Baton Rouge, Louisiana: Explore the Heart of Cajun Country
Baton Rouge, Louisiana: Explore the Heart of Cajun Country
Baton Rouge, the capital of Louisiana, is a vibrant city that perfectly blends rich history, Southern charm, and a lively cultural scene. Known as the heart of Cajun Country, Baton Rouge offers visitors a unique mix of historic landmarks, mouthwatering Creole and Cajun cuisine, and scenic views along the Mississippi River. From touring the Louisiana State Capitol and exploring plantation homes, to enjoying local festivals and dining at top-rated restaurants, Baton Rouge provides endless opportunities for adventure and cultural immersion. Whether you’re a history buff, foodie, or outdoor enthusiast, Baton Rouge is a must-visit destination that captures the essence of Louisiana’s rich heritage.
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Quick Guide
Currency: US dollar
Primary Language: English (American dialect- with deep cajun accents in some areas)
Important Phrases:
When to Visit
Visiting Baton Rouge offers a unique experience in every season, each with its own charm and attractions. Spring is ideal for exploring the city’s beautiful parks and gardens, like the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens, as mild temperatures and blooming flowers create a perfect backdrop.
Summer in Baton Rouge can be hot and humid, but it’s a great time to enjoy water activities along the Mississippi River or cool off indoors at the city’s many museums.
In Autumn, visitors can experience the excitement of LSU football season and local festivals like the Greater Baton Rouge State Fair, with pleasant weather for outdoor events.
Winter is mild in Baton Rouge, making it a great time to visit the city’s historic sites or experience the festive atmosphere of holiday events, including Christmas parades and light displays.
Each season brings a different flavor to the city, offering visitors something special year-round.
Seasonal Events
Halloween Season : 13th Gate
If you are into spooky season, this is a must visit. One of the most epic haunted houses is found right here in Baton Rouge at the 13th Gate. This large haunted house has both indoor and outdoor areas to explore. It takes roughly 45 minutes to walk through the whole thing.
Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras in Baton Rouge offers a vibrant and slightly more family-friendly alternative to the larger celebrations in New Orleans, while still embracing the excitement and cultural richness of the holiday. The city comes alive in February with festive parades, colorful floats, and lively music, creating an electric atmosphere throughout the streets.
Popular parades like the Krewe of Orion and the Spanish Town Parade are local favorites, featuring creative costumes, bead-throwing, and revelry. Baton Rouge’s Mardi Gras also offers a more relaxed and accessible experience, with plenty of family-oriented events and a strong community vibe.
The city’s restaurants and bars join in the fun by offering traditional treats like king cake, making Mardi Gras in Baton Rouge a uniquely fun and festive way to experience this iconic Louisiana celebration.
Transportation
Public transportation in Baton Rouge is managed primarily by the Capital Area Transit System (CATS), offering a convenient and affordable way to navigate the city.
CATS operates a network of bus routes that connect key areas, including downtown Baton Rouge, Louisiana State University (LSU), shopping districts, and popular attractions. The buses run regularly, making it easy for both residents and visitors to access major points of interest without the need for a car.
Additionally, Baton Rouge has made efforts to improve bike-sharing programs and pedestrian-friendly areas, further enhancing transportation options.
Accommodation
Hotels & Apartments:
If you want the chance to look for a wide variety of accommodations, in a full price range, here is you best search options:
Hostels:
If you are more interested in parties, nightlife and having automatic meet ups then maybe a hostel is for you! Check out the options here.
Where to Eat
Baton Rouge boasts a rich and diverse food culture that reflects the city’s vibrant history and the culinary traditions of Louisiana. Known as the heart of Cajun and Creole cuisine, Baton Rouge offers an array of dining experiences, from bustling food markets to upscale restaurants, each serving up unique flavors that tantalize the taste buds. The city’s food scene is characterized by its fusion of local ingredients, such as seafood, rice, and fresh produce, with bold spices and seasonings. We have an article for food lovers in Baton Rouge with the top recommendations for local favorites, traditional dishes and more.
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Best Bars
Rally Cap
Baton Rouge serves up a brewery with a baseball theme. Sixteen taps on a stainless steel bar deliver unique brews like First Pitch and Exit Velocity. They have ten big screen TVs to catch your favorite games, or if you want a more interactive evening check out their selection of board games!
Tin Roof Brewery – CLOSED as of Oct 11, 2024
What’s better than great craft beer? How about great craft beer while doing yoga! That’s right, Tin Roof Brewery offers beer yoga every Wednesday evening. Bring your mat, grab a cold one and head out to the lawn for an awesome class. Oh, and did I mention the yoga class is FREE?
BrickYard
The Brickyard Bar in Baton Rouge is a lively and laid-back spot known for its welcoming atmosphere and great selection of drinks. Tucked away in the Mid City area, this bar has a cool, rustic vibe with exposed brick walls and a spacious outdoor patio perfect for enjoying Baton Rouge’s warm nights. Brickyard Bar is popular for its craft beers, creative cocktails, and regular live music, offering an eclectic mix of local bands and DJs that keeps the energy buzzing. Whether you’re looking for a casual hangout with friends or a spot to catch some live tunes, Brickyard Bar has become a go-to destination for locals.
Ivars
Ivar’s Sports Bar & Grill in Baton Rouge is a beloved local watering hole known for its laid-back atmosphere, friendly crowd, and classic bar fare. Located in the Southdowns neighborhood, Ivar’s has a reputation as a go-to spot for watching sports, enjoying cold drinks, and relaxing with friends.
The bar offers an extensive selection of beers, cocktails, and signature drinks, paired with your typical bar items like burgers, wings, and platters. With its indoor seating and spacious outdoor patio, Ivar’s is perfect for game days, happy hours, or just unwinding after a long day. While it isn’t known for its food, it’s definitely a locals favorite dive bar spot.
Things to See
State Capitol Building
Louisiana state capitol completed in 1932 is the tallest capitol building in the United States to date. The 34th story art deco style skyscraper is clad in Alabama limestone and has often called Huey Long’s monument designed by the New Orleans architectural firm of Wiess, Dreifus and Seaforth.
The building features decorative motifs and sculptures depicting the state history. The modern building has been said to represent Louisiana’s break with the traditional political and social elite and it rise as a progressive state.
Governor Long fostered the idea of a new state capitol in 1928 as part of his political platform while running for governor. Unfortunately he was assassinated in 1935 inside one of the corridors of this important building, his body rest on the capital grounds. You can still see bullet holes from the assassination. Head up to the 34th floor or an incredible view of Baton Rouge.
The state capitol building and gardens were listed in 1974 as a national historic landmark by the national park service.
State Capitol Gardens
Huey Long grave, erected in 1940, this monument marked the place where Huey Long’s body is entered in a relaxed pose. The bronze statue stands facing the tower, gesturing as if addressing an audience. The tall, white marble base features, relief, and inscriptions referring to Mr. Long accomplishments. The setting is a formal representative of a late 19 century English garden design.
Veteran’s Memorial Park
Located along the banks of the Mississippi River, this peaceful park honors veterans with several monuments and plaques that commemorate different wars and branches of service.
At the heart of the park is the Veterans Memorial Wall, inscribed with the names of Louisiana residents who lost their lives in combat.
The park also features a reflection pool, flags representing each military branch, and beautifully landscaped paths that invite visitors to reflect on the sacrifices made for freedom.
Old State Capitol Building
In my opinion, new isn’t always better. While the current state capitol building is impressive in its own right, the Old State Capitol building is nothing to scoff at. This exquisite cathedral-esque building is a perfect example of the Gothic Revival- style architecture.
The stained glass dome of the rotunda is stunning in addition to the grand spiral staircase and woodwork.
Free audio tours of the capitol and its artifacts are available. or you can opt to spend $3 on a 12 minute 4D presentation called “Ghost of the Castsle” which is hosted by the ghost pf Sarah Morgan.
Visits to the capitol are free Tuesday to Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday. Groups may request a tour.
Riverfront Plaza
Riverfront Plaza
The Riverfront Plaza in Baton Rouge is a scenic and vibrant spot located along the banks of the Mississippi River, offering breathtaking views and a relaxing atmosphere. This popular gathering place is ideal for both locals and visitors, featuring wide walking paths, open green spaces, and seating areas perfect for enjoying the riverfront’s beauty.
Baton Rouge Bean
Officially named “Sing the River”, its reflective surface and round appearance immediately calls the famous Chicago bean sculpture to mind. Found right along the Mississippi River, this fun sculpture lights up at night and plays music in tune with the rise and fall of the water.
Old Governors Mansion
Old Governor’s Mansion is one of the top Baton Rouge attractions with an interesting past. It was constructed by the questionable, power-hungry, womanizing Governor Huey P. Long, who was assassinated in 1935.
The self-aggrandizing governor demanded the largest, most splendid mansion in Louisiana’s history. He deliberately chose designs that copied elements of the White House in their lavishness, with several types of marble and textiles to proclaim his own power. He even had a secret staircase installed.
These days, the Old Governor’s Mansion is a popular wedding venue. The Old Governor’s Mansion is open for tours Tuesday and Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. This will include the mansion and the gardens. Its regular hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The general admission is $10.00.
Magnolia Mound Plantation
You cannot visit Louisiana without visiting a plantation. So, while in Baton Rouge make sure to drop by Magnolia Mound. It is a 1791 Creole-style manor home. Originally a four-room home built of bousillage and cypress beams, additions over time include a rare tongue-and-grove cover ceiling and federal-style woodwork.
Also on site is the reconstructed outdoor kitchen and several period outbuildings. You can find slave cabins, overseer’s cottage, pigeonnier and a rare three-seat outhouse.
Top Activities
Tour the USS Kidd + Veterans Museum
Along the riverwalk, you can find the USS Kidd and Veterans Museum. Here you can take self guided tours of the destroyer. The vessel is named after Medal of Honor beneficiary Issac C. Kidd SR., the hero who was killed aboard the USS Arizona during the attack on Pearl Harbor.
This rare destroyer remains one of four of its kind and the only one that has been restored as a museum. The Historic Naval Ships Association calls the USS Kidd the most restored battleship anywhere. You can check out the attached Louisiana Veterans Museum that contain interesting artifacts related to naval history.
One of the things to do in Baton Rouge is to camp out overnight on the destroyer to experience the genuine feeling and courage required to do so.
Every year on the fourth of July, the guns aboard the USS Kidd are fired during a reenactment of it being attacked during World War II. The entrance fee to the USS Kidd is $14.63 for adults, $12.54 for veterans, and $10.45 for children. The museum is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Visit Mike the Tiger at LSU
LSU’s official mascot, Mike the Tiger, is somewhat of a local celebrity in Baton Rouge. He hangs out daily in his fancy habitat across from the LSU stadium. His $3.7 million, 15,000 square foot animal “condo” includes plants, a stream and a waterfall. There is even a live cam that you can watch how Mike is doing anytime while you are at home. Be sure to get a photo with his awesome sculpture just outside his habitat.
Visit the LSU Life Museum
Step back in time to rural Louisiana in the 18th and 19th centuries. Vistors can explore a finely curated collection of artifacts and a reconstructed village. The village includes slave cabins, an overseer’s house, a jail, a church, a school, a blacksmith, a smoke house and even outhouses.
Admire Street Art
No touch can express the heart and soul of a city better than their street art. If you love murals and art installations, the Walls Project is bringing one-of-a-kind community-driven art to the city.
There’s also a walkable HeART Trail designed to encourage people to get out and exercise. The trail begins at the riverfront, winds through the Capitol grounds, into Spanish Town and then back to Beauregard Town.
Markers along the way range from small hearts on trees to full-scale murals. Just follow your heart!
Attend an LSU Game
One of the attractions in Baton Rouge that increases the heartbeat of any sports fan is the LSU Tiger Stadium, nicknamed “Death Valley,” as it instills fear in any opponent.
When there is a game, the stadium turns into Louisiana’s fifth-largest city with over 100,000 fans going wild. Home games are a true event.
The Louisiana State University sports complex includes the recently opened 160,000 square-foot Tiger Racquet Club with programs for all tennis players – not just students. Gates open two and a half hours before the start of the game. Reserved parking opens 7:00 am.
Raisin Canes Center
The Raising Cane’s River Center in Baton Rouge is a versatile entertainment and convention complex located along the scenic Mississippi River.
Serving as the city’s premier venue for concerts, sporting events, trade shows, and conventions, the center includes a spacious arena, theater, and exhibition hall. With a seating capacity of up to 10,000, the arena hosts major musical performances, family shows, and sports events, while the theater is ideal for intimate plays and performances.
The exhibition hall accommodates large-scale conventions and expos. My personal favorite is of course going to watch my husband play for the Zydecos (24-25 season).
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Trip: We are living in Baton Rouge since October 2024
Copyright Notice: All material on this travel blog site is the sole property of Travel Munchers. This includes blog posts, pages, design and all photos (whether watermarked or not). Any use of materials from this site without express written consent will be considered copyright infringement.
