Oregon State Capitol, Salem

The Oregon state capital should be listed as the number one destination in Salem. It is in downtown Salem a few blocks from the convention center. The capital is modern Greek architecture and covered in Vermont Marble. There are also statues in the surrounding park (the animal parade statue will likely catch your eye on the way in) and columns from the prior capital building destroyed in a fire. Marble sculptures also flank the front entrance. They offer guided tours that go into the tower, but you can get a brochure with all you want to know and wander around yourself. There are several depression era murals in the building, and a galleria with some old photos and such. There is also a video aimed at children explaining how an idea becomes a law. The video is dated and certainly would never have been considered cool anyway; they would be better off showing Schoolhouse Rock. There is a restoration going on as of May 2008, so a couple side exits were closed for construction. Visiting the capital is free of charge. A visit will take 30-45 minutes depending on how long you spend viewing the art.