Visiting the Capitol? Hit the deck

By Scott Milfred, State government reporter

Visiting the state Capitol in the summer comes with an extra perk – climbing 6-1/2 flights of stairs to the panoramic, open-air observation deck.

The deck, which circles the outside of the Capitol dome at its base, overlooks Madison and the city's four lakes.

Tour groups don't routinely visit the deck. So you likely will have to find it for yourself. You also can ask for directions at the Capitol information booth, which is located on the ground floor.

The easiest way to get to the observation deck is to walk to the West Wing public elevator. Ride the elevator to the fourth floor or, to see more of the Capitol's interior, take the nearby stairs.

At the fourth floor, a narrower stairway continues upward. It eventually turns into a metal staircase that spirals to the top.

The deck is open to the public from Memorial Day to Labor Day. It's open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays.

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