Finally made it to the top

We've visited the Iowa State Capitol Building in Des Moines several times. And every time it's been warm enough that the dome has been closed due to excess heat. So when we went to the capitol during a quiet rainy day on our anniversary this year, we were ecstatic to find out the dome was open!

We'd arrived at the Capitol 20 minutes before the tours ended for the day and the kind guide said she'd gladly give us an abbreviated tour once she found out we really only wanted to see a few key places: the House of Representatives, the Law Library, and the dome.

After admiring the House and Library, we were ready to venture to the top for the first time. We weren't disappointed. The views were incredible. Looking down at the Rotunda from four stories above was breathtaking. The people below looked so tiny.

For better ventilation, a doorway over the rooftop was open so we crouched in the low space and peered out through the heavy screen.

We could have stared at the inside of the dome all day if they'd let us.

Sensing our guide was ready to call it a day and our time at the top was coming to an end, we headed back toward the narrow winding stairs we'd climbed. Peering over the railing, the view inside the spiral only reinforced just how many flights of stairs we'd climbed and had to go back down again. It could make your head spin just thinking about it!

Back on the first floor, we asked about the restoration and construction taking place and were told the center of the first floor is being restored back to its original stained glass mosaic pattern since the floor opening is no longer needed for ventilation now that the building is fully air conditioned.

Standing on the ground floor and looking up to the top of the dome will no longer be possible in the near future. We lingered a few extra moments on our way out and drank in the view, knowing we'll be one of the last visitors to get to see the dome from this vantage point.