Everything You Should Know Before Traveling Baton Rouge
Are you planning to travel to a historical city yet, full of fantastic fun for your vacation? Don’t look too hard because Baton Rouge is a city filled with great culture and unique historical sites that will blow your mind and increase your knowledge base.
Baton Rouge, the capital of Louisiana State in the U.S., sits beautifully along the Mississippi River. You can enjoy and absorb the exquisite scenery and attractions, and you’ll enjoy the view more during spring or fall when temperatures are suitable.
There are many exciting things to do that can keep you busy, like visiting some of Baton Rouge’s museums and historical/cultural attractions. For instance, the LSU Rural Life Museum provides insight into the city’s rich history.
Also, if you’re an adventurous or outdoorsy person, then be sure to have lots of fun in Baton Rouge. For example, incredible places like the Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center is exceptional place to go you you’re looking for an adventure.
Traveling Baton Rouge & Brief History and Interesting Facts
Baton Rouge is a port located close to the Mississippi River in the southeast central part of the United States. In 1699, The French-Canadian explorer Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville visited the area and saw a red cypress post (Baton Rouge), marking a boundary between the Houma and Bayougoula Indians.
In 1719, the French-built and garrisoned a fort and named it for the post. In 1763, the area was given to Britain towards the end of the Indian and French War. During the American Revolution, the Spanish subdued the British garrison on September 21, 1779, then took charge of the region for 20 years.
In 1800 Spain gave up Louisiana to France, and, during Louisiana Purchase in 1803 by the United States, Spain claimed Baton Rouge, alongside the West Florida territory. The city’s inhabitants and the U.S.-born citizens in that area rebelled against Spanish rule on September 23, 1810. The West Florida Republic was established, annexed by the U.S. after three months. Then, Baton Rouge was incorporated in 1817 and became the capital of Louisiana State.
Baton Rouge is home to the Louisiana State Capitol building built in the 1930s. It’s about 450 feet tall, having 34 floors. Also, it is the tallest State Capitol building in the U.S. Baton Rouge is blessed with lots of fantastic parks, some of which are highly sought-after by tourists and visitors due to the great amenities and features they possess, including botanical gardens, water parks, etc.
Before it turned into a city, Baton Rouge was formerly a military post founded in 1719. The post was called “Baton Rouge” for a red cypress tree stripped of its bark. In French, the tree was named “Red Stick,” hence, “Baton Rouge.”
The Houmas owns the land where the Houmas House is situated. Baton Rouge is the home of Mike the Tiger VI, and it’s the only live tiger mascot living on a college campus, and it’s right there in Louisiana State University.
Traveling Baton Rouge & Attractions
Baton Rouge is famous for its fantastic river views, historical landmarks, stadium, zoos, parks, and museums. Each of these places is full of fun and exciting attractions for children and adults.
Baton Rouge Zoo
BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo has about 2000 exotic and domestic animals like cats, otters, fish, rhinos, reptiles, amphibians of Louisiana in the L’aquarium de Louisiane, rare and colourful birds from the tropics, including parrots and macaws, tigers and other Asian animals, Chilean flamingos, Aldabra, and Galapagos tortoises.
The kids zoo is full of barnyard animals and tunnels for children to play in, and the Safari Playground. Also, the zoo has a conservation program for endangered animals such as the Arabian Oryx and the Guam rail.
Traveling Baton Rouge & The USS Kidd
The USS Kidd is popularly known for being a destroyer first launched in the 1940s and was nicknamed the ‘Pirate of the Pacific. It was used by the Navy during the Second World War and became out of service in 1946, and then in 1951, it was used to fight during the Korean War.
Currently, the USS Kidd serves as a memorial to the World War Two servicemen from Louisiana who gave their lives in battle. The Veterans Memorial Complex has an observation tower and a museum that houses a model ship collection, lots of naval and military artefacts, and a miniature replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.
Traveling Baton Rouge & Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center
If you’re a nature lover or an outdoorsy person, you must visit the Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center. The Bluebonnet is outside the city and has about 103 acres of beautiful wild swampland. You get to hike along a mile of gravel paths and a wooden boardwalk. While hiking, you get to immerse yourself in the beauty of the trees, the swamp and the wildlife it has to offer.
Traveling Baton Rouge & Magnolia Mound Plantation
Magnolia Mound Plantation isn’t a plantation but a house built in 1791 in the French Creole style, and it’s located close to the banks of the Mississippi River. The plantation spreads over 16 acres. You can visit the plantation to have a fantastic glimpse of how the ancients Baton Rouge would have lived in those days.
Traveling Baton Rouge & Old State Capitol Building
Louisiana’s Old State Capitol Building is amongst the most historical buildings in the state and was even the head of the State Legislature from the 1800s till the 1930s.
The Old State Capitol Building was built to offer an incredible view of the Mississippi River. Also, it’s widely known for its Gothic design, which has made it a local landmark, and most times, it’s usually mistaken for a castle instead of a state capitol. It’s even registered as part of the U.S National Register of Historical Places.
It is filled with memorabilia from political history, educational documents, photographs, and period artefacts related to the Louisiana state.
Looking for other places to see? Read: Traveling Alabama
Traveling Baton Rouge Conclusion
Baton Rouge is a city in Louisiana filled with community spirit, excellent food, lively and bustling nightlife, rich history, and fun-filled tourist destinations. Whether you’re coming to Baton Rouge for a vacation, visit, or replicating to Baton Rouge permanently, you’ll undoubtedly love spending time in this wonderful Louisiana City.
