15 Best Things to Do in Baton Rouge

Discover the eclectic culture of the “Red Stick” state which houses over 300 years of history, and packs an ever-growing interesting attractions your family and friends will love.

Here are the best things to do in Baton Rouge:

1. Visit the Magnolia Mound Plantation

Early settlers from France and the West Indies have left behind what is now considered a fine example of architectural influence. The Magnolia Mound Plantation is one of the oldest houses in Baton Rouge, a French Creole house which many people pass by on a daily basis. Some visitors and even locals fail to recognize this place, making it a true hidden gem of Baton Rouge.

The plantation is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is open from 1 to 4 p.m on Sundays.

2. Spend the Day at Perkins Road Community Park

The Perkins Road Community Park is an extreme sports park that offers lots of facilities such as BMX Raceway, skate park, rock climbing wall, and a community playground. They also have walking, skating and biking trails, including a tennis court.

Address: 7122 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, LA

3. Explore the Louisiana State Capitol

Talk about tall. The Louisiana State Capitol is the tallest building in Baton Rouge, the seventh tallest building in Louisiana, and the tallest capitol in all of the United States. It currently houses the chambers for the Louisiana State Legislature, including the office of the Governor of Louisiana.

4. Visit Shaw Center for the Arts

Head to Lafayette and you’ll see the Shaw Center for the Arts which is a performing arts venue, fine arts museum, and education center catering to those who carry creative interests.

Many people also applaud the unique setting of their River Terrace, which is a glass-enclosed room that leads out to a balcony and sculpture garden. Private events such as wedding receptions are usually held there as it also gives a beautiful view of the Mississippi River and downtown.

Address: 100 Lafayette Street Baton Rouge, Louisiana

5. Learn About the Stars at Planetarium Show

One of the best things to do in Baton Rouge is to discover and appreciate the immersive planetarium shows at the Louisiana Art & Science Museum Planetarium and Space Theater.

Some of their Planetarium Shows include Apollo 11, America’s Musical Journey, Dinosaurs: Giants of Patagonia, and more!

6. Walk Your Dog at City-Brooks Community Park

Make sure your family, including your furry buddies, spends the much-needed quality time together by going to a recreation destination that will keep you happy and busy. Located in the southwestern part of East Baton Rouge Parish by LSU, the City-Brooks Community Park offers recreational opportunities you’ll enjoy.

Amenities:

• Ball/Multi-Purpose Field (Unlighted)
• Basketball (Outdoor Court)
• Golf Course (9)
• Spray Pad
• Croquet
• Swimming Pool
• Dog Park
• Playground
• Recreation Center
• Soccer Field
• Lake
• Tennis Center
• Tennis Court (Lighted and Unlighted)
• Walking Track/Loop (Outdoor)

7. Make Your Kids Happy at Knock Knock Children’s Museum

Make learning fun and interactive by visiting this 26,000-square-foot facility atop the Knock Knock Hill, overlooking City-Brooks Community Park. The Knock Knock Children’s Museum is full of “Learning Zones,” or the fun-filled exhibits, sure to connect kids’ everyday experiences to learning.

Admission Rates:

• $14 for visitors 2 years and older
• FREE for children 23 months of age and younger

8. Try Your Luck at the Hollywood Casino Baton Rouge

Are you ready to be the next jackpot winner? If yes, then trying your luck at the Hollywood Casino Baton Rouge may just be one of the best things to do in Baton Rouge for you.

Nights will be filled with excitement as you challenge your lady luck with the table games, craps, blackjack, roulette, and more. This 27,000-square feet casino destination will surely give you an experience you’ll never forget.

9. Attend a Mass at St. Joseph Cathedral

St. Joseph Cathedral is the mother church of the Diocese of Baton Rouge and a famous Catholic cathedral located in downtown Baton Rouge. If you are looking for a place of worship in the area, you should go to attend a mass here.

Mass Schedule

• Monday-Friday Mass: 12:05 pm
• Saturday Anticipated (Vigil) Mass: 4:00 pm
• Sunday Mass: 8:30 am and 10:30 am

10. Visit the Governor’s Mansion

You may have heard of talks about a building inspired by the White House in Washington D.C. The Governor’s Mansion in Louisiana is reported to have been originally designed by Thomas Jefferson and was made so then-governor Huey Long would already be familiar with the White House when he became president.

Some may dispute this tale, but there’s no denying that the building is a good example of art deco, inside and out.

11. Discover History Exhibits at USS Kidd Veterans Museum

Your family will find fun and excitement at the “Pirate of the Pacific,” or downtown Baton Rouge’s Fletcher-class destroyer USS Kidd.

Admission Rates:
$12.53 Adult
$10.45 Veterans (With ID)
$10.45 Seniors (60+)
$8.36 Children (5-12)

12. Enjoy Watching the Wildlife at University Lake

University Lake is a great place to enjoy outdoor life and do some proper exercise. It is made more majestic at some particular time of the year when the migrating white pelicans come and stay.

While it has become congested as of recently, you can still have a good time with your partner, family, or friends.

13. Relieve Your Burden by Strolling Around Burden Museum and Gardens

Discover historic, natural, and educational experiences on a 440-acre land that features the agricultural history of Louisiana.

What you can expect:

• Rural Life Museum
• AgCenter Botanic Gardens
• Windrush Gardens

The place is made more wonderful by the majestic live oaks that evoke a sense of tranquility and peace.

14. Invite Your Friends to an Outdoor Fun at The Oasis

Spend your day in a recreational retail and entertainment development in Baton Rouge! The Oasis is a place where you can relax and play to your heart’s content.

Some of the facilities:

• Creole Cabana
• 5,000 sq ft Covered Open Air Patio
• Sand Volleyball Courts
• Live Music Stage
• Children’s Sandbox Area
• 20′ Outdoor Theater Screen

15. Go on a Wellness Retreat at Healthcare Gallery

Be in two places at the same time at Healthcare Gallery.

Here, you’ll see a socially-conscious art gallery as well as a day spa. With their excellent services, you’re sure to uplift your body, mind, and soul and have an improved sense of well-being.

Now that you know the best things to do in Baton Rouge, don’t you just think it’s worth visiting?