Baton Rouge is the capital of Louisiana and was named by French explorers in 1699. It has an ideal climate for outdoor activities year round. There are excellent tourist attractions in Baton Rouge, Louisiana for the entire family. Exploring the culture and history within the city is certainly a treat!
10. The Old Governor’s Mansion
Nine state governors from 1930 to 1962 occupied this stately white mansion. It’s the second Governor’s House on site. The museum houses objects are from the governor’s time in office. This is a great way to learn about the area’s history. The historic building looks like a miniature version of the White House from the outside, and many rooms inside mimic rooms inside the White House. Guided tours are available Tuesday through Friday, and they last approximately one hour. The house has been renovated three times, including adding air conditioning for visitors comfort in 1970.
9. Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center
This nature center of Baton Rouge covers over 100 acres. It’s a nature preserve with a learning center and over a mile of walking paths. The learning center has live animal exhibits and information about the swamp’s plant life. While walking the paths keep your eye out for lots of animals including; rabbits, snakes, armadillos, deer, turtles, foxes, and more. The Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center is closed on Mondays; the admission fee is very small at only $3 per adult. The whole family will love this nature center, especially the kids. This is among the best places to visit in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
8. Louisiana State University
This has been Louisiana’s top university since 1860. There are several museums on campus that are worth visiting. They have two art museums and a science museum. The campus is beautiful with immaculate tree covered lawns, and magnificent buildings. There are several lakes with nice walking trails around them. This is a great place to meet friends and family on a sunny afternoon. A tiger is the school’s mascot, and they have a live tiger on campus in a habitat near the stadium. This location in Baton Rouge is a favorite site for visitors of all ages.
7. Louisiana State Capitol
The state capitol building is the tallest building in the city and the tallest capital building across the United States. The building is 450 feet tall. It is typically thought of as “Huey Long’s monument.” He was the governor that had a large part in the building’s construction, and the location of his assassination while serving as governor. Tours around the ground floor are free. Explore the building’s extensive history, the gardens, and the artwork. There is an observation deck on the 27th floor. From there you can see the State University, the Mississippi River, and the city.
6. Capital Park Museum
The Capital Park Museum is one of nine Louisiana State Museums. Its exhibits explore the history and culture around the area. The Bayou St. John Submarine is a favorite exhibit here. They cover a general history of the state, and then they break it up into different regions and you can learn more details about each region across the state. Some things they cover include; famous people from here, Mardi Gras, Mississippi River and how it affects commerce, slavery, American Indians, music, and more. They are closed Sundays and Mondays. Escape from the summer heat and cool down while you discover the history of Baton Rouge.
5. Louisiana’s Old State Capitol
Built with a gothic design, Mark Twain once described this building as “the ugliest thing on the Mississippi River.” Today it is a museum that covers state politics, and is a piece of architecture that you won’t want to miss. There is an impressive stained glass dome ceiling and a breathtaking spiral staircase. It was built over 165 years ago, and has withstood the test of time, war, and even a fire. The building was restored and turned into a museum in 1990. Admission into this wonderful piece of history is free. They are open Tuesday through Saturday.
4. USS Kidd
This ship is a Fletcher-class destroyer used during WWII and the Vietnam conflict. She is part of the Louisiana Naval War Memorial. Each room in the ship has artifacts from the time period to serve as a history lesson for all visitors. Since opening to the public in 1983, efforts have been made to completely restore the ship to as it was in 1945. Now she is one of the most authentic and accurate representation from that time. Every year for July 4th she fires her big guns in celebration and memory for those who served.
3. LSU Rural Life Museum
This is among the best outdoor museums in the United States. It comprises 33 buildings to depict the life of pre-industrialized Louisiana. They have a large variety of artifacts from that time period to help portray life in rural Louisiana. It is set up like a working plantation and includes; a barn, outhouses, slave quarters, a well, several houses, a gristmill, and more. The whole family will have a fun time exploring this place and stepping back in time to learn about the history of pre-industrial life. They are open daily and do charge a small admission fee.
2. Mike the Tiger Habitat
Mike the Tiger is the mascot for LSU. The original Mike arrived on campus in 1936, and back then he traveled with the team to games. They are currently on Mike number six, and there are plaques describing the life of each mascot that has lived here. The habitat was expanded in 2005, and included a waterfall, swimming pool with an underground view, and is among the largest tiger habitats in the United States. The current Mike has a very extroverted and curious personality. He loves to interact with his human visitors.
1. LSU Tiger Stadium
Tiger Stadium has had the nickname “Death Valley” since the 1950’s. The stadium was originally built in 1924 and has been expanded nine times. Now it can seat over 102,000 game day enthusiasts. If you are in town for a game you will want to witness the fan’s excitement. Part of experiencing a game at this huge stadium is to attend the tailgating that takes place for several hours before the game starts. It is the 9th largest stadium around the world, and is known as one of the loudest.
Among all the things to do in Baton Rouge, Louisiana you will be able to taste, hear, and see the different cultures within the area. The most prominent are Creole and Cajun, but there is also French, African-American, and Spanish. The music and culture in this city make it a wonderful romantic weekend getaway.