should i visit baton rouge or new orleans

22 Incredible Things to Do in Baton Rouge

New Orleans gets most of the attention when it comes to visiting Louisiana, but Baton Rouge, the state’s capital deserves its time to shine as well. You get a more laid-back city with hints of NOLA’s atmosphere minus the crowds. Baton Rouge is modern, but still has evidence of its diverse culture and roots. It has a distinct mix of Cajun and Creole culture while also being home to LSU, Louisiana’s largest university.

Baton Rouge was founded over 300 years ago. Today it’s full of historic sites, unique museums, a vibrant arts and culture scene, and amazing restaurants and bars. Southern cities have a reputation for being welcoming and serving up great food, and Baton Rouge definitely delivers. If you’re looking to experience the famous Southern hospitality, you’ll find it here.

I’ve spent a good bit of time in Baton Rouge because I have family living in the area, and I lived just a couple of hours away for several years. Quite a lot of my trips to the city revolve around getting to as many good restaurants, cafes, and bakeries as possible. Don’t worry though, I can still guide you to some of the best things to do in Baton Rouge between mealtimes.

If you’ve found yourself planning a trip to Baton Rouge and you’re trying to figure out the best options, then keep reading!

Eat Crawfish

You cannot visit South Louisiana during crawfish season and not try crawfish. While these crustaceans have the deceptively unappetizing nickname “mudbugs,” they are incredibly delicious. Crawfish season typically spans from February to May but can sometimes be longer depending on the weather. You’ll find boiled crawfish offered in restaurants when it’s in season, but even during the rest of the year, many restaurants have dishes like crawfish étouffée that include crawfish.

Willie’s Restaurant is the most popular place to get boiled crawfish. If you’ve never had crawfish before, Willie’s is definitely the place to go. I usually order 3 lbs when I get crawfish which is fairly standard unless you are a big eater or very dedicated to cracking open crawfish. Unless you’ve had practice opening crawfish before, it takes a little extra effort at first.

However, if you’re interested in trying a delicious twist on crawfish, go to Chow Yum Phat, an Asian fusion restaurant. There you’ll be able to get the Chow Style Crawfish, a dish that includes crawfish tossed in ginger butter along with quail eggs, mushrooms, and edamame. It’s only available during crawfish season.

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Go Antique Shopping at Circa 1857

If you enjoy looking through antiques and finding treasures, Circa 1857 is a fun shop to visit. It has a bit of a flea market feel except that every stall is beautifully arranged and filled with items that you might not see anywhere else. You’ll find everything from antique furniture to artwork and vintage glassware. 

Circa 1857 is located in a renovated building that used to house a pharmacy from the 1920s, and it includes more than 30 booths and stalls. While you aren’t going to score any amazing deals except during sales, the pricing on items is fair. Plus, you’re supporting a local business in the community. 

Circa 1857 is also the new location for the MidCity Makers Market. The market takes place once a quarter and gives local artists, painters, bakers, and other creators a place to showcase their goods and reach new customers. 

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Have a Pie at Elsie’s Plate and Pie

Elsie’s Plate and Pie is a cute restaurant serving both sweet and savory pies. Because this is Baton Rouge, there’s a crawfish hand pie and seafood pot pie on the menu. The appetizers like fried okra, boudin cakes, Cajun queso, and pimento cheese are also delicious. 

Of course, in my opinion, the sweet pies are the ultimate star at the restaurant. The apple pie, s’mores pie, and turtle pie are always a good idea. They also have special pies that rotate through the year. Some of them like the cosmic brownie pie sell out quickly, so if something sounds good, try it while it’s still available. 

If you’re interested in trying more than just the pies, Elsie’s also has great plate lunch options. Come hungry to try out the fried chicken, fried oysters, red beans & rice, and brussels sprouts. You won’t be disappointed with anything you try.

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Get a Sweet Treat

Baton Rouge has several great bakeries, but CounterSpace is arguably the best in the city. You can always get amazingly good cookies as well as pies, cupcakes, slices of cake, and other goodies. The selection is impressive, but if you’re having trouble deciding, you can never go wrong with one of CounterSpace’s chocolate chip cookies.

If you plan ahead, you can get some of their take-and-bake cinnamon rolls to have for breakfast in the morning. They also do custom layer cakes and cookie cakes, so if you’re celebrating a birthday or other special occasion while in Baton Rouge, you can order one in advance. 

CounterSpace’s baked goods are also available at several coffee shops across the city. The shop is closed on Sunday and Monday, but you can still try out their offerings at French Truck Coffee, Social Coffee, MJ’s Cafe, or Light House Coffee.

Catch a Game at Tiger Stadium

There’s nothing quite like the spectacle that is LSU during home football games. While there are only a handful of these during college football season, it’s worth participating in the excitement and madness if you can.

Walk through the Parade Grounds to see the serious tailgating that takes place before the game. About an hour and a half before the game starts, watch the football team and the marching band walk down Victory Hill. Watch the pregame show in the stadium and get ready for an intense display of drama and passion (and that’s just from the fans).

The game itself may be more or less exciting depending on how the Tigers are doing that season and which team they’re playing, but the experience itself will be fun. Despite being a graduate of a different SEC school, I’d still highly recommend going to Tiger Stadium if you’re in Baton Rouge on game day. Just don’t tell my alumni association.

Order Shrimp and Grits for Brunch

Shrimp and grits is a classic southern dish. This dish typically includes creamy cheese grits along with shrimp, bacon, onions, and a variety of spices. While it’s popular for breakfast, you can also have it for lunch or dinner if you’d like.

I’ve tried shrimp and grits at a lot of places across the southeastern United States, and so far the best has been at Simple Joe Cafe on Government Street. The cafe is inspired by neighborhood diners from the 1970s and 1980s. Fresh ingredients are prioritized and very few dishes have any additives or preservatives. You can tell just how good the food will be because the small cafe is almost always busy. Somehow a table always opens up just in time for you to be seated though.

Simple Joe’s owner is from the West Coast and didn’t grow up eating grits, which is hard to believe given just how good their shrimp and grits are. Apparently, they tried combining elements from Paula Deen’s recipe and Alton Brown’s recipe to create their own shrimp and grits recipe. It definitely seems to have been successful. Whether you’re already a fan of shrimp and grits or you’ve never had it before, Simple Joe’s is the place to go.

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Get Margaritas at Superior Grill

Louisiana has a reputation for being enthusiastic about drinking, so it’s no surprise that you can find amazing margaritas at the Mexican restaurants in Baton Rouge. Of all those restaurants, Superior Grill has the best margaritas in town.

Superior Grill opened its first location in Shreveport, Louisiana in 1983. The Baton Rouge location opened in 1991 and is still incredibly popular today. Probably because the food is made from scratch there every day. The Superior margaritas are particularly good because they’re made with freshly squeezed lime instead of from a mix. You can get the margaritas to go if you’d like. Just make sure to keep the lid on until you’re no longer driving or in the car.

If you’re looking for somewhere to go at happy hour, Superior Grill is the best place to go. On Sundays, stop by to enjoy the live music during the Jazz Brunch. There’s also live music on the patio on different evenings throughout the week. I’ve heard that the bottomless mimosas at brunch are good, but I have not tried them myself yet.

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Spend an Evening at Electric Depot

For a fun night out, head to Electric Depot. This unique space has a variety of fun entertainment, shopping, and dining for visitors to enjoy.

There’s Red Stick Social, a bowling alley where you can also find live music and good food. You can get dinner at Boru where you can try out authentic ramen created by a chef who trained in Tokyo and New York. If you haven’t tried enough crawfish yet, try out the crawfish mazeman there. You can also visit Sweet Society, an Asian dessert shop. Here you can get a fish-shaped waffle cone of ice cream along with other tasty sweets. You can’t go wrong with any of the flavors, but the watermelon dole whip is particularly good.

Electric Depot is also home to Sweet Baton Rouge, an adorable boutique selling locally-themed apparel. If you’re not careful, you’ll end up buying more here than you can fit in your suitcase for the way home.

See the Collection at the LSU Museum of Art

The LSU Museum of Art is the only art museum in Louisiana’s capital city, and it has 14 open to the public. The museum’s permanent collection contains over 6000 items including everything from a collection of Chinese jade to a collection of Louisiana art. 

The museum also hosts a selection of touring exhibitions that change on a frequent basis. Touring exhibitions sometimes include paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, or photography. You can check the website to see what will be there during your visit. The museum, which is affiliated with the university, hosts lectures and workshops that you might enjoy depending on your interests. 

The museum is located at the Shaw Center for the Arts. Admission to the museum is free for LSU students, faculty, and staff. Afterward, pop into the PJ’s Coffee located in the Shaw Center. The New Orleans-based franchise makes my favorite frozen hot chocolate which is the perfect drink for a place where it’s warm 10 months of the year.

Visit Louisiana’s Old State Capitol

For history buffs, a visit to Louisiana’s Old State Capitol is essential, but even if you aren’t a history fanatic, you’ll still enjoy seeing this unique National Historic Landmark. The building, which was constructed between 1847 and 1852, looks like a medieval fortress on the outside. On the inside, it’s richly decorated with marble, wood paneling, and a stunning set of stained glass in both the main gallery and an overhead skylight. The skylight is made up of 2,054 panes of glass. It is truly magnificent.

The building was damaged by fire during the Civil War, restored in the 1880s, and then abanded when the new capitol building was finished in the 1930s. Today, the building has been restored once again and is now a free museum showcasing Louisiana’s history.

Plan to spend at least an hour and a half admiring the beautiful architecture and browsing the different exhibits. While entrance is free, you should plan to spend a few dollars to see “The Ghost of the Castle” an award-winning theatrical presentation where the ghost of Sarah Morgan, a real woman who lived during the Civil War era shares the history of this remarkable historic building.

Visit Louisiana’s “New” State Capitol

Baton Rouge somehow manages to have two unique state capitol buildings that are worth visiting. The “new” state capitol, completed in 1932, is the tallest capitol in the United States reaching 450 feet tall with 34 floors.

The building is a beautiful example of the art deco design that was popular in the 1930s and is arguably one of the most interesting current state capitols in use in the United States. You can see parts of the building on your own or contact the staff to find out information about guided tours. 

It’s also a great spot for taking photos. You can enjoy the view over Baton Rouge from the observation deck on the 17th floor. While visiting, you can see the parks around the building as well. The gardens are lovely, especially if you happen to visit while the azaleas are in bloom.

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Stroll through the Red Stick Farmers Market

Red Stick Farmers Market is open year-round on Saturdays in downtown and on Thursdays at Pennington. At the open-air market, you’ll find produce that is grown by local farmers. The market has over 50 members who sell fruits and vegetables along with meat, seafood, bread, homemade pies, honey, milk and cheese, herbs, and other local specialty items. 

It’s a lot of fun to see what’s in season, especially since the growing season is so long in Baton Rouge. You’ll find local fruits and vegetables that may not be available where you live. The market is also a great place to pick up some Louisiana wine or jelly to take home with you.

See a Live After 5 Outdoor Concert

During the spring and the fall, the Downtown Business Association puts together a free concert series on Friday nights. Locals bring lawn chairs and picnic blankets to sit on while enjoying the live music. The genres of music change each week, so check out the lineup to see who’s playing during your visit.

There’s a play area for kids, and there are vendors selling food and drinks set up in the plaza. When you’re ready for a break from listening to music, you can walk around the area visiting the nearby shops, restaurants, and bars. It’s a relaxing way to spend the evening. After all, there are few things better than free live music and good food.

Visit the Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center

Step out of the city for a little while to take a scenic walk at the Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center. The 103-acre property hosts natural artifact exhibits and art exhibits. One of the most interesting exhibits is a large collection of vintage carved waterfowl decoys. There are a variety of natural habits you can walk through including a cypress-tupelo swamp and hardwood forests. 

If you enjoy birdwatching, you can have a chance to see a variety of birds that live in the area year-round along with many species that migrate through. While walking along the trails you may also see some of the native wildlife like turtles, raccoons, rabbits, possums, armadillos, and deer. If you’re lucky, you might even catch sight of an otter. Just make sure to bring bug spray with you. Mosquitos are, unfortunately, an abundant part of the local wildlife thanks to the swampy areas.

Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center is dedicated to connecting people to nature and promoting conservation and ecological research. Visiting is a great way to learn more about the unique natural features in the area. 

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Try a Poboy

For an authentic Louisiana experience, you have to get a poboy, and JED’s Local Po’boys is one of the best places in Baton Rouge to try this New Orleans-style sandwich. The French bread comes in fresh daily from Leidenheimer, a New Orleans bakery that’s over a century old, and the seafood comes in fresh locally from the Gulf Coast. 

With such attention to quality ingredients, the food at JED’s is outstanding. When it comes to poboys, I normally stick to the fried shrimp, but the shrimp banh mi poboy is one of the most popular items on the menu. If you aren’t in the mood for a poboy, the catfish basket and gulf shrimp basket are also good choices. You could also just stop by for Happy Hour to enjoy the appetizers and frozen daiquiris at half price.

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Take a Cooking Class – Red Stick Spice Co.

South Louisiana’s signature dishes like gumbo and jambalaya rely heavily on spices, so it makes sense to take a cooking class at one of Baton Rouge’s best spice stores. Red Stick Spice Co is a family-run business where the owners are passionate about unique flavors of home cooking in the region. 

Multiple cooking classes are offered in the demo kitchen each week. Local chefs host the classes so you’ll pick up advice and techniques you might not learn anywhere else. The cooking classes are fun to try as a couple, with friends, or even solo. Some of the most popular classes fill up quickly, so sign up for your reservation as soon as you can.

If you don’t have time for a class, you can still stop by the shop. Besides having 500 different spices, spice blends, salts, and teas available, Red Stick Spice Co also has an olive oil tasting bar and a tea bar where baristas whip up delicious, healthy drinks. For anyone who’s even a little bit into cooking or baking, it’s a fun place to browse and pick up a few specialty items. The staff is very helpful and can guide you to picking out something you’ll love using.

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Browse Local Leaf Gallery

Another interesting local shop in Baton Rouge is Local Leaf Gallery. This Louisiana-based company is the perfect place to pick up handmade items from local makers and artists.

The shop is located in a charming house with a cozy front porch on Caddo Street. Inside you’ll find an eclectic assortment of vintage goods along with handmade goods, art, gifts, and household furnishings. The handmade bath bombs, soaps, and candles are some of the most popular items. I personally love browsing through the Louisiana-themed children’s books because they make perfect gifts for birthdays and holidays.

The owner, Brittany Rouse, is a former English teacher who graduated from LSU and wanted to open a place to support the creative community in the area. She selects all of the products that are available in Local Leaf Gallery. Dozens of local artists are showcased in the shop, and you’ll be able to pick up unique gifts to give to friends and family or, maybe, to keep for yourself.

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Try Louisiana Rum 

For a one-of-a-kind experience, book a tour of the distillery at Oxbow Rum Distillery (formerly Three Roll Estate). This local distillery makes some of the best rum in Louisiana. You’ll learn how the rum is made from its beginnings in the sugarcane field until it reaches your glass.

During the tour, you’ll also have a tasting where you can try out some of the most popular alcohols the company offers. The distillery is located right near downtown, so it’s easy to get to, and there’s a beautiful outdoor seating area where you can enjoy cocktails after your tour is over. 

If you’d rather skip the tour, you can do a flight instead and still get to sample different types of rum. Some days there’s also live music and local food trucks on-site for you to enjoy while you sip your cocktails.

Take a  Day Trip to Avery Island

If you’re going to be in Baton Rouge for several days, consider taking a day trip to Avery Island, where Tabasco Sauce, owned by the Mclhenny family, is made. Even if you’re not a hot sauce enthusiast, which I am not, it’s interesting to see how the process from seed to pepper to bottle happens. You can also eat at the Tabasco Restaurant where the menu has a helpful rating of how spicy each dish is.

Besides touring the Tabasco factory, there are other good reasons for visiting Avery Island. The island, which sits on top of a salt rock deposit, rises above the surrounding flat coastal marshes and has unique, enchanting scenery. Imagine oaks that are centuries old and covered with Spanish moss lining gravel roads. 

You can drive or walk through the Jungle Gardens, a botanical garden and bird sanctuary, located on the island. Edward Mclhenny created the gardens so visitors could enjoy the natural flora and fauna of Louisiana along with his own collections. Among the plants, there are more than 600 varieties of camellias and thousands of azalea plants. You’ll also see the local wildlife, including alligators, peeking out at you as you explore the Jungle Gardens.

Avery Island is about a 1.5-hour drive from Baton Rouge, but it’s worth the drive for the experience.

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Have Cotton Candy or Smores for Dessert at SoLou

SoLou’s name stands for South Louisiana, and this restaurant serves southern comfort food with a fun, modern twist. The newly renovated restaurant is light, airy, and full of Instagram-able corners. 

Unlike some restaurants where the vibe is better than the food, the offerings here manage to outshine the very trendy decor. It’s almost impossible to give recommendations for the best dishes because it’s all good. The one thing you absolutely can’t miss is the zydeco cauliflower. The cocktails are also fantastic, especially the mint julep.

The entire atmosphere is welcoming and fun. At the end of your meal, you’ll have cotton candy to finish off your dinner. If you decide you need a more substantial dessert, try out the tabletop smores. You’ll get to roast your own marshmallows over a flame right at your table.

This is one of the restaurants in Baton Rouge you could easily visit over and over. For the best experience, make reservations in advance to get a seat on the patio.

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Pamper Yourself at Avant Tous

Whether you’re just looking for a quick manicure or are looking to let go of stress with a relaxing massage, Avant Tous is the perfect place to visit. Avant Tous has three locations across Baton Rouge, so you can find one near you no matter which neighborhood you’re staying in.

Besides nails and massages, Avant Tous offers a beauty bar that does make-up applications, a wax bar, a tan bar, a lash bar, and skincare treatments. You can also set up an appointment for a group if you’re with friends or family. If you truly want to relax while on vacation, Avant Tous is a great idea.

Explore the Riverwalk

Riverfront Plaza is located in downtown right on the banks of the Mississippi River. The walking and biking trail takes you along the river. You can enjoy the breeze as you sit in the chairs and watch the boats pass by. 

The Riverfront Plaza also houses a greenspace, water gardens, meadows, and terraces you can explore. Stop by the riverfront dock and overlook for the best views. Sometimes, there are events and performances taking place at the Levee Stage with the Mississippi River levee as the backdrop. 

You can easily spend several hours wandering around the area. Time your visit either first thing in the morning or as the sun goes down in the evening. Besides allowing you to avoid the heat during midday, going in the late afternoon allows you to enjoy one of the best sunsets in Baton Rouge. If you’re hungry afterward, head to Tsunami, a sushi restaurant with a rooftop where you can look out over the river while dining.

Calling Baton Rouge

Just like in Garth Brooks’ song, you might find yourself thinking about Baton Rouge long after you leave. There’s just something about all of the elements of the college town vibe, the South Louisiana culture, the foodie scene, and the area’s history that make it a compelling city. 

While there are plenty of great places to explore in Louisiana, don’t miss out on everything Baton Rouge has to offer. After your first visit, you’ll find yourself ready for a second visit to try out everything you couldn’t get to during the previous one.

Lauren Juliff

Lauren Juliff is a published author and travel expert who founded Never Ending Footsteps in 2011. She has spent over 12 years travelling the world, sharing in-depth advice from more than 100 countries across six continents. Lauren's travel advice has been featured in publications like the BBC, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Cosmopolitan, and her work is read by 200,000 readers each month. Her travel memoir can be found in bookstores across the planet.

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7 Facts About Baton Rouge and New Orleans

New Orleans and Baton Rouge both represent the great state of Louisiana. People often confused the two cities, believe it or not.

This article will go over some fact about New Orleans and Baton Rouge so you’ll know.

What To Know About New Orleans and Baton Rouge

We’ll get into it a bit later, but the first similarities between the cities is how they got their names.

New Orleans was founded by the French in 1718. The city was named after Philippe II, Duke of Orléans, who was the Regent of France at the time.

Baton Rouge, which means “Red Stick” in French, was first explored by the French explorer Sieur d’Iberville in 1699. The area was originally inhabited by the Houma and Bayogoula Native American tribes. The French established a military post at Baton Rouge in 1719, and it later became the capital of Louisiana in 1849.

Both cities have rich histories shaped by French, Spanish, and American influences, and they have played important roles in the cultural, political, and economic development of Louisiana and the United States.

Both Represent the Best of Louisiana Culture

Both cities are known for their rich and unique Louisiana Creole and Cajun cultures, which are characterized by vibrant music, cuisine, and traditions. And yes, both cities pull for the Saints and the Pelicans.

French Influence

Both cities have strong French influences in their history and culture, which is evident in their architecture, cuisine, and local customs.

That French influence oozes into the best New Orleans restaurants as well as Baton Rouge’s top eateries .

Baton Rouge and New Orleans host a variety of festivals throughout the year, celebrating music, food, and cultural heritage. Examples include Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, and various food festivals.

Check out the best festivals in New Orleans.

Both cities are located along the Mississippi River, which has historically been an important waterway for trade and transportation in the region.

Universities

Both cities are home to major universities. Baton Rouge is home to Louisiana State University (LSU), while New Orleans is home to Tulane University and the University of New Orleans, among others.

While there are many similarities between Baton Rouge and New Orleans, each city also has its own unique character, history, and attractions that make them distinct.

One of the most traveled routes in South Louisiana is from Baton Rouge to New Orleans. Being the state’s capital city, Baton Rouge visitors often come to the Crescent City to taste the food and enjoy a little more festive atmosphere than you can find in many other areas.

What Is The Distance Between Baton Rouge And New Orleans?

When it comes to distance by car, Baton Rouge to New Orleans is approximately 70 miles.

The most notable route is to take Interstate 10, which goes right through both cities. You can also take Interstate 12, but it’s 15 minutes longer and you’ll have to curve back through Slidell.

For a more scenic route, you can take Airline Highway from Baton Rouge to New Orleans as well, which will take about one hour.

What is The Halfway Point Between Baton Rouge And New Orleans?

The halfway point between Baton Rouge, LA and New Orleans, LA is  Denson, Louisiana , which is also known locally as Bear Island.

Between Baton Rouge and New Orleans is several parishes, the Louisiana version of counties.

What Parishes Are Baton Rouge And New Orleans In?

Baton Rouge is in East Baton Rouge Parish, while New Orleans is primarily in Orleans Parish. Nearby is Jefferson Parish, which is considered part of the Greater New Orleans area.

Like much of the American South, both New Orleans and Baton Rouge are known for their hospitality and friendly residents.

New Orleans is on the mouth of the Mississippi River in the southeast region of the U.S. state of Louisiana.

The city’s location is strategically situated on the banks of the Mississippi River between Lake Pontchartrain and Lake Borgne.

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10 places to go in Louisiana that aren't New Orleans

• Louisiana has plenty to offer outside of New Orleans . 
• If you love the outdoors, consider visiting Kisatchie National Forest for hiking or Fontainebleau State Park for stunning lake views. 
• Baton Rouge and Shreveport are both cultural hubs in Louisiana. 

New Orleans may have spectacular food , drinking , and partying but it isn't the only city worth a visit in Louisiana.

Outside the music-filled, beignet-making streets of New Orleans, there are dozens of attractions for nature-lovers, culture enthusiasts, and of course, foodies.

Here are 10 locations to visit in Louisiana that aren't The Big Easy.  

Lafayette is known for its great food and its many museums.

The heart of Louisiana's Cajun and Creole Country , Lafayette offers a science museum , children's museum , and local boutique shops among other things. The mouthwatering food scene , however, is the real star of the city.

Don't leave without trying the hot dogs, Po'boys, and the many seafood dishes native to the area.

Grand Isle offers a beach getaway in Louisiana.

Stretching along a narrow island in the Gulf of Mexico, Grand Isle is an excellent beach getaway and a hidden gem amongst Louisiana attractions.

The town is especially popular with fans of nature, fishing, and birdwatching. Visitors are welcome to pitch tents along the shore, and its location by the water naturally designates it as a great fishing spot and an annual rest stop for birds migrating from South America.

Baton Rouge is the state's capital and a perfect city to explore Louisiana's rich culture.

Although New Orleans is arguably Louisiana's most iconic city, the state capital of Baton Rouge, nicknamed the "Red Stick," sets the bar high. Along with a number of impressive industrial sites like the Horace Wilkinson Bridge, the city's film industry has boomed in recent years, creating the backdrop for movies like " The Maze Runner ," " Pitch Perfect , " and " Captain Marvel ."

Baton Rouge is also a great student city as its home to Louisiana State University .

Avery Island is home to Louisiana's Jungle Gardens.

You can visit the birthplace of Tabasco hot sauce by heading down to Avery Island . Situated atop an enormous salt flat, the red peppers used in the condiment have been grown on the land since 1868.

Along with the Tabasco factory, the island is also home to the natural beauty of the 170-acre semi-tropical Jungle Gardens .

Fontainebleau State Park is a relaxing lakefront destination.

Just across Lake Pontchartrain from New Orleans, the 2,800-acre Fontainebleau State Park includes the remains of a sugar mill built in the early-19th century and the surrounding land.

The state park makes an excellent holiday for anybody looking to spend time in the great outdoors. Bordered on three sides by water, Fontainebleau offers opportunities to hike, spot diverse wildlife, watch sailboats from the shore, and relax in cozy lakefront cabins .

Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Monroe is home to a variety of animals.

Visitors can experience Louisiana's renowned swamps and bayous at the Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Monroe, Louisiana.

The nature preserve's Cypress Swamp hosts a large population of alligators, snapping turtles, and birds.

Kisatchie National Forest is great for people who love the outdoors.

The only national forest in Louisiana, the 600,000-acre Kisatchie National Forest is comprised of landscapes like bayous and prairies and home to a diverse population of rare plants and animals.

The park offers a variety of adventures like camping, hiking , mountain biking, canoeing , and backpacking, as well as chances to simply relax by the fire at one of its many campsites.

Houmas House has a rich history and memorable Southern food.

Houmas House , located on the stretch of road between New Orleans and Baton Rouge, was one of the largest sugar plantations of the 19th century. Once voted as one of the best historic home tours , the 38-acre estate boasts endless gardens, an inn, and a restaurant featuring Southern-style comfort food.

Visitors are given many options for tours including a daily 60-minute guided tour of the mansion and surrounding gardens. 

Visitors flock to Shreveport's many casinos. Shreveport has plenty of riverfront casinos.

Extending along the Red River, Shreveport 's riverfront district and gambling culture have made it an exciting stop in northwest Louisiana.

During the day, pass the time at the 92,000-square foot Sci-Port Discovery Center , which features the state's Space and Science Center, a children's museum, and an IMAX Dome Theatre.

When the sun goes down, hit one of Shreveport's popular casinos along the Red River or head across the neon Texas Street Bridge to enjoy horseracing in nearby Bossier City .

Lake Charles in southwestern Louisiana is a center for culture.

At Lake Charles , visitors can dive into the history of the state's most famous street party at the Mardi Gras Museum , view local and traveling exhibitions at the 1911 Historic City Halls Arts & Cultural Center , or be amazed by the sight of the nearly 400-year-old Sallier Oak tree .

Read more : I celebrated Mardi Gras in New Orleans this year — here's why everyone should experience it

Plus, the city offers multiple casinos and a bustling nightlife. 

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32 Things to Do in Baton Rouge, LA (+ Beignet Fingers!)

The best things to do in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, involve digging into the unique history of the state’s capital but also eating all of the things.

We spent a full month in New Orleans bopping around town and eating our weight in beignets. It wasn’t until closer to the end of our time there that we decided we had to make time for Baton Rouge.

We’re all about state capitals, but it somehow wasn’t at the top of the list, even when it came to New Orleans day trips we’d done in the weeks prior.

Don’t sleep on Baton Rouge like we did. Use this guide, instead, to have yourself a delightful time exploring all of the best attractions in Baton Rouge.

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links below may be affiliate links, including links through the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program . As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases . At no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I won’t recommend something I have not used/would not use myself, and any income earned supports the upkeep of this site.

What is Baton Rouge best known for?

Baton Rouge is best known for its multiple state capitol buildings and Louisiana State University, or LSU. This is the home of the Tigers and all kinds of school pride.

This city in the southeast-central part of Louisiana also has a great food scene. Beignet fingers are a great place to start with that.

How do I spend a day in Baton Rouge?

You can spend a day in Baton Rouge like this:

• Order a plate of beignet fingers at Coffee Call.
• Get to the top of the Louisiana State Capitol Building.
• Stroll Louisiana Veterans Memorial Park.
• Learn the local history at the Capitol Park Museum.
• Grab lunch at City Pork.
• See the Old Governor’s Mansion.
• Visit the Old State Capitol.
• Walk the Louisiana State University campus.
• See Mike the Tiger.
• Visit a Baton Rouge brewery.
• Enjoy dinner in downtown Baton Rouge.

Fun Things to Do in Baton Rouge, Louisiana

If you’re traveling to Baton Rouge from New Orleans as we did, start your day early. It’ll take you about an hour and a half to get there with light traffic. It could take you a bit longer to get back depending on when you hit the road for your return.

Once you’re there, Baton Rouge parking can be a little tricky to navigate. We were able to find free parking downtown within a few blocks of the major sites, but navigating campus was more of a pain. 

Interested in a map of everything I’ll get into here? Follow my Google link below:

GIMME THAT BATON ROUGE MAP!

1. get the beignet fingers at coffee call..

You would think I had my fill of beignets after a month in New Orleans, but that turned out to be incorrect. When I hear about something called “beignet fingers,” I need to answer the call…the Coffee Call , that is. (Don’t hate me.)

They give you a substantial amount of the fingers, which we compared to elephant ears, for an insubstantial amount of money. Brian also got a king cake iced coffee which felt very special. 

The location seems weird. You’ll be around all kinds of big box stores that don’t suggest you’re about to do something awesome, but do something awesome you will!

2. Check out the goods at the Red Stick Farmers Market.

If you’re visiting on a Saturday, you may want to start your morning in Baton Rouge at the Red Stick Farmers Market, instead. You can also bring your beignet fingers to the market as you shop for additional treats. There’s no shame in that game.

From 8am-noon on Saturdays, produce farmers and local vendors sell all kinds of yummy goodies at this downtown Baton Rouge market. Expect live music on nice days, too. It’s a whole scene.

3. Take in the view from the Louisiana State Capitol Building.

The tallest capitol building in the U.S. deserves some time on your Baton Rouge activities list. Head to downtown Baton Rouge for a gander and walk the grounds at the very least.

If it’s open (it wasn’t on our visit), you can head up to the observation level for what I assume are great views of the city. 

4. Stroll Louisiana Veterans Memorial Park.

On a sunny day, stroll around the Louisiana Veterans Memorial Park or any of the pathways along the Mississippi River once you’re done at the capitol building. If you’re as lucky as we were, you’ll see some very fancy ducks doing what they do best: precarious crossings across the street.

Note: You’ll be within a short walk of the Governor’s Mansion from here, too. You can plan a tour of the place, but it’s by appointment only.

5. Learn about local history at the Capitol Park Museum.

Take a short walk to the Capitol Park Museum , part of the Louisiana State Museum system. The museum was closed on the day we visited Baton Rouge, so do better than I did and make sure there aren’t any private events happening when you’re planning all of the fun things to do in Baton Rouge.

It looked like a wedding, so I won’t be too upset.

Expect a colorful history of Louisiana told through exhibits on life along the Mississippi River, the importance of agriculture — and, as a result, slavery — in the city and the state, and the state’s musical roots.

Note: If you book more than two museums during your visit to Baton Rouge, you’ll get a decent discount.

6. Visit the Old Governor’s Mansion.

The Old Governor’s Mansion is known as Louisiana’s White House, and it’s just as grand as the new mansion near the capitol building. 

The lovely building and gardens are home to the Foundation for Historical Louisiana today, but back in the day it was home to all kinds of wheeling and dealing, I imagine. Getting married? You can do so here, too. 

Pop in for a look at the grand ballroom and marble staircase.

7. See the immersive Old State Capitol.

The Old State Capitol was a highlight of our Baton Rouge trip. It’s all free, and the exhibits are informative and, at times, a little spicy. 

If you know anything about Louisiana’s political history, you know that Huey P. Long can be a polarizing figure. There’s an exhibit here that embraces that fact with separate sections that display the pro/anti stances for and against the former governor and state senator.

Long was assassinated, by the way, something they also explore in a bit of a mysterious way.

In any case, I loved this stop. The stained glass throughout and impressive dome are worth the visit alone if you’re not into all of that political backstory I described.

If you have the time in Baton Rouge, you can spend a full afternoon just in the vicinity of the Old State Capitol.

8. Pop by the Louisiana Art and Science Museum.

This museum is across the street from the Old State Capitol, so it’s an easy add-on to your list of activities in Baton Rouge if you’re being efficient.

The arts portion includes pieces from Louisiana and European artists and photography exhibits. The science portion includes the Irene W. Pennington Planetarium for my space nerds out there.

I say this with love. Brian is a big space nerd.

9. Tour the USS Kidd Veterans Museum.

We didn’t make it inside the USS Kidd Veterans Museum , but it’s worth checking out from the outside as it’s a short walk from the Old State Capitol.

The ship itself saw all kinds of action during World War II. It was decommissioned by 1946 but returned to active duty during the Korean War. By 1964, it was chosen as the site of a new memorial for Louisianians who served in World War II. 

Fun fact: The ship was named after Rear Admiral Isaac Campbell Kidd, Sr., who was killed aboard the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor in 1941.

The museum closes earlier than most, so if you do want to head inside, reserve your tickets online in advance.

Visiting on a sunny day? The surrounding Riverfront Plaza is a lovely place to spend some time and look for more fancy ducks.

10. Check out the Red Stick Sculpture.

It may not look like much, but the Red Stick Sculpture at Southern University and A&M College speaks to the history of Baton Rouge and how it got its name.

When French explorers arrived in Baton Rouge to claim it for their own, they noticed a pole sticking out of a bank on the Mississippi River in a spot now known as Scott’s Bluff. The pole was actually a marker dividing the border between rival indigenous tribes.

The pole was bloodied from recent hunting activities, so the French naturally called it “le bâton Rouge,” or “the red stick.” The sculpture commemorates that magical moment for all to see.

11. Indulge in barbecue at City Pork.

The City Pork Brasserie & Bar is an excellent lunch option for barbecue sandwiches and gator sausages. 

Fun fact: No, really. Brian ate an alligator sausage po’boy and lived to tell the tale.

Make a reservation if you’re visiting during peak lunch hours to avoid a wait. We booked one about an hour before our arrival time with no problems.

If you’re not into delicious barbecue, the same folks also run City Taco, a ghost kitchen on Chimes Street.

12. Explore more Baton Rouge restaurants.

Lunch and a stop for beignet fingers were enough to sustain us on our day in Baton Rouge, but with more time, the Louisiana city has quite a few options for delicious eats. Here are a few that looked all kinds of yummy:

• Beausoleil : Experience contemporary Louisiana cuisine with delights like pumpkin and crawfish bisque, deviled lobster, and truffled fried oysters. Make reservations via OpenTable .
• The Chimes : You’re likely to see some students, or at the very least alumni, at The Chimes. This one is positively beloved by LSU folks. I’m going to say the extensive beer menu and crawfish mac and cheese have something to do with it.
• MJ’s Cafe : Vegetarians and vegans rejoice. MJ’s Cafe caters almost exclusively to plant-based palates. Choose from light options like chickpea salads and large helpings of daily soups with this option.
• The Overpass Merchant : This gastropub serves up elevated favorites like spicy chicken sandwiches alongside inventive fare like their “semi-world famous” chicken skins and Wisconsin cheese curds. Book a table via OpenTable .
• UMAMI : It’s true. Baton Rouge has bangin’ sushi. Chef Cong Nguyen comes to town with a background in Japanese cuisine and Louisiana fishing. Order à la carte or go with their omakase option. Call 225-768-8808 for reservations.

13. Walk the LSU Campus.

If you’re visiting Louisiana State University (LSU) at any point during your trip to Baton Rouge, check to see whether there are any events, sporting or otherwise, happening during your visit. 

There was something going on when we were there, and it was a pain to sit in traffic on some of those narrow lanes.

Now that that’s out of the way, that doesn’t make the campus any lovelier. Find your favorite green space and do some people-watching.

If you’re working with a sunny day, check out the Memorial Tower first. The 175-foot clock tower is actually a memorial to Louisianians who died in World War I. Set against some impressive open green space, it’s a lovely place to start on a visit to LSU.

14. Find hidden sculptures at the LSU Rural Life Museum.

The LSU Rural Life Museum is dedicated to the architecture and agricultural materials of rural Louisiana. Explore historic outbuildings and the Windrush Gardens — try to find the hidden sculptures in the botanical park along the way — on a self-guided tour.

15. Meet Mike the Tiger.

I know you want to see Mike the Tiger.

It started to rain just before we got to him, so we drove to the Mike the Tiger Habitat and parked right up front. Do NOT follow Apple maps to get to his habitat. You can park right along Stadium Drive, seriously right out front. It’s free to visit. 

If he’s feeling saucy, he’ll come right up to where you’re standing against the 15,000-square-foot space and give you a little purr. Take a look at the large LSU Tiger Stadium next door if you’re a college sports fan. 

16. Get artsy at the Shaw Center for the Arts.

The Shaw Center for the Arts is a full city block made up of multiple venues for you to experience. Those include:

• The Manship Theatre
• LSU Museum of Art
• Glassell Gallery
• The River Terrace

The LSU Museum of Art actually started in Memorial Tower on the LSU campus back in the day, expanding to the Shaw Center in 2005. Good on you, art museum.

17. Catch a tour at the Magnolia Mound Plantation.

I’m not a huge fan of plantation tours, but from what I’ve read, they do address the enslaved population that worked the grounds here when it was a working plantation. We didn’t have time to head out for our own visit, but if I’m wrong here do let me know.

The house you’ll see is an 18th-century home that is one of the oldest in the city. As it’s run by the city and the Recreation and Park Commission for the Paris of East Baton Rouge (BREC), I feel comfortable about the historical perspectives you’ll get here.

That said, it’s also important to visit these places with the facts. The indigo, sugarcane, tobacco, and cotton operations that thrived at the plantation did so thanks to the enslaved people who worked the land. The number of enslaved individuals who worked at the plantation grew from six to nearly 80 by 1860.

18. Sip on pints at Tin Roof Brewing Co.

It’s time to ponder all of the fun you had today with a beer or two at Tin Roof Brewing Co. This is the city’s largest brewery featuring pours like their King Cake Cream Ale or the Parade Ground Porter, a coffee porter.

Interested in a brewery crawl? Here are a few more to try:

• Agile Brewing : The name of this microbrewery is a nod to the brewery’s response to changing beer styles. You can expect them to embrace the flavors of the moment with whatever they have going on during your visit.
• Cypress Coast Brewing Co.: This smaller operation is one of the newer kids on the block, but that doesn’t mean their brewers aren’t passionate about their craft. Expect small-batch and experimental pours at this one.
• Rally Cap Brewing Company : This one is another newbie, but the brewers have just as much passion for sports as they do for beer. I’ll allow it, especially when superstitions are involved.

19. Check out the nightlife on Third Street.

Third Street is the heart of downtown Baton Rouge, Baton Rouge tourism, and your best bet if you’re seeking things to do in Baton Rouge for adults. For a full lineup of live music, karaoke, and open mic opportunities, head to Boudreaux & Thibodeaux’s .

To get a little more bespoke with your entertainment in Baton Rouge, head to the cocktail bar at The Gregory . For drink specials no matter when you wander in and the most casual of vibes, try Happy’s Irish Pub. Can you ever really go wrong with an Irish pub?

20. Book a guided Baton Rouge tour.

Baton Rouge is easy enough to explore on your own, but I’m all about a solid guided experience if it makes your life easier. Red Stick Adventures is the most popular tour company in the city. They can take you on a haunted city tour, historic walking tour, or foodie tour if you’re here to snack.

I’m always here to snack , so have at it!

Even More Baton Rouge Attractions

With more time, check out a few more places to go in Baton Rouge on your visit to the Louisiana city: 

• Learn about regional military history at the Old Arsenal Museum.
• Stroll the boardwalks of the BREC’S Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center, a great place to spot wildlife like snakes, turtles, and maybe an armadillo or two.
• If you love all things flora, don’t miss out on the Hilltop Arboretum at LSU, just south of the nature center I just described.
• Meet over 800 animals at the Baton Rouge Zoo, one of the best family-friendly things to do in Baton Rouge.
• Looking for more things to do in Baton Rouge with kids? Try the Knock Knock Children’s Museum.
• Catch a show in the balcony seats at the Manship Theatre.
• Plan your trip to coincide with the Baton Rouge Blues Festival.
• Travel to Baton Rouge during the winter holidays for their annual Festival of Lights.

Things to Do Near Baton Rouge

While I loved our extended time in New Orleans, I’d have no problem returning to Baton Rouge for an extended stay as a base for more adventure. Here are a few more Baton Rouge points of interest just outside of the city.

29. Greenwood Community Park

This lakeside escape in Baker, Louisiana, is just 15 minutes north of central Baton Rouge. It’s one of the largest parks in the area and best known for its 18-acre lake. Fish, kayak, or just have yourself a relaxing stroll around the lake in this spacious natural space.

There’s also a golf course here, something that may be relevant if you’re traveling with a golf fanatic like Brian .

30.  St. Francisville

This charming town just about 35 minutes north of Baton Rouge is perfect for fall travel. The Myrtles Plantation there is known as one of the country’s most haunted spots .

If you’re not here for ghost-hunting, visit the tranquil nature of the Tunica Hills Wildlife Management Area or the Afton Villa Gardens.

31. Drive the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway.

The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway is described by many in the region as one of the scariest drives you’ll make while you’re here. I didn’t think it was that bad — I go into it in my detailed guide — but I also wasn’t driving.

The causeway itself is just an hour and a half from Baton Rouge, so it’s a pretty easy day trip possibility if you like a nice long bridge.

32. Take a trip to New Orleans.

New Orleans is awesome, and it’s just an hour and a half from Baton Rouge. If you’re in Baton Rouge for any length of time, that easy drive to NOLA may be pretty tempting. Answer the call, if only to sample a more classic style of beignet.

If you’re not sure where to start with a day trip to New Orleans, I have a detailed guide to all of our favorite New Orleans things during our time there. I include everywhere we ate, too, so the list is pretty long.

Must-Do in Baton Rouge: FAQs

What are things to do in baton rouge for free.

Things to do in Baton Rouge for free include visiting Louisiana’s Old State Capitol building and the Mike the Tiger Habitat on the LSU campus. Baton Rouge also has a number of free days at its museums, so make sure that you peek at museum websites if you’re trying to time your visit right.

What can couples do in Baton Rouge?

Couples can do quite a bit in Baton Rouge. Explore any of the gardens or museums that are part of the LSU system, visit the city’s best breweries, or share a plate of beignet fingers. This city may not evoke romance in the obvious sense, but it’s certainly worth a closer look if you’re a traveling couple for its food, art, and history scene.

What is the trendy area of Baton Rouge?

The trendy area of Baton Rouge is Mid City. This is home to the city’s creatives, so expect a good art scene if you find yourself here. Spanish Town is another enclave for artists, but it doesn’t trend as young as Mid City. That certainly doesn’t make it less cool!

Where to Stay in Baton Rouge

We were in New Orleans for a month during our day trips to Baton Rouge, but that doesn’t mean the city doesn’t have great accommodation options.

Use the map below to browse Baton Route hotels and apartment-style stays:

Is Baton Rouge good for tourists?

Baton Rouge is definitely good for tourists if only to see the Louisiana State Capitol building. The newer capitol building is the tallest in the United States. 

If that doesn’t intrigue you, what does?

I know I’d love to come back for those beignet fingers alone. I’ve yet to meet a beignet I didn’t like, by the way!

Ready for What to Do in Baton Rouge?

Your Flight: I use a variety of tools to find cheap airfare, but if you’re looking to book during a particular period of time, you should use Skyscanner . It’s a great tool for when you’re more flexible, too, as it allows you to compare travel based on length of travel, departure date, etc.

To get to Baton Rouge, you’ll likely want to fly into New Orleans for better deals. Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport is a thing, but it’s much smaller than Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. From New Orleans, it’s about an hour and a half to Baton Rouge.

If you need a car, reserve a car ahead of time using a site like  Hotwire  or  Priceline  to find the best deals. You can search by car rental company, too, if you feel a loyalty there.

For adventurous folks who travel on the reg, I also subscribe to  Going , formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights. You’ll get cheap flight deals from your home base straight to your inbox.

Your Accommodations: I typically recommend sites like Booking.com and Hotels.com for your accommodation needs. Vrbo has become my preferred Airbnb alternative. Scroll up for recommendations for both Baton Rouge hotels and Baton Rouge apartments.

Seeking even more wallet-friendly accommodations? Try  Hostelworld . Their picks are heavily vetted and reviewed to offer you a safe experience on a budget.

Etc.: For general travel goodies, visit my Favorite Things page. For more information on planning your travel, visit my Travel Tools page.

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Planning more travel in the South? Check out these guides:

• Check Out the Best of Nashville, Tennessee
• Spend the Best Weekend in Memphis
• Things to Do in Congaree National Park
• A Romantic Guide to Georgia’s Savannah
• A Complete Guide to Golf Mecca Augusta, GA

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Agnes Groonwald

Are you ready for a Road Trip? Explore these eleven incredible cross-country road trip routes across the U.S.!

Pacific Coast

Border to Border

The Road to Nowhere

The Great River Road

Appalachian Trail

Atlantic Coast

The Great Northern

The Oregon Trail

The Loneliest Road

Southern Pacific

Home / The Great River Road / Louisiana

As the GRR approaches its southern end, land and river begin to merge. With giant levees on one side and standing water on the other, it’s easy to imagine the land is sinking—and indeed, by the time you roll off elevated I-10 into New Orleans, you will be a few feet below sea level.

From the St. Francisville ferry to the interstate bridge just west of New Orleans, the GRR crosses the Mississippi four times, threading along rough back roads past a series of fine antebellum homes along what’s sometimes called Plantation Alley. The GRR also runs among a barrage of industrial giants, which have toxic discharges that have earned the region another sobriquet: Chemical Corridor.

The Great River Road through Louisiana is not without its charms—a vividly painted church out in a field, or wrought-iron gates framing exquisitely gnarled live oaks festooned with Spanish moss—but these are often overshadowed by the specter of slavery and the present-day reality of a land being poisoned for profit.

Highlights of the GRR in Louisiana

• Baton Rouge : Visit the Old State Capitol or brush up on local history at the Rural Life Museum
• Cajun Country : This area of Louisiana offers historic architecture, moss-covered monuments, and abundant wildlife
• New Orleans : Explore the wrought-iron balconies on picturesque brick buildings in the French Quarter and feast on Creole and Cajun eats

Related Travel Guides

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Baton Rouge   Travel Guide

Courtesy of graphiknation | Getty Image

15 Best Things To Do in Baton Rouge

Updated March 2, 2022

Travelers with a particular interest in Louisiana history will be delighted by the top things to do in Baton Rouge. Attractions like the Capitol Park Museum , the LSU Rural Life Museum , Magnolia Mound and both state capitol buildings help visitors

• All Things To Do

Louisiana's Old State Capitol Louisiana's Old State Capitol free

A National Historic Landmark, Louisiana's Old State Capitol is not your average capitol building. Designed in a Gothic Revival architecture style and constructed between 1847 and 1852, the exterior of the building looks like a medieval fortress. Created by architect James Harrison Dakin, the building is accented with towers, stained-glass windows and cast-iron – a design aesthetic that Dakin referred to as "Castellated Gothic." Though it's no longer used for official government business (lawmakers started using the new state capitol beginning in 1932), it's open to the public and houses a number of exhibits, including a multimedia presentation about the ghost of Sarah Morgan, a Civil War-era figure who kept diaries of her experiences throughout the war.

Past visitors called the building a "must-see" while in Baton Rouge. Reviewers were particularly impressed by the stained-glass windows and spiral staircase.

USS Kidd USS Kidd

Named for Medal of Honor recipient Isaac C. Kidd Sr., who was killed during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor aboard the USS Arizona, this Fletcher-class destroyer is considered one of the world's most authentically restored vessels, according to the Historic Naval Ships Association. Along with the preserved ship, there is also an attached museum that displays a variety of artifacts related to veteran and naval military history. Artifacts on display include ship models, a Curtiss P-40 Warhawk and a helmet worn by an infantryman who stormed the beaches of Normandy , among other items.

Past visitors highly recommend making time for a tour of the USS Kidd and the adjoining museum. Many said the experience helped them understand the lives of Navy sailors. They also applauded the staff for their willingness to answer all sorts of questions. Several reviewers did warn that spaces within the ship can be tight, which can pose a challenge for visitors with mobility limitations.  

Capitol Park Museum Capitol Park Museum

For a big dose of Louisiana history, plan a stop at the Capitol Park Museum. Spanning nearly 70,000 square feet, the museum houses a variety of hands-on exhibits and artifacts depicting the unique history of the state. Among the museum's temporary exhibits, there are two permanent exhibits, "Grounds for Greatness: Louisiana and the Nation" and "Experiencing Louisiana: Discovering the Soul of America." Items on display include a Civil War submarine, a 48-foot wooden shrimp trawler, a two-row sugar cane harvester and Clifton Chenier's Grammy Award, among many others.

There are also exhibits dedicated to the Black experience in Louisiana, exploring everything from slave markets, resistance, revolt and Jim Crow. Among the displays is an exhibit on the Baton Rouge bus boycott of 1953.

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Louisiana State Capitol Louisiana State Capitol free

At 450 feet tall, the Louisiana State Capitol is the tallest capitol in the United States. Designed in an art deco architectural style, the building is one of only four skyscraper capitols in the U.S. and one of only nine capitol buildings that do not have a dome. Aside from its unique structural design, the building also has an interesting history. It was commissioned in 1930 by Governor Huey Long – one of the state's most controversial political figures – who was nearly impeached on allegations of bribery. Though Long was ultimately not impeached and went on to win a Louisiana Senate seat, in 1935 he was assassinated at the very capitol he fought to build. Today, visitors can tour the capitol and admire the city from the observation deck on the 27th floor.

Past visitors were impressed with the building and the manicured grounds. For many, the view from the observation deck was the highlight. Others appreciated the informational plaques found throughout the building.

The Old Governor's Mansion The Old Governor's Mansion

Between 1930 and 1962, this Georgian mansion served as the official residence to nine Louisiana governors and their families. Though the historical record is disputed, some believe that Governor Huey Long wanted the residence built to resemble the White House so that when he became president he would be familiar with the White House (unfortunately, the governor's mansion was the closest Long got to the White House). Indeed, the mansion does have a similar look in part thanks to four large, 30-foot Corinthian columns that support an intricately carved pediment. You'll see more similarities between the two structures during a tour of the interior. Highlights include a curving marble staircase, black-and-white checked marble floors, west wing offices and east wing guest bedrooms.

Past visitors called the mansion a "must-see" while in Baton Rouge. Along with the impressive architecture and design, reviewers were also complimentary of the entertaining information guides provided about the Louisiana governors that occupied the home.

LSU Rural Life Museum LSU Rural Life Museum

History buffs won't want to skip a visit to the LSU Rural Life Museum. Boasting the largest collection of material from 19th-century Louisiana, the museum comprises more than 30 historic buildings and a 25-acre landscaped garden. Highlighting the working classes of the 18th and 19th centuries, the site features an exhibit barn that displays hundreds of artifacts representing everyday rural life up to the early 20th century. Other buildings include a blacksmith's shop, a sugar house and a grist mill, among other structures. There are also slave cabins on-site that allow visitors to see the conditions of an enslaved person working on a plantation. The Windrush Gardens, which feature live oaks, colorful crepe myrtles, azaleas and camellias, are also located on-site.

Recent visitors offered high praise for the LSU Rural Life Museum and recommended budgeting plenty of time to explore all the buildings. Many were impressed with the period artifacts on display and applauded the knowledgeable, friendly staff.

LSU Tiger Stadium LSU Tiger Stadium

Nicknamed "Death Valley" because it's so hard for visiting teams to win here, Louisiana State University 's Tiger Stadium is certainly a sight to see, especially on football game days. On game days, the stadium welcomes more than 100,000 fans, making the stadium the fifth-largest city in the state of Louisiana. If you can, try to time your Baton Rouge visit so that you can attend a game and get a sense for the stadium's memorable game day atmosphere, which recent visitors described as "electric."

While you're at the stadium, you may also want to make time to pop over to see Mike the Tiger, the only live tiger residing on a college campus in the U.S. The 15,000-square-foot tiger habitat is located across the street from Tiger Stadium and is a must-see LSU tradition, according to past visitors. Mike is usually outside daily and visible from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; it's free to view his enclosure.

Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center

Calling all nature lovers! While in Baton Rouge, you may want to plan a trip to the Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center, a 103-acre facility that boasts more than a mile of gravel paths and boardwalks that connect a variety of habitats, including a cypress-tupelo swamp, beech-magnolia and hardwood forests. Among the wildlife that call the area home are hundreds of bird species, snakes, turtles, racoons, opossums and more. For even more animal viewing, head to the 9,500-square-foot exhibit building, which is filled with live animal displays, photos and other artifacts related to the center's flora and fauna, such as feathers, pelts and skulls.

Past visitors said this was a great place to bring young children thanks to a helpful staff eager to answer any questions. Reviewers reported seeing plenty of snakes and turtles and recommended visiting the exhibit building displays for a dose of air conditioning and more small animal exhibits. Travelers also described the center as being well-maintained.

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Baton Rouge Bash Scavenger Hunt

Baton Rouge Zoo Baton Rouge Zoo

A hit with families, the Baton Rouge Zoo is home to a variety of animals both big and small. Everything from alligators and rhinoceroses to parrots and hissing cockroaches call this zoo home. Visitors will find a variety of exhibits here grouped by region, including Africa, Asia and South America, as well as by environment, including an aquarium and an otter pond. In addition to the animals, the zoo also offers a playground, multiple cafes, daily animal feedings and educational chats and demonstrations. There's also a train ride that takes visitors into the wetlands surrounding the zoo's perimeter.

Recent visitors said the zoo is a fun activity for families. A few felt the zoo was too small, but others said it was sized just right, especially for the price of admission. 

Knock Knock Children's Museum Knock Knock Children's Museum

Spanning 26,000 square feet, the Knock Knock Children's Museum attracts families with its interactive exhibits that the museum calls "Learning Zones." In total, the museum boasts 18 Learning Zones. Exhibits include an art studio that allows kids to create with paint, fabric, beads and clay, a play cafe and a mock veterinary space equipped with stuffed animals, lab coats, stethoscopes and more.

Recent visitors were highly impressed with the museum, saying they spent at least three hours exploring the facility's various exhibits. Others described the space as clean and said it's a great indoor activity for children ages 2 to 10.

Magnolia Mound Magnolia Mound

For a peek into the lives of Louisiana's early settlers from France and the West Indies, pay a visit to the 900-acre Magnolia Mound. This plantation house dates back to 1791 and serves as a notable illustration of the French Creole lifestyle of the early 19th century. Aside from the house itself, the property also showcases a collection of Louisiana-made furniture from the state's colonial period, as well as English and French ceramics, decorative arts and crystal.

Magnolia Mound also serves as an important reminder of the role of enslaved people in Louisiana's history and prosperity. It is believed that as many as 79 enslaved people worked on Magnolia Mound by 1860. Though the plantation's original slave quarters were demolished, visitors will see a double slave cabin that was relocated to the property from another historic site in Louisiana. Other buildings on-site include an open-hearth kitchen, an overseer's house, an outhouse and a building used to house game birds called a dovecote.

Louisiana Art & Science Museum Louisiana Art & Science Museum

Located in a historic railway station that dates back to 1925, the Louisiana Art & Science Museum features a variety of permanent and temporary exhibitions as well as a planetarium. The museum also houses a selection of hands-on galleries, including the "Science Station," where kids ages 7 to 12 learn the elements of life science, earth science, physical science and math via a series of interactive exhibits. One such exhibit is "Calories in, Calories Out," which teaches participants about the amount of time and energy it takes to burn off the calories of various snacks. Among the museum's permanent exhibits is one dedicated to ancient Egypt that displays a mummy from the Ptolemaic period.

Along with its science-focused exhibits, the museum also houses a permanent collection of 4,000 artworks and artifacts. A selection of items from the museum's permanent collection are on display in the museum's two small galleries at any given time. Visitors can expect American and European art – including works by the likes of Jean Victor Bertin and Charles Burchfield – as well photography, and Louisiana modern and contemporary art.

Shaw Center for the Arts Shaw Center for the Arts

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Get your free welcome guide, get the latest scoop from the red stick blog, 22 things you should know about baton rouge.

Baton Rouge is a city boiling with culture and history. How many of these little-known facts about the Capitol City did you know? 1. The Legend Behind the Red Stick Everyone knows that “Baton Rouge” is French for “ Red Stick .” But did you know that the city is named after a literal red stick? When wandering around Louisiana more than 300 years ago, French explorer Sieur d’Iberville spotted a cypress stick stained with blood of fish and animals on a Mississippi River bluff. The red stick served as the dividing line between the Bayougoula and Houma tribes’ hunting grounds.  

2. "Houmas" translates to "red." Speaking of the Houmas, the tribe’s name can roughly be translated into “red,” etymologists suggest. The Houmas people are related to the Choctaw , and “red” translated into Choctaw is “ homma ” or " huma ." Natives called the location “ Istrouma ,” which is used in names of churches and organizations in Baton Rouge today. 3. The Houmas owned the land where Houmas House sits today. If you visit Baton Rouge, you must visit Houmas House and Gardens , a classic antebellum home that also has historical ties to the Houma nation. The beautiful plantation was built in 1828, but the land was owned by the Houmas until it was sold to Maurice Conway and Alexander Latil in the mid 1700s.

5. The Battle of Baton Rouge was the only American Revolution battle fought outside the 13 colonies. In 1779, British West Florida stretched all the way to the Mississippi River, in what is now part of Louisiana. Leading a hodge podge army of Spaniards, Americans, Acadians, Native Americans and free black men, Spanish Louisiana Governor Bernado de Galvez marched up river and across West Florida. The army fought the Battle of Baton Rouge for three hours on Sept. 21, 1779, until the British surrendered. Galvez went on to ensure the British did not rule the Gulf Coast. In fact, the Battle of Baton Rouge was the only battle of the American Revolution fought outside of the 13 colonies . Today, you can visit the site of a Spanish battery near the Louisiana State Capitol.

6. The Civil War’s Battle of Port Hudson was the  longest siege on U.S. soil . Port Hudson State Historic Site is located just north of Baton Rouge. The Confederates held Port Hudson for seven weeks in 1863 until learning about the fall of Vicksburg. They then surrendered, giving the Union free reign over the Mississippi River. The Battle of Port Hudson was also one of the deadliest battles in the Civil War with about 5,000 Union soldiers and 7,208 Confederate soldiers dead . Visit the Port Hudson to view a museum and the Port Hudson National Cemetery, and even hike miles of trails that wander through the battle grounds.

7. The Louisiana State Capitol is the tallest state capitol in the U.S. Located in Baton Rouge, the Louisiana State Capitol is the tallest state capitol in the U.S., standing high at 450 feet and 34 stories tall.

8. The Indian Mounds are older than the Egyptian pyramids. On LSU’s campus are the Indian Mounds , two 6,000-year-old mounds built by Native Americans for cultural purposes. Archaeologists do not know the exact purpose for the mounds, but do know they were not burial mounds. You can find students studying, picnicking and napping on the mounds year-round. The mounds are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

9. Baton Rouge was not part of the Louisiana Purchase.  East Baton Rouge was part of the eight Florida parishes that were under dispute between Spain and the United States. For a brief while, the parishes and parts of Mississippi and Alabama were their own nation – the Republic of West Florida. The Florida parishes were soon annexed into Louisiana, and later in 1812, Louisiana was admitted into the Union. 10. Mark Twain loved Baton Rouge, but hated the Old State Capitol . “Baton Rouge was clothed in flowers, like a bride – no, much more so; like a greenhouse,” he wrote in Life on the Mississippi . “The magnolia trees in the Capitol grounds were lovely and fragrant, with their dense rich foliage and huge snowball blossoms.” But, he had some very strong words for the Old State Capitol building. “It is pathetic enough, that a whitewashed castle, with turrets and things – materials all ungenuine within and without, pretending to be what they are not – should ever have been built in this otherwise honorable place.” I personally disagree with Mr. Twain, and think the Old State Capitol is one of the most beautiful buildings in Baton Rouge. What do you think? Tell us in the comments below.

11. The Old State Capitol is haunted. Employees and officers at the Old State Capitol have chilling stories of a ghost that haunts the castle. From dark shadows, slamming doors and even physical bumps into thin air, the stories raised the eyebrows of the TV show Ghost Hunters. The team visited Baton Rouge in 2012, and found similar pieces of haunting evidence. Many believe the Old State Capitol is haunted by Senator Pierre Couvillion, who collapsed and died in the building after a bitter and heated argument about the role of gambling in Louisiana in 1852. To watch the Ghost Hunters video, click here .

12. LSU Allen Hall murals were hidden for more than 50 years. Located in LSU’s Allen Hall are frescoes painted in 1939 by graduate student Roy Henderson depicting the presence of arts and sciences in Louisiana. Perhaps more outstanding than the actual murals is the fact that part of the painting was covered for more than half a century, unnoticed by the thousands of students and faculty who walk through the hall. In 2012, the full mural was uncovered and restored. 

13. Many celebrities call Baton Rouge home. Many celebrities, entertainers and athletes have called Baton Rouge home, including Olympian Lolo Jones, NBA legend and Olympian Shaquille O’Neal, American Idol judge and guitarist Randy Jackson, rapper Lil Boosie, actor Shane West, filmmaker Steven Soderbergh and hip-hop artist Kevin Gates.

14. Baton Rouge is home to the original Raising Cane’s. "The Mothership" is located just outside the north gate of LSU. This tiny hole-in-the-wall looks much different from other Cane's locations, and is open until 3:30 a.m. on weekends for ravenous college students.

15. The first successful Civil Rights bus boycott took place in Baton Rouge in 1953.  Baton Rouge's bus boycott , along with Rosa Parks' arrest, inspired E.D. Nixon and Jo Ann Robinson to organize the famous Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955-1956. The Baton Rouge activists and residents who took part of the 1953 bus boycott arguably paved the way for huge Civil Rights protests, and eventually, desegregation.

16. A Rotolo's cup was used in Pitch Perfect's famous "Cups" audition scene. Louisiana is Hollywood South, and blockbuster hit Pitch Perfect was filmed on LSU’s campus and around Baton Rouge. In fact, a Rotolo’s cup was used in Beca’s famous “Cups” audition scene. You can grab the iconic yellow cup at any of Rotolo’s locations around Louisiana, and while you’re at it – enjoy some delicious pizza.

17. Pink flamingos are more valuable than beads during Mardi Gras. Baton Rouge has its own kind of Mardi Gras . Perhaps the most eccentric and unpredictable parade in the state, Spanish Town touts a unique mascot: the pink flamingo . To signify the start of Mardi Gras season, wooden pink flamingos show up in the LSU and City Lakes. Locals and students canoe, kayak, swim and wade out into the lakes in a fantastic race to grab a big Baton Rouge badge of honor. It’s a site to see, but if you can’t make it to the flamingo race, you can see them strapped onto multiple floats in the Spanish Town parade , or year-round at select homes and bars.  

18. Thousands of white pelicans flock to the LSU and City Lakes. A different kind of bird also shows up in the lakes, attracting hundreds of birdwatchers and nature lovers. The American White Pelican migrates south during the winter, and dozens of flocks rest or stay put in the lakes for a few weeks. You can catch thousands of the majestic birds in November or December, depending on the timing of the seasons.

19. Mike VI is the only live tiger mascot living on a college campus. Many schools claim the tiger as their mascot, but only one is home to a live tiger mascot living on a college campus. Mike the Tiger VI, adored and beloved Bengal-Siberian mix tiger, can be found swimming, napping and playing in his 15,000 square foot habitat, located just off Nicholson Drive on LSU ’s campus. To learn more about Mike, click here .

20. President Zachary Taylor lived in Baton Rouge.  Before he became president in 1849, Zachary Taylor called Baton Rouge home. His house was located at 727 Lafayette St. in the heart of downtown. The land where his home was is now only a few yards away from the Louisiana State Capitol. 21. A museum is located in a railroad station. Located on the banks of the Mississippi River are the Louisiana Art & Science Museum and the Irene W. Pennington Planetarium . Here, you can view a two-story tall planet tower, beautiful art and even a mummy! But did you know that the building used to be a historic railroad depot? The Yazoo and Mississippi Valley Railroad Company Depot, or the Illinois Central Railroad Station, is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Come take a look around the depot – and museum!

22. The Mall of Louisiana is home to the second-largest indoor carousel in the world. The Mall of Louisiana is home to dozens of excellent shops and boutiques, but it is also home to the second-largest indoor carousel in the world! Take the kiddos (or yourself – we won’t judge!) to ride the beautiful carousel on the second floor of the mall.

Baton Rouge vs New Orleans: Which Is The Best Louisiana City To Live In?

When examining Baton Rouge vs New Orleans, the latter has a higher cost of living, but also a higher crime rate.

By Rick Gonzales | Published 1 year ago

Baton Rouge and New Orleans are cities to consider if moving south. Southern living can be a wonderful way of life. Food , hospitality, sights, and sounds mixed with a relaxed ambiance can be quite the attraction. It is easy to see why some people look to the south when they have the opportunity to relocate.

The state of Louisiana has two great cities, Baton Rouge and New Orleans, that personify southern living. Not only can they offer laid-back living, but in the case of New Orleans, if looking for some excitement, the Big Easy is one of the ultimate spots to venture.

What about living there? Would you consider either of these two cities to reside in? Everyone knows the not-too-distant history of New Orleans and Hurricane Katrina, a hurricane that pummeled the city back in August of 2004. Would the possibility of another huge blast of bad weather be enough to not give the city a chance?

Baton Rouge, the capital of the state, sits about 80 miles to the northwest of New Orleans. While it is more inland than the Big Easy, it’s not without its share of tumultuous weather.

Both cities have rich histories. Baton Rouge dates back to 1721. Its name coming from the site of a bâton rouge, or a “red stick” that marked boundaries. The city went through three distinct periods – the French Period, which lasted from 1699-1763, the British Period, which was from 1763-1779, and then the Spanish Period, which was from 1779-1810.

The state of Louisiana was admitted into the Union in 1812. Baton Rouge then became incorporated in 1817 but it wasn’t until 1849 that the city became the capital of the state.

New Orleans’s history looks much the same as Baton Rouge’s. It was founded by the French in 1718 but went through the same periods – French, British, and Spanish – as the state’s capital. As time has gone on and New Orleans began to develop, it became one of the major destinations across the country.

Tourism took hold and the annual Mardi Gras brought in millions each year. Although Hurricane Katrina caused major damage and loss of life, the city has rebuilt and today remains one of the most popular cities in the United States.

We are going to take a look at both of these historically rich cities and pit them against each other. Hopefully, by the end, we’ll have a decision on which city would be the best Louisiana city to live in – Baton Rouge or New Orleans.

BOTH CLIMATES ARE HOT AND RAINY

Weather most definitely should be at the top of the list when it comes to deciding between Baton Rouge or New Orleans. How can it not? New Orleans sits on the Gulf and its recent history with weather troubles are speed bumps some are not willing to chance.

Since 2000, New Orleans has seen at least 28 tropical cyclones. September is the typical month for cyclones. These are not as powerful as a hurricane, but they do leave a lasting effect. Hurricanes, on the other hand, are also a part of New Orleans.

In that same timeframe, the Big Easy has been hit with eight hurricanes, the deadliest being Katrina. That massive storm took 1,833 lives. 2020 saw New Orleans hit with two hurricanes, Cristobal and Laura, but thankfully the loss of life was minimal. Ida was the last big hurricane to hit New Orleans and that came earlier this year. 33 individuals lost their life.

So, that’s the bad. Now, let’s talk about the good. In either city, you are going to get plenty of opportunities to see Mr. Sun . The average across the United States is 205 sunny days per year. In Baton Rouge, you will get an average of 214 days a year. New Orleans will give you more, not much though, as you will see the sun on an average of 216 days a year.

You are in the south and you are on the Gulf, so expect a bit of humidity to come along with it. Both states have their share and at times it can be uncomfortable. You will also get some heat with that humidity. July is the typical hot month and in Baton Rouge, seeing temps average 91.6 degrees. In New Orleans, it is virtually the same and July will average out at 91.8 degrees.

If not a fan of super cold weather then you are going to like winters in each city, providing the big storms aren’t hitting. January is the low month and in Baton Rouge, that means temps will hover around 40 degrees. New Orleans sees a much higher January average of 45 degrees.

Do you like rain? You must if you pick either city. The US average yearly rainfall is 38 inches. Make sure you have your umbrella in Baton Rouge as it has almost double that amount with the city seeing almost 63 inches a year. It doesn’t get any better in New Orleans, so have those galoshes ready because the Big Easy will easily get 63.5 inches per year.

The weather has always been a fluid thing, especially in New Orleans, so it is important to be prepared. When it’s good, it can be great. But when it’s bad, it can get bad in a hurry and have deadly consequences.

NEW ORLEANS HAS A BIGGER POPULATION THAN BATON ROUGE

As seen often across the country, state capitals are not necessarily the biggest or the brightest of cities. This can easily be said about Baton Rouge when comparing it to New Orleans.

Over the past decade, the population numbers in the capital city have actually gone down while the party city has seen its numbers rise. Baton Rouge’s population is at 227,500, which is below its 229,500 count from a decade ago.

New Orleans, despite weather troubles and rebuilding efforts, has actually seen a significant population increase over the past ten years. Today they stand at 384,000 strong, which is up from the 344,000 that called New Orleans home a decade ago.

To see what each city is comprised of, we like to take a deeper look at each city’s population. Baton Rouge is made up of 38.7% Caucasian, 54.7% African American, 3.5% Asian, and 3.7% Hispanic. Of course, all these numbers are estimates.

In New Orleans, the population is 33.9% Caucasian, 59.5% African American, 2.9% Asian, and 5.5% Hispanic.

To get an even better look at each city, we like to look at its diversity by other measurements. WalletHub has the city rankings based on factors such as socioeconomic, cultural, economic, household, and religious diversity.

WalletHub has ranked 501 cities across the US and Baton Rouge is the 132 nd Most Diverse City in America. Their individual rankings look like this: Socioeconomic diversity (322), Cultural diversity (298), Economic diversity (131), Household diversity (232), and Religious diversity (6).

New Orleans finds itself much further down the rankings as it sits at #220 . Their numbers look this way: Socioeconomic diversity (302), Cultural diversity (288), Economic diversity (278), Household diversity (406), and Religious diversity (81).

NEW ORLEANS HAS A LARGER JOB MARKET

Unless you are one of the lucky ones who has come into a fortune, finding a job will be paramount in your relocation efforts. With jobs available in just about every market right now, finding something in Baton Rouge or New Orleans should not be an issue.

In Baton Rouge, their top industries include energy, construction, and industrial services. Some of their top energy companies are Exxon, Performance Contractors, Entergy Louisiana, Turner Industries, and Dow Chemical Company.

The capital also has a solid medical field in place if that is where your talents lie. They have Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center, Amedisys Home Health and Hospice Care, and Baton Rouge General. Other big businesses include Louisiana State University, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana, Future Pipe Industries, The Lofton, Albemarle, and Piccadilly Restaurants.

If you are searching for work in New Orleans, you are going to see a number of different industries well represented. First off, the fact that New Orleans is a port city and home to one of the busiest ports in the nation will let you know jobs are there to be had. Especially given the supply issues we are currently facing.

As far as the largest businesses, Entergy Corp. and Ochsner Health System are two of the biggest employers in the city. Louisiana offers a great tax break for entertainment so you will also see plenty of film and television productions in and around the city.

Other big businesses include Tidewater, Tulane University, Louisiana Children’s Medical, Stewart Enterprises, and St. Christopher the Martyr Catholic Church. Of course, you can’t go wrong in the restaurant and bar industry in the city. The French Quarter is world-famous and many drink-slingers have found solid employment among the many haunts in the party parish.

BATON ROUGE HAS A LOWER CRIME RATE

With all the good, there does come the bad. Unfortunately, neither city can escape this. Crime has always been a concern, especially in New Orleans as tourists, transients, and locals sometimes make for a bad mix. But ever since Katrina, the city seems to have found itself in a crime rut with no solution. We’ll look at Baton Rouge first, whose numbers are just as unimpressive.

The crime rate numbers we get come from the FBI’s National Incident-Based Reporting System via AreaVibes. This lets you know exactly what to expect when visiting or planning a move. The numbers are based on like-population and national averages.

In Baton Rouge, there were reported a total of 12,667 crimes. This is 146% higher than the US average. 10,580 of those total crimes were property crimes that include vehicle theft, burglary, and auto theft. This is also 146% above the average. 2,087 were violent crimes which include robbery, rape, assault, and murder. This number is 145% above the nation’s average.

As you may imagine, New Orleans’s numbers are in many ways worse . The Big Easy reported 23,091 incidents, which is 150% over the average. Their property crimes are 132% higher as they reported 17,876. Their scary number, though, is their violent crime. They reported 5,215 violent crimes which are 242% above the national average.

These are tough numbers for each city that truly has a lot to offer. Are they dealbreakers?

NEW ORLEANS HAS A HIGHER COST OF LIVING THAN BATON ROUGE

The cost of living also plays a large part in where you may want to live. Some states and cities are brutal when it comes to the cost of living. You may not find that to be the case with Baton Rouge and New Orleans.

Not that crime rates should be ignored, but the cost of living may ease the sting a bit. In Baton Rouge, the median price per WalletHub for a 2-bedroom apartment will go for $1,103 a month. In New Orleans, expect to pay a bit more for the same apartment as it will cost around $1,520 a month.

If you’d rather purchase a home instead of renting, prices are also quite affordable. The median home price for a 3-bedroom, 2-bath in Baton Rouge is $335,720. New Orleans, again, will be more on the costly side as that same home will run you $460,000.

Housing costs are not the only thing that will contribute to those monthly bills. Here you will find both cities falling into the same price range. Food costs are virtually equal as are utility costs. The only noticeable difference you may see is in your entertainment costs as New Orleans is a bit more expensive.

Baton Rouge’s housing costs might be the winner here.

BOTH CITIES HAVE MANY LIFESTYLE & CULTURE OPTIONS , BUT NEW ORLEANS HAS MORE

This is truly unfair. Comparing Baton Rouge with New Orleans in lifestyle and culture. Heck, it would be unfair to compare just about any big city across the United States with New Orleans. Now, this is not to say that Baton Rouge is a stick in the mud, because it isn’t. It’s only to speak the truth – New Orleans is one of the top cities in the country when it comes to lifestyle and culture.

The first thing we can get out of the way is a negative for Baton Rouge. They do not have a professional sports team. They do, however, have the LSU Tigers for college football and basketball. Those two teams are major draws for the city.

Baton Rouge is a historical town so many things will be along those lines. There is Louisiana’s Old State Capital, the USS Kidd, the LSU Rural Life Museum, the Magnolia Mound Plantation, and the Capitol Park Museum. For the kids, there is Mike the Tiger’s Habitat, the Knock Knock Children’s Museum, and the Baton Rouge Zoo.

Nightlife is big in Baton Rogue as the college atmosphere brings it to life. There are plenty of eateries and bars to satisfy all and you can find the best southern foods in the city. Live music and great food are all a part of downtown with Boudreaux and Thibodeaux, Rick N Robin’s Night Club, The Office, Teddy’s Juke Joint, and Sullivan’s Ringside just a few of the places to have some adult fun.

The only thing that we should have to say about New Orleans is The French Quarter . Words are sometimes hard to describe some of the things that go on in the French Quarter but if you are one who loves people-watching, then the French Quarter is the place to be.

You will find the best Cajun food there and happy hour is just about any time there, featuring 3-for-1 drinks. You can find virtually any kind of entertainment in the French Quarter, and it is a place music lovers will relish. We have two words for you – Mardi Gras. Bourbon Street is a rocking place, though, just about any time of the year.

But New Orleans does have more going for it. The town is filled with ghosts, or so they will have you believe. Ghost tours are wildly popular, as are ventures into the swamps. St. Louis Cathedral, Jackson Square, and The Cabildo are just a few other highlights in New Orleans. And if you need your professional sports fix, they have the New Orleans Saints for football and the New Orleans Pelicans for basketball.

The hands-down winner is New Orleans. But if you were to live there would the never-ending crowds eventually get to you?

If we are going by pure excitement, you can’t say no to New Orleans. Not only is there fun to spare, but even the cost of living can fit into your pocketbook. This doesn’t mean Baton Rouge’s cost of living isn’t a winner as well.

What it may come down to is that pesky little crime problem. The crowds and atmosphere in New Orleans have the tendency to bring out some of the more troublesome characters, so that could be the ultimate decider. There is also that other issue of possible bad weather. While it shouldn’t be enough for a definite “no”, it should most certainly be a topic of discussion if you are looking into the city.

Your best bet? Find a great place in Baton Rouge and venture in and out of New Orleans at your leisure. They are only a short two hours away. Then you get the best of both worlds.

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Why You Need to Drive The Great River Road, Louisiana, USA

June 4, 2020

A  drive from New Orleans  along the Great River Road in Louisiana left me with three distinct images and a haunting river of thought.

Driving Louisiana’s Great River Road: The Journey Begins

When I close my eyes and think of Louisiana’s Great River Road, there are three images that really stand out.

The first, an avenue of Live Oaks, trees so stately, so green that moss and leaves tumbled down them like nymphs in the rain. Their very greenness bled into the hot southern air to define green , and only green, as the colour of the summer sky.

The second image, hours later on the flat plantation land, turned that sky into thunderous purple, with tree-branch lightning slicing through towering clouds. The rage and roar of thunder swallowed the song of the crickets, while the raindrops, fat raindrops, raised-on-buttermilk, shrimp-and-grits-raindrops, plundered down to raise the smell of life from the earth.

And the third was the silhouette of one young girl.

Haunting, hesitant, ready to tip-toe into church where bare legs would have dangled over polished wooden seats, she stands frozen beneath a white-aired watchful god. But something in her face, her slumping shoulders tells that something’s wrong.

At the age of four, or maybe five, the household inventory lists her as a slave.

And it is the only life she has – or will – ever know. And the sculpture alone is enough to break my hard-to-be-broken heart.

Driving the Great River Road

From Baton Rouge to New Orleans, the great sugar plantations border both sides of the river all the way, and stretch their league-wide levels back to the dim forest of beaded cypress in the rear. The broad river lying between the two becomes a spacious street. Mark Twain, Life on the Mississippi

Louisiana’s River Road runs from the heady mayhem of jazzy New Orleans along the Mississippi towards the state capital of Baton Rouge – and as it follows Old Man River, it sinks itself into its comfortable and uncomfortable past.

For this is where you’ll find those AnteBellum Southern mansions, all columns and land, plantations and gowns and sugary belles with blooming bustles where Scarlett O’Hara and Rhett strut, stride and simper through the undergrowth (that Gone with the Wind began in Georgia rather than Louisiana is, for artistic purposes, neither here nor there.)

Along a distance of around 70 miles, the Great River Road spans both sides of the Mississippi with mansions set back from the water, each driveway grander than the next.

One of the most well known, to undersell it just a touch, is the Oak Alley Plantation near Vacherie.

Oak Alley Plantation on the Great River Road

In all likelihood you have seen her face even if you don’t know her name. She’s graced the front cover of National Geographic, witnessed the death throes of Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt in Interview with the Vampire and even the glittery-splanged dance moves of Beyonce in her Deja Vu music video.

And when you stand on that evocative earth or throw open the doors to the verandah upstairs, it’s easy to see why.

Twenty-eight live oak trees stretch away from the 28-columned house over a quarter of a mile in a way that makes the term awe-inspiring seem worth using again.

It’s resplendent in every way, an image so inviting, combining such mastery and understanding of the land and the way geometry pleases the human eye, that the house at the end of it doesn’t register at first.

Perhaps that’s why the tour makes you start at the back, through an awkward little entrance where costumed tour guides wait with mobile phones.

Plantation Life on Louisiana’s Great River Road

Oak Alley Plantation, originally called Bon Sejour, was built in 1829 by a wealthy French Creole merchant who moved here with his French-speaking wife from New Orleans.

On the tour, a twenty-something woman in a lavender gown talks us through some of the period rooms. She points out the stylish bug-catcher kept hidden by delicate white lace and then what looks like a hanging theatre curtain that would swing back and forth to try to keep diners cool.

Outside, a horseshoe of huts illustrate other aspects of plantation life. A video details the mechanics behind sugar production, from the cutting to pressing and boiling in huge cauldrons, whose shells still pepper the house’s grounds today.

A tarpaulin stretches across a Confederate tent, with a handy interactive guide for those of us not so up to speed on the details of the American Civil War (the “South” were the Confederates or rebels, the North the Yankees or Union soldiers. They battled over state rights, including the issue of slavery, which we’ll return to again.)

But the biggest section of this part of plantation life examines the lives of the slaves themselves.

One small wooden cabin talks about laundry, another about the sick room.

America’s First Slavery Museum on the Great River Road

But as thoughtful as this section is, it is nothing, I repeat nothing to the gut punch realisation and examination of slavery that takes place at the Whitney Plantation Museum.

And it is here where I find the girl, lingering around the white-planked Antioch Baptist Church.

She is not alone, she is but one of a number of children, some with hats, some without, all with shoulders stooped and challenging eyes.

The Whitney Plantation in Wallace opened its doors in 2014, 262 years after its construction, to tell a different side of the story: the view of plantation life through the eyes of those who lived and worked here as slaves.

Somewhat incredibly, it’s the only museum in Louisiana of its kind. Somewhat fittingly, we arrive in the all-consuming rain.

A tall, trim woman leads a tour, a commanding spark behind her eyes.

She introduces us to the children’s graveyard, the Spanish Creole Big House, the slave cabins and the Antioch (anti-yoke) Baptist Church.

But it is the memorial wall that begins to shift my perception the most.

Or perhaps I should say memorial walls.

Reasons to Stop and Think

As the sticky rain seeps through shoes, trousers and the air we breathe itself, we hear how tours go on in all weathers because the enslaved individuals had to work in all weathers. We hear brief details about the Atlantic Slave Trade, with its triangle between Britain, West Africa and the East American Coast, and then we hear more about the trade within the States itself.

I didn’t know that plantation owners picked the strongest of their enslaved men and forced them to rape enslaved women in order to “breed good stock.” I hadn’t given enough thought to what happens when those who tried to escape were caught, how owners tagged humans in the ear and eventually sliced through hamstring flesh so that enslaved people could work but could no longer run away.

As I breastfed my baby in the shelter of a wooden slave hut, I heard how children were removed from their mothers by the age of eight and and sold off down the river.

The Great River Road and the Wall from Berlin

Those cauldron kettles I saw at Oak Alley lay discarded and pockmarked by time. A bells stood suspended on a stick. It used to signal the start and end of the working slave’s day but today it rings as a howl of remembrance for the lives that were so wretched, so wasted.

The Whitney has worked hard to dig back through the archives, to do anything and everything to give the people who lived and died here a name.

The Wall of Honor lists the origin, age and skills of those who were enslaved here on the Whitney – and it’s over 350 names deep. The Whitney then extends further, attempting to honour more than 107 000 enslaved individuals who lived and died in Louisiana prior to 1820.

We are given a period of silence, save for the slashing and crashing of the rain, to walk along these walls and pay our respects to the lives behind the names.

And perhaps it’s here, most of all, that I feel my perception seem to change.

I have, of course, always known that slavery was wrong.

I have felt it, known it, worked on it and written about it.

But here, to my great shame, I began to feel that perhaps I had never really thought enough about it.

For this wall drew natural comparisons to other walls that I had stood before.

The Berlin Wall. The 9/11 Memorial.

Questioning Slavery: A Matter of Time? Of Personal Stories? Of…?

But by the time I had reached each of those places, I’d heard story upon story, detail after detail about some of the so many individuals involved. The details of Anne Frank’s house seemed as real in my head as they were beneath my feet when I arrived in Amsterdam.

With slavery, I had nothing to hold onto, no previous life story to hold with me and guide me hand in hand.

And even here, the stories stood in fragments. Barely full names. Scarcely full places. Names that weren’t people’s own as their personal identity was too complicated, too unnecessary for commercial use.

Esther, Francoise, Zephirine.

I also began to notice, through the unrelenting rain, the different effects of language.

At Oak Alley, and perhaps in the world I’d seen before , slaves were slaves were slaves.

Slave quarters, slave labour, the slave trade.

At the Whitney, they were enslaved individuals, enslaved workforce, the enslaved…

Enslaved people.

The invidious and insidious effects of language laid bare. Words – and names – do indeed matter.

The Power of the Great River Road

As ever, I feel in life, there isn’t the time I feel I need. And one day and one night wasn’t enough to explore the big land and the big ideas behind the Big Houses on the Great River Road.

But it was a start. An evocative, beautiful, ugly start.

Wherever we travel, we find stories of past pain. The Killing Fields from 1970s Cambodia. The enslaved people who built the white-marbled Acropolis in ancient Greece. And of course, past pain continues into the present.

Does the time that has passed change our perception of previous events? Should actions be judged in the context of their time or through the lens of indivisible human rights?

In other words, how on earth did people ever find it acceptable to treat other people in such a way?

The look from that first girl followed me past the white columns, the polished tables, the live oaks and back behind the wheel.

For those sculptures don’t depict symbolic figureheads from a dark time in history.

They represent real people.

In the 1930s, a Louisiana project sought to record the living history from everyday Americans. And that included people who born into slavery, people who had been children and young teens when the emancipation laws were finally passed.

The Whitney plays the sound of their stories, and the sculptures present their sight.

And their memories travel with me along the extraordinary 70 or so miles that run between Baton Rouge and New Orleans and back across that fateful Atlantic Ocean.

Memories from the rich, the haunting and the beautiful Louisiana Great River Road.

Where To Stay on the Great River Road

It is possible to stay on the grounds of the Oak Alley Plantation itself, in a beautiful period-decorated cottage with all the modern facilities you’d expect. I’ll tell you more about that in a later blog post, but in the meantime you can catch a glimpse of the place  on the Lonely Planet broadcast over here.

Check out our nuts and bolts  New Orleans Road Trip Guide – Your Ultimate Guide to Driving Louisiana here .

Also, do check out these useful tools:

• The  Hertz Road Trip Planner  is a great resource to help you start to plot out your itinerary and key things you want to see.
• For more on New Orleans, check out the  New Orleans CVB  
• For more on state-wide Louisiana,  visit the Louisiana Travel portal.
• Flight Centre’s dedicated  holidays to New Orleans and the Plantation District

Keen to travel further afield but unsure where to go? Check out our guide to choosing between Los Angeles and Miami .

More on Travel in New Orleans and Around Louisiana

To help put together your own Great River Road Trip Planner , check out our guide to driving Louisiana and our two day itinerary for New Orleans. We have practical tips, like how to understand the difference between a swamp and a bayou , to classics like the beignets of Cafe du Monde and the legacy of Louis Armstrong’s It’s A Wonderful World.

Disclosure –  I travelled through Louisiana with support from a number of local CVBs and local companies, in particular Visit New Orleans, Louisiana Travel and TTM World. My trusty steed was sponsored by Hertz UK. As ever, as always, I kept the right to write what I like. Otherwise, there’s just no point.

2 thoughts on “Why You Need to Drive The Great River Road, Louisiana, USA”

What they went through was horrible… And “breeding good stock” that’s just… No words

Awful, isn’t it. And actually … so recent. Terrible, terrible facts to confront.

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Lafayette or Baton Rouge? - Louisiana Forum

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Lafayette or Baton Rouge?

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Baton Rouge, the State Capital, has lots of history if you would enjoy that INCLUDING the hometown of THE top college football team in the country..LSU (Louisiana State University). The Downtown area is booming with several beautiful hotels (Capital Hilton recently opened after several years of restoration), museums, the Old and New State Capital, and wonderful restaurants/bars within walking distance of each other. Baton Rouge also has a wonderful swamp tour (Alligator Bayou Tours) and several plantations nearby which would be worth a visit...Nottoway, Rosedown, Magnolia Mound and LSU's Rural Life Museum.

If you would like more specifics, please don't hesitate to ask. We have many friends from Britain who LOVE south Louisiana; many of which came to LSU for graduate degrees and continue to visit even after they returned home.

Do remember that September will be very hot and humid and is the most active time for hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico though we have been spared the last two years!!!

Welcome! I'm happy that you're coming to Louisiana! I've been to London only once, two years ago, and I want to go back!!!

How long do you have? What are some of your interests? Golf, restaurants, plantation homes, history? local festivals?

I'm more familiar with Baton Rouge, but I have stayed overnight in Lafayette (if you link to my contributions, you'll find a review of the Hilton Garden Inn in Lafayette).

The previous poster mentioned River Road (in between NOLA and Baton Rouge), and I'd second that. I'd recommend Laura Plantation, which is a Creole Plantation that is closer to NOLA than it is to Baton Rouge.

We also have been to Avery Island, and it was very interesting. We went to the Tabasco Factory, as well as Jungle Gardens, which is close to the Tabasco factory. I'd wouldn't recommend going to the Tabasco Factory on a Saturday or Sunday; you get to tour a bit of the factory and none of the machines are running. Sure, there is an interesting video, but it would be much (in my humble opinion) more intersting while the factory was running. Of course, if Saturday / Sunday is the day that you have, don't *not* go!!

A tip on the tabasco: there is an extensive gift shop at the Tabasco Factory. The sauces are all available at a local Wal-Mart/Target for roughtly 50% of the gift shop prices.

The Jungle Gardens are beautiful, and I'd definitely go again. There are a lot of different plants, trees, etc. It's a good place to see some nature!

It is really hot here in September, but also...don't forget the misquito repellent!! LOL. I've been severely bitten, and Jungle Gardens is on a bayou, with lots and lots of those pesky misquitoes!

Tip for money savings:

- There is a great TI (tourist information) in NOLA, and many of the hotels will also have brochures.

- There are many discount coupons available for plantation homes and discounts off of gift shop/tour purchases. It'll save you a dollar or two off of each ticket.

There are many activities in this area, depending on which day(s) of the week you'll be there. If you'll say which days you'll be there, I'll be happy to provide more specific recommendations.

If there's any way possible, you should try to be there on Friday night and Saturday. There are so many authentic Cajun things to see and do on Saturday, you won't have time to see them all.

Here are a couple of web sites:

http://www.randols.com/

http://www.cafedesamis.com/

http://www.savoymusiccenter.com/

http://www.lsue.edu/acadgate/mamou.htm

http://www.eunice-la.com/libertyschedule.html

http://www.vermilionville.org/

http://www.cityofsaintmartinville.com/english/stories/stories.htm

http://www.mcgeeslanding.com/tour.html

http://www.lastwildernesstours.com/

I will second the recc to check out Randols in Lafay for a nite out. The music and dancers are great

You might also consider going West thru I-310 to Hwy 90. It is a bit longer, but you hit Cajun country quiker, and pass thru Morgan City, New Iberia and some enat spots on the way to lafayette. The Tabasco Tour is on the way.

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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Louisiana Hotels and Places to Stay

30 Best Stops Between Baton Rouge and New Orleans

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How long is the drive from Baton Rouge to New Orleans?

The direct drive from Baton Rouge to New Orleans is 80.8 mi (130 km) , and should have a drive time of 1 hr 20 mins in normal traffic.

If you’re going on a road trip from Baton Rouge to New Orleans, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with top places to visit like Louisiana's Old State Capitol and Mike the Tiger's Habitat, or the ever-popular Louisiana State Capitol.

Best stops along Baton Rouge to New Orleans drive

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Louisiana's Old State Capitol

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Denham Springs Antique Village

Tanger gonzales, houmas house estate and gardens, madewood plantation house, oak alley plantation, laura plantation: louisiana's créole heritage site, kliebert & son’s gator tours, whitney plantation, explore houma, cajun pride swamp tours.

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Destrehan plantation, abita brewing company, lake pontchartrain, fontainebleau state park, garden district, canal + baronne (in), french quarter.

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Louisiana tour company - swamp dock, airboat adventures, top searches in new orleans, other popular road trips from baton rouge, explore nearby places.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can i drive from baton rouge to new orleans.

Yes! You can drive from Baton Rouge to New Orleans.

How far is New Orleans from Baton Rouge by car?

The drive from Baton Rouge to New Orleans is 80.8 miles (130 km).

How long does it take to drive from Baton Rouge to New Orleans?

Driving from Baton Rouge to New Orleans should take you 1 hr 20 mins in normal traffic.

How much would gas cost from Baton Rouge to New Orleans?

Gas from Baton Rouge to New Orleans would cost around $7 to $17 , depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency.

Where should I stop on the way from Baton Rouge to New Orleans?

You could check out Louisiana's Old State Capitol and Mike the Tiger's Habitat, or the always popular Louisiana State Capitol!

What's the weather like in Baton Rouge?

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

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What are some other road trips from Baton Rouge?

There are plenty! Below you'll find links to all the road trips we've assembled for Baton Rouge.

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America From The Road

New Orleans To Lafayette: A Louisiana Road Trip

If you are wanting to get to know Louisiana a little beyond  New Orleans , this road trip can give you more insight into the state’s history and culture in a single day trip. The drive between New Orleans and Lafayette is filled with gorgeous rural landscapes and stunning historical homes. Be unlike most travelers and explore other parts of Louisiana.

New Orleans To Lafayette Road Trip

This road trip begins in New Orleans and ends in Lafayette however you could begin in Lafayette as there is a small regional airport there with a car rental facility. The one-way drop off fee for the car rental between these two cities would be minimal.

The total driving distance is only 135 miles and if you were to drive non-stop it would take about two hours. This is a one day driving itinerary with an overnight in Lafayette. It could be extended to a two night road trip if you wanted to spend a full day exploring the River Road plantation homes and spent the first night at one of the bed & breakfasts in or near  Vacherie  before continuing with the rest of your driving itinerary.

Sample Driving Itinerary

• Spend the morning touring Oak Alley or Laura Plantation Home
• Visit Avery Island and tour the Tabasco Factory
• Spend an hour at Jungle Gardens
• Overnight in Lafayette
• Explore Lafayette
• Drive back to New Orleans via Baton Rouge

Best Stops Between New Orleans and Lafayette

New orleans to vacherie: 54 miles.

Stop: Oak Alley Plantation

The Oak Alley Plantation is one of many plantation homes that can be found along the Mississippi River between New Orleans and Baton Rouge however this particular home is considered to be the Grande Dame of the ‘River Road’ plantations and the most popular to visit.

The architecture of the main house is a beautiful Greek Revival style that was built between 1837 and 1839. One of the most stunning features of the house is the free-standing colonnade of twenty eight massive Doric columns. The driveway leading to the main house is lined with magnificent oak tree’s draped in Spanish moss which is one of the main reasons this is such a popular destination for photographers and travelers.

The Oak Alley Plantation was originally a sugar cane plantation as were many other plantations in the area during the mid-nineteenth century, however after the civil war and the end of slavery, the plantation was no longer economically viable. Many of the original buildings from this era remain on the grounds.

There is a restaurant onsite should you choose to have breakfast or lunch before continuing with your road trip. If you plan to stay overnight in the area, there are several cottages located on the plantation grounds. All stays here come with a full country breakfast which is served daily at the Oak Alley Restaurant between 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

Entry into the site requires the purchasing of a ticket which includes access to various exhibits, the Blacksmith shop, the Sugarcane theater, and a guided tour of the ‘Big House’ aka mansion. Their operation hours are 9 am to 5 pm. A minimum of two hours is recommended to fully appreciate the history and sights.

Admission to the Oak Alley Plantation home is $25 for adults, $10 for youth, and $7 for children or you can visit for FREE on the  New Orleans Pass .

Vacherie To Avery Island: 102 miles

Stop: Avery Island

Avery Island is the highest point on the Gulf Coast and rises dramatically above Louisiana’s surrounding flat wetlands to 163 feet above sea level. It is not a real island but appears island-like because of it’s height and surrounding swamps, bayou’s and salt marshes. The surrounding bayou’s include Stumpy Bayou, Saline Bayou, Bayou Leleu, and largely Bayou Petite Anse.

Avery Island is the largest of five salt domes on the Louisiana coast sitting on top of a deposit of solid rock salt that is said to be deeper than Mount Everest is high. The primary industries on Avery Island are oil production, salt mining and tourism. The latter is owed to the McIlhenny family who have been manufacturing Tabasco products here for over 140 years.

Stop: Tabasco Factory Tour & Museum

Avery Island is the birthplace of the TABASCO® brand pepper sauce which is owned and operated by the McIlhenny family who have been producing the popular sauce for over 140 years.

You can learn about the history of Tabasco in the Tabasco Museum and follow it up with a tour of the Pepper Greenhouse and Barrel Warehouse then see the blending and bottling production line. Be aware that the factory does not bottle on Friday, Saturday or Sunday. Afterwards you can visit the Country Store where you can sample and purchase some of the products.

Be sure not to miss the 1868 Restaurant if you’re feeling hungry. Their southern style menu is infused with Tabasco sauce such as pepper-jelly boudin, pepper barrel crawfish etouffee, and Cajun crawfish nachos. Even their cheesecake is served with a raspberry Tabasco glaze!

For those of you who love to cook, there is a cooking class you can join for a fee to learn about southern cuisine which includes a three-course meal.

Stop: Jungle Gardens

After touring the factory and sampling the Tabasco sauce in the country store, be sure to pay the Jungle Gardens a visit before leaving Avery Island. Entry into the gardens is $8 or you can get a combined Tabasco factory tour ticket.

The Jungle Gardens is a huge park (170 acres to be exact) that stretches along Bayou Petite Anse. Things to see at the park include a magnificent Buddha statue set in a beautiful garden, a bamboo grove that is said the be the oldest in America, and Bird City which is a protected rookery where you can see thousands of snowy white egrets (depending on the time of year). Wildlife you may encounter here include alligators, black bears, turtles, pelicans and deer.

If you want to explore the park, there is a three mile loop gravel path that will take you through the bamboo forest, by live oak tree’s covered with Spanish moss, and past ponds filled with alligators.

Avery Island To Lafayette – 30 miles

Stop: Lafayette

Lafayette is the geographic and cultural center of Louisiana. Even though this city is only two hours west of New Orleans, it seems worlds away in terms of how laid back it is compared to the Big Easy. Whether you’re looking to further your knowledge in Louisiana’s French history, wanting to sample the authentic Cajun culinary scene, or interested in listening and dancing to Zydeco music, Lafayette will not disappoint.

The French/Canadian culture responsible for the delicious dishes and French-named streets was brought to Louisiana by the Acadians who were expelled from parts of Eastern Canada including Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island in the mid-1700’s due to feuding between the French and British people.

To get acquainted with Acadian culture, pay a visit to the  Jean Lafitte National Historic Park and Preserve  which is operated by the National Park Service. Here you will find a museum with exhibits that detail the expulsion of Acadians from Canada.

For more on Lafayette’s history, you can visit the  Alexandre Mouton House  (also known as the Lafayette Museum) which was constructed in the 1800’s by Jean Mouton, one of the first settlers of Southwest Louisiana. The house is filled with artifacts on display from this earlier period.

A favorite stop for most travelers to Lafayette is the  Vermilionville  and  Acadian Village  where you can experience what early Acadian life was like in Louisiana. Both of these attractions are living history museums with original period buildings dating back to the early 1800’s. Besides the several buildings you can tour, there are costumed historians that provide demonstrations on crafts that were performed by the early settlers.

For seafood lovers, Lafayette is a great place to visit, especially during crawfish season when dozens of restaurants and stores sell the boiled creatures by the truckload. The city is also known for their fried catfish, alligator sausage, and oysters.

If you’re wanting to put on your dancing shoes, head to Randol’s Restaurant & Cajun Dance Hall or Artmosphere for lively nightly Cajun music where you’ll see locals pull out their jitterbug moves.

Where To Stay In Lafayette

Mouton Plantation  – A seven room bed & breakfast in downtown Lafayette. This plantation home was originally built in 1820 and the grounds also offer quaint cottages at very reasonable prices. 

DoubleTree By Hilton  – Set on the banks of the Vermilion River, this beautiful hotel has two bars onsite, a swimming pool and restaurant. 

The Chateau Hotel   – A budget hotel close to downtown and Lafayette airport. 

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May 2024’s calendar of can’t-miss events in the Capital Region

• By Olivia Deffes
• May 1, 2024

Races, juleps and roses. Oh my! You don’t have to travel to Churchill Downs to celebrate the Kentucky Derby. At Live Oak Arabians, attendees can take in similar festivities for a good cause at St. Jude Day at the Derby. Don your big hats and seersucker suits, and enjoy derby-themed food and drinks, a live auction and a viewing of the famous horse race. stjude.org

Stroll through the heart of Mid City for the annual Hot Art Cool Nights. This evening market, hosted by Mid City Merchants, allows local creatives to set up booths anywhere from Jefferson Highway at Goodwood Boulevard to the intersection of Government and 14th streets. Many businesses along the market route will also stay open late. midcitymerchantsbr.org

Clash of the crawdads

Pinch. Peel. Repeat. Indulge in ruby-colored crustaceans at the Crawfish King Cook-off benefiting Big Buddy Program and Junior Achievement. Teams will battle it out and see who makes the best boiled crawfish. Ticket holders can feast on claws and tails while supplies last. The event will be held in conjunction with Live After Five, so attendees can jam to local bands while getting their crawfish fix. crawfishkingcookoff.com

Big wheels keep on turning at the Raising Cane’s River Center for the Monster Truck Nitro Tour. Watch as larger-than-life vehicles roll and tumble around the arena while crushing any obstacle in their way. raisingcanesrivercenter.com

Bring an appetite to the Main Library at Goodwood for the Baton Rouge Soul Food Festival. Sample dishes made by competing chefs to get a taste of what the Capital City has to offer in soul food cuisine. Along with culinary creations, there will also be entertainment for all ages. hitcitydigital.wixsite.com/brsoulfoodfest

Support the Baton Rouge Epicurean Society at its annual Spring Fête fundraiser. Held at Houmas House and Gardens, this event invites attendees to try dishes and samples from local chefs, caterers and restaurants. There will also be beer, wine and spirits to try. bresbr.org

Jambalaya Festival

It’s time to stir the pot at the Gonzales Jambalaya Festival. This tasty weekend includes live music, a pageant, 5K and 1-mile races, a car show and much more. And, don’t worry, there will also be a jambalaya cookoff to fuel the whole family through the weekend. jambalayafestival.net

Cajun Country Jam

Calling all country music fans! Dust off those boots, because the Cajun Country Jam is back for Memorial Day weekend. This festival boasts a packed musical lineup along with food, drinks and more entertainment. Enjoy performances by acts like Justin Moore, Clay Walker, Chase Matthew, Laine Hardy and others. thecajuncountryjam.com

Arts Agenda

Zip up the go-go boots, and follow the call of the disco ball. Gimme Gimme Disco returns to Chelsea’s Live for a night of ABBA, Donna Summer, the Bee Gees and other artists from the days of disco. chelseaslive.com

Contemporary Christian band Casting Crowns takes the stage at the Raising Cane’s River Center. The group is celebrating its 20-year anniversary with an exclusive tour featuring a live symphony. raisingcanesrivercenter.com

May 10, 17 + 24

End the work week and kick off the weekend with a free outdoor concert at Live After Five. This month’s lineup features all-female brass band The Original Pinettes Brass Band; New Orleans soul and funk group Bucktown All-Stars; and popular Baton Rouge brass band The Michael Foster Project. There will also be opportunities to shop and dine. downtownbr.org/live-after-five

Fleetwood Mac tribute band Rumors ATL aims to replicate the glory days of the iconic band with a show at L’Auberge Casino & Hotel. Hear the songs that have cemented the band in music history like “The Chain” and “Dreams.” lbatonrouge.com

May 17 + 18

What does a German composer have in common with The Fab Four? According to the Baton Rouge Symphony, more than you think. In Bach to the Beatles: A Concert with Candles, a quartet of musicians transitions between pieces from the Baroque Era to hits from the British Invasion all in one show. brso.org

MAY 17-19 + 23-26

Theatre Baton Rouge actors take on Stephen Karam’s Tony Award-winning play The Humans . The story follows the Blake family as they move their traditional Thanksgiving festivities to their daughter’s bare, creaky Manhattan apartment. During the stay, the Blakes open up, fight and come together. theatrebr.org

Shop, swap and roll your way through Electric Depot for Local Pop-Up’s May market. This monthly art market brings in anywhere from 50-70 local vendors, and this month’s event will also feature a book swap. Attendees who donate a book will receive a ticket to redeem for any book in the pile. localpopup.shop

On the road

New orleans.

May 2-5: New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, nojazzfest.com

May 17-19: The Bayou Boogaloo, thebayouboogaloo.com

May 24-26: New Orleans Greek Festival, gfno.com

May 3-5: Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival, bbcrawfest.com

May 17: Dusty Slay at Club 337, lafayettecomedy.com

May 23-June 2: 36th Annual Cajun Heartland State Fair, cajundome.com

This article was originally published in the May 2024 issue of 225 magazine

Baton Rouge to New Orleans Intercity Passenger Rail Feasibility Study

Studying and planning future passenger rail service

HNTB prepared a feasibility study for identification of infrastructure improvements necessary to introduce intercity passenger rail service from Baton Rouge to New Orleans on tracks owned by Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC). The firm organized a workshop with CPKC along with Amtrak and FRA representatives to discuss the project and to lay out a process for navigating delivery of the feasibility study as the merger of CP and KCS moved forward. The HNTB team participated in a high-rail inspection trip and conducted site visits to the proposed rail stations in Baton Rouge, Gonzales, LaPlace, at Louis Armstrong International Airport and in Kenner.

The draft report included an assessment of existing infrastructure and recommended improvements based on four service plans that also outline how the service could be implemented through phases. Feasibility-level analysis for stations, ridership and revenue, capital, operating and maintenance costs, and financing options was produced as a first step in planning for future passenger rail service. Steps in the implementation section of the study include synchronization with the several grant applications submitted for funding of key elements of the service including two rail stations, railroad crossing elimination, replacement of the Bonnet Carre Bridge, Corridor ID and Fed-State Partnership grants.

Rendering created by HNTB and Manning Architects for the Baton Rouge Passenger Rail Station Master Plan, 2019.

Location: Baton Rouge to New Orleans CPKC Corridor, LA

Client: LA DOTD

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Louisiana Will Get a New City After a Yearslong Court Battle

The State Supreme Court cleared the way for a part of Baton Rouge to become the city of St. George. Critics say the white, wealthier enclave separating from the capital could have devastating consequences.

By Rick Rojas

Rick Rojas, who covers Louisiana as The Times’s Southern bureau chief, reported on the campaign to create St. George and the ballot initiative in 2019 .

The original plan was to start a school district. That didn’t work. So a group of residents in a sprawling unincorporated suburb of Baton Rouge, La., expanded their idea: Create a city of their own, called St. George.

In 2015, they collected signatures to bring their proposal up for a vote, but didn’t get enough. In 2019, they tried again. This time, they made it to a ballot and won the election, only to be stalled by a lengthy court battle.

But the Louisiana Supreme Court cleared the way on Friday for the formation of St. George, a city of nearly 100,000 people that joins the ranks of the state’s largest cities, falling between Lafayette and Lake Charles in population. It is the first city to be incorporated in Louisiana in nearly two decades.

A majority of justices found that lower courts had erred in blocking the city’s creation over concerns of its financial viability.

“This is the culmination of citizens exercising their constitutional rights,” Andrew Murrell, a leader of the effort to create the city, said in a statement, adding, “Now we begin the process of delivering on our promises of a better city.”

The city will consist of an area of East Baton Rouge Parish, which is run by a blended government that oversees both Baton Rouge and the broader parish. It also carves out a largely white and more affluent section of the parish, southeast of Baton Rouge.

The ruling signaled victory for a campaign that had endured since 2012 and was built on frustrations about schools, crime, infrastructure and the resources devoted to that part of the parish.

But its opponents — including parish leaders, as well as a powerful cross-section of business and civic leaders — contended that the complaints driving the campaign were unfounded and unfair. They argued that the plan for a new city was poorly conceived and would cause turbulence for the parish as a whole, rather than improve anyone’s quality of life.

“There is no basis in fact that the existence of St. George is positive or will bring positivity or have a positive impact on any areas of the cities or the parish,” said M.E. Cormier, who was a leader of a group that campaigned against St. George.

Critics also said that the grievances were masking other motivations, describing the effort as an example of a wealthy white community trying to distance itself from the Black and poorer residents in Baton Rouge. Some were disappointed that the challenge was now exhausted and believed that parish residents who live outside St. George but would feel its impact should have had more of a say.

Sharon Weston Broome, the mayor-president leading the combined Baton Rouge and East Baton Rouge Parish governments, had been one of the principal challengers to St. George. But in a news conference on Friday, Ms. Broome tried to send a more conciliatory message, acknowledging that the court’s ruling was the end to the saga.

“My goal from the very beginning — and it will always be my goal — is to advocate for a united Baton Rouge,” Ms. Broome told reporters, referring to the goal of minimizing division, even if St. George becomes its own municipality. “I am committed to serving the residents of St. George.”

Trying to forge a friendly relationship between the governments means overcoming acrimony that has festered for more than a decade.

The drive to establish St. George was started by residents who wanted to form their own school district because of concerns that East Baton Rouge Parish schools were troubled and underperforming.

When their first bid failed to get enough votes in the State Legislature, organizers were told they might have a better standing with a city of their own. So, in 2015, they sketched out an area of 85 square miles and 107,000 residents that would form the new city. But they did not gather enough signatures for the proposal to advance to a vote.

Several years later, they shaved the area down to include 60 square miles and 86,000 people, and collected enough signatures for a ballot initiative in 2019. The measure won 54 percent of the vote. Since then, the area shrunk even more, as some properties within the new city lines were annexed by Baton Rouge .

The path to the incorporation of St. George resembled in many ways the one taken by the last city formed in Louisiana, just on a larger scale: The city of Central, which is also in East Baton Rouge Parish and has nearly 30,000 people, was established in 2005 after failed attempts to start a new school district.

The success of the 2019 vote spurred an immediate legal challenge as parish officials feared the consequences of losing $48 million in annual tax revenues. They argued that the new city could not operate with a balanced budget and the proposed budget for St. George was inaccurate. A lower court judge agreed.

But the State Supreme Court, in the majority opinion, said that parish officials were relying on flawed figures, and that the city could operate within its estimated tax revenues.

Justice William J. Crain, the author of the majority opinion, also pushed back on the assertion that the new city would contribute to the deterioration of Baton Rouge, the parish seat with just over 220,000 residents. He wrote that the population of St. George was growing as Baton Rouge’s declined, and a flourishing St. George might stanch an migration to surrounding parishes with “more shared interests, including more desirable school districts.”

“We conclude St. George can provide public services within a reasonable period of time,” Justice Crain wrote, speaking for the 4-3 majority.

Now, the campaign to establish St. George — named for an extinct parish that once included the area — is moving ahead with the business of assembling a city government essentially from scratch. Gov. Jeff Landry will appoint an interim mayor and City Council.

St. George already has its own Fire Department and will continue to rely on the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Department for its policing needs. Many other city services will be privatized, adhering to a vision articulated by organizers to maintain as svelte of an operation as possible.

“I look forward to our ability to build an efficient, productive and vibrant city while contributing to a thriving East Baton Rouge Parish,” Norman Browning, one of the chairmen of the campaign, said in a statement.

But some fear that will be no easy undertaking, and that the process will be a fraught and complicated negotiation. “The detanglement, logistically speaking, is going to be an absolute nightmare,” Ms. Cormier said.

Ms. Cormier, 39, said that St. George is an area that has transformed in her lifetime living in Baton Rouge. She remembered when the area, now bustling with suburban homes and commerce, was filled with farmland and trees. That growth, she said, came from the parish’s investment.

“There are legacy costs associated with that,” Ms. Cormier said. “That is a bill they will be expected to pay — their citizens will be expected to pay — and it will be due and owing on Day 1.”

Rick Rojas is the Atlanta bureau chief for The Times, leading coverage of the South. More about Rick Rojas