Top 12 Fun Things to do in Baton Rouge

A majestic building following the principles of Gothic Architecture, Lousiana’s Old State Capitol is a historic site that fittingly, also serves as a museum of political history. One of the top things to do in Baton Rouge, this iconic structure is known by several nicknames such as Castle of Baton Rouge and Castle on the River. The grandiose site, standing atop an equally jarring bluff, was built in 1847 and served as the home to Louisiana State Legislature until the 1930s. Having been revived after it got burnt by the Union Army, the Old State Capital now houses several interesting exhibits, including The Legacy of Huey Long, The Governors’ Portrait Gallery, Baton Rouge, and the Civil War and more. The place has been a popular choice for hosting events due to the beautiful landscape combined with classy architecture.

Just as impressive as the Old State Capital, the mammoth 45 feet high structure built in the 1930s is also worth a visit. The 34-floor limestone building is a remnant of the efforts of Louisiana Governor Huey Pierce Long. As part of the iconic things to do in Baton Rouge, take time out to take the elevator to the observation deck is one to check off the bucket list. The view of the incredible skyline of the city is unforgettable. The Louisiana State Capitol, the tallest state capitol in the United States, is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic places thanks to great stories that this site holds.

One would think that a university wouldn’t make it to the list of things to do in Baton Rouge, but the LSU campus is home to several sites that are sure to mesmerize you. The LSU Rural Life Museum operated by the university is a one-of-a-kind exhibit that houses several artifacts that represent indigenous Louisiana Architecture. Split into four main areas, and you can find everything from farming equipment to blacksmith shop from the 17^th to 19^th centuries. The Rural Life Museum serves as a reminder of black history as it houses several items focusing on the experience of the slaves in the 1800s.

A visit to the museum can be combined with a nature walk at the botanic garden. One of the free things to do in Baton Rouge, take a peaceful stroll in of the ten gardens, forested areas or trails. Another gallery visit on the list of things to do in Baton Rouge, the LSU Museum of Natural Science is a collection of more than 2.8 million specimens, objects, and artifacts that give you up close and personal with the greatest magician, nature.

However, if you’re not a museum kind of person, there’s still a lot of things to do at Baton Rouge’s University. The LSU Tiger Stadium, known as “Death Valley” is a spectacular football stadium with a capacity of 102,321 spectators. You can also visit Mike the Tiger Habitat, the official mascot of LSU. The original habitat of Mike I was housed in a small 200 square foot space until he passed. The new habitat has been severely upgraded and even features a waterfall and a pond and is the palatial residence of new Mike.

Used as a governor’s residence for 3 decades, the Old Governor’s mansion was again built during Governor Huey Long’s tenure. The Old Lousiana Governor’s Mansion now serves as a historical museum and is one of the popular things to do in Baton Rouge. The exhibits are revolving, and you can take guided tours for the same. You can combine this visit with Old State Capitol as the two are just a few blocks away. The building itself, with Corinthian columns resembling the White House, gives a sense of pomp and grandeur, and the interiors have retained several of the old furnishings and decorations from the time of use, visiting the Mansion quite fascinating.

Although Baton Rouge is largely considered a site for culture and history tours, there are several things to do in Baton Rouge for the nature lovers as well. The Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center is a huge park containing a variety of landscapes. As you amber through the pathways, you will encounter armadillos, coyotes, foxes, otters, and many more creatures in the Center’s forest and swamps. There is also an exhibit building with collections of live animals and natural objects that are sure to appeal to the inquisitive minds.

A French Creole House from 1791, Magnolia Mound’s compelling architecture is the combination of early French settlers and the West Indies. The 16-acre property is owned by the city of Baton Rouge, to preserve the site. The bousillage mansion surrounded by old oak trees is a sight to behold and one of the unique things to do in Baton Rouge. The property is an illustration of a French Creole lifestyle, which still influences Southern Louisiana to this day. The house serves as a collection of furnishings and artwork from the colonial period. If you are in Louisiana between October and May, checking the Magnolia Mound Plantation on the list of things to do in Baton Rouge is highly recommended, as you will get a chance to see demonstrations of open-hearth cooking in the kitchen. There is also a gift shop in the Plantation where you can pick up unique and affordable gifts or souvenirs like jewelry, hand-crafted items, and pottery.

Featuring an eclectic mix of arts and science, visiting the museum is one of the things to do in Baton Rouge that is fun for the whole family. The art galleries exhibit American and European art, contemporary art of Louisiana, antiquities and also has space for changing exhibits. But the biggest reason these features on the top things to do in Baton Rouge is that it features both dinosaurs and mummies! In the Ancient Egypt section, a mummy from the Ptolemic Period takes center stage. A 65-million-year-old Triceratops skull was recently added to the permanent exhibits in the Solar System section. At the science center, interactive displays take prominence and provide a fun way to spend time with children. There is also a planetarium featuring several different documentaries from time to time.

A Fletcher-class destroyer nicknamed the “Pirate of the Pacific,” USS Kidd was a warrior on many battles on the Pacific during WW II as well the Korean War. Decommissioned in 1964, USS Kidd now serves as a memorial for veterans from Louisiana. The ship is named after Rear Admiral Isaac Campbell Kidd, who was martyred on the vessel itself during the 1941 Pearl Harbor attack. The historic Warship & Nautical Center features a collection of model ships and several distinctive artifacts. You can also arrange for field trips and overnight camping as a fun and educational program for the whole family. Located on South River Road, USS Kidd offers limited free parking directly in front of the museum entrance.

An assembly of nine museums, including the Capitol park museum, visiting the Louisiana State Museum, is one of the remarkable things to do in Baton Rouge, especially if you can dedicate a whole day to it. The Museums are wide assortment of architecturally and historically significant buildings that uphold the culture of Louisiana. The most comprehensive collection of Louisiana, the half-a-million exhibits include everything from 16^th and 17^th-century fashion to documentation of the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The permanent exhibits are Experiencing Louisiana: Discovering the Soul of America and Grounds for Greatness: Louisiana and the Nation. Louisiana State Museum is located at 660 North Fourth Street.

Functional on Thursdays and Saturdays, Red Stick Farmers Market is the best way to get Louisiana’s best and freshest produce. The market is open in various parts of town for added convenience. During peak season, the open-air market maybe opens in up to 7 different locations in Baton Rouge. About 50 farmers are associated with Red Sticks Farmers Market and are all from the local area. The products you can find here include fresh fruits and vegetables, herbs, seafood, artisan bread, honey, milk, specialty foods, and meats. As a producer-only market, all the items in the market are locally grown by the farmers who are selling it, and the product is widely varying based on the season. You can also find cooking demonstrations here. Visiting the Red Stick Farmers Market is one of the satisfying things to do in Baton Rouge as you are not only picking yourself some of Louisiana’s best but are also encouraging vital economic activity in the state.

Of course, one of the things to do in Baton Rouge that is sure to be a favorite for children, BR Zoo is home to several species of both domestic and exotic creatures. The collection includes big cats, rhinos, fish, and otters and covers all types of species, including amphibians, reptiles, birds’ mammals, fish, and invertebrates. Housing more than 1800 animals, the zoo also holds events, field trips, and camps from time to time, which is a fun educational activity for the whole family. The Otter Pond features realistic cabins where you can see the otters going through the tunnels. Another popular exhibit is the Parrot Paradise, which is a walk-through aviary housing several birds. At Kids Zoo, the children are allowed to interact and play with several barnyard animals.

The zoo is open from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily. Between April and August, the zoo remains open till 5 pm for admission, and the grounds close at 6:00 pm. Group discounts are available, and advanced reservations are preferred. Baton Rouge Zoo is located at 3601 Thomas Road, amount 15 minutes from downtown Baton Rouge.

A performing and fine arts complex, Shaw Center for the Arts was designed to facilitate arts and education in the city of Baton Rouge. Encompassing nearly an entire block of downtown Baton Rouge, the building was designed by renowned Boston architectural firm Schwartz/Silver Architects. The structure’s usage of translucent channel glass gives it a contemporary appeal with several contrasting features. Both LSU Museum of Art and LSU School of Art Glassell Gallery are housed in Shaw Center. LSU’s permanent collection is among the largest in the south, with more than 6500 local and international works dating back to prehistory. The most notable collection is the Chinese Jade works. The Alfred C Glassell Jr. Exhibition Gallery is the official space for LSU School of Art’s works, featuring rotating works from the faculty as well the students. The Shaw Center also hosts several theatrical and dance performances, concerts, and film showing at its flagship’s theatre venue, the Manship Theatre. If you are looking to encourage upcoming artists from all genres, the New venture Theater is the place to be. You can catch open mics, poetry nights, and other spoken-word performances here as well. The place also features an eclectic collection of some of Baton Rouge’s top dining options, including Tsunami sushi bar, Capital City Grill bar, and PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans. Shaw Center for the Arts is located at 100 Lafayette Street.

Whether you’re in the city with family or are enjoying a sojourn in solitude, there are numerous things to do in Baton Rouge that can lift your spirits. The historic city is a conclave of arts, science, nature, culture, history, and adventure, ensuring a wonderful stay for anyone who visits Louisiana’s pride Baton Rouge. Baton Rouge is home to great museums, unique attractions, and outstanding restaurants. Watch a game at the LSU Tiger Stadium, visit the LSU Museum of Art, and see a planetarium show at the Louisiana Art & Science Museum. Best historic things to do in Baton Rouge include the LSU Rural Life Museum, USS Kidd, and the Old Arsenal Museum.