20 Things To Do In Baton Rouge

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Louisiana’s capital city, Baton Rouge is on the banks of the mighty Mississippi River and surrounded by Louisiana’s famous swamps. Baton Rouge offers the perfect blend of urban adventure and natural wonders. It’s also a historic city with a rich history. Things to do in Baton Rouge include exploring its rich history by visiting the Old State Capitol building and the floating USS Kidd Veterans Museum. Dive into Baton Rouge’s vibrant music and arts scene at venues like the Shaw Centre for the Arts and the Manship Theatre.

You’ll also want to indulge in some great Cajun and Creole cuisine at the city’s many excellent bars and restaurants. And for a break from the metropolitan bustle, there are swamps and wildlife reserves to escape into. Or head out onto the Mississippi River itself. However you like to spend your vacation, there’s lots to do in Baton Rouge.

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

20 Things To Do In Baton Rouge

1- Visit the Louisiana State Capitol

aerial view of Baton Rouge Louisiana
Looking for things to do in Baton Rouge, Louisiana? Check out these.

Anyone interested in history, politics, or architecture will want to visit the Louisiana State Capitol.

Its soaring tower looms over the downtown area and has panoramic views over the city from the observation deck.

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You can take guided tours to appreciate the gorgeous marble interiors and learn more about its history.

Alternatively, cross the Capitol Gardens and head into the Capitol Park Museum to browse exhibits on all aspects of Louisiana’s history.

Head to Baton Rouge, LA 70802, USA.

Recommended tours:

2- Tour the USS Kidd Veterans Memorial & Museum

USS Kidd Veterans Memorial & Museum former battleship moored in Baton Rouge
Visiting the USS Kidd Veterans Memorial & Museum is one of the iconic things to do in Baton Rouge.

Permanently moored on the Mississippi River, the USS Kidd is a genuine military battleship that now serves as a museum and tribute to the contributions of Louisiana veterans.

Set on a mighty Fletcher-class destroyer, the USS Kidd Veterans Memorial & Museum offers a uniquely immersive experience.

Explore the ship’s decks, climb aboard the guns, and discover a range of interactive exhibits and displays showcasing the history of naval warfare.

Find it at 305 S River Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70802, United States.

3- Explore the LSU Campus Museums 

The Louisiana State University graces Baton Rouge with a wealth of attractions, including museums appealing to various interests.

The LSU Museum of Art is perfect for diving into the city’s arts and culture scene.

With a permanent collection of sculptures, paintings, and works in various mediums, along with rotating exhibitions and frequent events, any art aficionado will want to visit it.

Alternatively, if you’re interested in local history and the city’s development, you’ll want to swing by the LSU Rural Life Museum.

The open-air museum features thirty historic buildings, including homes and farm structures.

Along with a collection of agricultural tools and personal artefacts, the museum offers a fascinating glimpse into Baton Rouge’s rural heritage.

Find the art museum at 100 Lafayette St, Baton Rouge, LA 70801, United States.

Find the Rural life museum at 4560 Essen Ln, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, United States.

4- Enjoy A Walk Through The LSU Hilltop Arboretum

Another of Louisiana State University’s offerings, the Hilltop Arboretum, is perched atop a hill, providing a tranquil location for nature lovers to escape the urban hustle without leaving the city.

Spanning over 14 acres, the arboretum showcases diverse trees, flowers, and plant species.

Explore winding paths leading through various ecosystems, each celebrating a different collection of native Louisiana plants and a range of more exotic and ornamental species.

Head to 11855 Highland Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70810, United States.

5- Wander The LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens

If the Arboretum doesn’t fill your need for nature, head to the LSU AgCentre Botanic Gardens.

The gardens cover over 440 acres riddled with 5 miles of walking trails leading through a range of beautiful gardens.

You could easily spend hours wandering through rose and herb gardens, exploring the tropical rainforest conservatory, and learning about rural life in Louisiana at the museum.

Go to 4560 Essen Ln, Baton Rouge, LA 70809, United States.

6- Browse Around The Shaw Centre for the Arts

The Shaw Centre for the Arts is one of the main arts and culture hubs in Baton Rouge, celebrating and showcasing art in all forms, from canvas to stage.

Even the building itself is an amazing work of architecture as a testament to the artistic excellence contained within.

Housed in the same facility which contains the LSU Museum of Art, you’ll find various performance spaces, theatres, and a rooftop terrace that hosts its own packed calendar of events and shows.

Find it at 100 Lafayette St, Baton Rouge, LA 70801, United States.

7- Look Around The Louisiana Art & Science Museum

Baton Rouge Panorama
Looking for things to do in Baton Rouge? Here’s our top 20 list.

If you’re looking for an educational day out to enrich the whole family, look no further than the Louisiana Art and Science Museum.

Housing a collection of art across various periods and mediums in the same building as fascinating, interactive science exhibits, the Museum has something to keep every visitor engaged for hours.

Go to 100 S River Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70801, United States.

8- Catch a game at LSU Tiger Stadium

If you can watch a game at the LSU Tiger Stadium while in Baton Rouge, you should take it.

With a capacity to seat over 100,000 people, it’s currently the eighth-largest stadium in the world.

The atmosphere on game day is electric.

If you’re not quite up to facing the crowds, you can still show your support by swinging by the LSU SportShop to pick up some Tigers merchandise.

Head over to Baton Rouge, LA 70803, United States.

9- Meet Mike The Tiger

Whether or not you’re a big football fan, you can still get some thrills from visiting the LSU Tigers’ real-life mascot, Mike the Tiger.

His luxurious home is right behind the stadium, with his own stream, pond and plenty of enrichment in his 15,000-square-foot enclosure.

The current mascot is Mike the 7th.

Check out his YouTube live stream if you can’t meet him in person.

Meet him at 16 N Stadium Dr, Baton Rouge, LA 70802, United States.

10- Make Some Friends At Baton Rouge Zoo

Alligators Rest In Grass
Seeing the animals in Baton Rouge Zoo is one of the fun things to do in Baton Rouge for adults and kids.

Baton Rouge Zoo is home to a wonderful community of species from all over the world.

Enjoy marvelling at animals from giraffes and elephants to alligators and snakes to ostriches and flamingos, each in their specially landscaped habitats.

Take advantage of zookeeper talks and animal encounter experiences to learn more about all the incredible creatures.

Have fun at 3601 Thomas Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70807, United States.

11- Swing By Louisiana’s Old State Capitol

Baton Rouge historic building, green grass and blue sky
Visiting the State Capitol Complex is one of the things to do in Baton Rouge today.

If you walk along the river’s east bank, you’ll spot what appears to be a castle.

This unique architectural delight is Louisiana’s Old State Capitol Building.

History, politics, or architecture fans will definitely want to visit it.

Explore the building’s beautifully restored interior, marvelling at the grand halls, intricate details, and exquisite stained-glass dome.

The building also houses a museum showcasing the state’s political history through various artefacts, interactive displays, and multimedia presentations.

Find it at 100 North Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70801, United States.

12- Visit the Magnolia Mound Plantation

Dive into Baton Rouge’s history with a visit to the beautiful Magnolia Mound Plantation.

Featuring a meticulously restored 18th-century French Creole house surrounded by stunning gardens and grounds, there’s plenty to explore.

Costumed guides provide an immersive experience leading you through an informative site tour.

As you look around the elaborately furnished rooms and buildings, you’ll learn more about the location’s colonial history and hear the stories of those who lived and worked there.

Head to 2161 Nicholson Dr, Baton Rouge, LA 70802, United States.

13- Look Around The Museum Of Public Art

Street art lovers should head over to the Museum of Public Art, a small square building with the roof removed to create a private courtyard.

All the walls, inside and out, are decorated with impressive murals by local artists.

The museum may be small, but it’s just a short walk from the downtown area, so it’s worth spending a few minutes to swing by and appreciate this aspect of Baton Rouge’s art scene.

Head to 1102 Eddie Robinson Sr Dr, Baton Rouge, LA 70802, United States.

14- Stroll Around Red Stick Farmers Market

Fruits And Vegetables At A Farmers Market
Shopping at the Farmer’s Market is one of the fun things to do in Baton Rouge this weekend.

Soak up the atmosphere of Baton Rouge in the city farmer’s market, where you can mingle with locals as you browse through stalls of local produce and artisanal goods.

You’re likely to find unique and authentically local souvenirs.

Along with the handmade crafts and freshly baked delicacies, you can often enjoy live music and various other engaging events and performances that add to the vibrant atmosphere.

Stroll by 501 N 5th St, Baton Rouge, LA 70802, United States.

15- Take In A Show At The Manship Theatre

Known for its diverse programming and showcasing a range of performance arts from theatre to dance recitals, as well as concerts and film screenings, Manship Theatre is a great place to soak in some of Baton Rouge’s creative atmosphere.

Its state-of-the-art facilities provide excellent acoustics in its intimate 325-seat auditorium.

Showcasing a mix of local talent alongside renowned national and international artists, it’s worth seeing what events you can get tickets to during your visit.

Head down to 100 Lafayette St, Baton Rouge, LA 70801, United States.

16- Visit the West Baton Rouge Museum

As most of the city is on the east bank of the Mississippi River, most people don’t bother venturing across to West Baton Rouge.

However, if you cross the Horace Wilkinson Bridge to discover the other side of the city, visit the West Baton Rouge Museum.

The museum focuses mainly on this city section’s history, heritage, and growth.

Occupying a site that was once a 19th-century sugar plantation, the museum brings the area’s past to life through a series of engaging exhibits on the region, from its agricultural roots and the impact of the Mississippi River to the Civil War and the contributions of various cultural groups.

Hop across the river to 845 N Jefferson Ave, Port Allen, LA 70767, United States.

17- Chill Out In City Park

Take a break and relax in the fresh air at Baton Rouge City Park.

Covering over 100 acres of trees and fields riddled with walking trails, it’s perfect for spending a laid-back afternoon outdoors.

The park’s features include a huge lake that makes a popular fishing spot and an art gallery celebrating local artists.

If you need to keep kids entertained, you’ll appreciate the play areas and the Knock Knock Children’s Museum.

Hop along to 1515 Dalrymple Dr, Baton Rouge, LA 70806, United States.

18- Hike Around Frenchtown Conservation Area

Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge at sunset.

If you like your green space a little wilder, head to the Frenchtown Conservation Area.

Just to the east of Baton Rouge, the conservation area is super easy to get to but hiking the winding trails through forests, wetlands, and open fields will have you feeling miles away from the bustling city.

The diverse habitats of the Frenchtown Conservation Area make it a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts.

Keep a keen eye out for the many species that call the area home.

Head to 17819 Frenchtown Rd, Central, LA 70739, United States.

19- Splash About At Liberty Lagoon

Louisiana can get pretty hot and humid so when you want somewhere to cool off, you can head to Liberty Lagoon.

The waterpark boasts plenty of pools, splash pads, and waterslides to keep the whole family splashing about and having a blast.

For a more relaxing experience, drift along the lazy river or rent a private pavilion for space away from the crowds.

Go to 111 Lobdell Ave, Baton Rouge, LA 70806, United States.

20- Meet The Creatures Of Blue Zoo Aquarium

Silhouette People In Great Aquarium
Wandering around the Blue Zoo Aquarium is one of things to do with kids in Baton Rouge.

At the Blue Zoo Aquarium, you can wander through a watery wonderland to discover a huge array of marine life.

Along with colourful fish, you can also meet various reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates, each housed within their specially designed habitats.

With educational exhibits and interactive touch pools, the aquarium is the perfect opportunity to get close to some incredible animals.

Head to 6401 Bluebonnet Blvd Suite 1123, Baton Rouge, LA 70836, United States.

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Steve Burden
Steve Burden is an avid traveller and experienced writer. As a former pro wrestler, Steve used to travel frequently for work throughout the USA and Europe. Having spent the last decade travelling all over the world in search of new sights and experiences, he has turned his love for travel into a new career helping others decide on the best places to visit, as well as what to see when they get there.