Places to Visit in Baton Rouge LA

Wondering what to see and visit in Baton Rouge?

Baton Rouge River Center

Baton Rouge River Center is one of the most popular places to visit in Baton Rouge LA since a handful of the city’s top attractions are located within its vicinity.

They include Veterans Memorial Museum, Louisiana Art & Science Museum, and Old State Capitol. See below for more details:

Veterans Memorial Museum

If you’re interested in US naval history, the Veterans Memorial Museum is one of the must-sees in Baton Rouge.
Places to Visit in Baton Rouge LA

The museum has on display the keel-laying banner of the USS Baton Rouge submarine, Veterans’ jackets and medals, the Veterans signature quilt, replicas of gun decks and ship models.

Besides the museum, you can also gain access to actual USS Kidd ship which is docked nearby, and walk around the deck of the ship.

Louisiana Art & Science Museum

The Louisiana Art & Science Museum is no doubt, one of the best places to visit in Baton Rouge LA with the family for a fun and educational day out. The museum boasts interesting art exhibitions on American, European and Egyptian art, as well as fun programs and a planetarium.

The museum boasts also permanent galleries with interactive areas for kids such as a science station, and a playing area with toys.

There are also regular fun programs for families such as story telling and live music events.

Old State Capitol

Taking a tour of Louisiana Old State Capitol is one of the few things you can do for free in Baton Rouge.

You’re allowed to explore the grounds, the two floors and different rooms of the capitol such as the old senate room and the old congress chamber room, and marvel at the exhibits on display.

Old Governor's Mansion

The Old Governor's Mansion isn’t far from the Riverfront area and it’s another attraction worth adding to your list of places to visit in Baton Rouge LA.

The Old Governor's Mansion is a popular landmark in Baton Rouge as it resembles somewhat the White House. You can enjoy a guided tour of the mansion and explore the stunning grounds surrounding the residence.

Baton Rouge Zoo

Baton Rouge Zoo is undoubtedly, one of the top places to visit in Baton Rouge LA with kids. BR Zoo is one of the best zoos you can visit in the US and it boasts great animal exhibits such as the Realm of the Tiger where you’ll be able to pet Malayan tigresses.

The zoo also boasts a summer safari for kids, twilight tours and special programs during the Fourth of July celebrations.

By the way, the Zoo is actually located outside of the downtown area, just adjacent JS Clark Park Golf Course (about 20 minutes drive).

Blue Bayou Waterpark

If you’re traveling this summer, Blue Bayou Waterpark is without a doubt, one of the most popular places to visit in Baton Rouge LA.
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Blue Bayou Waterpark is the nearest water park to Baton Rouge and a fun spot to cool-off and escape the heat of the city. The Waterpark boasts some of the best water rides in the country such as “Azuka”, which is the largest tornado slide in the US!

The Waterpark is located around 20 minutes drive southeast of downtown Baton Rouge (on the way to Santa Maria Golf Course).

Magnolia Mound Plantation

Magnolia Mound Plantation is another of the historic places to visit in Baton Rouge LA where you can enjoy a tour and learn about Louisiana’s history.

The plantation is one of the best preserved examples of a 1900’s French-Creole plantation in Louisiana, and it's complete with an open-hearth kitchen, carriage house and slave quarters.

13th Gate Haunted House

If you’re a fan of horror movies, 13th Gate Haunted House is another popular downtown attractions worth adding to your list of places to visit in Baton Rouge LA.

13th Gate Haunted House is certainly one of the best Halloween destinations in the US as it boasts Hollywood-like sound effects and realistic costumes, as well as attractions such as “The Maize”, which is a an amazing 12 acre cornfield labyrinth.

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