From tigers to towers and swamps to the state capitol, there is no shortage of sights to see in Baton Rouge. Whether you’re a fan of history, nature, tourist attractions or all of the above, Louisiana’s capital has you covered.
We’ve done the legwork, so you can get to taking pictures and making memories. Here are the Baton Rouge attractions you won’t want to miss!
Museums And History
To call Baton Rouge a historic city would be an understatement. Since 1699, under the flags of seven nations, Louisiana’s capital has forged a fascinating history. Today, there are over 20 museums and historical locations that give locals and visitors alike a chance to delve deeper into the past and present of our captivating city.
Lsu Rural Life Museum & Windrush Gardens
The LSU Rural Life Museum has the largest collection of Louisiana vernacular architecture and the most extensive collection of material culture from the 18th, 19th and early 20th-century rural Louisiana.
Capitol Park Museum
Housing a full-size shrimp boat, Louis Armstrong’s bugle and Mardi Gras artifacts, the Capitol Park Museum provides a panoramic exploration of the industry, culture and history of Louisiana. One of the most unforgettable Baton Rouge museums, it tells a story of passion, adventure and discovery that couldn’t have happened elsewhere.
Knock Knock Children’s Museum
Knock Knock boasts 18 interactive exhibits, each anchored in child development research. By engaging in activities such as grocery shopping, construction and reading, the kiddos will have a day filled with fun and education.
Louisiana Art & Science Museum
Housed in a historic railroad depot by the Mississippi, the Louisiana Art & Science Museum offers educational entertainment for visitors of all ages, including a planetarium, fine art exhibitions and after-hours events.
Magnolia Mound & Gardens
Magnolia Mound, a 1790s French Creole house, offers costume guides, cooking demos and other interactive programming. Its collection of furnishings and decorative arts includes one of the foremost public groups of Louisiana-made objects.
Uss Kidd Veterans Museum
Pay your respects to fallen Americans whose names are carved into the black granite walls of the Louisiana Memorial Plaza. The Museum’s centerpiece, the World War II destroyer USS KIDD, is currently away for restoration, but the museum remains open, and features a P-40 aircraft, ship models and more!
Old State Capitol
Louisiana’s Old State Capitol, also known as the “Castle on the River,” is one of the most unique and historic buildings in the state. This Gothic structure, built in 1850, is now a museum showcasing Louisiana’s unique political history.
Nature
Baton Rouge seamlessly incorporates natural beauty into its historic boroughs. From swamps to hardwood forests, and from fascinating flora to butterfly gardens, you’ll find a wealth of nature in Louisiana’s capital.
Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center
Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center is filled with live animal exhibits, natural artifact and mineral displays, and a waterfowl decoy carving station. Just outside, explore over a mile of paths and boardwalks linking habitats such as the cypress-tupelo swamp, beech-magnolia and hardwood forests.
Cohn Nature Preserve And Arboretum
This 28.5-acre preserve and adjacent arboretum boast over 300 species of trees and shrubs, a butterfly garden, a fruit orchard and a bamboo collection. In addition, a one-mile paved trail circles a tranquil lake. Admission is free!
Brec’s Frenchtown Road Conservation Area
Frenchtown Road Conservation Area, also known as “The Land Between The Rivers,” consists of 495 acres of hardwood forest, diverse flora and fauna, and three miles of trails, considered to be some of the best hiking in the state.
Attractions
You’d be remiss to plan a trip to Red Stick without stopping at the following unforgettable Instagrammable Baton Rouge attractions!
Louisiana State Capitol
What began as the dream of Governor Huey P. Long became a symbol of Louisiana pride. Visit the tallest state capitol building in the United States and overlook the city from the Observation Deck of the Baton Rouge State Capitol.
Mike The Tiger Habitat
Say hello to Louisiana State University’s live mascot, Mike the Tiger! Visit Mike VII at his state-of-the-art habitat on campus that includes lush landscaping and a waterfall.
Baton Rouge Mural
Looking for something to remember your trip by? Head downtown to the Visit Baton Rouge office, grab a visitor guide, talk with travel counselors and snap a picture with the postcard mural facing Laurel Street.
Shaw Center For The Arts
The Shaw Center for the Arts, a sizeable complex in downtown Baton Rouge, boasts everything from a world-class venue to a fine art museum and education center. Not only does it house art, but the building itself is art; the Shaw Center has won numerous awards for its design and architecture.
Baton Rouge Zoo
Offering a wealth of fascinating animals, permanent and seasonal exhibits, and Ambassador Animal Meet & Greets, the Baton Rouge Zoo will provide you and your family with an exceptional educational experience!
Tour Baton Rouge
With so many Baton Rouge places to see, sometimes it’s best to leave the planning to the professionals. Louisiana’s capital offers a host of guided tour options and a variety of other fascinating group tours!
City Tours
Explore Louisiana’s capital city with tours that put a fun twist on sightseeing. Pedal your way through downtown with stops at local bars, restaurants and landmarks. Or enjoy river tours aboard a paddle wheeler, complete with skyline views and local points of interest along the Mississippi. Whether you’re walking, riding, pedaling or sailing, all of our city tours tell the story of Baton Rouge’s rich history and culture.
Lsu Tiger Stadium Tours
Step behind the scenes on a guided tour of iconic Tiger Stadium and uncover what makes “Death Valley” one of college football’s most legendary venues. Walk through historic spaces like the Bill Lawton Room, the Jeff Boss Locker Room, the players’ chute and even step out onto the field, all while soaking up LSU football lore.
Marucci Campus Tours
See how the official bat of Major League Baseball is made, from the woodshop and paint booths to the finishing rooms, plus interactive exhibits that celebrate the brand’s history. Learn about the craftsmanship, science and story behind these legendary bats and browse exclusive gear in the gift shop.
Beautiful Baton Rouge awaits. Visit the myriad of museums, attractions and places we’ve mentioned here, or check out our Trip Ideas & Itineraries page for even more inspiration. Plan your trip to Louisiana’s capital today, and let the Baton Rouge sightseeing begin!