Places to Visit

If you are looking for some tourist tips for visiting Baton Rouge then here you will find some best tourist tips for visiting Baton Rouge.

St. Joseph's Cathedral 
Reputed to be Baton Rouge's oldest church, this elegant cathedral actually sits on the site of two previous sanctuaries. The first was a Spanish church dating to the 1790s. The present building was constructed in the mid-19th century, although its steeple was added some forty years later. The detailed, symmetrical exterior is completely traditional and contrasts with more modern interior furnishings set amid arched, stained glass windows and a raftered ceiling. These contemporary renovations were carried out in the 20th century. (225-387-5928)



Louisiana Art and Science Museum 
An abundance of culture lies ready for exploration at this terrific museum, which couples art and science in an impressive, historic depot set along the Mississippi. Permanent and temporary art collections go hand-in-hand with interactive galleries where children can delve into scientific principles, a center for space discovery, an exhibit on ancient Egypt, and a hands-on play area for young kids. The planetarium offers films and programs on the universe, and the whole experience is supplemented with a variety of workshops, lectures, and special events. (225-344-5272, 225-344-9478)

LSU Museum of Natural Science 
Intended to collect and document specimens from the natural world, this museum and research facility offers a wealth of information on Louisiana's native wildlife. Many of the holdings are displayed in naturalistic cases for visitors to peruse. Additional collections represent reptiles, birds, mammals, archaeology, anthropology, and paleontology. The facility also makes its 2.5 million specimens available to scientists and scholars across the country. Established in 1936. (225-578-2855, 225-578-3080)

Magnolia Mound Plantation 
Nestled in a grove of gracefully arching trees, Magnolia Mound began as a small, late 18th-century home and was expanded into a plantation home. Its French Creole styling is relatively simple, and the home, elevated on piers, features a generous porch. One of Louisiana's oldest wooden structures, it also features a coved ceiling and French and Caribbean details. Along with the home itself, guides in period costume point out gardens, dependencies, and slave cabins. One of the closest plantations to Baton Rouge. (225-343-4955)

Hollywood Casino Baton Rouge 
You can't miss this well-situated riverboat casino, which is docked on the Mississippi across from the State Capitol. Boasting tens of thousands of square feet of space, Hollywood Casino guarantees that you'll find something to wager on. Among the options you'll encounter are video poker, roulette, blackjack, slot machines and craps. A steakhouse, deli, and buffet dining are available when you don't want to stray too far from the action, and there's live music on the weekends, too. (225-709-7777)

Belle of Baton Rouge 
Docked on the Mississippi River near the convention center, this triple-deck riverboat easily takes care of folks who want to indulge in a bit of gaming. Blackjack, roulette, craps, and mini-baccarat comprise the table games, while video poker and slot machines offer more individual entertainments. Free parking and complimentary drinks add to the appeal, and a handful of dining options satiates hunger pangs when you need to break for sustenance. (225-378-6000, 800-676-4847)




These gardens were begun by Emory Smith and donated to LSU in 1991 as a practical classroom for landscape and botany students. On the fourteen acres are a variety of native trees and plants, including wonderful old oaks, magnolias, bamboo, wildflowers, and grasses. Open areas, nature trails, a ravine, and lush plantings make the arboretum as much a destination for relaxation as for learning. It's a great place to get away from it all and enjoy both cultivated and wild natural scenery. (225-767-6916). 

BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo 
Since 1970, visitors to, and residents of, Baton Rouge have been able to "travel" the world at this charming zoo. Animals from Asia, Africa, North and South America make their home here, delighting children and teaching respect for wildlife and the planet. More than 1800 animals are showcased, and you'll see everything from native Louisianan species to elephants, parrots, zebras, tigers, otters, and giraffes. Other attractions include train rides, a cafe, gift shop, playground, and petting zoo. (225-775-3877)

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