A- Overview:
Baton Rouge, the capital city 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.
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.
B- City Information:
Population: 231,219
Elevation: 60 feet
Location: Baton Rouge is 75 miles Northwest of New Orleans via Interstate 10.
Time Zone: Baton Rouge is in the central time zone. When it is noon in New York City; it is 11:00 AM in Baton Rouge
Weather:
Baton Rouge has a subtropical climate free of extreme temperatures. Winters are mild with only occasional cold periods.
Average Temperatures
Month
High
Low
January
63F
42F
February
65F
45F
March
81F
64F
April
78F
58F
May
81F
64F
June
90F
70F
July
91F
72F
August
91F
72F
September
88F
67F
October
81F
56F
November
70F
46F
December
64F
48F
When to Visit
The weather is consistently warm from May to September
Winter is usually mild and short-lived (January and February) perfect for outdoor activities. Spring is glorious and a light jacket is all that is needed for touring the grounds of any plantation. The blooming season is quite long, lasting more than seven months of the year, but spring is the most dramatic. Fall is mild and only a light sweater is needed in the evenings.
Precipitation is reasonably well-distributed and ample throughout the year with an average annual precipitation of 55 inches
Business Hours
Banks are usually open weekdays 9 to 3 and some Saturday mornings; the post office from 8 to 5 weekdays and often on Saturday mornings. Shops in urban and suburban areas, particularly in indoor and strip malls, typically open at 9 or 10 daily and stay open until anywhere from 6 to 10 PM on weekdays and Saturdays, and until 5 or 6 on Sundays.
Holidays
New Year’s Day Jan. 1
Inauguration Day 3rd Mon. in Jan. every 4 years
Mardi Gras Day, Shrove Tuesday (varies)
Good Friday (varies)
Memorial Day last Mon. in May;
Independence Day July 4
Labor Day 1st Mon. in Sept.
Veterans Day Nov. 11
Thanksgiving Day 4th Thurs. in Nov.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Dec. 24 and 25
New Year’s Eve Dec. 31.
Customs & Duties
Arriving in the United States
Contact the U.S. Customs Service (inquiries, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20229, 202/354-1000
Electricity
The U.S. electrical standard is 110 volts/60 cycles AC. Visitors from other countries, traveling with dual-voltage appliances will not need a converter, but they will need a plug adapter. The standard U.S. electrical outlet takes a plug of two flat pins set parallel to one another.
Emergencies
Ambulance, Fire , Police (Phone: 911).
Telephones
The country code for the United States is 1. The area code for Baton Rouge is 225.
Age Limits: You must be 21 years of age to enter a casino in Louisiana. You must be 21 years of age to consume alcoholic beverages in Louisiana.
Getting There
By Plane
The Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (Ryan Field) is served by major airlines. Baton Rouge is accessible by jet service via Delta, American, Northwest, Continental and US Air. Additional service is available through New Orleans International Airport, about 1 hour East of Baton Rouge.
Train and Bus: Connecting buses from New Orleans’ Amtrak station and regular Greyhound buses come in to Baton Rouge at 1253 Florida St, fifteen minutes from downtown.
Getting Around: Local buses, run by Capital City Transportation (225/336-0821), are infrequent.
Travel by Car: There is little public transportation in the Baton Rouge area. A car is essential. Baton Rouge is served by interstate highways 10, 12, 55, 59 and 49.
Useful Regional Terms
Creole: the meaning of the term has evolved over the years in Louisiana. The word came from the Spanish word criollo which meant “person native to a locality.” It was first used in the 18th century to describe children born of European parents in the New World. In Louisiana, this meant children of the French. As people of other ethnic backgrounds moved into the Mississippi delta and valley, the term began to include them. A 19th century Creole could have been French, German, black, or of mixed ancestry. Today, most who identify themselves as Creole are black.
Cajun: Cajuns were descendants of 17th century French settlers from Nova Scotia (also known as L’Acadie). Many had been deported when Britain took over the region from France. The Acadians later shortened their name to “Cajuns” after migrating to southern Louisiana.
Creole and Cajun Cuisine Authentic Creole cooking is urban; Cajun food is country cooking. However, the terms are often used interchangeably, with consistently delicious results.
Etouffee (ay too fay) Method of cooking something (usually shrimp or crawfish) smothered in chopped vegetables over a low flame, tightly covered, until tender.
Gumbo A mainstay of both Cajun and Creole cooking. Creoles use okra as a thickener for this tasty stew; Cajuns use ground sassafras leaves. No two gumbos are alike. Cajun dishes are usually spicier and bolder than Creole.
Lagniappe (lan yap) An old Creole word for “something extra.” Soup meat is the lagniappe from vegetable soup preparation.
C- Attractions/Things To Do:
Attractions
Africa Safari Park
The park is located about 35 minutes north of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. From Baton Rouge take Plank Road north (17.5 miles from Metro Airport) turn right onto Highway 959, Travel 4.7 miles, turn right on Highway 409, the park entrance is 1.5 miles down on your left.
Closed on Monday & Tuesday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Last car at 4 p.m.)
closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Eve, New Years
Carload Day – Every Wednesday, you may bring as many people along as you like,
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
3601 Thomas Road
Baton Rouge, LA 70807
(225) 775-3877 or visit: 9:30 a.m. – 5 -p.m. Daily
9:30 a.m. – 6 -p.m. Weekends (during daylight saving time)
Closed New Years, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, & Christmas
Wednesdays 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Free Admission
www.brzoo.org
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
Exit I-10 at Bluebonnet Boulevard; 1 mile south and turn right to:
10503 North Oak Hills Parkway
(225) 757-8905
Tuesday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sundays, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
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
190 Lee Drive
(225) 769-0005
Monday, Wednesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday, 1 p.m.- 4 p.m.
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
100 South River Road
(225) 344-9478
Monday – closed Tues – Fri, 10 – 3
Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sunday, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
First Sunday of the month admission is Free.
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
1001 Capital Access Road
(225) 342-5855
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
100 North Boulevard
(225) 342-0500 or 1-800-488-2968
Museum Hours:
Monday – special tours only
Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sunday, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
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
State Capitol Drive
(225) 342-7317
Daily, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
No admission charged.
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
11855 Highland Road
(225) 767-6916
Daily, from dawn to dusk
No admission charged.
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
(225) 342-0401
East Capitol Drive
Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sunday, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
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
305 South River Road
(225) 342-1942
Daily, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., 7 day a week
Closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day
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 Homes Restored and Opened For Public Tours
Plantation & Antebellum Homes
PO Box 546
St. Francisville , Louisiana
225-635-3739 ; 225-635-3739
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
400 Daniel Street
Amite , Louisiana 7
985-748-5886
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
8345 US Highway 61
St. Francisville , Louisiana
225-635-6312
225-635-6370
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.
Catalpa Plantation
9508 US Highway 61
St. Francisville , Louisiana
225-635-3372
Choctaw Plantation and Railroad
Ellwood Drive
Brusly , Louisiana
225-749-2205
Cottage Plantation
10528 Cottage Lane
St. Francisville , Louisiana
225-635-3674
Location: 1 mile US Hwy 61, St. Francisville Gift shop, tours, and restaurant. One of the area’s most complete plantations, the site includes many original outbuildings, antique furnishings and century-old oaks.
Destrehan Plantation
13034 River Road
Destrehan , Louisiana
504-764-9315
504-725-1929
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
6838 Highland Road
St. Francisville , Lousiana
225-655-4475
225-655-3292
800-259-4475
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
40136 Hwy 942
Darrow , Louisiana
225-473-7841
225-474-0480
888-323-8314
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.
Laura: A Creole Plantation
2247 Hwy 18 (Great River Road)
Vacherie , Louisiana
225-265-7690
225-265-7960
Guided tours, based on Laura’s Memoirs, detail lives of Creole women, slaves, children. Built 1805.
Live Oak
15470 Highway
Rosedale , Louisiana
225-648-2346
Gardens, group tours
Madewood Plantation House
20 miles from I-10
4250 Highway 308
Napoleonville , Louisiana
504-369-7151
504-369-9848
800-375-715
Magnolia Mound Plantation
2161 Nicholson Drive
Baton Rouge , Louisiana
225-343-4955
225-343-6739
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
8151 Highland Road
Baton Rouge , Louisiana
225-761-7000
225-761-7899
1-888-461-7820
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
7747 US Highway 61
St. Francisville , Louisiana
225-635-6277 or 225-635-5827
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
30970 Hwy 405
White Castle , Louisiana
225-545-2730 or 225-545-8632
Tours daily from 9am-5pm. Closed Christmas Day.
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
3645 LA Highway 18
Vacherie , Louisiana
225-265-2151 or 225-265-7035
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.
Parlange
8211 False River Road
New Roads , Louisiana
225-638-8410
Gardens, group tours
Poplar Grove Plantation
3142 North River Road
Port Allen , Louisiana
225-344-3913
225-343-8701
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.
Rosedown Plantation and Gardens
12501 Highway 10
St. Francisville , Louisiana
225-635-3332
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
(800) 675-8838
10254 Highway 431
St. Amant , Louisiana
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.
San Francisco Plantation-A Historic Plantation House Museum and Gardens
2646 Hwy 44 River Road
Garyville , Louisiana
985-535-2341
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.
Tezcuco Plantation
3138 Hwy 44 River Road
Darrow , Louisiana
504-562-3929
504-562-3923
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
Southern University Baton Rouge Campus
Baton Rouge , Louisiana
225-771-2011
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
Southern University Baton Rouge Campus
Baton Rouge , Louisiana
225-771-4513
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
Tower Drive
Baton Rouge , Louisiana
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
4650 Essen Lane
Baton Rouge , Louisiana
225-765-2437
225-765-2639
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
North Stadium Drive
Baton Rouge , Louisiana
225-578-0628
225-578-2430
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
100 South River Road
Baton Rouge , Louisiana
225-344-5272
225-344-9477
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
100 North Boulevard
Baton Rouge , Louisiana
225-342-0500
225-342-0361
800-488-2968
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
State Capitol Drive
Baton Rouge , Louisiana
225-342-7317
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
119 Foster Hall
Baton Rouge , Louisiana
225-388-2855
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
3045 Bank Street
Jackson , Louisiana 70748
225-634-5901
225-634-5151
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
Secretary of State; PO Box 94125
Baton Rouge , Louisiana -9125
225-342-0401
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
427 Laurel Street
Baton Rouge , Louisiana
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.
Old Governor’s Mansion
502 North Blvd.
Baton Rouge , Louisiana
225-387-2464
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. The Mansion is available for special events and is open for tours Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
Old Turnerville Homes
23230 Nadler Street
Plaquemine , Louisiana
225-687-5337, or 687-6029
Gift shop House museums furnished with antiques reflecting life in an 1800’s Mississippi River Village.
Pentagon Barracks Museum & Gift Shop
959 North Third Street
Baton Rouge , Louisiana
225-342-1866
225-343-3989
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
3188 Highway 44
Burnside , Louisiana
504-562-7703
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..
504-562-7704
West Baton Rouge Museum
845 North Jefferson
Baton Rouge , Louisiana
225-336-2422
225-336-2448
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
9247 Highway 61, Box 993
St. Francisville , Louisiana
225-635-6773
225-861-7365
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
10503 North Oak Hills Parkway
Baton Rouge , Louisiana
225-273-6405
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
12206 Foster Road
Baton Rouge , Louisiana
225-775-1006
Marked trail through 16 acres of native Louisiana trees and shrubs.
D- Family Fun Attractions:
Africa Safari Park
The park is located about 35 minutes north of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. From Baton Rouge take Plank Road north (17.5 miles from Metro Airport) turn right onto Highway 959, Travel 4.7 miles, turn right on Highway 409, the park entrance is 1.5 miles down on your left.
Closed on Monday & Tuesday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Last car at 4 p.m.)
closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Eve, New Years
Carload Day – Every Wednesday, you may bring as many people along as you like,
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.
BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo
3601 Thomas Road
Baton Rouge, LA 70807
(225) 775-3877 or visit: 9:30 a.m. – 5 -p.m. Daily
9:30 a.m. – 6 -p.m. Weekends (during daylight saving time)
Closed New Years, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, & Christmas
Wednesdays 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Free Admission
www.brzoo.org
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.
BREC Bluebonnet Swamp Conservation Area
Exit I-10 at Bluebonnet Boulevard; 1 mile south and turn right to:
10503 North Oak Hills Parkway
(225) 757-8905
Tuesday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sundays, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
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
190 Lee Drive
(225) 769-0005
Monday, Wednesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday, 1 p.m.- 4 p.m.
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
100 South River Road
(225) 344-9478
Monday – closed Tues – Fri, 10 – 3
Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sunday, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
First Sunday of the month admission is Free.
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.
E- Events & Entertainment:
Events
March
Annual Audubon Pilgrimage
Guides outfitted in antebellum-period costumes lead tours of historic plantations, houses, churches and gardens. The third weekend in March 225-635-6330
May
Angola Prison Arts and Crafts Festival
225-625-2001
October
Greater Baton Rouge State Fair
36 Years of Family entertainment! Providing music, carnival midway rides, 4H and FFA animal shows, clowns, strolling entertainment, and musical shows every night of the fair. Wonderful food and drink.
Also in October, every weekend, Angola Prison hosts a famous all prisoner rodeo. Inmates train for this and compete in contests in which they try to grab a token from a bull’s forehead among other feats. 225-655-4411.