Taking a Break in the Bayou: 15 Things to Do in Baton Rouge

Built in the 1930s, during the administration of Governor Huey P. Long, the old Governor’s mansion sits picturesquely along the Louisiana old state capitol (just a stone’s throw away).

Being one of the nicest Hall of Greek Revival buildings within the country and also Named on the National Register of Historic Places,

it was purposely shaped to have the structure of the White House in Washington D.C.

Surrounded by classic restaurants, bars, and casinos, Downton Baton Rouge is the go-to place to enjoy some nightlife and dining opportunities within the community. Tsunami Sushi and The Chimes are both rooftop restaurants that provide beautiful views of the Mississippi River. And if you’re dining with a group, this is the place to take group pics.

Also, It offers a series of free concerts and a live After Five showcase.

Formerly used as an ammunition depot to protect the area in the 19th century the Museum brims with ancient military relics and the history of the state capitol and other nearby areas. You can as well find displays related to the notorious battle of Baton Rouge in 1862.

If you are a lover of fresh produce, Red Stick Farmers Market should be your number one market in Baton Rouge. Farm Produce is sold on Thursday and Saturday. The market has varieties of farm produce such as dried fruits, vegetables, likewise steamed homemade meats and loaves of bread, and domestic products like honey, pickles, and jams. Operated on Mondays and Thursdays, It is an outdoor market dominated by-products from domestic farms to ensure optimal use of local resources.

After visiting this plantation, you’ll know why it’s called “the crown jewel of Louisiana’s River Road.” Houmas House Plantation was the largest American producer of sugarcane in the 1800s. Both the plantation house and the surrounding land have been restored and give a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle that the ‘sugar barons’ enjoyed thanks to their sugary-sweet gold mine. You can take a look at sixteen antique rooms and walk through the extensive gardens.

Take advantage of one of the travel offers to Baton Rouge to live an experience dedicated to the sport, during which you will not fail to have an unusual encounter. Tiger Stadium is located on the Louisiana State University campus, where the American football team of the same name plays. The team’s mascot is a real tiger and, even if you can’t attend a game, you can still visit “Mike the Tiger” in his luxurious and unique Tiger Stadium residence.

If you are traveling with children, a stop at the Baton Rouge Zoo, which is about 15 minutes from the city center, is a must. Here you will find hundreds of animals and birds, housed in environments that faithfully recreate their natural habitats. La Aquarium de Louisiana recreates the local environment and features native fish, reptiles, and amphibians. The zoo also participates in a species survival plan for the Eastern Black Rhinoceros.

Atop a hill along the Mississippi River is a large castle-like building, which served as the Louisiana Capitol Building until the early 1900s. The neo-Gothic building is an architectural masterpiece, both inside and out. In the early 1930s, a new capitol building was built in Baton Rouge, which at 137 meters became the tallest capitol building in the country. The Old Capitol houses a museum of Louisiana’s political history. Visiting this historic building won’t be a waste of time.

Close to the current capitol building is the Capitol Park Museum, which is part of the Louisiana State Museum in New Orleans. A relatively small museum with a special focus on Louisiana history, industry, and culture. The museum includes a shrimp-fishing vessel, a Civil War submarine, and an extensive collection of jazz music and Mardi Gras (Carnival). Capitol Park Museum is a veritable mine of information on local historical events.

Baton Rouge is a real student city and has the necessary universities and colleges. By far the largest and most prestigious university is Louisiana State University (LSU). The campus dates back to 1860 and has many large oak trees that are at least the same age. There are many interesting sights, including the Quad (the green heart of the campus), the Museum of Natural Science, the Memorial Tower, the Indian Mounds (ancient Native American mounds), the Tiger Stadium, and Mike’s Habitat, the residence of tiger Mike; the official mascot of the LSU. Before visiting the campus, it is recommended to visit the visitor center, where maps are available to get an overview of the campus.

One of LSU’s most impressive museums is the Rural Life Museum, which focuses on nineteenth-century rural life. The grounds of this large open-air museum are home to several historic buildings typical of Louisiana, including a country church, pioneer cabin, shotgun house, and dogtrot house. There is also a special section devoted to plantation life.

Baton Rouge’s history is partly determined by wealthy plantation owners who built large plantations and mansions along the Mississippi around the eighteenth century. You can visit the Magnolia Mound Plantation House, the Nottoway Plantation (in White Castle), and the Myrtles Plantation from 1796, one of the most famous plantations in America.

When you’re ready for a thrilling experience, head to the Myrtles Plantation, a haunting place that some believe is inhabited by numerous ghosts. Legend has it that this building was the scene of 10 murders and that it is still frequented by at least 12 ghosts. Historical tours of the plantation and its most mysterious corners are held daily on-site.

Myrtles is also known as ‘One of America’s Most Haunted Homes. There are daily guided tours and on Friday and Saturday evenings you can join a mystery tour.

The USS Kidd, a former US Navy warship, made its mark in World War II and the Korean War. Today, it is converted into a museum ship and is part of a memorial to Louisiana WWII veterans. The accompanying Veterans Museum features fighter planes and dozens of ship models.

If you’re interested in the geographic history and local wildlife of Baton Rouge, a visit to the Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center is a must. In the nature center you can—in addition to photos, natural objects, and minerals – view live crocodiles and snakes. Outside the exhibition building is a large nature reserve that includes swamps and hardwood forests. While walking on decking and pebble paths you have a good chance of spotting birds, turtles, and snakes.

It is also called the legendary river in the United States. The promenade that runs along it is really beautiful, dotted with sculptures by an Icelandic artist who is meant to reflect on social and cultural diversity. Between docks and paddle steamers, strolling there to simply observe the diving cormorants or meditate at the Vietnam veterans memorial under a former Navy fighter plane is an experience you won’t like to miss.