Location: Baton Rouge
Top Things to do in Baton Rouge
Top Restaurants in Baton Rouge
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5 History Museums in Baton Rouge That You Shouldn't Miss
Settled by Europeans on Native American hunting grounds, the city of Baton Rouge has grown up under the influence of English, French, Spanish, and native cultures. The city is proud of its Cajun and Creole heritage, with clubs famous for playing the blues, and streets full of restaurants serving up everything from spicy Bayou foods to Caribbean home cooking. Located on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi delta, visitors can watch the sun set over the levees or ride on a riverboat casino.
Restaurants in Baton Rouge
1. Louisiana's Old State Capitol
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 693 reviews
Louisiana's Old State Capitol sits on a hill overlooking the Mississippi River in downtown Baton Rouge. Completed in 1849, the castle-like fortress has been restored to its original grandeur. It houses both traditional and state-of-the-art interactive exhibits and a multi-media film presentation. Audio tours available in English, French, German and Spanish. Free admission.
Reviewed By BHartMich - Northville, United States
We walked in on a whim, and enjoyed a short time walking around the old state capitol. Upon entry we were greeted by a guide who gave us an quick overview, and then gave us a sheet enabling us to do a self guided tour. We could have spent longer than the 20 minutes we did, but we wanted to walk around the city a bit more. It is a beautiful building inside and out, with some very interesting history, and well worth stopping by.
2. LSU Rural Life Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 364 reviews
Step back in time to pre-industrial Louisiana at this 27-building museum complex, one of the best outdoor museums in the U.S., featuring tools, furniture and other artifacts and, the highlight, a recreated 19th-century plantation that portrays the daily lives of these early settlers.
Reviewed By georgia638 - Dallas, United States
This was much more extensive and emotional than I thought it would be. The curators did an awesome job of telling the holistic story of rural life in Louisiana in the 1800’s. No electricity, no water, kitchen in a separate building and one room slaves’ quarters. The farm equipment, cooking utensils, general store, looms for weaving fabric, everything was manually done. Life was so much harder then!
3. USS Kidd
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 631 reviews
The USS KIDD Veterans Museum is a nonprofit organization, highlighting the role that Louisiana and its citizens have played in U.S. military history. The shoreside museum offers a permanent collection of Louisiana veterans’ artifacts, traveling exhibits, visiting ships, and event space with views of the Mississippi River. For nearly 40 years, the Museum and the USS KIDD, a National Historic Landmark and the Museum’s largest artifact, have served as a reminder to the people of Louisiana of the service and sacrifices of our state’s veterans. Both are visited by thousands of people from around the world each year.
Reviewed By Jellybeandean - Tucson, United States
Wonder what service in WWII was like, come aboard. Tight quarters and a tight fast ship in the war. Get in gun position and let your mind wander.
4. Capitol Park Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 244 reviews
With thematic exhibits on diverse aspects of Louisiana history, industry and culture, the museum includes two permanent exhibits: Grounds for Greatness: Louisiana and the Nation and Experiencing Louisiana: Discovering the Soul of America.
Reviewed By SINYPA - Buckingham, United States
This was one of the most engaging museums we have ever visited. We learned about the acquisition of the Louisiana Purchase, the story of Louisiana’s role in the War of 1812, Civil War, World War II, and the Civil Rights Movement. We learned about Huey Long and Louie Armstrong. There’s also information on the natural resources of the state, the Mississippi River, and steamboats. And then you go upstairs to the colorful culture of the area - food, religion, music, fun. This is a must see museum! Plan to spend at least two hours, although we spent at least 3 and could have spent more time. The young lady at the entrance was warm and welcoming - real Southern hospitality! This was our first stop on our vacation in New Orleans and it gave us the much needed background information to maximize our vacation. Thank you!!
5. Burden Museum & Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Burden Museum & Gardens offers discovery and adventure through historic, natural and educational experiences that provide a window into Louisiana’s rich, cultural past. Situated on 440 acres in the heart of Baton Rouge, it is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the flora and fauna of Louisiana’s lush landscapes and agricultural heritage.
Reviewed By GlobeTrotting549323 - Houston, United States
heart The Burden facility is a delightful experience from the beautiful plants and schrubs to the antiques to take you back to yesteryear and right in the heart of Bato Rouge
