DENVER -- The Colorado state capitol building is considered by many to be one of the more beautiful capitol buildings in the country. Its gold dome is hard to miss, but the real beauty lies inside the historic building. Just ask Lew Hopkins, this week's 7Everyday Hero.

"I just love the whole atmosphere here. I just enjoy being here," said Hopkins.

Hopkins has led tours at the state capitol for more than 10 years. He knows things about the building that many who walk the halls every day do not know. The floors, for example, are made out of marble from Marble, Colo., but hold another interesting story.

"They used the same marble from that quarry to build the Lincoln Memorial. Also used for the tomb of the unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery," said Hopkins.

Hopkins can also tell you about the capitol's most unique feature. It is not the famous dome, made from real gold, that gleams in the Denver skyline. The rose onyx interior walls from Beulah, Colo. are the most precious material at the capitol.

"Apparently they used the entire known world supply just in this building," said Hopkins.

And if you use certain staircases in the capitol you can see 6-pound cannon balls believed to be from the Civil War.

"They were declared surplus at the end of the Civil War. They were brought here. I have no idea why we have cannon balls in our capitol," he said.

Hopkins' favorite part of leading tours at the Colorado state capitol are the visitors.

"In the summer we get people from all over the world. I get people from places I cannot even pronounce the names," laughs Hopkins said.

Hopkins leads tours every Tuesday, sharing his joy and seemingly endless knowledge of the Colorado capitol building.

"I have learned probably as much from working with Lew as I have from all the readings they provide for us, regarding the history of Colorado," said fellow tour guide Rose Turner.

"I have not seen anyone love this building as much as Lew does," said Simon Maghakyan, Assistant Manager of Visitor Services at the capitol.

Capitol tours are free to the public and take place every 45 minutes during normal business hours.

For more information call the tour desk at 303-866-2604, or click on this link: www.Colorado.gov.