There are more fun things to do in Baton Rouge, Louisiana than you can imagine. This vibrant city is full of exciting activities and attractions that will keep you entertained, whether you enjoy history, art, or just hanging out; Whatever your interests, Baton Rouge is sure to have something that will stimulate your curiosity. These are 19 fun and unusual things you can do in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Fun Things to Do in Baton Rouge
Explore the Louisiana Art & Science Museum
Visit the Louisiana Art & Science Museum to begin your journey. For everyone with a curious mind, a visit to this museum is a must. From history and culture to science and the arts, you will gain knowledge on a variety of subjects. Originally built as a train station in 1925, the structure itself is stunning. Discover interactive science displays, a planetarium, and an art gallery.
Visit the Old State Capitol
In the heart of Baton Rouge, on a hill with a view of the Mississippi River, is this magnificent structure that looks like a castle. It was completed in 1849 and has been entirely restored to its former beauty, and today functions as a museum and cultural center.
Inside, you’ll find a variety of exhibits that showcase Louisiana’s rich history and culture. From traditional exhibits to state-of-the-art interactive displays. You can also watch a multimedia film presentation that will take you back to Louisiana’s early years as a state.
Entry is free and it opens from Tuesday to Friday from 10 am to 4 pm, and on Saturdays from 9 am to 3 pm.
Explore the USS Kidd Veterans Museum
The USS Kidd Veterans Museum is a must-visit destination. This museum is dedicated to honoring the role that Louisiana and its citizens have played in U.S. military history.
The museum, located on the Mississippi River, houses the USS Kidd, a Fletcher-class destroyer from World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.
Visitors can explore the ship’s decks and see the aircraft that flew in Southeast Asia during two eras of conflict. You can also examine the dented helmet of an infantryman who stormed the beaches of Normandy and pay respect to fallen Americans at the Louisiana Memorial Plaza.
There’s also a gift shop for souvenirs and memorabilia. The museum is open daily from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM, and tickets for the self-guided tour are available in the gift shop.
Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center
Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center in Baton Rouge offers a unique outdoor experience dedicated to conservation, education, and recreation.
It’s a place to explore Louisiana’s wildlife and ecology. The 65-acre cypress-tupelo swamp is accessible via a boardwalk and filled with wildlife such as birds, bobcats, foxes, turtles, and alligators.
You’ll also find a variety of exhibits and displays showcasing the area’s uniqueness, and interactive activities for all ages.
Tickets to the Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center cost $3 for adults, $2 for youths, and free for children 2 and younger. Open Tuesday-Saturday (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and Sundays (noon to 5 p.m.). Check their website for event info and educational programs.
Baton Rouge Zoo
If you’re looking for a fun and family-friendly activity in Baton Rouge, you can’t go wrong with a visit to the Baton Rouge Zoo. With over 944 animals from around the world, the zoo is the perfect place to learn about different species and their habitats.
The Baton Rouge Zoo is home to a wide variety of animals, including tigers, black rhinos, flamingos, alligators, and giraffes. You can explore their natural habitats and observe them up close. The zoo also has a children’s area, where your little ones can play and learn about animals in a fun and interactive way.
The Baton Rouge Zoo also provides tram and train rides, which are excellent ways to see the entire zoo while resting your feet. The zoo also hosts special activities throughout the year, such as Boo at the Zoo during Halloween and ZooLights during the holiday season.
Explore the Louisiana’s Old Governor’s Mansion
This Georgian-style mansion, built in 1927 by Huey P. Long, served as the residence for nine Louisiana governors from 1930 to 1962. Modeled after the White House in Washington, DC.
It was alleged that Huey Long built the mansion in this style to give himself a preview of what life in the White House would be like if he ever ran for president.
Today, the Old Governor’s Mansion is a historic house museum listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It offers visitors insight into the lives of governors and their families during a pivotal era.
During your visit, you’ll be able to explore the mansion’s many rooms, which are furnished to reflect the era in which they were occupied, and view memorabilia like Huey Long’s pajamas and Jimmie Davis’ guitar.
Beyond its historical significance, it’s a sought-after venue for weddings and special events, offering a unique and elegant setting.
Don’t miss this chance to explore this destination when in Baton Rouge.
Baton Rouge Food Tours
Baton Rouge is known for its delicious and diverse cuisine, and what better way to experience it than through a food tour? Visitors can explore the city’s culinary scene and learn about its rich cultural history through various food tours offered in the area.
One popular option is the Baton Rouge Food Tours, LLC, which offers a walking, guided tour that includes food tasting infused with entertaining historical, cultural, and architectural details. The tour lasts for three hours and is suitable for all age groups and fitness levels.
Participants can expect to be full from belly to brain and gain a deeper appreciation for Baton Rouge’s food culture.
The tour is perfect for foodies looking to satisfy their culinary cravings and learn more about the city’s food culture.
Both tours offer a unique and fun way to experience Baton Rouge’s food scene while also learning about its rich cultural history.
Mall of Louisiana
Mall of Louisiana is the largest mall in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the mall features over 160 stores including Apple, Sephora, and Victoria’s Secret.
The food court provides diverse dining options from fast food to sit-down restaurants. The mall hosts events and activities all year round, with a carousel for daily enjoyment and newsletters for updates.
For relaxation near the mall, the Woodhouse Day Spa offers massages, facials, and body wraps.
Whether you’re shopping, dining, or seeking entertainment, the Mall of Louisiana is an ideal destination for a fun day out in Baton Rouge, catering to a wide range of interests and tastes.
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Magnolia Mound Plantation
Magnolia Mound Plantation, at 2161 Nicholson Drive in Baton Rouge, is a historic asset dating back to the late 18th century. This well-preserved plantation home is among Louisiana’s oldest wooden structures, narrowly escaping demolition in the 1960s.
Visitors can take a guided tour of the plantation house to learn about the history of the property and the people who lived there. The tour includes a look at the interior of the house, which is furnished with period-appropriate furniture and decor.
Operating hours are Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm, and Sundays, 1 pm to 4 pm. Entry is $3 per person, and the tour takes about an hour.
Shaw Center for the Arts
The Shaw Center for the Arts in Baton Rouge is a cultural hub offering a diverse range of experiences. It is situated in downtown Baton Rouge, this contemporary arts facility is a gathering place for viewing art, listening to music, watching dancers and movies, seeing dramas, and dining.
Within the Shaw Center, you’ll find multiple venues, such as the Manship Theatre, LSU Museum of Art, and LSU School of Art Gallery. The building covers an entire city block, providing captivating views of the Mississippi River.
When hunger strikes, the Shaw Center offers dining choices like Tsunami Sushi, blending Japanese and Louisiana cuisine, and the River Terrace, serving classic American dishes with beautiful views of the Mississippi River.
The Shaw Center for the Arts is a great destination for anyone looking to experience the arts and culture of Baton Rouge.
LSU Museum of Art
The LSU Museum of Art is one of the largest university-affiliated art collections in the South. It features over 6,500 works of art that span from ancient to contemporary times. The museum has a large collection of Louisiana art and a permanent collection of works by several artists.
It houses a remarkable collection of regional, American, and European art, spanning paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, works on paper, and photography.
In addition to its permanent collection, the museum hosts world-class touring exhibitions that constantly refresh the visitor experience. Check the museum’s calendar for current exhibitions.
Open Tuesday through Sunday with free entry.
Baton Rouge Gallery
Art lovers must visit Baton Rouge Gallery in City Park, one of the USA’s oldest contemporary art galleries, founded in 1966 by local artists seeking a space to showcase their work.
It displays diverse art styles, including paintings, sculptures, and mixed media, with regular exhibitions highlighting local and national artists.
Housed in a historic building that used to be a waterworks pumping station, the renovated building now features a spacious gallery with plenty of natural light.
Open Tuesday to Sunday, entry is free, and you can purchase art, prints, jewelry, and art-related items from the gift shop.
Louisiana State Penitentiary Museum
Explore Louisiana’s prison history at the Louisiana State Penitentiary Museum, situated within the walls of Angola, the largest maximum security prison in the U.S. The museum showcases the history of Angola and the Louisiana prison system, featuring exhibits like the electric chair used in Louisiana, a replica of a prison cell, and a display of shanks and other homemade weapons that have been confiscated from inmates over the years.
The museum also offers guided tours of the prison grounds; where you will have the opportunity to see the prison’s various buildings and learn about the daily life of inmates. You will also hear stories about the prison’s history and the various riots and escapes that have occurred over the years.
Note that the museum is within the Angola prison, so visitors must go through security checkpoints and adhere to strict regulations.
Perkins Rowe
Perkins Rowe in Baton Rouge is your go-to place for shopping, dining, and relaxation.
This outdoor shopping center boasts a variety of stores, restaurants, and entertainment options. You can find everything from clothing and jewelry to home goods and electronics. Some of the popular stores at Perkins Rowe include Barnes & Noble, Anthropologie, and Kendra Scott.
Dining options range from food trucks to sit-down restaurants like California Pizza Kitchen, Jinya Ramen Bar, and Bin 77 Bistro & Wine. Perkins Rowe hosts various events throughout the year, including the Perkins Rowe Arts Festival and Sidewalk Astronomy. It’s a vibrant outdoor shopping center, making it a must-visit for a fun and relaxing day in Baton Rouge.
LSU Botanic Gardens
Discover the serene LSU Botanic Gardens in Baton Rouge. This expansive collection in the heart of the city features a garden, woodlands, wetlands, and arboreta, providing a connection to Louisiana’s diverse flora and fauna.
One of the highlights of the Botanic Gardens is the Trees and Trails area, which offers five miles of serene walking paths through the Burden Woods. This is a great place to take a leisurely stroll, go for a jog, or even bring your dog for some exercise.
Another must-see area of the Botanic Gardens is the Rose Garden, which showcases the beauty of these beloved flowers. The Children’s Garden is also a popular spot, offering educational experiences for young gardeners and nature enthusiasts.
Farr Park Equestrian Center
At Farr Park, you can take horseback riding lessons, go on guided trail rides, and even attend horse shows and events. The center offers both Western and English-style riding lessons, so no matter your experience level or preference, there’s something for everyone.
In addition to riding, Farr Park also features a newly renovated indoor arena and an outdoor arena, both of which are lighted for evening use. There are 256 stalls available for boarding horses, as well as a cross-country event course and horse trails for those who want to explore the park on horseback.
Farr Park Equestrian Center is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves horses or just wants to experience something new and exciting in Baton Rouge.
LSU Hilltop Arboretum
The LSU Hilltop Arboretum is the ideal outdoor destination if you want a peaceful and educational experience. Tourists can explore a variety of gardens, paths, and displays at this 14-acre natural paradise on the LSU campus.
The Louisiana Iris Garden, which has more than 300 species of this state flower, is one of the Arboretum’s attractions. To learn more about Louisiana’s unique vegetation, you can also stroll around the unique Plant Garden. Another distinctive feature is the Sensory Garden, where guests can touch, smell, and even taste various plants.
The Arboretum has a number of hiking and walking trails in addition to the gardens. While the Woodland Trail provides a shaded walk through the woodland, the Birding Trail is a popular location for birdwatchers. Be sure to bring your camera, as there are plenty of opportunities for beautiful nature shots.
The Arboretum is open to the public free of charge, seven days a week during daylight hours.
Baton Rouge Blues Festival
Don’t miss the Baton Rouge Blues Festival if you’re a blues music enthusiast. This free downtown Baton Rouge event spans two days in April, with the 2023 edition held on April 22-23.
The festival features an ever-changing lineup of top blues musicians from across the country, including performers like Chris Leblanc and Hanna PK in 2023.
Aside from the music, you can enjoy Southern cuisine at various food vendors offering gumbo, jambalaya, po’boys, and crawfish étouffée.
For those interested in blues history, the Baton Rouge Blues Foundation tent provides insights into the genre’s preservation and promotion, offering blues-related merchandise for purchase.
Bike Riding on Baton Rouge Levee Path
Explore Baton Rouge in an active and enjoyable way by biking along the Baton Rouge Levee Path. This 28-mile scenic trail along the Mississippi River offers beautiful views and a flat, paved surface suitable for riders of all levels. You can pedal at your own pace, whether you’re an experienced cyclist or seeking a leisurely ride.
As you bike, you’ll pass iconic Baton Rouge landmarks like the Louisiana State Capitol, USS Kidd, and Shaw Center for the Arts. Along the way, you’ll find amenities such as restrooms, water fountains, and picnic areas for added comfort. If you don’t have a bike, rental shops are available nearby. This path is an excellent way to exercise, enjoy beautiful scenery, and explore Baton Rouge’s attractions.
Prepare for your visit to Baton Rouge
With these 19 fun things to do in Baton Rouge, you are sure to have an unforgettable experience exploring this captivating city.
