10 Things To Do In Downtown Baton Rouge

Located on the east bank of the Mississippi River in Downtown Baton Rouge, is the iconic USS Kidd and Veterans Museum. First, walk through the passages of the gallery, and discover the names and events that transformed the world over the course of two eras of war. Then, stroll down the long brow leading to the deck of the ship, aptly nicknamed “Pirate of the Pacific.” Stand on the bow, look out over the water, and transcend your cognizance to a time when this relic road the waves of the ocean, fighting for the greater good of our world.

Price: Budget

Opening Hours: 9am – 5pm (7 days a week)

Unfortunately, much of history is devastating, but these tragedies must be remembered so the same mistakes are not repeated. The Magnolia Mound Plantation House is one of Louisiana’s many preserved examples of the atrocities committed by past generations. Originally, a 900-acre piece of property overlooking the mighty Mississippi River, the estate is now dedicated to educating people on the French Creole roots that have become the staple of South Louisiana.

Price: Budget

Opening Hours: 10am – 4pm (Mon – Sat), 1pm – 4pm (Sun)

Watch Out For: Facility Rentals

Boasting a collection of over 4,000 artifacts and works of art, The Louisiana Arts and Science Museum’s permanent collection is constantly growing, and the exhibits are continuously revolving. If you’re an art and science buff touring through the capital city, stop in and enjoy all this museum has to offer. Do not miss the gallery on Ancient Egypt, containing a mummy dating to 300 BCE.

Price: Budget

Opening Hours: 10am – 3pm (Tue – Fri), 10am – 5pm (Sat), 1pm – 4pm (Sun)

Watch Out For: Planetarium shows, as well as current and upcoming events

Huey P. Long – better known as “The Kingfish” – was arguably Louisiana’s best, yet most corrupt, governor. One thing is certain about the man – he got things done. Louisiana’s New State Capitol building is one of the many construction projects undertaken and completed during the reign of this ambitious political giant, who often used unorthodox methods to accomplish his aspirations. He would meet his fate inside the capitol building he had fought to erect; Huey P. Long was shot by Carl Weiss on September 8, 1935, and died of his injuries two days later.

Price: Free

Opening Hours: 8am – 4:30pm (Mon – Fri), 10am – 4:30pm (Sat – Sun)

Watch Out For: The Capitol Gardens, the burial site of Huey P. Long

There is no better place in downtown to satisfy your stomach than Pastime. Revered by locals, you can’t go wrong ordering a pizza, calzone, or po’boy. There is an option for even the pickiest individuals on the extensive menu at this casual restaurant. Located under the I-10 Mississippi River Bridge, Pastime began as a grocery store in the 1920s. In 1945, the building was reopened as the restaurant that still stands, and in 2007 was named a Historic Landmark.

Price: Budget

Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm (Mon – Thu), 10am – 11pm (Fri), 10am – 10pm (Sat)

Watch Out For: Shrimp Po’boy

Take a step back in time and experience the rural lives of Louisianians during the 18^th and 19^th centuries. Hailed as “Louisiana’s best kept secret,” the LSU Rural Life Museum is an absolute wonder. The world-renowned museum is aesthetically stunning and accurately depicts the injustices suffered by millions of people, enslaved for generations. The scene appears virtually untouched by time – climb inside the claustrophobia-inducing slave quarters and then visit the spacious church used to reinforce the disturbing social injustice of slavery.

Price: Budget

Opening Hours: 8am – 5pm (7 days a week)

Watch Out For: Special events

If the museums and old buildings aren’t quite satisfying your need for danger, head down to the boat and put it all on black. The Hollywood Casino is a great place to blow off some steam. Don’t have enough to bet big? That’s okay – head over to the cheap slots and take advantage of free drinks. If you happen to be a regular gambler, there are other options which might be of interest. The Belle of Baton Rouge is located just south of the Hollywood Casino, in the downtown area. Further down river you’ll find the newest addition, L’auberge Casino, which opened in 2012.

Price: Upscale

Opening Hours: 24 hours a day

Watch Out For: Losing all of your money

The Shaw Center for the Arts is the perfect way to end a day in downtown Baton Rouge. Inside, take in the magnificent visuals provided by the LSU Museum of Art and the LSU School of Art Glassell Gallery. Finally, cap off your evening with some of the best dining in the city. Stroubes Chophouse is a local favorite, and you can’t go wrong with Capital City Grill. However, the rooftop experience at Tsunami is second to none. Order some of the best sushi in the city while enjoying the most spectacular scene Baton Rouge has to offer, as the sun sets over the Mississippi River.

Price: Upscale

Opening Hours: 9am – 5pm (Mon), 9am – 11pm (Tue – Sat), 11am – 5pm (Sun)

Watch Out For: Performing arts