Baton Rouge Zoo

This Baton Rouge landmark is a commemorative sculpture by the late SU Alumni Frank Hayden, erected on the Southern University Baton Rouge campus to mark the site of the famous exchange on Scott's Bluff that gave the city of Baton Rouge its name, meaning "Red Stick" in French. Wondering what "Baton Rouge" means? The story has it that long ago, this area in Louisiana along the mighty Mississippi River was occupied by two indigenous tribes, the Houma Indian Tribe and the Bayougoula Indian Tribe. To settle a border conflict between them, the tribes used a cypress pole to mark the boundary dividing their hunting grounds at an area now known as Scott’s Bluff. This marker on the east bank of the Mississippi River caught the eye of French-Canadian explorer Pierre Le Moyne d'Iberville while making his way upriver during an exploration in 1699. He and his men saw the bloodied cypress pole on the bluff, adorned with animal parts and stained red from the tribes’ latest haul, and dubbed the area "le bâton rouge," French for "Red Stick". In 1810, the area became part of the colonies and in 1817, the town was officially incorporated as “Baton Rouge.” Locals still lovingly refer to the city as "The Red Stick." https://www.visitbatonrouge.com/listing/the-red-stick-sculpture/2300/

A 103-acre facility dedicated to conservation, education, recreation and tourism. It houses an award-winning, 9500-square-foot building filled with live animal exhibits; photographic presentations of the site's flora and fauna; natural artefact and mineral displays; and a sizeable, vintage waterfowl decoy carving collection. Ecology and art exhibits are featured periodically. Over a mile of gravel paths and boardwalks link varied habitats such as the cypress-tupelo swamp, beech-magnolia and hardwood forests. Wildlife is plentiful at Bluebonnet Swamp, including hundreds of bird species utilizing the site throughout the year. Birders can view seasonal species during peak migrations, as well as year-round residents. While snakes and turtles are commonly seen from the trails, raccoons, rabbits, opossums, armadillos, squirrels, foxes, coyotes, deer and otter are also known to inhabit the site. Nature programs and environmental education are conducted throughout the year including educational group tours, live animal encounters, holiday and summer day camps, toddler activities, birding walks, field trips and special events. https://www.visitbatonrouge.com/listing/brecs-bluebonnet-swamp-nature-center/209/

Established to provide and sustain a publicly accessible center for the collection, preservation, and interpretation of the material culture, cultural landscapes and vernacular architecture of Louisiana and the Lower Mississippi River Valley. Visitors see how the settlers of Louisiana established an admirable society in spite of great odds, gain insight into the difficulties faced by their ancestors, and learn why Louisianans are a unique people with roots from many parts of the world. Tour 32 historic buildings within the Museum Complex, and the historic Windrush Gardens. https://www.visitbatonrouge.com/listing/lsu-rural-life-museum-%26-windrush-gardens/241/

A 1792 French Creole plantation house authentically restored with outbuildings and gardens covering 15 acres. This landmark is a unique southern Louisiana landmark because of its age, quality of restoration, and outstanding collections. Magnolia Mound's mission is to illustrate and interpret the lifestyle of the French Creoles through educational programs, workshops, lectures, festivals, and other special events. The property includes a historic museum house, an open-hearth kitchen, overseer's house, quarter house, crop garden pigeonnier and carriage house. https://www.visitbatonrouge.com/listing/magnolia-mound-plantation-a-brec-facility/244/

The Manship Theatre offers a unique experience for its theatre audience, 325 front row seats. The theatre, modeled after the style of classic European opera houses, is one of the most beautifully intimate theatres in the United States. With the 11th row as the Manship Theatre's rear seating, the audience member can see eye-to-eye with the performers onstage, and have a once in a lifetime experience. https://www.visitbatonrouge.com/listing/manship-theatre/607/

While you're in the bustling capital city, make sure to check out the USS KIDD, nestled right in the heart of downtown Baton Rouge. It's a fascinating spot that perfectly blends history with a family-friendly vibe. This WWII Fletcher-class destroyer, beautifully restored to her 1945 glory, offers over 50 inner spaces to explore. It's like stepping back in time. The Veterans Museum is a treasure trove of exhibits. You'll find a P-40 aircraft and ship models, and you can marvel at a full-scale replica of the gun deck from Old Ironsides. The Louisiana Memorial Plaza is a poignant tribute to all Louisiana service members who lost their lives in combat, and the Corsair A-7E jet stands as a powerful memorial to Vietnam Veterans. Plan to spend about an hour and a half here to soak in all the history and stories. For those who love a bit of trivia, did you know that the USS KIDD is named after Rear Admiral Isaac Campbell Kidd, who was killed on the bridge of his flagship during the attack on Pearl Harbor? It's these kinds of stories that make a visit here so memorable. And while you're in the area, Baton Rouge's riverfront offers stunning views and is just a short stroll away, perfect for a leisurely walk afterward.

Featuring a single-level, 30,000-square-foot gaming floor with 1,500 slot machines and 51 table games, including a poker room; a hotel with 205 guestrooms and a rooftop pool. The casino also includes a multi-purpose event center with concert seating for up to 1,400 people or banquet seating for up to 800 people, a covered parking garage, unique dining options and entertainment venues overlooking the Mississippi River. https://www.visitbatonrouge.com/listing/lauberge-casino-baton-rouge/1295/

Built in 1963 when Jimmy Davis was Governor of Louisiana, the Mansion is located on Capitol Lake near the State Capitol. Because so many antebellum mansions were being destroyed by fire and neglect, Gov. and Mrs. Davis instructed the architects to design a mansion in the Greek Revival style, which was the dominant style in Louisiana after 1830. This period marks a distinct departure from earlier Louisiana architecture. The Mansion contains a total of 25,000 square feet of space in three floors and a basement. https://www.visitbatonrouge.com/listing/louisiana-governors-mansion/237/

The Healthcare Gallery and Wellness Spa in Baton Rouge is the perfect union between a socially-conscious art gallery and a wellness-focused Day Spa. We specialize in curating exquisite spa services and products in a space that will no doubt uplift your Body, Mind & Soul. We believe this holistic approach allows us to focus on these three areas of your life and how they can be optimized to improve your overall sense of well-being. In short, we like to say we are a wellness-focused Day Spa masquerading as an art gallery and we are proud to be the finest and most innovative spa in the region, second to none. https://www.visitbatonrouge.com/listing/the-healthcare-gallery-%26-wellness-spa/2207/

Imagine a place where art and science come together in perfect harmony. Welcome to the Louisiana Art & Science Museum (LASM), a destination that sparks curiosity and creativity in everyone who visits. With exhibitions featuring internationally renowned artists and a permanent art collection, there's always something new to discover. The museum is also home to the cutting-edge Pennington Planetarium, where innovative programming takes you on a journey through the stars. For families, the interactive children's galleries are a hit, making learning both fun and engaging. One of the unique features of LASM is its ability to cater to both general audiences and students, enhancing understanding and appreciation of both art and science. It's a place where you can lose yourself in the beauty of creativity and the wonders of the universe. And if you're planning a visit, don't miss the chance to explore the museum's stunning architecture, which is a work of art in itself. The building's design seamlessly blends the past and present, providing a beautiful backdrop for your exploration. Whether you're an art enthusiast, a science buff, or just looking for a new adventure, LASM offers a little something for everyone.

Dynamic permanent exhibits offer an in-depth look at our history, from the era of Native Americans and European exploration to modern times. These exhibits don't just display artifacts; they tell stories that help us connect with the past in meaningful ways. As you wander through, you'll find yourself transported to different eras, each with its own unique narrative and significance. It's a fascinating journey that makes history come alive, right before your eyes. The museum also hosts interactive workshops, allowing visitors to engage with history in a hands-on manner, making it an educational experience that's both fun and enlightening.