13 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Baton Rouge, LA

When we aren't doing installs and repairs, this Baton Rouge roofing company likes to get out and enjoy the town.

Baton Rouge, Louisiana is a charming Southern city with plenty of interesting attractions and things to do. From the iconic Louisiana State Capitol building to the mighty Mississippi River, there's something for everyone in Baton Rouge. Here are thirteen of the top-rated attractions and things to do in Baton Rouge! 

BREC's Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center

One of the top things to do in Baton Rouge is to visit BREC's Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center. This nature center is a beautiful place to learn about the plants and animals that call Louisiana home. The nature center has walking trails, an educational museum, and plenty of opportunities to see wildlife up close. In fact, snakes and turtles are often spotted along the trails. Additionally, foxes, raccoons, armadillos, squirrels, opossums, coyotes, rabbits, deer, and otters are known to live there as well. 

Mike the Tiger's Habitat

Mike the Tiger's Habitat at LSU is one of the most popular attractions in Baton Rouge. The habitat is home to Louisiana State University's live Bengal tiger mascot, and visitors can get an up-close look at the majestic animal. LSU has been home to a live tiger mascot since 1936, and the current tiger, Mike VII, is about six years old. The habitat also features a playground, picnic area, and walking trails. Mike the Tiger's Habitat is a must-visit for animal lovers. 

BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo

Another wonderful place to see animals in Baton Rouge is the BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo. The zoo is home to over 800 animals, and visitors can learn about ecology, conservation, and the animal kingdom. The zoo also has a playground, a gift shop, and a train. 

Some of the most popular animals at the zoo are the rhinos, jaguars, and tigers, but there are also many other animals to see, including maned wolves, monkeys, and reptiles. So, whether you're an animal lover or just looking for something fun to do, be sure to add the Baton Rouge Zoo to your list! 

Capitol Park Museum

One of the best places to learn about Louisiana history is the Capitol Park Museum. The museum is in the former Louisiana State Capitol building, and it features exhibits on the state's political history, culture, and natural resources. The Capitol Park Museum is a wonderful place to learn about Louisiana's past and present. 

One thing that makes the Capitol Park Museum popular is its recreation of some of the conditions that slaves were forced to suffer. Exhibits about slave markets, resistance, revolt, and Jim Crow offer a glimpse into the horrible circumstances of people of color who, in the face of unbelievable adversity, added immeasurably to the cultural fabric of the state. 

Hilltop Arboretum

The Hilltop Arboretum is a must-visit for nature lovers. The arboretum is home to over 150 species of trees, and it offers beautiful views of the Mississippi River. The arboretum also has walking trails, rustic gazebos, and beautiful bridges. 

So, whether you're looking to learn about Louisiana's history, enjoy the outdoors, do a photo shoot with beautiful shrubbery and textured gazebos, or just have some fun, be sure to add the Hilltop Arboretum to your list of things to do in Baton Rouge! 

Burden Museum & Gardens

Another beautiful place to learn about Louisiana history is he Burden Museum & Gardens. The museum is located on 440 acres with gorgeous botanic gardens surrounding it, including multiple tree-lined, 5-mile-long paths through the Burden Woods. The museum itself is an open-air museum that displays rural life in history, including a vast collection of relics from farms, plantations, and homes. 

Home to a variety of plant life, this destination offers plenty to see and keep anyone entertained. It was ranked as one of the "Top 10 Outdoor Museums in the World." Consequently, the Burden Museum & Gardens is a place worth visiting for tourists and locals alike. 

Blue Bayou Water Park

The perfect place to cool off on a sweltering day is the Blue Bayou Water Park. The water park has a variety of slides, a lazy river, and a wave pool. The Blue Bayou Water Park also has a number of restaurants, so you can take a break from the sun and enjoy some Louisiana cuisine. 

The "Event Pavilion" provides a resting area and place to congregate for guests wanting to throw a party. 

At Blue Bayou, you can find all sorts of tall, speedy fast water slides like the Ragin' Cajun, which stands eight stories high! So, if you're looking for thrills, be sure to check out the Blue Bayou Water Park. 

USS KIDD Veterans Museum

The USS KIDD Veterans Museum is a must-visit for history buffs. The museum is found on the grounds of the former Naval Base, and it features exhibits on the history of the United States Navy. The museum also has a number of interactive exhibits, so you can learn about life on a naval ship. 

The USS KIDD Veterans Museum is also home to the USS KIDD, a World War II-era ship. Visitors can take a tour of the ship and learn about its history and significance. 

So, whether you're interested in history or just looking for something fun to do, be sure to check out the USS KIDD Veterans Museum. 

Knock Knock Children's Museum

A perfect place to take the kids is The Knock Knock Children's Museum. The museum features a variety of interactive exhibits, and it also has a number of educational programs. The Knock Knock Children's Museum is a phenomenal place to learn and have fun at the same time. 

This museum includes 18 "Learning Zones" that are interactive, hands-on exhibits. In these zones, children learn through play. Knock Knock Children's Museum also offers educational, fun summer camps that kids can attend and are sure to love. The fun and the education found in this museum make it a great stop on your list of must-sees in Baton Rouge.  

Louisiana Art & Science Museum

The Louisiana Art & Science Museum is a great place to learn about the arts and sciences. The museum features a planetarium, an art gallery, and a number of interactive exhibits. This place is also home to an Ancient Egypt Gallery that houses a real, 2,300-year-old mummy! 

Hours of operation at this museum are Wednesday through Sunday, with specific opening and closing hours differing depending on the day. Admission is free for those who have member passes, but there is a small charge for those who don't. So, if you're looking for a fun and educational way to spend the day, go to the Louisiana Art & Science Museum. 

Riverfront Plaza & City Dock

One of the places you'll want to take a stroll in and take in the sights is the Riverfront Plaza & City Dock. The area features a number of shops and restaurants, as well as beautiful views of the Mississippi River.  

The Riverfront Plaza & City Dock is also home to the USS Kidd Veterans Museum, so you can learn about the history of the United States Navy while enjoying the surrounding restaurants and other amenities. So, whether you're looking for a place to relax or a place to learn, check out the Riverfront Plaza & City Dock. 

Highland Road Park Observatory

The Highland Road Park Observatory is the perfect place to go stargazing. The observatory has a number of telescopes and various educational programs. The observatory is open to the public on Friday and Saturday nights, with a special lecture event for adults on Friday evenings. 

At the observatory, you can also find a magnificent, high-tech 20-inch reflecting telescope that has been an instrument in discovering over 50 asteroids. You'll also find an all accessible 16-inch reflecting scope. Experiencing the night sky using such high-quality instruments will leave you in awe and with a new appreciation for our solar system's magnificence. 

LSU Museum of Natural Science

The LSU Museum of Natural Science is a fantastic place to learn about the natural world. This museum is home offers exhibits covering a wide range of categories, including archaeology, herpetology (reptiles and amphibians), mammalogy (mammals), ornithology (birds), and more! LSU Museum of Natural Science also offers a museum seminar series, tour activities, a "Night at the Museum" experience, and more. 

This location is open Monday through Friday from 8am to 4pm and closed on Saturdays and Sundays. 

Baton Rouge has a wide array of things to do! Whether you're interested in the arts, sciences, history, the outdoors, parks, beautiful scenery, or something else, Baton Rouge has something for you. So, be sure to check out these 13 top-rated attractions in the area. 

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