Photographer: Kevin Stillman
The Capitol, a massive statehouse constructed of Texas pink
granite, dominates the 46 acre, park-like area. Free guided tours
offered Mon. - Fri. 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Sat. 9:30 a.m. - 3:30
p.m., Sun. noon - 3:30 p.m. Striking state office buildings
surround the Capitol.
Capitol Visitors Center is housed in the renovated General Land
Office building constructed around 1857, the oldest state office
building. Exhibits include a pictorial history of the Capitol's
renovation and a 23-minute informational video, plus the history of
the Texas General Land Office. One gallery features rotating
exhibits. Gift shop. 512/305-8400.
Located on the State Capitol grounds in the old General Land
Office Building is one of the 12 Texas Travel Information Centers
operated by the Texas Department of Transportation for the
convenience of the traveling public. Uniformed, professional travel
counselors welcome visitors and provide a wealth of free
literature, information, and suggestions to make every Texas trip
more pleasant.
Working with the Texas Official Travel Map, counselors
expertly chart routes to any area of Texas. They point out the most
convenient short-line directions, or leisurely scenic drives to
your destination. They supply comprehensive statewide travel
publications, plus detailed brochures about points of interest,
attractions, and recreational areas along the way. All of those
services are free. Open Mon. - Sat. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sun. Noon - 5
p.m. 11th Street and Brazos Street. 512/463-8586.
www.txdot.gov.
To speak to a professional travel counselor for travel
information and trip planning assistance, call 800/452-9292 from 8
a.m. to 6 p.m. central time, daily. Travelers may also call for
24-hour automated road condition information and seasonal reports
on locations of scenic spring wildflowers and fall foliage.