Best Things To Do in Baton Rouge
The best attractions in Baton Rouge will excite visitors interested in Louisiana’s history. The Capitol Park Museum, the LSU Rural Life Museum, Magnolia Mound, and both state capitol buildings all aid in educating tourists about the peculiar (and occasionally bizarre) history of the state. Families can amuse themselves at the Louisiana Art & Science Museum, Knock Knock Children’s Museum, and the Baton Rouge Zoo. Also necessary for completing a trip to Baton Rouge is a football game at LSU Tiger Stadium. Several top Louisiana swamp excursions are accessible by car from the city if you’re up for a day trip.
Drop by Louisiana’s Old State Capitol:
The Old Louisiana State Capitol, which rises above the Mississippi River, served as the state legislature’s previous residence from 1830 until the modern Art Deco capitol’s completion in 1932. You’ll see from one glance at the Old State Capitol why it’s known as “The Castle on the River.” They certainly stand out with their towers and turrets!
The building’s outside is undoubtedly spectacular, but the interior will take your breath away. Particularly noteworthy features include the spiral staircase and stained-glass dome. The Museum of Political History, where you may discover everything about the state’s past, is now inside the Old State Capitol.
Explore the USS Kidd’s Decks:
Getting on the USS Kidd is among the top things to do in Baton Rouge, a WWII-era destroyer. First of all, it’s not just a cheap imitation. The USS Kidd and her courageous crew participated in some of World War II’s most significant naval engagements. It is one of the most meticulously refurbished battleships in the world.
Second, visiting the USS Kidd is tremendously handy since it’s located in the middle of Baton Rouge’s downtown. You can combine your time on the USS Kidd with a trip to the nearby Louisiana Art & Science Museum. The USS Kidd is one of the stations on the accessible Capitol Park Trolley if you intend to take it.
Once on board, you can explore the ship’s many decks and spaces. The officers’ quarters, the sick bay, the engine room, and more will all be visible. Visit the nearby museum to see even more actual World War II items, such as a Curtiss P-40 Warhawk and scale replicas of different vessels. There is also a helmet that belonged to an actual infantryman on D-Day!
Visit the Animals at the Zoo in Baton Rouge:
The Baton Rouge Zoo, home to more than 2,000 animals, birds, and reptiles worldwide, is one of the best family-friendly attractions in Baton Rouge
Visit the Lives of the Louisiana Swamp Exhibit immediately to see incredible animals like alligators, turtles, snakes, frogs, and otters in their natural habitat. Animals of the Asian Forest is another fantastic exhibit where you can see beautiful animals like tigers, red pandas, the lemur family, and more.
You can spend the entire day at the zoo because it has picnic areas and snack bars.
Visit the LSU Rural Life Museum to Travel Back in Time:
The LSU Rural Life Museum is a must-see if you want to understand what life was like in Louisiana in the 18th and 19th centuries. Being situated on the grounds of the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens, this living history museum is already rather gorgeous.
The post office, blacksmith’s shop, overseer’s home, slave huts, open-hearth kitchen, pigeon coop, and many outhouses are among the original and reproduction buildings in the functioning plantation sector.
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The Magnolia Mound Plantation offers a glimpse into the nineteenth century:
The Magnolia Mound Plantation is a must-see attraction in Baton Rouge for anybody interested in history and architecture. One of the country’s most extraordinary intact specimens of French Colonial architecture was erected in this plantation mansion in 1791.
A kitchen, the main house, and the carriage house are among the cottages on the site; they have all been renovated to look like they did in the 19th century. The slave cabin, a chilling reminder of the plantation’s violent past, is another location you’ll pass.
After you’ve had a chance to visit the structures, visit the grounds’ exquisitely designed butterfly garden. Although guided tours are available, you can explore independently if you wish to take your time.
Picnic, Kayak, and Splash at Greenwood Community Park:
One of Baton Rouge’s biggest parks, Greenwood Community Park, is in the eastern portion of East Baton Rouge Parish. You’ll want to stay here all day because there are more than 1,000 acres of good land.
At Greenwood Community Park, there is something for everybody. The playground will be a big hit with the kids, and the adults can play softball, tennis, or disc golf.
Other outdoor pursuits include horseback riding, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. The park also provides an RV campground if you want to spend the night.
A picnic should also be brought! Many picnic pavilions, as well as grills, are available for use at Greenwood Community Park.
Visit the Louisiana Arts & Science Museum:
The Louisiana Arts & Science Museum, another Baton Rouge must-see, is one of the best museums in the entire state.
The museum, housed in a restored Art Deco railroad station, features a sizable collection of art, science, and history exhibits. A sizable IMAX cinema is also available for watching documentaries and instructional films.
There is always something fresh to view at the museum because new exhibits are always being added. The Louisiana Purchase and Mardi Gras history exhibits are recent additions.
However, the ongoing displays are what will entice you to come back. The Solar System Gallery will be with you forever. You may view actual Hubble Orbit Telescope photographs from orbit, two interactive space stations, and a substantial overhead solar system model.
At Poor Boy Lloyd’s, get a Po’Boy in Baton Rouge:
Are you curious about the foods that presidents enjoy when they visit Baton Rouge? Visit Poor Boy Lloyd’s, a landmark in Baton Rouge, to see where President Barack Obama ate during a visit there in 2016.
Since 1922, po’boys have been a mainstay at this unpretentious restaurant. Everything on the menu is tasty, especially the traditional options like oyster po’boys, roast beef, shrimp, and smoked turkey.
Consider trying their alligator sausage po’boy if you’re feeling daring. You can complete your meal by adding household delicacies like gumbo, stuffed crab, or jambalaya.
A complete bar is also worth mentioning, so if you’re in the mindset for a few cocktails, Poor Boy Lloyd’s has you covered.
Go on a swamp tour:
The Atchafalaya Basin, the giant swamp in the country, and a short drive from Baton Rouge may be visited by taking a tour. This is one of the most unusual things to do in Baton Rouge.
Animals in the Atchafalaya Basin include alligators, turtles, snakes, herons, and more. Although it’s not for the weak of the heart, it will be an experience you will never forget! You’ll have the opportunity to airboat across the marsh and encounter some of Louisiana’s most fascinating species.
In the Baton Rouge region, a variety of businesses provide swamp tours. Although the swamp is full of surprises, you may feel secure knowing they have been doing this for years.
In addition to airboats, you can use a kayak or canoe to tour the Atchafalaya Basin. This way, you’ll have a better view of the wildlife and a fantastic workout!