Authored by Mark Peters in United States
Published on 01-09-2009
The city of Baton Rouge, Louisiana was founded in 1760, though there were settlements in the area long before that. Baton Rouge is not only the capital of Louisiana, but it is also the second largest city in the state of Louisiana. While the city is not one of the more major American cities, it is a major port as it provides access to shipping for the agricultural and petrochemical industries that flourish in the area. Baton Rouge, due in large part to its long and rich history, is a great place to spend leisure time as well. Here are five great places to visit in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
1. Old State Capitol
One of the most amazing architectural buildings in both Baton Rouge and the entire old South is the Old State Capitol building. The building sits on top of a bluff overlooking the surrounding area and features a stained glass dome visible from miles around. Inside the structure is one of the more impressive spiral staircases in the area as well as a museum that houses one of the most extensive collections of Louisiana state political history. This is a great stop for anyone interested in learning more about the political history of the South, and it isn’t a bad stop for those interested in the architecture of the day either.
2. LSU Rural Life Museum
The Louisiana State University Rural Life Museum is like a time capsule waiting to be opened by each and every visitor lucky enough to choose it as a stop during their vacation. The museum is made up of more than twenty buildings and features an incredible amount of historic artifacts that were used in every day life during the 19th century. The LSU Rural Life Museum is widely known as one of the best open air museums in the entire country. One of the best indicators of how good the museum is is evident in the fact that it is also a favorite of locals in the area too. The museum offers a great window into the daily lives of people who lived in the Baton Rouge and surrounding area from more than one hundred years ago.
3. USS Kidd
The USS Kidd is a Fletcher-class destroyer ship based in Baton Rouge that now serves as a floating museum and memorial. The ship is named after Rear Admiral Isaac C. Kidd who died on the bridge of the USS Arizona during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor that brought America’s involvement into World War II. The first United States Navy flag officer to die in World War II was Admiral Kidd. The USS Kidd was installed in Baton Rouge in 1982 and has served many military and American history enthusiasts of all ages ever since.
4. Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center
For any visitor to the Baton Rouge area that is interested in learning more about the natural surroundings, a visit to the Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center is a must. The Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center houses many different wildlife and ecological exhibits on its more than 100 acres and is home to such wild animals as bobcats, foxes, turtles, alligators, and a wide variety of birds. This is a great way for travelers to get an idea of what life is like in Louisiana once you leave the city limits.
5. Baton Rouge Zoo
The Baton Rouge Zoo is home to more than 1,800 animals and treats its visitors to the chance to view them on a year round basis. The zoo has a number of featured attractions and exhibits that are geared specifically to children of all ages. These hands on attractions have a way of communicating more about animals and the world around us than any textbook ever can.
A visit to Baton Rouge, Louisiana is a real treat for anyone lucky enough to be in the area. The city really opens up the eyes of visitors and gives a good understanding of what life must have been like in the historic Southern United States from years ago. Few people are ever disappointed visiting Louisiana, and Baton Rouge specifically is a great place to spend a long weekend or an entire vacation. The city of Baton Rouge truly offers something for everyone.
