Baton Rouge, the capital city of Louisiana, is a vibrant and dynamic place that offers a unique mix of Southern charm, cultural heritage, and modern amenities. Whether you are a history buff, a foodie, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply looking for a place to call home, Baton Rouge has something for everyone.
If you are looking to buy a home in Baton Rouge, you are in for a treat. From exploring the Louisiana State Capitol to indulging in the city’s famous cuisine, there are countless things to do and see in this lively city.
In this article, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive guide to the top things to do in Baton Rouge, so that you can make the most of your time in this wonderful city. So, whether you are planning a weekend getaway or a permanent move, read on to discover the best that Baton Rouge has to offer.
Tiger Stadium
Tiger Stadium, also known as “Death Valley,” is an outdoor stadium situated on West Stadium Drive on the Louisiana State University campus. It serves as the home turf for the LSU Tigers football team.
Originally, State Field on the old LSU campus hosted games prior to 1924, but the new Tiger Stadium opened with a seating capacity of 12,000 spectators in that year. Since then, the stadium has undergone various renovations, increasing its capacity to 102,321, making it 7th on the list of largest stadiums in the world.
The stadium boasts massive 27 x 80 ft. high-definition video boards that were installed in 2009, as well as the Jeff Boss Locker Room, covering an area of 8,000 square feet, and the LSU Strength and Conditioning Facility.
Truly a site to be seen ,Tiger Stadium is a must see for any fan of college football, as well as admirers of architecture. GEAUX TIGERS!!!
Mike the Tiger’s Habitat
Situated on North Stadium Road, the Mike the Tiger’s Habitat is an essential stop for anyone that calls Baton Rouge home. As the official mascot of Louisiana State University, the tiger’s residence is among the top attractions in the area.
The first tiger, Mike I, resided in a modest 2,000 square foot enclosure from the 1930s until his demise in 1956. A more spacious 15,000 square foot habitat was constructed in 2005 to house the succeeding tiger.
Compared to the original habitat, which was basic and had only logs for Mike I to climb on, the new habitat is a vast improvement. It features a stunning waterfall and a flowing stream that empties into a pond, with lush greenery and rocks for the current Mike to enjoy. The backdrop of the habitat is an Italianate tower that is in harmony with LSU’s architecture.
LSU’s current tiger, Mike VII, was born on September 13, 2016, and introduced on the first day of classes in 2017. While several schools have live mascots, how many have a live tiger?
Louisiana’s Old State Capitol
Louisiana’s Old State Capitol, located on North Boulevard, is a historic edifice that served as the seat of the Louisiana State Legislature from the mid-19th century until the 1930s when the current capitol building was erected.
Built in the Gothic style, the Old State Capitol is perched on a bluff that provides a stunning view of the Mississippi River. It is affectionately referred to by various monikers, including the Castle of Baton Rouge and the Castle on the River.
The building is listed as a U.S. National Register of Historic Places and a U.S. National Historic Landmark. Today, it is an educational resource that houses a wide range of art objects, artifacts, documents, and more.
Louisiana State Capitol
The Louisiana State Capitol, situated on North Third Street in downtown Baton Rouge, serves as the hub of Louisiana’s government, housing the House of Representatives, the Senate, and the Governor’s office. It towers at 450 feet high and boasts 34 floors, making it the tallest state capitol building in the United States, and the tallest building in Baton Rouge.
An Art Deco masterpiece, the building is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and is designated as a National Historic Landmark. It is occasionally referred to as Huey Long’s Monument, a tribute to the former governor’s tireless efforts to have the capitol erected.
Downtown Baton Rouge
Nestled on the banks of the majestic Mississippi River, Downtown Baton Rouge is a bustling hub of commerce, residential quarters, and entertainment. This vibrant neighborhood, steeped in culture and history, offers a plethora of dining options, shops, and entertainment venues, along with cozy residential abodes. You’ll also find a variety of bars, hotels, and casinos to choose from.
Live After Five is a widely popular outdoor concert series hosted at The Crest in Downtown Baton Rouge. It features eight shows in both the spring and fall, and admission is free. The concerts are a huge hit, drawing large crowds of music lovers.
Baton Rouge Zoo
Situated on Thomas Road, just north of downtown Baton Rouge, the Baton Rouge Zoo has been welcoming visitors since 1970. Boasting over 1,800 animals from across the globe, including amphibians, birds, fish, mammals, and reptiles, it is a must-visit destination for families with kids. The zoo is actively involved in conservation and reintroduction programs for various animals, such as the Arabian oryx and the Guam rail.
One of the highlights of the zoo is the Otter Pond, designed to resemble a cabin, where visitors can marvel at the playful otters swimming underwater. Another popular attraction is the Parrot Paradise, a walk-through aviary that houses a diverse range of bird species. The zoo also offers engaging educational programs for children, including field trips, day camps, and much more.
Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center
The Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center, situated on North Oak Hills Parkway, is an expansive 103-acre nature reserve with a 9,500 square foot Exhibit Building. The center boasts boardwalks and trails, where visitors can explore a diverse range of habitats including forests, swamps, and observe a variety of wildlife like armadillos, coyotes, deer, foxes, otters, and many others.
Bird enthusiasts can delight in the seasonal and year-round avian residents. If you’re searching for things to do in Baton Rouge, this is a perfect destination. The Exhibit Building offers a range of displays featuring live animals and mineral exhibits, and kids can touch natural objects like feathers, pelts, and more.
Blue Bayou Water Park and Dixie Landin’ Amusement Park
Enjoying two incredible amusement parks located right across from each other is a fantastic way to have a good time. That’s precisely what guests can do at Blue Bayou Water Park and Dixie Landin’, two of Baton Rouge’s most popular family parks.
Blue Bayou Water Park is a thrilling water park with numerous exciting attractions. Known as the “Land of Giants,” it boasts five of the world’s largest waterslides, including the largest in-line water slide, the largest tornado slide, and the largest aqua loop in the world.
Dixie Landin’ is equally exciting, featuring 27 attractions to enjoy with family and friends. Take a ride on one of three roller coasters, go for a trip on the log flume, or scream your lungs out on the drop tower, among other equally entertaining rides.
Shaw Center for the Arts
Shaw Center for the Arts is situated on Lafayette Street and spans almost an entire city block in downtown Baton Rouge. As a fine arts museum and performing arts venue, it covers an enormous 125,000 square feet of space.
The center boasts numerous attractions, including the 325-seat Manship Theatre, the New Venture Theatre, the Hartley-Vey Theaters, the LSU School of Art Glassell Gallery, the LSU Museum of Art, classrooms, a park, and several restaurants.
The Shaw Center for the Arts regularly hosts a variety of musical performances, films, and events catered towards children. Additionally, the center is a popular venue for renting out to host weddings and other special occasions.
L’Auberge Casino and Hotel
Looking to test your luck? L’Auberge Casino and Hotel offers an unforgettable weekend as one of Louisiana’s top casino resorts. With 75 game tables, 1,600 slot machines, and opulent interiors, this casino is the epitome of luxury. The Lake Charles Poker Room is a popular addition, boasting six tables and offering games such as No Limit Hold ‘Em and Pot Limit Omaha.
If gambling isn’t your thing, the hotel also offers fine dining options, a 1,400-seat event center, and the L Bar, a smaller, more intimate venue. Indulge in the luxurious accommodations and entertainment on offer at L’Auberge.
Oxbow Rum Distillery
The Oxbow Rum Distillery, located at the heart of Louisiana’s thriving delta, is renowned for its award-winning spirits. With a rich history of sugarcane farming and milling passed down through generations, the single estate distillery uses three steel rolls to crush and juice the sugarcane for their unique spirits.
The distillery offers seven different bottles, including their signature Agricole-style Rhum, Brazilian-inspired Cachaca Rhum, and Red Stick Cinnamon Rhum, as well as Spiced Rhum, Dark Rhum, White Rhum, and Pure Louisiana Vodka. Guests can also book tours of the distillery in advance to witness the process of crafting these exceptional sugarcane-based beverages.
Louie’s Cafe
Louie’s Cafe has been a fixture near the Louisiana State University campus since 1941, when founder Louie served up fresh-made cheeseburgers, hash browns, and omelets to students and locals alike. In 1978, the cafe passed into the hands of current owner Jimmy, who moved the ten-stool establishment to a larger location in 1986, expanding the menu and seating capacity to 60. In 2014, Louie’s Cafe relocated once again, this time to Lake Street, with a bigger kitchen and plenty of parking.
Given its proximity to LSU, Louie’s Cafe remains popular with the student and parent crowd, particularly during move-in and move-out days, graduation ceremonies, and sporting events.
Football season, in particular, brings in a bustling crowd, as the cafe is located within walking distance of the stadium. However, Louie’s also retains a loyal following of long-time customers, some of whom go back to the days when Louie himself manned the grill.
Conclusion
At 1 Percent Lists Premier, we know that Baton Rouge is an exceptional place to invest in property. The city’s vibrant culture, exciting attractions, and growing economy make it an attractive destination for individuals and families looking for a new home.
Boasting great neighborhoods like Spanish Town and the Garden District, and equally fantastic suburbs, the Baton Rouge area is a great place to live. As Baton Rouge continues to thrive, we know that its real estate market will only continue to grow, making it an excellent choice for those looking to invest in a new home or property.
If you’re ready to make the move to Baton Rouge or any of its great suburbs, contact us today!