gave us our tour stickers, and then all we had to do was wait around a little bit.

Colorado State Capitol display case

If you plan on doing the capital tour I would suggest you to do three things :

First, if it’s going to be a warm day, consider wearing lightweight clothes or layers that you can remove later, as it tends to get quite warm inside the Capitol building.

Second, have a bottle of water with you as you will probably work up some thirst. If you go downstairs there is a snack bar so you can grab a snack or perhaps some water before you start your tour.

Thirdly, be sure to pick up the Colorado State Capitol visitor guide, which is available right after passing through security. It contains a useful map at the back that will help you navigate this immense Capitol building.

Colorado State Capitol snack bar

Right at 11AM, we met up by the flags near the information desk and our guide was right on time.

She was very friendly and knowledgeable and gave us a lot of insight into the history of the state of Colorado to kick off the tour.

We proceeded to the “Women’s Gold Tapestry,” a hand-stitched embroidery measuring 9 x 12 feet. It took 4,500 hours and two years to complete, and serves as a tribute to the bravery, resilience, and sacrifices of women in Colorado. You can delve into the tapestry’s story and explore the history it portrays with your guide, including the legacy of Mother Cabrini .

Colorado State Capitol women's gold tapestry

Our guide then told us about some of the fascinating details regarding the Capitol’s construction and design.

To my surprise, I learned that the architect responsible for this building, Elijah E. Myers, also designed the capitol buildings in Texas and Michigan. It took 15 years to finish the building which occurred in 1901 although some of the offices were in use before then.

The original building committee was determined to utilize local materials, and thus it comes as no surprise that the exterior of the capitol building, with walls up to 5 feet thick, is constructed from granite sourced from Gunnison, Colorado.

And the gold dome? It was adorned with thinner-than-tissue-paper gold leaf back in 1908, using gold sourced from a Colorado mine. In 2013, the gold was refreshed with 149 gold rolls, totaling 64.5 ounces of gold.

Colorado State Capitol front lawn with view of gold dome

Another unique and noteworthy feature of the building is the onyx used in its construction. The exquisite pinkish stone, known as “rose onyx,” was found in Palua, Colorado (the stone is actually a form of oxidized limestone).

The installation of this rare onyx took seven years to complete, and it is said that this particular type of onyx cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

Within the intricate patterns of this onyx, observers over the years have discovered a captivating menagerie of shapes, ranging from the silhouette of a turkey to the iconic visage of Molly Brown herself!

Seeing this rare stone up close is a treat and allowing your imagination to unravel the secrets hidden within the walls is definitely a highlight of the experience.

Colorado State Capitol rose onyx

The floors also hold significance as they are made of Yule marble from Marble, Colorado. This is the same type of marble used in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C , forging an interesting link between these esteemed structures and lending an air of shared history.

Colorado State Capitol Yule marble and rose onyx

The only exceptions to Colorado-sourced materials are the brass and white oak found amid these stately quarters.

The intricately carved white oak, embellishing specific doorways, originates from the Ozark mountains in Arkansas and Missouri, while the brass used in the light fixtures and balusters was cast in Louisville and Cincinnati.

The light fixtures found in the Capitol building are intriguing because they were created during a period when builders harbored doubts about electrical lighting. As a result, they were constructed with the versatility to be powered by either gas or electricity.

Colorado State Capitol brass light fixtures and white oak trim

After getting the scoop on all of the building materials, we then made our way over to the grand staircase which is a beautiful staircase found in the heart of the rotunda on the first floor. It features 57 steps and 176 brass balusters and if you ask me, it’s quite a masterpiece.

Colorado State Capitol grand staircase with murals

It’s adorned with oak leaves and acorns cast in brass. Don’t forget to cast your eyes skyward and behold the awe-inspiring sight of the rotunda ceiling which rises about 180 feet above you.

Colorado State Capitol grand staircase looking up into dome

Surrounding the staircase are eight murals completed in 1940. They depict the story of Colorado’s water, accompanied by the poetic words of Thomas Farrell.

Colorado State Capitol grand staircase looking down at murals

The artist behind these murals, Allen True, also painted some of the murals found in Civic Center Park .

Colorado State Capitol murals

After examining the murals, we proceeded to the second level to catch a glimpse of the former Colorado Supreme Court, situated in the northern wing of the Capitol building. It is worth noting that the Supreme Court has since been relocated just across the street, so now this historic room is used for legislative meetings and hearings.

Colorado State Capitol former Colorado Supreme Court

After that, we would take the stairs up to the third-floor although if you are not able to take the stairs or choose not to, there are accessible elevators.

We headed to view the impressive House of Representatives, where lawmakers convene to debate and shape the future of Colorado.

In Colorado, it comprises 65 members who serve two-year terms, with each member representing approximately 89,000 people. Be sure to take note of the rules before entering the room, including the requirement to remove your hat.

Colorado State Capitol House of Representatives

You can also go into the Senate chambers although on the tour for the sake of time they did not take us through there (we visited it later).

It’s another beautiful venue that is located on the same floor as the House. You’ll see 11 windows on the back wall of the Senate chamber but there are actually 12 windows as one is hidden right behind the Senate presidents dais.

Colorado State Capitol Senate chambers

On that level, you can also explore the Senate hearing rooms and a press room where you have the opportunity to stand behind the podium and capture a stylish photo.

Colorado State Capitol Senate press room

Next, we visited the rotunda where you’ll find portraits of all the presidents of the U.S. The portraits are displayed once the president’s term is completed, which is why we didn’t see Joe Biden in 2023. This was one of my favorite parts of the Capitol, as it’s a very beautiful area.

Colorado State Capitol portraits of past presidents

Then it was time for the tour to head up beyond level 3.

There are no elevators to head up there so if you have mobility issues and/or the idea of hitting up 99 stairs does not appeal to you, you may want to opt for a different option which is a video that plays and shows you what you would be seeing.

We opted to take the stairs up which honestly were not that bad.

First, you’ll go up a few sets of stair cases which takes you to a small museum.

The museum, which is called “Mr. Brown’s attic,” covers all things Colorado and has some interesting insight into the capitol. This area is open to the public (no tour needed) between 10 AM and 3 PM and you find it between level three and the dome.

Colorado State Capitol Mr. Brown's attic museum

If you’re taking the guided tour, you can continue on for the dome walk. You’ll be handed off to some guides who will take the group up some fairly narrow stairs to the observation deck.

The stairs might seem a bit daunting, but before you realize it, you’ll be up at the observation area.

Colorado State Capitol stairs leading to dome

From the dome there are some great views of the Denver skyline, the City and County building across from Civic Center Park, and often the Front Range mountains. During our visit, a delightful breeze swept through, making the experience even more enjoyable and I’d even say romantic.

Colorado State Capitol views from dome of downtown Denver

While the temperature was great, we visited on a day when the smoke was still clearing from fires but we could just barely make out some of the mountains.

Up there you’ll also find markers that indicate the direction of famous landmarks such as Pikes Peak.

Colorado State Capitol views from dome of downtown Denver

While you’re up there, take a moment to admire the stained glass windows below.

Installed in 1900, these 16 windows form the renowned Colorado Hall of Fame. There are little interpretive panels hanging on the railing that you can read to learn a little bit more about each of these individuals such as John Evans, the founder of the University of Denver.

Colorado State Capitol stained glass windows

A gnarly spiral staircase heads up a few more stories but that staircase was off-limits to us.

Colorado State Capitol spiral staircase in dome

After the tour, we were able to head down from the observation deck and then explore the Capitol building ourselves.

Make sure that you head out to the front of the building to check out the famous “mile high” steps which have their own unique history.

There are multiple markers on the steps which illustrate how advances were made in surveying and engineering over the years as surveyors attempted to precisely determine the elevation of the steps.

If you’re looking for the official marker, it’s going to be on the 13 th step which was installed in 2003 and as far as we know, it’s the most accurate.

Colorado State Capitol geological marker

Overall, I enjoyed our tour and it did help to get some special insight into the formation of the state of Colorado and the Capitol building itself. If you’re the type of person who likes to follow along on tours, I think it’s worth it especially because it’s completely free.

Personally, I’d like to do my own exploring and with the visitors guide and a little bit of pre-visit research, I think you could probably appreciate everything on your own without missing out on too much if you choose to not do the tour.

However, the one big thing you will miss out on is being able to climb up into the dome and appreciate the views and architecture up there which is definitely a major highlight of the tour.

colorado capitol building tours

Daniel Gillaspia is the Founder of UponArriving.com and the credit card app, WalletFlo . He is a former attorney turned travel expert covering destinations along with TSA, airline, and hotel policies. Since 2014, his content has been featured in publications such as National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, and CNBC. Read my bio .

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Capitol Tour Schedule Through 2022

The Capitol is open Monday-Friday, 7:30-5:00.  Free guided tours are available Monday-Friday at 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 1:00 p.m.  Capitol tours are limited to 20 people on a first come, first served basis.  All tours begin at the Visitor Information Desk, north side, first floor. 

Capitol tours take about an hour and include a trip to the dome observation area. The dome is a 99 step climb above the 3rd floor and is accessible by stairs only.  A closed-captioned video tour (near the third floor elevators) is available for visitors who are unable or do not wish to make the climb.

Self-guided tours of the dome are not permitted.

MASKS ARE OPTIONAL AT THE CAPITOL AND WHILE ON TOUR. SCHEDULED TOURS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR CANCELLATION IN CONSIDERATION OF HEALTH AND SAFETY CONCERNS.

Two entrances are available for Capitol visitors. You may enter the building on the north side (Colfax and Sherman Avenues), up the stairs, or use the ADA accessible ground level entrance (14th and Sherman Avenues), under the stairs.

Book a Tour

Can't visit in person? Take our  virtual tour here .

We are unable to schedule tours the following dates:

Map showing Lincoln Memorial Park is across the street from the Capitol

State Capitol Tours

Summer is a great time to tour the State Capitol building. Whether you’re looking for a fun educational activity with your kids, or you’re just curious yourself, a tour of the Capitol is a great way to learn about Colorado’s history and government and enjoy the statehouse’s beautiful architecture. Each year, nearly 70,000 people tour the Capitol. While self-guided tours are allowed, taking a free guided tour is definitely a great way to go. You’ll get to see places like the House and Senate Chambers, which have recently been restored to their historic appearance. Knowledgeable tour guides will also show you the buildings’ many amazing artworks and artifacts, and take you up to Mr. Brown’s Attic, a mini-museum showcasing the building’s history.

colorado capitol building tours

The Capitol is open to the public Monday through Friday from 7:30am to 5pm. Guided tours are available hourly from 10am-3pm, except for holidays . Groups of 10 or more require a reservation which can be scheduled using this form . More tour information can be found on the Capitol’s Facebook page .

colorado capitol building tours

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Watch CBS News

Colorado elevation study to impact "Mile High" marker at capitol steps and elevation of some 14ers

By Austen Erblat

May 7, 2024 / 9:22 PM MDT / CBS Colorado

As our understanding of elevation and sea level continue to evolve, Colorado could see some changes including the official elevation of two of our mountains and the location for the "Mile High" marker at the steps of the state capitol.

With elevation being measured in a new way , official designations of some locations around the U.S. are set to change in 2026. That means two Colorado 14ers -- mountains that are over 14,000 feet -- aren't as high as we think and a marker indicating the 5,280-foot elevation mark on the steps of the state capitol building will have to be moved. Again.

Colorado has more 14ers than any other state in the U.S. with 53.

Derek van Westrum, the physicist and gravity scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Ocean Service who led the study in Colorado, says two of our mountains are switching places in the rankings based on elevation. Born and raised in Colorado, he's climbed about half of our 14ers.

14ers-changing-6pkg-transfer-frame-121.png

With the new data, Huron Peak is now the least tall 14er at a few inches shorter than Sunshine Peak. The findings are the culmination of a 15-year-long study by NOAA. And the study's implications extend far beyond those few inches of change.

Colorado also has more land above 10,000 feet than the rest of the country combined, making it ripe grounds for testing the technology used in the study.

"If the system works here, we know that it'll work anywhere else in the U.S.," van Westrum told CBS News Colorado.

The study emerged from a project called  Gravity for the Redefinition of the American Vertical Datum . NOAA says all official height and elevation data used by the U.S. government relies on its findings.

"The existing national gravity holdings are insufficient," NOAA's 40-page project plan  says, "to properly perform its mission to the degree of accuracy necessary."

Prior to the study, elevation data relied on "thousands of surveys, conducted by hundreds of sources, over dozens of years, and with no attempt to monitor changes in gravity over time in this data," the agency said.

The study involved a deep dive into sea levels and how that impacts our understanding of real elevation on land. For 15 years, he and his team flew specially-equipped airplanes over the entire country.

"Sea level isn't ever exactly level," van Westrum said. "So if you can map out what that surface is, that's the new 'zero' for all of the heights we're going to do for the entire nation."

gravity960.jpg

Studies like the ones he did in Colorado were also undertaken in Alaska, Arizona, southern and northern California, South Florida, southern Louisiana, Maine, the Great Lakes region of northern Michigan, Montana, North Carolina and Oregon.

Of the 60 highest mountains in the U.S., 16 will be changing in the rankings, data from NOAA shows:

In addition to updated topography information for the state's peaks and valleys, the so-called, "Mile High Marker" -- the engraving and plaque at the capitol steps indicating the exact location of one mile of elevation -- will now have to move a few feet.

It was last moved for similar reasons in 2003. At the time, an elevation study found that the marker that was put on the 18th step in 1969 was 3.03 feet too high. It was moved down to the lucky 13th step. The words "ONE MILE ABOVE SEA LEVEL," are engraved on the 15th step.

Now, the marker will likely need to be moved back up a few steps, according to NOAA spokesman Theo Stein.

A spokesperson for Gov. Jared Polis' office said state officials will likely move the marker in 2026 for the state's 150th anniversary. 

ap03092902389.jpg

NOAA estimated in 2007 that the project would take seven to 10 years and $38.5 million, plus an additional $200,000 per year to maintain and monitor for changes in the data.

For van Westrum, the money and 15 years of work were well worth it: "It's fun for the hikers, it's important for the rest of the nation and, scientifically, we can prove that, 'yup, the new system works.'"

Austen Erblat is a digital producer and assignment editor at CBS News Colorado and is Covering Colorado First. Originally from South Florida, he's been working as a journalist in Denver since 2022.

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Pre-K enrollment underway for Carlson Elementary’s new Building 103 location, Clear Creek Courant gets exclusive tour of facility 

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roof of building with people working

Carlson Elementary in Idaho Springs has opened enrollment for parents of Pre-K students in its new Building 103 location.

Interim Superintendent Mike Gass invited the Courant on a tour of Building 103, which will become the new location of Carlson Elementary and its preschool, and discussed current preschool enrollment. 

man in hard hat and yellow vest

“The more advantages we can give our kids locally, the better our kids will do globally,” he said. “What that means is we want our kids to come to kindergarten school ready. That means they have some requisite skills — literacy, math, maybe they’re starting some letter formation with their handwriting. All those things are really important as we work to get kids ready.”

Building 103 in Idaho Springs is still in the construction phase, but Gass said he’s confident it will be ready when school starts again this August.

The bus barn facility is nearly complete and Gass called it “state of the art.” Separate entrances and playgrounds for preschool and grade school students are underway as well as roofing work on the building.

Heavy equipment

In fact, dozens of construction workers in hardhats and bright yellow vests worked on electric wiring, plumbing, carpet and tile during the tour.

The enrollment process requires three steps, according to Carlson’s Preschool coordinator Heidi Lupinacci.

Step one is registration, which can be done online at: https://www.ccsdre1.org/studentregistration .

Step two: if the child is age 4 on or before Oct. 1, 2024 parents should complete their universal pre-school application at upk.colorado.gov in order to be matched with the program. By registering, parents also receive two free days of preschool, according to Lupinacci.

Third, parents will receive an email to complete the “family registration packet.” Parents have until early August to get the required paperwork, copy of the child’s birth certificate, immunization record and $150 registration fee, Lupinacci said.

The preschool experience, Lupinacci said, prepares the child for kindergarten and the years ahead. 

“They have a higher level of readiness for kindergarten when they get there… preschool focuses on a lot of play-based structures, engaging activities, social engagements, all the best things about learning how to be a best friend, and a community member and building those social, emotional skills too,” Lupinacci said.

Preschool eligibility starts at age 3 and at approximately age 5, children can enter kindergarten, according to district guidelines. 

Tuition for this year’s preschool depends on parents’ choice of two or four-day weeks for children. A four-day week will cost approximately $800 a month, the two would behalf that, according to Gass.

Woman and child

Erica Black and her 5-year-old, Charlie Santanielo, were signing up for kindergarten during the Courant’s to Carlson.

“I’ve had great experiences with all of the teachers they’re always willing to help. If you have a question, you can always find somebody, and if they don’t know the answer, they will find somebody that does,” Black said.

The end goal, Lupinacci said, is to be ready in August to welcome all students as she talked about the advantages of preschool for students and parents as she views them.

“Their brains and bodies have practiced a lot of the consistent things in pre-school so when they go to kindergarten not everything is brand new, they’ve already done a lot of it,” Lupinacci said.

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IMAGES

  1. Colorado State Capitol Building

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  2. Free Tours of the Colorado State Capitol Building

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  3. Colorado State Capitol Building

    colorado capitol building tours

  4. 5 Things To Know About Tours At Colorado State Capitol Building

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  5. Colorado State Capitol Building, Denver

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  6. Welcome to the Colorado State Capitol

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COMMENTS

  1. State Capitol Open for Public Guided Tours

    Daily tours will be available at 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 2:00 p.m. Capitol tours are limited to 15 people, first come first serve. Please note our tour schedule is subject to change. We recommend that you call on the day of your visit for updated tour information. You can reach us at 303-866-2604.

  2. Home

    The Capitol building is open from 7:30am to 5:00pm Monday through Friday. Free guided tours are available at 10am, 11am, 12pm, and 1pm, and are first come, first serve. Guided tours include a trip to the Dome observation deck. Guests are also welcome to self guide through the building as well, but please note, the dome is not accessible except ...

  3. Tour Information

    Colorado State Capitol Tour Information. The Colorado State Capitol welcomes about 300,000 visitors annually, with nearly 70,000 visitors taking tours of our beautiful and historic Statehouse. ... The Colorado State Capitol building is open to the public from 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. The building is closed on weekends and ...

  4. State Capitol Guided Tours Resumed

    July 2, 2021 - The State Capitol visitor center has resumed free guided public tours of the Capitol. Because of ongoing restoration work, the visitor center staff recommends that you call 303-866-2604 on the day of your visit for updated tour information. Daily tours will be available at 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 2:00 p.m. Capitol ...

  5. State Capitol Guided Tours Resumed

    July 2, 2021 - The State Capitol visitor center has resumed free guided public tours of the Capitol. Because of ongoing restoration work, the visitor center staff recommends that you call 303-866-2604 on the day of your visit for updated tour information. Daily tours will be available at 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 2:00 p.m. Capitol tours are limited to 15 people, first come first ...

  6. Free Tours of the Colorado State Capitol Building

    Three reapplications of the Colorado gold leaf occurred between 1908 and 1980 — the newest golden shine now comes from 65 ounces of .999 pure gold that was mined in Colorado, hammered into gold leaf in Florence, Italy, and applied in 2013. Colorado State Capitol Building Tours. Free historical tours of the capitol building are offered and ...

  7. Colorado State Capitol Building

    Denver's skyline wouldn't be complete without Colorado's golden-domed State Capitol building. Constructed over the course of 5 years, the Capitol building was completed in 1901 and serves as the home of Colorado's most influential branches of government: the Senate, the House, the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, and the Department of the Treasury.

  8. Colorado State Capitol Tour Review: Stunning ...

    The Colorado State Capitol is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 5 PM. The tours of the Capitol building are offered Monday through Friday and are 100% free. Typically, the daily tours are offered four times a day: 10 AM, 11 AM, 1 PM, and 2 PM. Each tour is limited to a total of 15 people and is offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

  9. The BEST Colorado State Capitol Tours 2023

    3. Denver: Explore Must-See Highlights & Historic Landmarks. Discover Denver's blend of history and contemporary culture on this walking tour. Starting at the Colorado State Capitol, a 19th-century building reminiscent of the United States Capitol, you'll meet your local guide and learn about the city's origins before setting off to explore the hotspots and historic sites that make Denver unique.

  10. Capitol Tour Schedule Through 2022

    Capitol tours take about an hour and include a trip to the dome observation area. ... Field TripsThe Colorado State Capitol field trip program is fully booked for the remainder of the 23/24 school year. ... 2023, the Summer 2023 schedule has ended. Spring 2023 Tour Information. The Capitol building is open from 7:30am to 5:00pm Monday through ...

  11. Colorado State Capitol Building, Denver

    Colorado State Capitol Building Tours and Tickets. 2,111 reviews. The Colorado State Capitol, built a mile above sea level with a bell-shaped gold dome, is a striking feature in Denver's skyline. The historic structure is made from Colorado rose onyx, a rare marble that's entire known stores were used on the building. On your way in, look ...

  12. State Capitol Tours

    The Capitol is open to the public Monday through Friday from 7:30am to 5pm. Guided tours are available hourly from 10am-3pm, except for holidays. Groups of 10 or more require a reservation which can be scheduled using this form. More tour information can be found on the Capitol's Facebook page.

  13. Colorado elevation study to impact "Mile High" marker at capitol steps

    That means two Colorado 14ers -- mountains that are over 14,000 feet -- aren't as high as we think and a marker indicating the 5,280-foot elevation mark on the steps of the state capitol building ...

  14. Pre-K enrollment underway for Carlson Elementary's new Building 103

    Carlson Elementary in Idaho Springs has opened enrollment for parents of Pre-K students in its new Building 103 location. Interim Superintendent Mike Gass invited the Courant on a tour of Building 103, which will become the new location of Carlson Elementary and its preschool, and discussed current preschool enrollment. "The more advantages we can give […]

  15. Colorado State Capitol, Denver

    3. Denver: Explore Must-See Highlights & Historic Landmarks. Discover Denver's blend of history and contemporary culture on this walking tour. Starting at the Colorado State Capitol, a 19th-century building reminiscent of the United States Capitol, you'll meet your local guide and learn about the city's origins before setting off to explore the hotspots and historic sites that make Denver unique.