If you're looking for authentic Louisiana, then look no further than Baton Rouge, Louisiana's state capital. From antebellum homes to Zydeco dancing, it's all right here. And with Baton Rouge as your hub, you're minutes away from some of the world's most renowned travel attractions. Whether you're coming for a family vacation, romantic getaway, group tour, or convention, you'll find everything you need in Baton Rouge. Best Western Baton Rouge Louisiana.
Things to do in Baton Rouge
Audubon State Commemorative Area
The Audubon State Commemorative Area is a one-hundred acre tract set aside as a wildlife sanctuary. Call 225-635-3739 for more information.
Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre
Stop in and see professional dance productions such as Dance Theater of Harlem and The Nutcracker. Children's group travels to places around the city. Arts in education program. Call 225-766-8379 for more information.
Baton Rouge Zoo
Located at 3601 Thomas Rd., this is the #1 year-round family attraction in Baton Rouge. Over 1,400 animals including white tigers, elephants, giraffes, alligators plus L'aquarium de Louisiane and Parrot Paradise. Open daily from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm. Call 225-775-3877 for more information.
Blue Bayou Water Park
Located at I-10 at Exit 166, Highland Road. Louisiana's largest water theme park. You will find 12 waterslides, a wave pool, lazy river, gift shop, snack bars and kiddie areas. Call for an operating schedule please. Call 225-753-3333 for more information.
Bonne Fete
See shows and exhibits featuring up to 120 artisans and craftspeople and 1,200 performers. Many activities going on including: drama, music, dance, children's theater and street entertainment. Downtown area. Call 225-383-1825 for more information.
BREC's Magnolia Mound Plantation
This 1790's French Creole house is located on a 16-acre site complete with a gift shop, seasonal open-hearth cooking demonstrations. Group rates and reservations are available. Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 4pm; Sunday 1 - 4 pm. Located at 2161 N. Nicholson Drive Call 225-343-4955 for more information.
Briarwood Golf Club
13209 Airline Hwy Call 225-753-1989 for more information.
Casino Rouge
Satisfy your fever for fun! With over 950 slots and 45 fiery tables and a sizzling buffet, Casino Rouge is #1. Located at 1717 River Road, Open 24 hours a day/7 days a week. Call 800-44-Rouge for more information.
Dixie Landin' Amusement Theme Park
Dixie Landin' Amusement Theme Park - Visit Louisiana's family Theme Park located next to Louisiana's largest Waterpark. 30 rides, food, live music and shows. Located at I-10 exit 166. Please call for operating times & schedules. Call 225-756-4900 for more information.
Enchanted Mansion
Enjoy this rare collection of antique dolls and exceptional one of a kind dolls. Gift shop and wheel chair accessible for your convenience. Non-profit organization. Open Sunday 1 - 4pm; Monday & Wednesday - Saturday 10am - 5pm. Located at 190 Lee Drive. Call 225-769-0005 for more information.
Greater Baton Rouge State Fair
With 36 years of thrill and chills and family entertainment under the belt, you cannot miss this one! Music, carnival midway, 4-H & FFA animal shows are available for lots of fun. Admission is charged. Held in mid October - please call for dates and times. Call 225-755-FAIR for more information.
Greenwood
This Greek Revival plantation house was built in 1830 and survived the Civil War and post-war economic recession only to burn in 1960. It has been rebuilt and is a working plantation producing cattle, hay and pecans. Located west on Highland Road. Call 225-655-4475 for more information.
Heritage Museum Village
Tour this turn of the century Victorian house surrounded by a replica of a rural village including church, scholl, and town hall. Located at 1606 Main St. Call 225-775-3877 for more information.
Houmas House
The Houmas House is a large, restored sugar plantation and Greek Revival mansion with early Louisiana-crafted furnishings, spiral staircase, belvedere, hexagonal garconnieres in gardens. Call 225-473-7841 for more information.
Howell Park Golf Course
5511 Winbourne Ave., Baton Rouge, LA 70805 Call 225-357-9292 for more information.
Lagniappe Tours
Operated by the Foundation for Historical Louisiana form the Old Governor's Mansion. Offering professional step on guides and 25 years of experience in Heritage Tourism for groups. Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm. Located at 502 North Blvd. Call 225-387-2464 for more information.
Laurens Henrey Cohn Sr. Memorial Plant Arboretum
Take a stroll on this 16-acre tract of land with over 120 species of native trees and shrubs. Call 225-775-1006 for more information.
Louisiana Arts & Science Museum
Located at 100 South River Road. Enjoy fine art exhibits, an Egyptian tomb and mummies, a 5-car train, hands on kid's galleries, simulated space station and mission control center. Open Sunday 1 - 4pm; Tuesday - Friday 10am - 3pm; Saturday 10am - 4pm. Call 225-344-5272 for more information.
Louisiana Mud Painting Gallery
Louisiana mud paintings by Hennery Neubig are on display here and they depict nostalgic Louisiana using only mud and clay colors. Open Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 5pm. Located at 16950 Strain Rd. Call 225 275-5126 for more information.
Louisiana State Archives
This official repository for Louisiana records also houses an extensive genealogy research library and 2 exhibit halls. More than 30,000 cu.ft.of archival materials. No admission fee. Open Sunday 1 - 5pm; Monday - Friday 8am - 4:30pm; Saturday 9am - 5pm. Located at 3851 Essen Lane. Call 225-922-1000 for more information.
Louisiana State Capitol
Located at State Capitol Drive, it is the tallest capitol in the nation. The Art Deco-style building was completed in 1932. An observation deck is located on the 27th and closes at 4pm. It is the site of Senator Huey Long's assassination in 1935. Call 225-342-7317 for more information.
Louisiana State Library
Offers a collection of some 350,000 books, including extensive section of Louisiana historical books, maps and photographs. Located at 760 N 3rd Street. Call 225-342-4913 for more information.
Louisiana State University
Highland Road Call 225-388-3202 for more information.
LSU Golf Course
Nicholson & Burbank, Baton Rouge, LA 70893 Call 225-388-3394 for more information.
LSU Museum of Natural Science
Hall of Louisiana birds, habitat, dioramas, mammals, reptile, amphibians of Louisiana. Mike the Tiger, Saturday programs and guided tours are all offered here. Call for details. Hours are Monday - Friday 8am - 4pm. Located 119 Foster Hall. Call 225-578-3080 for more information.
LSU Union Great Performances
See award winning performances of classic plays. Call for information on upcoming plays. Call 225-578-5128 for more information.
Magnolia Mound Plantation
The Magnolia Mound Plantation is an early 19th century Creole-style building restored to reflect the lifestyle of colonial Louisiana. Weekly demonstrations of open hearth Creole cooking. Located at 2161 Nicholson Dr. Call 225-343-4955 for more information.
Memorial Tower
View the Memorial Tower built in 1923 as a monument to Louisianians who died in World War I. Houses LSU Museum of Art that features original 17th-through mid-19th-century rooms from England and America. Call 225-388-4003 for more information.
Nottoway Plantation
Nottoway Plantation is no doubt one of the South's most impressive houses. Nottoway contains more than 50,000 square feet including 64 rooms, 200 windows and 165 doors. Call 225-545-2730 for more information.
Old Governor's Mansion
Built by Huey Long in 1930 as Louisiana's White House. Restored to its original splendor, guided tours tell the story of the governor who have lived here. Located at 502 North Blvd. Open from 10am - 4pm,Tuesday - Friday and by appointment. Call 225-387-2464 for more information.
Parlange Plantation
This beautiful plantation was built in 1750 and owned by relatives of the builder, this working plantation is a National Historic Landmark. Doorways and ceiling moldings are of hand-carved cypress. Call 225-638-8410 for more information.
Plaquemine Locks
The locks were built between 1895 - 1909 to control the water level between the Bayou Plaquemine and the Mississippi. Historic locks which were designed by George Goethals. Call 225-383-1825 for more information.
Port Hudson State Commemorative Area
This 650-acre area encompasses part of a Civil War battlefield, site of the longest siege in Amarican military history. It features viewing towers, Civil War guns, trenches and hiking trails. Call 225-654-3775 for more information.
Putnam Studio
Located at 7982 Brandon Drive. Restored 1890's Greek Revival cottage. See original Louisiana photos, antiques, religious art, iron gates and hand-colored 999999 & white photos. Open Tuesday - Friday 11am - 5pm or by appointment. Call 225-267-6265 for more information.
Rosedown
An impressive restored antebellum mansion with many original furnishings. Twenty-eight acres of formal gardens. Call 225-635-3332 for more information.
Rural Life Museum
Outdoor museum consisting of over 20 buildings depicting the various cultures of pre-industrial 19th century Louisiana. The 25-acre gardens feature classical statuary. Open daily 8:30am - 5pm. Call 225-765-2437 for more information.
Santa Maria Golf Club
19301 Old Perkins Rd., Baton Rouge, LA 70810 Call 225-752-9667 for more information.
The Old Arsenal Museum
Located on the State Capitol Grounds, this arsenal was built in 1838. It was of important military use as it was used in the development of the Southwest, Mexican War and the Civil War. It was later to become a part of LSU. Exhibits are available on the military history. Open Monday - Saturday 9am-4pm. Call 225-342-0401 for more information.
The Pentagon Barracks Museum
A National Register property, circa 1819, was used primarily as a military post and former site of LSU. Exhibits of the State Capitol and Huey Long can be viewed here. Gift shop for Louisiana souvenirs and crafts. Hours vary by season so please contact us for hours. Located at 959 Third St. Call 225-387-2464 for more information.
USS Kidd & Nautical Center
Restored World War II destroyer. The nautical museum features ship models, artifacts, Veterans Memorial Plaza, Hall of Honor, Submarine exhibit and a gift shop. Located at 305 S. River Rd. Open daily from 9am - 5pm. Call 225-342-1942 for more information.
Waddill Wildlife Refuge
Located at Flannery Road. Enjoy this urban refuge for fishing, birding, nature trails and picnicking. Call 225-274-8182 for more information.
Webb Park Golf Course
1351 Country Club Dr., Baton Rouge, LA 70806 Call 225-383-4919 for more information.