Best Sights To See In Baton Rouge

After a long week of roofing in Baton Rouge, we here at Mighty Dog like to take in some of the sights around this magnificent city.

This vibrant city rich in history and culture has plenty of attractions to offer tourists and locals alike. There are many sights and landmarks to see in this Southern gem, from the state capitol building to the LSU campus. So, here is a list of the 10 best sights and historical landmarks in the area. Whether you're a history buff or just looking for something to do, these sites are sure to please!

Louisiana's Old State Capitol

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Baton Rouge is the Louisiana State Capitol. This historic building was completed in 1847 and served as the state capitol until 1932. Its awe-inspiring gothic architecture provides a unique look that you won’t want to miss out on. The Old State Capitol is now a museum that houses exhibits on the history of Louisiana and its people. Visitors can also take a tour of the building and see the beautiful art and architecture up close.

Capitol St. Joseph Cathedral

Another popular Baton Rouge landmark is the St. Joseph Cathedral. This beautiful church was built in 1853 and was chosen as the seat of the Diocese of Baton Rouge. Its stunning architecture and stained-glass windows make it a must-see for any visitor to the city. The cathedral has served as a place of worship for the Catholic community in Baton Rouge for over 150 years and is open to the public for Mass. Tours of its breathtaking interior are also available.

LSU Museum of Art

The LSU Museum of Art is one of the best places to see art in Baton Rouge. The museum has a collection of roughly 6,000 pieces of art, including paintings, sculptures, and photographs. There are also frequently changing exhibits that feature both local and international artists. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, and admission is free for children ages 12 and under. Adult admission for ages 13 and older is not free, but the prices are kept low.

Magnolia Mound Plantation

The Magnolia Mound Plantation is a historic plantation that was built in 1791. It is one of the oldest surviving plantations in the South and is now a museum. This plantation was once used for growing sugarcane, but it is now a beautiful site that features gardens, historic buildings, and exhibits on the plantation's history. Visitors can take tours of the plantation house and grounds and see how life was lived on a plantation in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Louisiana State Capitol

The Louisiana State Capitol is the tallest capitol building in the United States. The building has 34 floors and stands 460 feet in the air. This magnificent building was completed in 1931 and has served as the state capitol since shortly after completion. With a beautiful observation deck, a delicious dining hall, and more, this building is a great one to add to your visitation list. Visitors can also take a tour of the building and see the beautiful art and architecture up close.

Old Governor's Mansion

The Old Governor's Mansion is another popular tourist destination in Baton Rouge. This historic house was built by Huey P. Long in 1930, allegedly to replicate the Presidential White House in Washington, D.C., and served as the residence of Louisiana's governors from 1930 to 1963.

The Mansion closed for a time but welcomed the public back in November 1999 following a major restoration. It now houses objects and furnishings from nine prior Louisiana governors. This building is graced with 30ft-tall Corinthian columns, and it is surrounded by gardens that are perfect for a leisurely stroll. The Old Governor's Mansion is a popular tourist attraction because it allows visitors and locals to glimpse into the past.

Veteran's Memorial Park

Veteran's Memorial Park is a beautiful park that honors the men and women who have served our country. The park features a variety of monuments and sculptures, as well as a pond and walking trails. It is a great place to come for a picnic or to just enjoy the outdoors and remember the incredible sacrifices of those who protect and defend our lands and our liberty.

Veteran's Park is open daily from sunrise to sunset, and admission is free. It is the perfect place to visit on holidays, especially Memorial Day and Veterans Day, but it is also a beautiful place to visit any time of the year.

West Baton Rouge Museum

The West Baton Rouge Museum is a great place to learn about the history and culture of the area. The museum has exhibits on the plantation era, the Civil War, the civil rights movement, and more. Visitors can also take a tour of an 1850s Creole cottage that is located on the gorgeous 6 acres of museum grounds, which grounds are just across the lake from the State Capitol building.

The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday and there is also a gift shop on site where you can purchase souvenirs and books about the history of Baton Rouge. So, whether you live in Baton Rouge or are spending just a few days there, be sure to check out this museum. You're sure to have a great time exploring all that Baton Rouge has to offer!

Louisiana State University

Louisiana State University, or LSU, is one of the main attractions in Baton Rouge. This large university is home to over 35,000 students and offers a variety of degree programs. LSU is also a popular destination for sports fans. The university's football team, the Tigers, is one of the most successful college teams in the country.

LSU is located in the heart of Baton Rouge, and there are a variety of things to do on campus. There are museums and art galleries, as well as a planetarium and an arboretum. You can also take a tour of the LSU campus, which is a great way to see the beautiful buildings and grounds. If you're looking for a place to eat, there are plenty of options, including a food court and several restaurants.

If you're spending a few days in Baton Rouge, be sure to check out LSU. It's a great place to learn about the history and culture of Louisiana, as well as to enjoy some of the best college football in the country.

Rural Life Museum

The Rural Life Museum is a great place to learn about the history of Louisiana's rural areas. The museum has exhibits on topics such as agriculture, forestry, and fishing. Visitors can also take a tour of a working farm and see how life was lived in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Though the whole plantation is even larger, the 32 historic buildings incorporated in this museum sit on 25 acres. These acres are divided into four sections: the Upland South Region, the Gulf Coast Region, the Working Plantation, and an Exhibit Barn. Each area is dedicated to educating individuals on life in the 18th and 19th centuries. So, whether you're a student, teacher, businessperson, or passerby, you'll find the Rural Life Museum to be an interesting and informative stop.

The Red Stick Sculpture

As legend has it, Baton Rouge got its name from a French-Canadian explorer. A red stick had been placed to mark a boundary line that divided hunting grounds for two Indigenous tribes. When the explorer saw the cypress pole covered in blood and animal skin on his excursion in 1699, he said aloud “le bâton rouge,” which is French for, "Red Stick."

Today, a large red pole stands in the same area to commemorate how the city got its name. Consequently, this sculpture is a must-see for visitors and locals alike.

Baton Rouge has so many incredible attractions to offer. So, whether you're looking for history, culture, or just a great time, be sure to add these stops to your list of places to see in Baton Rouge. You won't be disappointed.

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