Baton Rouge: Louisiana's capital

Delicious Cajun and Creole cuisine, a vibrant music and arts scene, and beautiful architecture: the charm of the Southern states is alive in Baton Rouge. Follow us to the banks of the Mississippi River and explore Louisiana's capital.

Things to see in Baton Rouge

Book your flights and don't miss the following attractions when you visit Baton Rouge:

Riverside Drive

Riverside Drive is the most famous street in Baton Rouge and is often called the "living river." It is the city's main boulevard and runs along the Mississippi River. It offers breathtaking views of the river and the downtown Baton Rouge skyline. Many restaurants, museums, and other attractions make it a popular destination for locals and tourists.

Riverside Drive is also home to the USS Kidd, a World War II battleship that now serves as a museum and memorial. Visitors can tour the ship, learn about its history, and enjoy spectacular river views. Other attractions include the Old State Capitol, a majestic 1847 building, and the Louisiana State Museum, which features artifacts from the state's history.

Louisiana State Capitol

Louisiana State Capitol, the landmark of Baton Rouge, was built in 1932 and is an impressive example of Art Déco architecture. At 137 m, it is the tallest capitol in the United States. Visitors can enjoy a breathtaking view of the city from its observation deck. Inside the Louisiana State Capitol, you will find the Louisiana House of Representatives and the Louisiana Senate, as well as the office of the Governor of Louisiana. Surrounding the building are spacious grounds, which include the gardens of the Capitol. In 1982, the Louisiana State Capitol was designated a National Historic Landmark.

Old Louisiana State Capitol

From the mid-19th century until the construction of today's Louisiana State Capitol, the Louisiana state legislature operated in the Old Louisiana State Capitol. Today, the historic government building is a National Historic Landmark and houses a political history museum.

Because it looks like a castle, Baton Rouge residents also call it "Louisiana Castle," "Louisiana Castle," or "Castle on the River." It regularly hosts events, such as an annual ball where 18th and 19th-century dresses are worn, and French dances from that era are performed.

SLouisiana State Capitol in Baton Rouge

Louisiana State University

Louisiana State University, located in the heart of Baton Rouge, is one of the largest public research universities in the United States. On a tour of the campus, you can explore the various buildings on campus, which include the famous Tiger Stadium and the LSU Museum of Art.


The university also houses the LSU Rural Life Museum, which focuses on Louisiana culture and history, and the Hilltop Arboretum, which offers spectacular views of the city. In addition, the university hosts events throughout the year, such as the Louisiana Crawfish Festival and the home games of the LSU Tigers American Football team.

Zoo von Baton Rouge

Der Zoo von Baton Rouge ist ein tolles Ausflugsziel für Familien und Tierliebhaber. Er beherbergt über 600 Tiere aus aller Welt, darunter Tiger, Giraffen und Elefanten. Besucher können den Zoo auf eigene Faust erkunden oder an einer Führung teilnehmen, um mehr über die Tiere zu erfahren.

Der Zoo bietet auch eine Reihe Aktivitäten wie einen Streichelzoo und ein Karussell. Für Kinder gibt es einen Spielplatz und eine Voliere mit exotischen Vögeln. Zum Zoo gehört auch ein botanischer Garten mit einer Vielzahl von Pflanzen aus aller Welt. Der Garten ist ein idealer Ort, um die verschiedenen in Louisiana vorkommenden Pflanzenarten zu entdecken und kennenzulernen.

Old Governor's Mansion

The Old Governor's Mansion is a historic landmark built in the early 1800s. The Greek Neoclassical-style building served as the official residence of the Governor of Louisiana for more than 150 years. The mansion and its gardens can be visited on a guided tour. The Old Governor's Mansion also hosts various events such as art exhibitions, concerts, and educational programs.

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Getting around Baton Rouge

The car is the most popular mode of transportation in Baton Rouge. Several major interstates run through the city, including I-10, I-12, I-110, and U.S. Highway 61, and the city also has an extensive network of local streets and highways. Allow extra time for traffic delays and be aware of parking, as most downtown parking is metered.

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The Capital Area Transit System (CATS) provides public transportation throughout the city and surrounding areas. CATS buses provide convenient service to popular destinations such as LSU, downtown, and the Mall of Louisiana. Fares are affordable, and tickets can be purchased online or at designated locations.

Amtrak's Baton Rouge station is downtown and offers daily service to New Orleans, Mobile, and beyond. Amtrak trains are a convenient and enjoyable way to travel, but be sure to purchase your tickets in advance and arrive at the station on time to ensure a smooth journey.

Baton Rouge is a great city for biking, with many designated bike paths and trails. The LSU Lakes, LSU campus, and downtown are all bike-friendly and offer plenty of opportunities for leisurely or challenging rides. Adventure-seekers can explore the nearby Comite River Trail, a scenic bike path that runs nearly 20 miles along the Comite River.

The history of Baton Rouge

Baton Rouge has a long and rich history dating back to the 1700s. Founded in 1719 by French settlers, the city was named for a long pole that marked the boundary between the hunting grounds of two Indian tribes. It became a Spanish colony in 1763 and part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803.

During the War of Secession, the city was the site of the Battle of Baton Rouge, which ended in a Confederate victory. In 1960, the city saw the largest civil rights demonstration in its history when thousands of people peacefully protested segregation. In 2005, the city was devastated by Hurricane Katrina, which caused significant damage and forced many people to flee.

 

Today, Baton Rouge is a vibrant metropolis of more than 230,000 people. It is an industrial center with major employers in oil and gas, health care, and education. Louisiana State University is located here. The economy is driven by tourism, with numerous attractions such as the USS Kidd, the Louisiana State Capitol Building, and the Old Louisiana State Capitol Museum.

Impressions of Baton Rouge

Baton Rouge fun facts

Have you heard these exciting facts about Baton Rouge?

  • The name Baton Rouge comes from French and means "red stick." This refers to a red pole discovered by French explorers in the 17th century at the mouth of the Mississippi River. The red stick served as a dividing line between the hunting grounds of the Bayougoula and Houma tribes.
  • Louisiana State University's Tiger Stadium is the fifth largest American football stadium in the United States. It has seating for more than 102,000 spectators.
  • Baton Rouge is home to the world's only "Cajun Navy" - a group of volunteers who help people during floods and hurricanes.
  • The Louisiana State Capitol is the tallest capitol in the United States.
  • Baton Rouge was not acquired by the U.S. as part of the Louisiana Purchase.

Your trip to Baton Rouge

Begin your trip to Baton Rouge with a visit to the Old State Capitol. This beautiful building is a must-see for any visitor to the city and offers a magnificent view of the Mississippi River. Take a stroll along the Mississippi River. Here you will find some of the best restaurants in town.

If you are looking for something special, visit the Louisiana State Museum. Here you will find exciting exhibits on the history and culture of Louisiana, as well as a variety of educational opportunities.

Baton Rouge is a great city for travelers seeking a unique and exciting experience. There is something for everyone, from the incredible architecture to the rich history. What are you waiting for? Pack your bags and plan a trip to Baton Rouge today!

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