In Baton Rouge lies the rich history of African Americans that contributed to a movement of equal rights and change that was felt across the nation. To get the full experience and discover every detail along your next trip to the south, Visit Baton Rouge has compiled a Black History Trail to guide you every step of the way. The trail pinpoints different areas and important moments in time that helped shape our city into what it is today. Experience the legacy of a culture that is like no other when you come to the Capital City. From the music that has you feeling the blues to being home to the only HBCU system in the country, here's a rundown of everything you can experience within our Black History Trail.

Southern Band

LEARN THE HISTORY

An important change in Black history started right here in Baton Rouge with the nation's first bus boycott in 1953. Since then, efforts to reclaim the past by reshaping the future of our city have been put into the spotlight. You won't be able to learn all of Baton Rouge's history in one day, but you can start your day off by visiting the Baton Rouge African American Museum where you'll find historic art and a bus that was used during the boycott in 1953. Baton Rouge is also home to Southern University and A&M College, the largest HBCU (Historically Black College or University) in Louisiana. Take a step back in time and learn about the Capital City's black history one site at a time.

More historical sites on the Baton Rouge Black History Trail:

food generic

FOOD FOR THE SOUL

Baton Rouge is known for its southern classics and delicious delicacies that you can't find anywhere else. Our Black-owned restaurants serve top-notch entrees all year round with excellent service to locals and guests from across the globe. If you stop at Poor Boy Lloyd's, prepare to be in for a treat that was fit for the first Black president of the United States. Just north, you will find fresh coffee served up with a smile from Southern Cofé. Plus, you cannot leave Baton Rouge without visiting the city’s oldest restaurant, where you can get crispy fried chicken all day long at the Chicken Shack and more. The list doesn’t stop here. You can find all Baton Rouge black-owned restaurants here.

More Restaurants & Eateries on the Baton Rouge Black History Trail:

singer and guitarist on the Main Lobby rooftop

REVEL IN MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT

There's an everlasting love for the music in the Red Stick as it is the home of the Blues. Sing your heart out at some of our most popular spots like Henry Turner Jr.'s Listening Room and Teddy's Juke Joint. If you demand more, be sure to check out the annual Baton Rouge Blues Festival that happens every spring, where you'll hear local blues artists and even international acts. Either way, it's a win-win for your music choice.

More Music & Entertainment on the Baton Rouge Black History Trail:

Artist Skinny Dope partners with Visit Baton Rouge for new mural at River Center

ADMIRE THE ART

Being artistic is a big component of Baton Rouge's Black culture. Take a trip across the city where you'll find pops of color plastered on different brick walls. Check out Southern University Museum of Art which has collections dedicated to black creativity. Either way, the city is bound to inspire your next art project.

More ways to experience art on the Baton Rouge Black History Trail:

children running in front of stage at concert

​CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY 

In Baton Rouge, celebrating is always in style. That's why when you come to the Capital City, you can celebrate the contributions made by African Americans at one of our many festivals. Whether it's at our festival that's dedicated to soul food, or at the Krewe of Oshun parade for Mardi Gras season, we have multiple festivals that you can come be a part of for a truly unforgettable experience. 

More ways to celebrate on the Baton Rouge Black History Trail:

 

Of course, the fun doesn't end here. Be sure to check out everything Black History right here in Baton Rouge!