Crowned by a wooden dome, the Maryland State House at 100 State Circle is the centerpiece of Annapolis and the oldest state capitol still used for legislative business. Its history is national as well as local: the Continental Congress met here in 1783 and 1784, George Washington resigned his commission as commander-in-chief in the Old Senate Chamber, and the Treaty of Paris ended the Revolutionary War with its ratification here. Today it is a working seat of government, and visitors can walk in, pass through security and explore on their own. Self-guided tour information is available near the Archives Room on the first floor, and the adjoining Senate Building has exhibits on several floors, including Treasures from the Maryland State Archives. The building is a short walk from the City Dock, the Naval Academy gate and the food tour route, so it slots easily into a day in Annapolis. It is a good stop for anyone building a day trip from Baltimore around the harbor cruise and the Naval Academy.
Planning your visit
The State House is open daily from 8:30 to 17:00 except on Christmas and New Year’s Day. Admission is free, but the building is a working government site, so expect security screening. Adults need photo ID, bags and backpacks are searched and metal detectors are in operation. Guided educational tours run by the Department of Legislative Services are for groups only, by advance reservation on weekdays, so most visitors tour on their own.
What to expect
The self-guided tour starts near the Archives Room on the first floor, and the exhibits in the Senate Building add context about the state’s history. During legislative sessions the building is busier and some spaces may be restricted, so check the State House pages before a winter or spring visit. Leave bulky bags and anything sharp in your car or at your hotel to speed up screening, and allow about an hour.
Making the most of it
Combine the State House with the Naval Academy Visitor Center, the harbor cruise and the food tour for a full Annapolis day, and take the short stroll down Main Street to the City Dock. Parking in downtown Annapolis is limited, so consider a rideshare or the garages on the edge of the historic district. History readers, families with school-age children and civics fans will get the most from it.
What to expect
The experience
A free self-guided visit to a working statehouse, with exhibits in the adjoining Senate Building.
Best time
Any day from 8:30 to 17:00; weekdays may be busier during legislative sessions.
How long
About 45 to 60 minutes.
Tips
Bring photo ID, travel light for the security check and pair it with the Naval Academy.
Quick picks
- Best for
- History and civics lovers on an Annapolis day trip.
- Families
- Free and easy for school-age children, with security screening on entry.
- Couples
- A pleasant historic stop on the way to the City Dock.
- Pair with
- The Naval Academy Visitor Center, the harbor cruise and the Annapolis food tour.
- Time needed
- About an hour.
Good questions
Where is the Maryland State House?+
At 100 State Circle in Annapolis, a short walk from the City Dock.
Is it free to enter?+
Yes, visits are free, though adults need photo ID and bags are searched at the entrance.
What are the hours?+
Daily from 8:30 to 17:00, except on Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Are there guided tours?+
Guided educational tours are for groups only, by advance reservation on weekdays. Everyone else can use the self-guided information on the first floor.
Why is it historic?+
It is the oldest state capitol in continuous legislative use, and the Continental Congress met there in 1783 and 1784.
