Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is a historic city that blends the distinct creole atmosphere of the state with it’s rich Antebellum history. It represents everything Louisiana is known for and everything it once was. Here are the Best things to do in Baton Rouge, LA.
There’s no end to the plantations and museums you can explore to get a glimpse into the past of this long-standing capitol. It also offers impressive buildings to gaze at and art exhibits to peruse when you’re not screaming through every second of an LSU football game.
Old and New Capitol Buildings
Baton Rouge has been the capital of the state of Louisiana since 1849. It’s had two capitol buildings erected since then, and they’re both worth a visit.
The Old State Capitol was built between 1847 and 1852 by architect James Harrison Dankin. It was nearly burned down in the Civil War but was reconstructed in 1884. Today, its Gothic-style architecture has earned it the nickname The Castle on the River, and the building has been designated a National Historic Landmark. It also serves as a Museum of Political History, and its exhibits include a presentation about the ghost of Sarah Morgan, who kept diaries of her experiences during the Civil War.
The new capitol building was built in 1932 and commissioned by Governor Huey Long. It’s an art deco tower, one of only four skyscraper capitols in the US, and one of only nine that doesn’t have a dome. It’s also the tallest capitol building in the United States at 450 feet tall. And for those traveling on a budget, admission is free. Look for informational plaques scattered throughout the buildings, visit the manicured grounds and go to the rooftop observation deck on the 27th floor for beautiful views.
USS Kidd Museum
The USS KIDD, also known as the Pirate of the Pacific, was a WWII destroyer. It was named after Rear Admiral Isaac Cambell Kidd, Sr., who received a Medal of Honor after he was killed aboard the USS Arizona during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. It’s the only ship to retain its WWII configuration, and the Historic Naval Ships Association considers it one of the most authentically restored vessels in America. It’s also one of only 4 Fletcher-class destroyers left.
There’s an adjacent museum showcasing WWII and naval history artifacts such as ship models, a Curtiss P-40 Warhawk, and the helmet of an infantryman who stormed the beaches of Normandy. You can even spend the night in its bunks, a popular option for local scout troops and youth groups. The names of fallen soldiers are carved into the black granite walls of the nearby Louisiana Memorial Plaza. The USS Kidd also hosts annual events such as its 4th of July Spectacular.
Louisiana Art and Science Museum
The Louisiana Art and Science Museum sits within a former railroad depot on the Mississippi River that dates back to 1925. It has a full-dome planetarium, over 4,000 permanent and temporary art pieces and artifacts, interactive activities, after-hours events, and more.
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Rural Life Museum
The LSU Rural Life Museum was founded in 1970 and currently houses the largest collection of Louisiana vernacular architecture and material culture in the world. Its 400-acre complex has over 30 historic buildings and a 25-acre landscape garden. They’re all dedicated to showing what life was like in Baton Rouge during the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries. The museum includes a country church, pioneer cabin, Acadian house, shotgun home, and more. Its barn features hundreds of artifacts, the original Windrush plantation shows what life was like for slaves and slave-owners, and the Windrush Gardens and LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens are also worth walking through.
Capitol Park Museum
The Capitol Park Museum fills its 70,000 square feet with enough exhibits to ensure it has something for everyone. Its permanent exhibits include “Grounds for Greatness: Louisiana and the Nation” and “Experiencing Louisiana: Discovering the Soul of America.” They feature artifacts such as a Civil War submarine, a 48-foot wooden shrimp trawler, a 2-row sugar cane harvester, and Clifton Chenier’s Grammy.
The museum also tells the stories of a range of historical figures, including Louis Armstrong and Huey P. Long. It celebrates a variety of Cajun events, from Mardi Gras to fais-do-do. You’ll never run out of things to see, and there’s no better place to learn about the history of Louisiana.
LSU Stadium and Mike the Tiger Habitat
The Tiger Stadium is also known as Death Valley because outside teams can never seem to win when they play there. Try to schedule your visit for a Saturday so that you can enjoy a game. The stadium holds over 100,000 spectators. It’s not an exaggeration to say they’re the loudest fans in the South because their screams were once notoriously mistaken as an earthquake. If you visit when it’s not a game day, take a tour of the stadium instead to get a sense of its history.
Mike the Tiger is the team’s beloved mascot, and they take care of him. They’ve been housing a live tiger here since 1936. Mike VII lives there today in a 15,000-square-foot habitat full of lush trees and plants and an attending vet from the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine. Visit for free between 8 a.m.and 8 p.m., and you might even catch him playing, napping, or posing for photos. The LSU gift shop is also right next to his habitat if you want to snag yourself a little memento.
LSU Memorial Tower
The LSU campus has more to experience than just football (and even more than a live tiger). Don’t miss your chance to visit the historic Memorial Tower. It was built in 1923 and dedicated in 1926 as a way to honor veterans who died in WWI. It’s over 175 feet high and plays the LSU fight song every day at noon as a way to stir up school spirit.
Old Governor’s Mansion
This mansion was another project by Huey P. Long. It was built in 1930 and is also known as Louisiana’s White House. The ornate structure used to house Lousianna’s governors from 1930-1962. It now serves as a historic museum, the headquarters of the Foundation of Historical Louisiana, and as a popular event space. It has stunning architecture with 30-foot Corinthian columns, a marble staircase, black-and-white marble floors, and more. Guided tours are given Tuesday through Friday.
Houmas House Plantation and Gardens or Nottway Plantatation
The Houmas House Plantation is a historic sugarcane plantation that offers guided tours. You’ll hear the stories of past owners and how they impacted its architecture and growth. You can also take a walk through its beautiful gardens full of indigenous and exotic plants.
The Nottoway Plantation is the largest Antebellum Mansion in the South. You’ll be led through it by tour guides who stay in costume and dedicate themselves to their roles. They’ll also give you an overview of the story of the plantation, its history, and how it developed into the impressive structure it is today.
St. Joseph Cathedral
This building was completed in 1853 and designated the cathedral of the diocese of Baton Rouge. Its architecture is modern yet gothic, distinguishing it from other cathedrals in the country. Its eye-catching red doors are also a perfect photo op.
The Red Stick Sculpture
Visiting this art piece is one of the best things to do in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, because it serves as a reminder to residents and tourists of how the city got its name. 2 indigenous tribes divided their hunting grounds, known today as Scott’s Bluff, by placing a red stick along the Mississippi River. French explorers noticed this and called the area le baton rouge, which translates as the red stick. That stick was added to the sculpture, which sits on the Southern University’s campus.
Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center
This well-maintained 103-acre facility has over a mile of gravel paths and boardwalks. Walking them all lets you see a wide range of habitats, including a cypress-tupelo swamp and beech-magnolia and hardwood forests. They’re home to hundreds of birds, snakes, turtles, raccoons, opossums, and other wildlife. Make sure not to miss the 9,500-square-foot building filled with displays, photos, and artifacts. This is a great stop for those traveling with children, thanks to its educational value and informative staff.
Baton Rouge Zoo
This zoo has a wide range of habitats that house animals from Africa, Asia, and South America, as well as an aquarium and otter pond. You can learn something from the educational charts and demonstrations or daily animal feedings, stop to eat at its cafes, or let your children enjoy the playground. One of the best ways to travel through it is the train that traverses the wetlands around the zoo.
Knock Knock Children’s Museum
This spot spans an impressive 26,000 square feet. It has 18 Learning Zones, including an art studio, play cafe, and mock veterinary office. Most visitors spend at least 3 hours exploring it all, and it offers endless entertainment for children ages 2-10.
Magnolia Mound
This 900-acre plantation dates back to 1791. Visiting it provides a peek into the French Creole lifestyle of early Louisiana residents. It features historic furniture, art, and crystal housed in a range of buildings such as an open-heart kitchen, overseer’s house, outhouse, and dovecote. It also provides a glimpse into the lives of the estimated 79 slaves who worked at the mound by 1860.
Baton Rouge is a historic state capitol with plenty of stories to tell from the Civil War, both world wars, and other important eras. It’s also a place where you can enjoy yourself by screaming at your favorite football team or visiting wildlife at the zoo or nature center.
Do you have any must-see locations in mind for your next trip to Baton Rouge, Louisiana? Let us know in the comments below. And show your support by giving us a like and subscribing to the Viewcation channel for more ways to get the most out of your next trip.