Baton Rouge, LA Things to Do and Attractions
The go-to place for gaming is the Belle of Baton Rouge. Situated on the Mississippi River right across from the convention center, this three-deck casino riverboat offers excitement 24 hours a day. Visitors can tempt lady luck with over 29,000 square
The go-to place for gaming is the Belle of Baton Rouge. Situated on the Mississippi River right across from the convention center, this three-deck casino riverboat offers excitement 24 hours a day. Visitors can tempt lady luck with over 29,000 square feet of slot machines, video poker, live poker, blackjack, roulette and craps.
In addition, the Belle offers three restaurants including the casual Atrium Buffet, Shucks on the Levee and the sporty Bar 102 ideal for catching broadcasts of football games and more. Live entertainment and other special events are also featured year-round. Conveniences, such as free admission, free parking, free valet service and complimentary cocktails, make the Belle of Baton Rouge attractive to locals and out-of-towners alike.
The casino is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
A trip to the Louisiana Old State Capitol Museum of Political History takes visitors back in time. Situated on a beautiful bluff that overlooks the Mississippi River, the gorgeous Gothic building housing the museum is a piece of history itself. It
A trip to the Louisiana Old State Capitol Museum of Political History takes visitors back in time. Situated on a beautiful bluff that overlooks the Mississippi River, the gorgeous Gothic building housing the museum is a piece of history itself. It stands after 150 years of notable events including war, fire, scandal and abandonment.
Dedicated to preserving the Bayou State's glorious past, the museum offers a number of educational programs. Additionally, exhibits such as the Louisiana Purchase, Statehouses of Louisiana and the civic-themed "We the People" explore a number of interesting topics.
The Louisiana Old State Capitol has several venues for private events including the Rotunda and Senate Chamber, the House Chamber and the five-acre statehouse grounds. The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 9 AM to 4:30 PM and Sunday from noon to 4 PM.
Within the halls of the Louisiana Art & Science Museum lie diverse discoveries. Housed in a historic depot on the banks of the Mississippi River, the museum features an impressive collection of cultural objects ranging from a Ptolemaic-era mummy in
Within the halls of the Louisiana Art & Science Museum lie diverse discoveries. Housed in a historic depot on the banks of the Mississippi River, the museum features an impressive collection of cultural objects ranging from a Ptolemaic-era mummy in the Ancient Egypt Gallery to the Hubble space telescope. Visitors will also encounter vibrant visuals spanning modern and contemporary art from Louisiana along with photography and works from cultures around the world.
One notable highlight not to be missed is the Irene W. Pennington Planetarium. With sky shows, large-format films and other media, the planetarium presents an awe-inspiring tribute to space and an exploration of the universe.
The museum is available for private functions. It can accommodate intimate engagements of 50 people to large gatherings of up to 500 guests. Spaces include an atrium, the planetarium, classrooms and an auditorium.
The museum galleries are open Tuesday through Friday from 10 AM to 4 PM, Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM and Sunday from 1 to 5 PM. The Irene W. Pennington Planetarium is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 AM to 4 PM, Saturday from 10 AM to 8 PM and Sunday from 1 to 5 PM. General admission is $5 for children ages 2-12, $6 for adults and $5 for seniors ages 65 and older. Discounted rates are available for groups of 15 or more people.
Since opening in 1983, Juban's continues to be lauded for its culinary excellence in the Gulf South. In its heyday, the restaurant was even named One of the Best New Restaurants by Esquire magazine. The restaurant was also recognized by Wine
Since opening in 1983, Juban's continues to be lauded for its culinary excellence in the Gulf South. In its heyday, the restaurant was even named One of the Best New Restaurants by Esquire magazine. The restaurant was also recognized by Wine Spectator magazine for its more than 800 selections of wine, including Far Niente, Pine Ridge and Robert Sinskey.
Juban's presents guests with artistically presented Creole cuisine, such as Hallelujah Crab, or crispy flash fried Louisiana soft shell crab stuffed with crawfish, shrimp and crabmeat topped with creolaise sauce. The Two Birds dish is a delectable combination of Muscovy duck breast and baked quail with crabmeat, sweet potato stuffing and a Blueberry Chambourd demi and bourbon cane syrup reduction.
Juban's features nine private dining rooms available for group functions. The facility accommodates six to 140 guests seated, up to 500 guests for receptions, and 700 people in the entire restaurant. The wine cellar is also available for intimate groups of up to eight people.
The restaurant serves lunch Tuesday through Friday from 11 AM to 2 PM and dinner Monday through Saturday from 5:30 to 10 PM. Entrees range from $22 to $60.
Billed as "Louisiana's premier bar and grill," Mansur's on the Boulevard brings together business types, tourists and locals with its inventive Creole cuisine. In fact, its signature cream of Brie and crabmeat soup has received multiple awards while
Billed as "Louisiana's premier bar and grill," Mansur's on the Boulevard brings together business types, tourists and locals with its inventive Creole cuisine. In fact, its signature cream of Brie and crabmeat soup has received multiple awards while its wine selection of over 275 options has secured consecutive Awards of Excellence from Wine Spectator.
Menu selections draw on the abundance of seafood in the area, with starters such as crab cakes Covington and entrees such as Creole shrimp piccata. Aside from the food, the nightly piano music in the main dining room also draws in the crowds.
Several rooms are available for private dining and group functions. Mansur's on the Boulevard is open Monday through Wednesday from 11 AM to 10 PM, Thursday through Saturday from 5 to 11 PM and Sunday from 5 to 9 PM. Entrees range from $15 to $46.
Executive Chef Jamie Hernandez is at the helm of Primo's Steak & Italian Restaurant, a popular establishment known for its grilled specialties, pizza and pasta. Cozy and inviting, this restaurant receives the nod of approval from many food
Executive Chef Jamie Hernandez is at the helm of Primo's Steak & Italian Restaurant, a popular establishment known for its grilled specialties, pizza and pasta. Cozy and inviting, this restaurant receives the nod of approval from many food enthusiasts thanks to its simple yet sumptuous cuisine. Among the menu selections are the free-range rib eye, the shrimp and crabmeat pizza, and the healthy turkey meatballs and whole grain cappellini. Diners can expect inventive twists on dessert, with Limoncello tiramisu and hazelnut crme brulee among the options.
Primo's can be booked for group functions. The restaurant serves lunch Monday through Friday from 11 AM to 2 PM and dinner Monday through Saturday from 5 to 10 PM and Sunday from 5 to 9 PM. Sunday brunch is served from 11 AM to 3 PM. Entrees range from $12 to $40.
Operating with a mission to be a "place where people connect with animals," the Baton Rouge Zoo certainly delivers. More than 1,800 animals are residents of the 17-acre zoo. Visitors can see the animals up close in habitats such as The Otter Pond,
Operating with a mission to be a "place where people connect with animals," the Baton Rouge Zoo certainly delivers. More than 1,800 animals are residents of the 17-acre zoo. Visitors can see the animals up close in habitats such as The Otter Pond, L'aquarium de Louisiane, Parrot Paradise and Realm of the Tiger, among others. Kids and their parents will also enjoy taking a ride on the White Tiger Tram and Cypress Bayou Railroad or grabbing a bite to eat at the Flamingo Cafe.
The zoo's Hibernia Bank Pavilion is available for private functions and can accommodate 300 people; additional seating can be arranged on the lawn surrounding the pavilion. In addition, the entire zoo is available for evening rentals.
The Baton Rouge Zoo is open daily from 9:30 AM to 4 PM. Admission is $3 for children ages 2-12, $6 for adults and $5 for seniors. Discounted group rates are available.
Swamp tours are the specialty of Bayou River Boat Adventure, offering guests two choices for exploring the diverse flora and fauna of the area. The Up River Tour travels across a river, canal, bay and lake, during which passengers can get an up-close
Swamp tours are the specialty of Bayou River Boat Adventure, offering guests two choices for exploring the diverse flora and fauna of the area. The Up River Tour travels across a river, canal, bay and lake, during which passengers can get an up-close look at hundreds of cypress trees, egrets and blue herons.
The Down River Tour explores Acadian life, with highlights such as a stop to Blind River Chapel situated in the middle of the swamp. Other options for sightseeing on the water are available with airboat adventures, kayak rentals, night cruises and more.
Bayou River Boat Adventures is available for private events. Private boat rentals cost $100 per hour. Bayou River Boat Adventures is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Tour prices range from $20 to $45 per person.
Southern splendor and the gentility of years gone by still exist at the Houmas House Plantation and Gardens, known to locals as the "Crown Jewel of Louisiana's River Road." Set on 36 acres along the banks of the Mississippi River, the 21-room
Southern splendor and the gentility of years gone by still exist at the Houmas House Plantation and Gardens, known to locals as the "Crown Jewel of Louisiana's River Road." Set on 36 acres along the banks of the Mississippi River, the 21-room restored mansion depicts what life was like on a legendary sugar cane plantation.
Historical highlights include a rare 1848 Louisiana Census Map presented to former Houmas House owner Col. John Preston and a mural scene showcasing the sugar cane fields. Outside, fountains, lagoons and an alley of oak trees provide a serene setting for a leisurely stroll.
The venue is available for private events and can accommodate up to 5,000 guests. Function settings include the fountain courtyard, the grand lawn, gardens, the dining room and galleries. The Houmas House Plantation and Gardens are open Monday and Tuesday from 9 AM to 5 PM and Wednesday through Sunday from 9 AM to 7 PM. Admission is $20 for adults. Special rates are available for groups.
Mardi Gras, musical great Fats Domino, and the Louisiana Purchase are among the many topics explored at the Louisiana State Museum-Baton Rouge. Visitors can see Louis Armstrong's cornet and bugle and Dizzy Gillespie's trumpet; in fact, the museum is
Mardi Gras, musical great Fats Domino, and the Louisiana Purchase are among the many topics explored at the Louisiana State Museum-Baton Rouge. Visitors can see Louis Armstrong's cornet and bugle and Dizzy Gillespie's trumpet; in fact, the museum is home to the largest collection of instruments owned and played by jazz greats.
Other notable artifacts include 57 quilts dating from 1800 to 1981, over 10,000 costumes and accessories dating from the late 18th century, and a four-pounder gun believed to be used during the Battle of New Orleans. The two permanent exhibitions, Grounds for Greatness: Louisiana and the Nation and Experiencing Louisiana: Discovering the Soul of America, provide additional background on the history and culture of the state.
The Louisiana State Museum-Baton Rouge has several spaces for private functions and can accommodate groups of any size, from two to 775 guests. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 AM to 5 PM and Sunday from noon to 5 PM. Admission is free for children ages 12 and under and $6 for adults. Special group rates are also available.
A venerable Louisiana landmark, the Magnolia Mound Plantation stands as a reminder of the early architecture established by the settlers of France and the West Indies. Today, it is still used for community gatherings, festivals and other special
A venerable Louisiana landmark, the Magnolia Mound Plantation stands as a reminder of the early architecture established by the settlers of France and the West Indies. Today, it is still used for community gatherings, festivals and other special programs that highlight French Creole culture. Several structures sit on the plantation's 16 acres including the Historic House Museum. Here, visitors can explore a reconstructed open-hearth kitchen, a crop garden and a carriage house featuring vintage tools.
The Magnolia Mound Plantation offers two spectacular spaces for private events. The Hart House accommodates up to 50 guests, while LaGrange, an outdoor French Creole barn, is ideal for up to 250 people.
The plantation is open Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM and Sunday from 1 to 4 PM. Admission is $3 for children ages 5-17, $8 for adults and $6 for students and seniors. Admission for children under 5 is free. Special group rates are available.
Known as "Louisiana's White House," the elegant Old Governor's Mansion was constructed in 1929 and is today listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Walking through the various rooms such as the East Room, the State Dining Room and the
Known as "Louisiana's White House," the elegant Old Governor's Mansion was constructed in 1929 and is today listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Walking through the various rooms such as the East Room, the State Dining Room and the Library provides greater perspective into the lives of the former leaders of Louisiana. The mansion also showcases the architecture and intriguing interior design of different periods throughout history.
The Georgian-style mansion and its grounds are available for group functions. Group tours are available with advanced reservations. The Old Governor's Mansion is open for tours Tuesday through Friday from 10 AM to 3 PM. Admission is $4 for students, $6 for adults and $5 for seniors. Admission for children under 5 is free.
