Location: Madison, WI. Year Visited: August, 1999 More Information: Wisconsin's State Capitol lies on an isthmus bordered by Lake Monona to the east and Lake Mendota to the west. This majestic granite structure is Wisconsin's third Capitol building. The first Capitol stood for twenty-five years (1838 - 1863). It was replaced by a larger building which was badly damaged by fire in 1904. The present Capitol building, designed by George B. Post & Sons, was built between 1906 and 1917 at a cost of $7.25 millon. Free tours are offered daily, year round. The sixth floor museum and observation deck is also open during the summer months.