If you really want to step back in time on your next US vacation, make a beeline for the oldest attraction around. Every state capital in the country has its own slice of history you can discover first-hand, whether that’s visiting a 19th-century railroad station, heading inside a Gold Rush saloon or touring a state capitol building. From Alabama to Wyoming, we've rounded up each state capital’s tourist attraction that dates back the furthest, and that history lovers can visit today.
Built more than 200 years ago (around 1818), Lucas Tavern is the oldest building in the fittingly named Old Alabama Town. This collection of 19th- and 20th-century structures has been saved from demolition multiple times over the years and now forms part of a fascinating history museum. Lucas Tavern was used as a stopover for travelers and cotton-growing pioneers, and much of the interior is original. Though the tavern was originally located 15 miles (24km) from Montgomery, at Waugh, it was relocated to Old Alabama Town in 1978.
Recognized by the Alaska State Legislature as the oldest man-made tourist attraction in Juneau, the Red Dog Saloon dates back to the town’s Gold Rush mining heyday (between 1881 and 1915). Although the saloon has been moved several times over the years, it's remained pretty much intact, and today its interiors mostly look just as they ever did. Behind the swinging scarlet doors, visitors can wolf down everything from Gold Rush Nachos to Gold Diggers Dessert (toffee cake with cinnamon-spiced apples).
With its striking copper dome honoring Arizona’s mining industry, the Arizona Capitol Museum is the oldest tourist attraction in Phoenix. Originally built in 1901 to house the state government, it has been a museum since 1979. Stroll through the beautiful gardens and step inside to dive into Arizona’s rich past, from its Native American heritage to its journey to statehood. Another highlight is the mining exhibit, where you can glimpse gems, fossils, and minerals behind the glass.
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Dating back to 1833, the Old State House Museum was built to house the Arkansas state government, but this beautiful Neoclassical building has served as everything from a police station to a medical school. It’s now home to a fascinating museum with exhibits exploring the state’s rich history, from its role in the Civil War to its cultural heritage. When you’re done swotting up inside, head out for a stroll through the museum’s elegant grounds, which have witnessed many of the state’s most important historic events.
In 1839, a Swiss immigrant with dreams of an agricultural empire landed on the American River in modern-day California. A year later, John Sutter founded Sutter's Fort. Constructed as a trading post and refuge through the tumultuous Gold Rush era, it became a vital hub for pioneers and settlers. Though the fort was fitted with cannons, they were never fired in defense. Today the fort lies in midtown Sacramento, and visitors can explore the carefully restored central building, which has been everything from a boarding house to a store.
Part-built in 1859 as a stagecoach stop along the Cherokee Trail, Four Mile House is Denver’s earliest surviving structure. In the 1800s it was rare for a woman to own and run a business, but Mary Cawker bought the log cabin from its founders in 1860, transforming it into an inn serving hot meals twice a day. Today, visitors can explore the museum inside, or step out into the Historic Park’s nature trails and exhibits. The park also hosts events and educational programs, offering a glimpse of Denver's frontier past.
Surrounded by the lush greenery of a Victorian ornamental garden, the Butler-McCook House is a historic home – and Hartford’s oldest attraction, dating back to 1782. Four generations of the McCook family lived here for nearly 200 years, including physicians, artists, and social reformers. Inside, discover stories of their lives through the original furnishings, from colonial furniture to Victorian-era toys and paintings. Guided tours and educational programs are available – ideal for learning more about Hartford’s history and heritage.
This state house is old indeed. Completed in 1791, the Old State House is the most senior Dover attraction still standing. Once the heart of Delaware's government, this elegant, domed Georgian structure symbolizes the state’s rich history. Modern-day visitors can explore an 18th-century-style courtroom or climb a striking staircase to see the former chambers of the state legislature. The life-sized portrait of George Washington is hard to miss, while the museum's exhibits and tours highlight Delaware's key role in early American history.
Though the Knott House Museum is Tallahassee's oldest attraction, dating back to 1843, it is currently closed to visitors for renovation. Completed in 1845, the Florida State Capitol was hot on its heels. Originally built to house the state legislature, the Capitol faced demolition in the 1970s but was saved by a dedicated preservation effort and restored to resemble its first expansion in 1902. The site now contains a museum, crowned by a stained-glass dome, and its 21 rooms are packed with more than 250 artifacts.
A poignant tribute to Atlanta’s past, Oakland Cemetery is the city’s oldest public park, dating back to 1850 – even older than the Georgia State Capitol (1889). It’s also the final resting place of many notable Atlantans, including more than 6,900 Confederate troops from the American Civil War and Gone With The Wind author Margaret Mitchell, who was hit by a speeding car in 1949. The oldest standing structure in this beautifully kept 48-acre space is the Gothic-style Bell Tower, which was built in 1899 and renovated in 2022.
Built in downtown Honolulu in 1882, the Iolani Palace was the royal residence of the Hawaiian Kingdom’s last two monarchs (King Kalakaua and his sister and successor, Queen Lili'uokalani). Opposition forces overthrew the Hawaiian monarchy in 1893 and, after Hawaii became the 50th state in 1959, the American Florentine-style palace served as its capitol building before opening to the public in 1978. Step inside to explore the opulent throne room, roam lush gardens or book a guided tour to discover the history of the Hawaiian monarchy.
Built in 1870, the Old Idaho Penitentiary housed some of the state’s most notorious criminals for over 100 years. It was permanently closed in 1973 following major prison riots and today is one of only four territorial prisons open to the public. Visitors can explore original cell blocks, solitary confinement areas, and the gallows. Other highlights include a collection of thousands of antique guns and weapons.
Abraham Lincoln called this city home, and his presence still lingers. Don’t miss a tour of the 16th president's house, built in 1839 and occupied by Lincoln and his family from 1844 to 1861. Tours of the shuttered, 12-room abode take around 25 minutes, and include the parlor, the dining room, and Lincoln's bedroom – all still adorned with antique furniture and patterned wallpaper. The nearby presidential museum tells his story with special effects theaters, interactive exhibits, and performers who reenact scenes from his life.
Framed by maple trees, the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site is the oldest attraction still standing in Indianapolis – completed by the 23rd president in 1875. Building the 16-room, Italianate-style house cost Harrison around $29,000, equivalent to approximately $840,000 today. And no wonder – it consists of Indiana limestone, red brick, and fine French plate windows, plus running water and gaslight fixtures which were luxuries in Victorian times. Harrison died in the home in 1901 and it’s now a museum offering guided tours.
Crowned with a golden dome that dominates the skyline, the Iowa State Capitol has symbolized the state's government and politics since its completion in 1886. The building itself is gloriously grand, with its magnificent entrance, towers, and ornate details. Though it still houses the state government, visitors can step inside. Free guided tours offer insights into the building's history and a trip here is a popular choice, with around 78,000 visitors annually.
Completed in 1903 after 37 years of construction, Kansas' State Capitol building is striking, from its magnificent 306-foot (93m) copper dome right down to its two stories below ground. Suffused with stunning frescoes, crystal and gold leaf, the gleaming building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. The oldest book in its library dates back to 1741, and was written by Sir Francis Bacon. Don't miss a tour of the dome: you need to climb 296 steps to get there, but it’s worth it for the bird's-eye views of the city.
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Much of Frankfort’s history can be seen at the Old State Capitol – not to be confused with the modern Kentucky State Capitol on the other side of the river. Completed in 1830, the Old State Capitol remained the state’s seat of government until 1910, and played a pivotal role in state history throughout that period. It was here that the legislature debated Kentucky's stance in the Civil War, as initial neutrality gave way to marginal Union support. You can book a guided tour of the Greek Revival-style building, which is now a museum.
The dramatic, castle-esque facade of the Old Louisiana State Capitol is fitting, as since 1847 the building has withstood everything from war and abandonment to fire. Standing high on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River, the turrets and bell tower are now home to a museum showcasing Louisiana's bombastic political history. The building was significantly damaged by a blaze during the Civil War, but was restored with marble interiors, spiral staircases, and rich wood paneling.
Located across the river from Augusta's main drag, this 1754 landmark is America’s oldest surviving wooden fort. Originally constructed to protect the Kennebec River trade route from possible French and Native American attacks, it later served as a supply depot during the American Revolution (1775-1783). Today tours include the original garrison building and reconstructed watch boxes, vivid insights into the realities of colonial military life.
Not only is the Maryland State House the oldest attraction in Annapolis, it’s also the oldest continuously operating state house anywhere in the country. Built in 1772, it's also the only state house to have served as the national capitol, which it did between 1783 and 1784. The building has witnessed many key moments in US history, including the ratification of the 1783 Treaty of Paris which officially ended the Revolutionary War. The building is open to the public, and displays include George Washington's copy of his speech resigning his commission.
Boston is drenched in history, from 17th-century cemeteries to America’s oldest public school (Boston Latin School, though the 1635 building is no longer standing). The Paul Revere House, built in 1680, is the city’s oldest surviving attraction. This small clapboard house was the home of silversmith and patriot Paul Revere, known for his midnight ride to warn of British troop movements during the American Revolution. The property has since been everything from a home goods store to an iron and brass foundry. A self-guided tour reveals what life was like for the Revere family – which included 16 children.
Completed in 1878, the Michigan State Capitol is known for its distinctive Renaissance-Revival architecture and beautiful dome that dominates the Lansing skyline. It’s also said to be haunted, and one story involves a page who tried to jump between the railings of the grand staircases and fell to his death in the 1880s. Still serving as the seat of Michigan's government, the building is open to the public on weekdays year-round, and hosts free guided tours showcasing its dazzling interiors and historical artworks.
Built for railroad magnate James J Hill, this impressive mansion was the largest and most expensive home in Minnesota when it was completed in 1891. Inside were no fewer than 13 bathrooms, 22 fireplaces, and 16 cut-glass chandeliers – not to mention the two-story art gallery, hand-carved staircase and ahead-of-its-time central heating. Today, it’s a museum, offering guided tours that delve into Hill's influence on the region and the house’s historical impact.
Mississippi's Greek Revival capitol building was completed in 1839, and served the state until 1903 when a new one was constructed nearby. The Old Mississippi State Capitol played a vital role in shaping the state’s history, hosting important legislative sessions like the passage of the 1839 Married Women's Property Act and the crafting of the 1868 and 1890 state constitutions. Today, it houses a free museum, crammed with interactive multimedia exhibits in a gloriously grand setting.
Described as a "loathsome stone purgatory" and the "bloodiest 47 acres in America" by Time magazine, the Missouri State Penitentiary was the oldest continually operating prison west of the Mississippi before it was decommissioned in 2004. It opened in 1836 and, along with its Gothic architecture, was known for overcrowding, harsh conditions and notorious inmates like Sonny Liston and James Earl Ray. Public tours detail the jail’s grisly past – from the lines of cells to the gas chamber where 40 inmates were executed.
For a glimpse into life during the Gold Rush, check out Reeder’s Alley, located at the base of Mount Helena. Built by miners seeking shelter – particularly a Pennsylvania mason named Louis Reeder – this collection of old wooden buildings features the Pioneer Cabin, a 1864 log cabin that serves as the gateway to the alley. During summer, tours take you inside the snug abode with its large glass windows – the first of their kind in Helena. The cabin was built and lived in by a miner named Wilson Butts, along with his brother's family.
Finished in 1932, the Nebraska State Capitol is the third Capitol building constructed on the site, following two poorly-made predecessors that crumbled and had to be replaced. Designed by architect Bertram Goodhue, its striking Art Deco architecture features a soaring dome-topped tower, marble-columned chambers and intricate murals depicting Nebraska’s Native American and Pioneer cultures. Nearby, the historic Haymarket Square was the site of the first City Hall from 1886 to 1906, and now houses the Lincoln Journal Star’s printing plant.
Both the Carson City Mint and the Nevada State Capitol were built in 1870, and you can step inside both today. Now housed inside the Nevada State Museum, the Carson City Mint, pictured, is where coins were created between 1870 and 1893. Some 57 issues of silver, all featuring the distinctive 'CC' mint mark, originated here. Visitors can see the striking Coin Press No. 1 and a complete set of Carson City Morgan dollars. Just down the road, the Nevada State Capitol Building offers free tours.
The New Hampshire State House in Concord is the oldest state house in the US in which legislators still meet in the original chambers. Completed in 1819, the historic building remains a striking landmark, with a distinctive golden dome. Free tours take you through the chambers, while the nearby Old North Cemetery, established in 1730, dates back even further. The oldest gravestone commemorates four-year-old Sarah Walker, who died in 1732.
Built in 1719, the William Trent House predates even the New Jersey State House (1792). Topped with a cupola, this red-brick Georgian house was the home of William Trent, a Scottish immigrant and key figure in Trenton’s early development. He lived on this 1,000-plus acre estate with his family and 11 enslaved people. Furnished in the original style, the house is now a museum where you can experience what life was like for all its residents during the 1700s.
It’s the big one – this attraction is not only the oldest in Santa Fe but also the oldest standing structure built by European settlers in the whole of America. Built in 1610 by Spanish colonists, the Palace of the Governors wasn't just a residence, it was a center of power – designed to be a 'royal palace' overlooking a central plaza. Since 1909, it has functioned as the Museum of New Mexico, offering insight into the state's rich heritage. The building itself is a great example of Spanish-Pueblo architecture, with thick adobe (mud-brick) walls and wood beams.
The New York State Capitol Building (1899) may be better known, but it’s not as old as the Ten Broeck Mansion, located in downtown Albany. Built in 1797, this elegant, Federal-style country home became the residence of the prominent Dutch Ten Broeck family after a fire destroyed their previous property nearby. Today the mansion operates as a museum, offering guided tours. But you’ll have to tear yourself away from the four-acre garden, home to everything from chipmunks to wild geranium.
The Joel Lane Museum House was built in 1769 and was, unsurprisingly, owned by Joel Lane. Nicknamed 'the Father of Raleigh', he founded Wake County and donated the land on which the state capital was first built. His Georgian-style house now operates as a museum, with guided tours revealing fascinating facts about his life, the history of Raleigh, and its colonial past. Explore the charming gardens and period furnishings – and pause to reflect on the plaque commemorating the enslaved people who lived and labored on Joel Lane’s plantation.
Camp Hancock State Historic Site was established in 1872 as a military post, and was crucial to the surrounding area’s development during the frontier days. The site – initially known as Camp Greeley – provided protection for workers building the Northern Pacific Railroad. It features several restored buildings, including the original guardhouse and officers' quarters. Today it sits in south-central Bismarck, enthralling visitors with tales of North Dakota's military past.
If walls could talk, the Greek Revival and Italianate-style facades of Kelton House would have a lot to say. Dating back to 1852, the family home was part of the Underground Railroad, a 19th-century network of secret routes and safe houses that helped enslaved people escape to free states and Canada. The Keltons were profoundly anti-slavery, and sheltered sisters Martha and Pearl Hartway when they escaped slavery on a plantation in Virginia. You can learn more about this story, and others, on a guided tour of the house.
Branded 'OKC's oldest cultural attraction', the Oklahoma City Zoo was founded in 1902, and began life as a small animal exhibit in a city park. It has since grown into a major attraction that’s home to more than 2,000 animals spread across some 500 species, including bears, flamingos, Galapagos tortoises, Indian rhinos, and Asian elephants. Conservation efforts include a hatching program for Texas horned lizards. Guests can do everything from feeding lorikeets fresh nectar to camel riding.
Commonly known just as 'the Reed', this imposing four-story building was built in 1870. It hosted shops on the ground floor, a hotel at the top and the eponymous opera house in the middle. The decision to build the central, 1,500-seat theater was ambitious, particularly since the population of Salem in 1870 was just 1,139. Today, the Reed is home to an eclectic slew of shops, from nail bars to cafes. Its spectacular ballroom can host up to 300 people – ideal for meetings and weddings.
Founded in 1860, Broad Street Market claims to be the oldest continuously operated market house in the United States. During the Civil War, local farmers provided food to the 300,000 Union soldiers gathered nearby. The market has been running ever since, but in July 2023 a fire destroyed much of the original brick building. Renovations are currently underway, while affected vendors are continuing to sell their wares, from seafood to crafts, in a temporary tent. The older stone building was not damaged.
Here’s a generous wedding gift. This Victorian house was commissioned by William Smith Slater as a present for his daughter, Elizabeth Ives Slater when she tied the knot. Built between 1872 and 1877, it stayed in the family for generations, passing to the oldest female family member. Inside, original furnishings, textiles and fine collections of porcelain and glass transport you straight back to the 1870s. To visit the museum, plus the carriage house and lush garden, call to arrange a tour or join a pre-scheduled opening.
Believed to be the oldest remaining house in Columbia, Seibels House and Garden dates back to the late 18th century and now hosts tours of its historic interior and lush grounds. The home, built from hand-hewn lumber, stands on land that was once a plantation owned by Colonel Thomas Taylor. The home’s exact date is not known as official records were lost, but the date '1796' is carved into one of the beams in the basement. Today, it’s home to Historic Columbia’s offices and serves as a venue for weddings and private events.
Pierre in South Dakota has a rich array of historic places, including Fort Pierre. Established in 1817, it remains the oldest continuously occupied colonial settlement in South Dakota, but its main sites are no longer standing. For something you can step inside, head to the historic South Dakota State Capitol instead, which was completed in 1910. Known for its distinctive dark-colored dome, the Capitol houses the state government and boasts many impressive murals. Get great views of the building from the walking path around nearby Capitol Lake.
Nashville, Tennessee, has an attraction that looks truly ancient. The Parthenon, a full-scale replica of the original ancient Greek temple in Athens, was built for Tennessee's 1897 Centennial Exposition. There’s even a recreation of the 42-foot (13m) statue of Athena. Today, it serves as an art museum housing a permanent collection of 63 paintings by 19th- and 20th-century American artists. Located in Centennial Park, there’s plenty to do after browsing the exhibits – visitors can hit the park’s walking trails, survey Lake Watauga or enjoy the nearby volleyball courts.
The Texas Governor's Mansion was built in 1856 and is still the official residence for state governors and their families. Unfortunately, in 2008, the mansion was damaged in an arson attack which destroyed parts of the original roof and porch railings. With help from preservationists and history buffs, the Neoclassical mansion has been lovingly restored. Guided tours unveil the mansion's architectural grandeur and role in Texan life. It's the fourth-oldest continuously occupied governor's residence in the US.
Dating back to 1871, St Mark's Cathedral is Utah’s oldest non-Mormon church, and the third oldest Episcopal cathedral in the United States. Its Gothic-Revival architecture features intricate stained-glass windows, making it a beautiful and peaceful landmark amid the downtown bustle. It also boasts the oldest pipe organ in the state, which was imported from Scotland in the 1850s. The cathedral plays an important role in the community and remains a vibrant center of worship.
Built to serve as the seat of the state government and completed in 1859, the Vermont State House is the centerpiece of Montpelier. Set against a wooded hillside, it’s beautiful to behold, with a gleaming gold dome, whitewashed walls, and massive granite columns transported by oxen from Barre six miles (10km) away. Inside are stunning interiors with murals and historical artifacts easily explored on a tour – either guided or under your own steam.
If you’re visiting Richmond, Virginia, make a beeline for St John's Church. It's a relic of a bygone era (it was built in 1741) and was the site of an iconic piece of American history. This is where Patrick Henry delivered his famous "Give me liberty or give me death" speech in 1775 – words that became a rallying cry for the American Revolution. The church is a beautiful showcase of colonial architecture and attracts visitors with guided tours, historical reenactments, and a picturesque graveyard.
The Bigelow House dates back to the 1850s when Olympia newcomers Daniel and Ann Elizabeth White started married life together by building a two-room cabin on a small land claim. The residence grew into a two-story Gothic home where they raised their eight children, and the property stayed in the family for more than a century. Nowadays, the house is a museum with original furnishings that transport you back to the mid-19th century, while tour guides regale you with tales of the historic house and wider Olympia community.
Although the Old Kanawha County Courthouse is an older building, you’re more likely to visit the West Virginia State Capitol, which offers public tours. It’s been a major landmark since its completion in 1932, and developers had to purchase 65 properties to make room for its foundations. It's one of the most opulent capitols in the US, with carved heads of mythological creatures above its entrances, a copper and gold leaf-covered dome, and marble in two-thirds of its interior.
To step into the shoes of elite Victorians, head to the Mansion Hill Historic District, where you’ll discover beautifully preserved homes dating back to the 1850s. Nicknamed 'Yankee Hill' and 'Aristocrat Hill', it was here that successful bankers, lawyers, timber barons and the like resided. From classic Victorian to more intricate Italianate designs, each house tells a story, with tree-lined boulevards adding to the atmosphere. Join a walking tour or head off to explore on your own.
A trainspotter’s dream, the Cheyenne Depot Museum is housed in the old Union Pacific Depot built in 1886. The last remaining grand railroad station on the transcontinental route, it features Romanesque touches like textured stone walls and a prominent square clock tower. The building has been repurposed as a museum, celebrating the spirit of the men and women who built the Union Pacific Railroad through its exhibits and events.