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Baton Rouge, the capital of Louisiana
is an exciting blend of sights, sounds and flavors. From its dynamic
and diverse musical heritage, to its significant landmarks and
museums, Baton Rouge is a fascinating city to explore. From its
riverboats, plantations and hospitality, to its Cajun, Creole and
Old South cuisine, it excels.
Baton Rouge is 75 miles Northwest of New Orleans via Interstate 10,
and is the parish seat of government. Baton Rouge is the key
industrial city in the area, and the center of an immense chemical
and petroleum complex on the Mississippi River. It is the second
largest city in the state, and the fourth largest port city in the
nation. Projected population figures show that this progressive city
will have a phenomenal growth in future decades.
Nightlife is lively and varied. it ranges from Cajun clubs and
country western clubs to concerts (symphonic and popular music).
There are Riverboat casinos and dinner cruises. Theater groups
maintain a full schedule of excellent offerings throughout the year.
In recent years, a number of new attractions, museums and
restaurants have opened much to the delight of visitors from around
the world. In the fall of 1999, Louisiana's Old Governor's Mansion
joins the Old State Capitol, riverboat casinos, the Mall of
Louisiana, Bluebonnet Swamp, Alligator Bayou Swamp Tours, and
numerous plantation homes in providing visitors with a variety of
things to see and do in the Baton Rouge area. Additionally, several
new bed & breakfast inns and 1200 new hotel rooms make it simple,
easy and affordable to stay overnight in Baton Rouge.
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Baton Rouge is home to both Louisiana
State University, the state's flagship university and Southern
University. The capitol, one of America's most beautiful, is 34
stories, 450 feet in height and surrounded by 27 acres of landscaped
grounds. It was constructed in March 1932, at a cost of $5 million.
Broad steps of Minnesota granite mark the entrance to the building.
From the observation tower, it is possible to see the surrounding
country for a distance of 30 miles.
Streets and highways throughout the area are clean, brightly lit and
easy to travel. Attractions and historic sites are clearly marked
and all have parking facilities. Baton Rouge is home to some of the
finest restaurants in the United States featuring fresh seafood,
French, Cajun and Creole and traditional Southern cuisine.
With mild and short winters, scenic Falls and Springs, you can't go
wrong in Baton Rouge, whenever you choose to visit.
Baton Rouge is fun for families. With plantation homes, swamp tours,
a world-renowned zoo, gardens, museums, wildlife centers and an arts
and science, there is always something to do and see.
With its semi-tropical climate, Baton Rouge is the perfect place to
enjoy outdoor activities such as golf, tennis or sporting events.
Baton Rouge is home to several nationally ranked golf courses
designed by the biggest names in the sport and the capital city also
offers some of the hottest collegiate sports in the South.
You'll find everything close at hand in Baton Rouge for an
unforgettable family vacation. |
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Africa Safari Park
Open to individuals and groups, the Africa Safari Park has over 750
animals with 80 different species being displayed on 168 acres. The park
is open to individuals and groups. In addition, the park has 3 safari
vehicles which can accommodate larger groups.
Baton Rouge Zoo
Discover Baton Rouge's #1 family attraction! Over 1800 animals,
including white tiger, elephants, giraffes and alligators await you in
the beautifully landscaped Zoo. . Visitors of all ages will love KidsZoo,
complete with a playground and hands-on animal encounter with farm
animals! Your visit is not complete without a scenic ride on the Cypress
Bayou Railroad or a narrated tour on the White Tiger Tram.
Bluebonnet Swamp Conservation Area
Explore a unique natural area near the heart of Baton Rouge. Self guided
nature trails wind through a magnolia-beech upland forest and into a 65
acre cypress-tupelo swamp. Elevated boardwalks provide complete
accessibility. The nature center includes educational exhibits, picnic
area, and restroom facilities.
Enchanted
Mansion, a Doll Museum
This museum offers a magical and educational doll exhibit for all ages.
A unique museum that entertains and informs its visitors through
animation and spectacular exhibits. Afternoon tea is also featured.
Louisiana Arts and Science Center and Challenger Learning Center
Housed in a reconstructed train station, the Louisiana Arts and Science
Center offers several exhibits that change each year, as well as a
permanent Egyptian tomb exhibit. For the children and "children at
heart," there is a hands-on art and science exhibit.
Louisiana Governor's Mansion
The Governor's Mansion is built in 1963 in modified Greek Revival style
as a replica of one of the state's plantation mansions. Open for tours
by appointment only.
Louisiana Old State Capitol
High on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River stands the majestic
Old State Capitol, a Gothic architectural treasure. Designed and built
by James Harrison Dakin, 1847-1850. The nearly 150 year old building has
withstood war, fire, scandal, bitter debate, abandonment, and an
occasional fistfight.
Louisiana State Capitol
The State Capitol is the tallest state capitol in the nation. The tower
rises 34 floors above pleasant formal gardens. Visitors can see the city
of Baton Rouge, the Mississippi River, and surrounding areas from the
27th-floor observation deck. Steps commemorating the 50 states lead to
its entrance. The building is built in Art Deco style with magnificent
marble and bronze detailing inside. Completed in 1932.
Louisiana State University Hilltop Arboretum
The rolling terrain of the12-acre site is landscaped with a variety of
interesting and unique native trees and plants labeled for
identification.
Old Arsenal Museum
State Capitol Complex, formerly a powder magazine, is located amid the
formal gardens of the Louisiana State Capitol Complex.
U.S.S. Kidd and
Nautical Historical Center
The U.S.S. Kidd is the only World War II Fletcher Class destroyer
meticulously restored. This 369-foot ship is berthed on the Mississippi
River in a unique cradle that holds it "high and dry. The adjacent
Nautical Historical Center features a P-40 Warhawk fighter plane, a
restored "Flying Tiger," and an A7E Corsair attack aircraft. A National
Historic Landmark.
Plantation & Antebellum Homes
Picnic area. Nineteenth century plantation living can be seen in Oakley,
the home where artist naturalist John James Audubon created many of his
famous bird paintings.
Blythewood Plantation
Two miles from I-55 Plantation over 100 years old and over 10,000 square
feet. Mansion filled with Victorian and heirloom antiques.
Butler
Greenwood Plantation
Antique-filled historic 1790s plantation on the National Register of
Historic Places that includes the area's finest original Victorian
formal parlor, live oaks and gardens.
Cottage
Plantation
One of the area's most complete plantations, the site includes many
original outbuildings, antique furnishings and century-old oaks.
Destrehan Plantation
8 miles from New Orleans International airport. Gift shop. Built in
1787-1790, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Costumed
docents give history of the house and the families who lived there.
Greenwood Plantation
10 miles from US 61.Gift shop, picnic areas, Built in 1830 in Greek
Revival style, Greenwood burned to the ground in 1960, leaving only the
columns standing. The home was completely rebuilt to the original
specifications.
Houmas House
Plantation
Gift shop and food service (with advance notice) Greek Revival mansion
(1840) connected to earlier Colonial house (1790). Antique period
furniture; costumed guides. "Hush, Hush Sweet Charlotte" starring Bette
Davis was filmed here.
Live Oak
Gardens, group tours
Magnolia
Mound Plantation
1790's plantation house, reproduction 1800's open-hearth kitchen, 1800's
slave cabin, overseer's house & pigeonnier, herb & vegetable garden,
cash crop garden. Surrounded by 100-year-old live oaks, the c.1791 house
has retained its creole plan and character for over 200 years. It's
construction is of cypress beams with the original cypress flooring runs
throughout the house.
Mount Hope Plantation
Historic home, circa 1817, listed on the National Register. Four acres
of ancient trees and old garden roses. Entertainment and dinners or teas
with advance notice. Fine example of a 19th century farmhouse which was
settled by German immigrants. Rich history of settlers, Civil War and
slaves who lived on property.
Myrtles
Plantation
Gift shop, food service, and picnic area. This 200-year-old antebellum
plantation features a 120 foot veranda, exquisite ornamental ironwork,
hand-painted stained glass and open-pierced firework. The home is also
famous for its Aubusson tapestry, Baccarat crystal chandelier, and
gold-leafed French furnishings.
Nottoway
Plantation
Experience 19th century southern living in the South's largest
plantation home. Visit for an overnight stay, a guided tour or a
romantic dining experience.
Oak
Alley Plantation
About 60 miles from Baton Rouge or New Orleans. Gift shop, restaurant &
B&B(reservation for groups required) Experience a bygone era in the
South's most beautiful setting, beginning with the spectacular
quarter-mile alley of nearly 300-year-old live oak trees.
Poplar Grove Plantation
10 minutes from downtown Baton Rouge. Food service (with advance
notice). Built as a pavilion for 1884 World's Fair in New Orleans and
moved by barge in 1886 to its current location. Exotic Victorian mansion
with oriental influence, still occupied by original family, National
Register of Historic Places.
San Francisco Plantation-A Historic Plantation House Museum and Gardens
Only 40-minutes from downtown Baton Rouge The magnificent house features
five hand painted mural ceilings, faux marble and bois wood graining.
Built in 1856, by Edmond Marmillion in Old Louisiana Colonial -
Steamboat Gothic Style, this National Landmark offers a Museum Store,
1830's Slave Cabin, and1840's one-room Schoolhouse nestled under 300
year old Live Oaks. Opened daily for tours with period dressed guides
sharing the French and German heritage of the family, slaves, and civil
war.
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Rosedown Plantation and
Gardens
Gift shop, picnic areas and restrooms, theater, reception center.
Rosedown's 28-acre garden is one of the nation's five most important
historic gardens. Its 1835 house with all of its original contents has
made it one of the south's most distinguished house museums for 30
years.
Rosewood Plantation
Magnificent and unique 1840s manor house created from the remnants of
over 40 Louisiana Antebellum homes. Located in the heart of plantation
country in Ascension Parish, Rosewood offers accommodations in the
mansion or cottages.
Tezcuco Plantation
6 miles from I-10 at Sunshine Bridge. Antique and gift shop, restaurant
and Civil War museum. 1855 Greek Revival plantation, listed on the
National Register of Historic places.
Smith & Brown Monument
This monument is in memory of two African-American students, Denver
Smith and Leonard Brown, who were killed by authorities in 1972 while
participating in a student civil rights demonstration. A marker
designates the spot where they were killed. The student union is also
named in their honor.
Southern University Museum of Art
The Southern University Museum of Art is open to visitors as well as to
the Baton Rouge local community. It is in Martin L. Harvey Hall,
overlooking the bluffs, on the campus of Southern University, Baton
Rouge, Louisiana. Features important works by African American artists
from the past and present. Also, provides an opportunity to learn about
other aspects of another culture.
LSU Mounds
The LSU mounds stand on the northwest corner of the campus. The two
mounds, created by Native Americans, functioned as territorial markers
or symbols of group identity. In 1982, radiocarbon dating determined
that they were built about 5,000 years ago. The mounds are among the
oldest preserved Indian mounds in the Western Hemisphere, and have been
placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Memorial Tower
Also known as the Campanile, this 175-foot structure was built in 1923
and dedicated in 1926 as a memorial to Louisianians who died in WWI. On
the rotunda walls are bronze plaques bearing the names of those to whom
the Tower is dedicated. The Memorial Tower also houses the permanent
collections of the LSU Museum of Art. Chimes ring every quarter hour.
The Cornerstone in front of the tower was excavated from the ruins of
Louisiana State Seminary of Learning and Military Academy in Pineville
(early LSU) one half describes the history, other half is inscribed with
first Board of Supervisors and faculty.
Rural Life Museum and Windrush Gardens
Located on the 450-acre Burden Research Plantation, Rural Life provides
insight into the largely forgotten lifestyles and cultures of
pre-industrial Louisiana.
Tiger Cage
Just to the north of Tiger Stadium is the home of Mike V, LSU's Bengal
tiger mascot. The cage, constructed for the first Mike in 1937, was
renovated in 1981 to include a grassy area, a tiger-sized wooden
scratching post, a pool, a climbing platform, and an indoor area for use
in inclement weather.
Louisiana Arts and
Science Center
Features fine art exhibitions, interactive art and science exhibits, an
Egyptian gallery a Challenger Learning Center and a gift shop. Building
is a 1920's train depot with five-car train on-site. In 2002, LASC will
open a planetarium space theater.
Louisiana Old State Capitol
Center for Political and Governmental History. This Gothic architectural
treasure was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1975. Experience
a multimedia presentation, interactive exhibits, political research
library, political memorabilia, film and videotapes of state leaders.
Louisiana State Capitol Building
Gift shop, food service and picnic area. Tallest State Capitol in the
nation, this Art deco-style building is 34 stories high. Built in 1932,
it is the site of Huey Long's assassination. Its Observation Tower
offers a view of Mississippi River and Capitol grounds.
Louisiana State University Museum of Natural Science
The museum is divided into two main parts: the public exhibits
containing both habitat and biological exhibits, along with
identification panels and the research collections used by scientists
from all over the world.
Milbank Historic House
Gift shop, restaurant next door, restroom facilities. An 1836 historic
house suitable for small functions, with Doric columns and furnished
with many Mallard antiques and other fine pieces.
Old Arsenal Powder Magazine
Picnic Area Formerly a powder magazine, circa 1838, the site is
surrounded by a 10-foot outer wall and contains hand-on exhibits. Listed
in the National Register of Historic Places.
Bogan Fire Station
Featuring fire equipment (hoses, extinguishers, fire boxes), the
fireman's uniform and three fire trucks dating back to 1919 through
1926. Home to the Greater Baton Rouge Arts Council.
Laura: A
Creole Plantation
Guided tours, based on Laura's Memoirs, detail lives of Creole women,
slaves, children. Built 1805.
Old
Governor's Mansion
Handicapped access and restroom facilities; jewelry collection on
display, and jewelry is available for sale. Built by Huey P. Long in
1930 as Louisiana's White House the Old Governor's Mansion is now a
historic house museum and the headquarters of the Foundation for
Historical Louisiana. The Mansion reopened to the public in November
1999 after an extensive restoration and features furnishings and
artifacts from nine Louisiana governors, a grand ballroom, French
wallpaper, crystal chandeliers, and a marble staircase.
Old Turnerville Homes
Gift shop House museums furnished with antiques reflecting life in an
1800's Mississippi River Village.
Pentagon Barracks Museum & Gift Shop
Museum and gift shop. The barracks were built in 1823-24 to quarter U.S.
Army personnel servicing the post of Baton Rouge. The Barracks housed
many famous military men, including President Zachary Taylor. Original
site of Louisiana State University. Housed in the historic Pentagon
Barracks, this museum features exhibits highlighting Baton Rouge
history.
River Road African American Museum and Gallery
Featuring art and artifacts from African American families who lived on
River Road, along with lists of Africans enslaved at area plantations,
inventors, entrepreneurs, etc..
West Baton
Rouge Museum
Guided tours of historic sugar plantation buildings, and free
"lagniappe" samples of locally-produced Louisiana "raw" sugar for every
visitor! See a 22-foot working sugar mill model, an c.1850 slave cabin
and a c.1830 French-creole sugar planter's cottage. A unique "sweet"
Louisiana experience is available to visitors of the West Baton Rouge
Museum who want to learn the story behind plantation life, its culture,
and its impressive technology.
Afton Villa Gardens
A 1/2-mile oak alley leads to a renowned 19th-century garden, featuring
formal parterre, hundreds of azaleas and expansive grounds.
Bluebonnet Swamp Nature-Center
Educational exhibits, gift shop, picnic area, restroom facilities
Self-guided nature trails wind through a magnolia-beech upland forest
and into the heart of a 65-acre cypress-tupelo swamp.
Cohn Memorial Arboretum
Marked trail through 16 acres of native Louisiana trees and shrubs. |
