Baton Rouge Travel Information
Upon reaching Baton Rouge on his trip down the Mississippi, Mark
Twain described Louisiana’s capital thus: “Baton Rouge was clothed in
flowers, like a bride – no, much more so; like a greenhouse. For we
were in the absolute South now —no modifications, no compromises, no
half-way measures.” The second-largest city (discounting the effects
of Hurricane Katrina on the size of New Orleans) in the state,
semi-tropical Baton Rouge is located west of New Orleans and east of
Lafayette, an urban center with a lot more to offer than just lazy
days on the river. Start your city tour with a trip to the 27th
floor of the looming State Capitol building for views out over Baton
Rouge, then enjoy an easy tour through the historic State Capitol down
the street. It just wouldn’t do at all to come this far and not see
some of the lovely historic plantations within reach. Some serve duty
as museums, a good number are bed and breakfasts, while a further few
are still inhabited. Touch base again with modernity – both
scientific discovery and artistic endeavors – at attractions like the
Louisiana Art and Science Museum, Louisiana State University (LSU)
Museum of Art, or the LSU Museum of Natural Science. History buffs
can get a glimpse of the past at Louisiana State Museum, Zachary
Historic Village (just north of the city) or the Old Arsenal Museum
(on State Capitol grounds). Renowned for its genealogical
research center, the Louisiana State Archives is the place to go if
your looking for Louisiana roots; your own flesh and blood brood might
be more entertained by the Baton Rouge Zoo, or some Friday night
star-gazing at the Highland Observatory. Don’t get bogged down
in Baton Rouge and bypass a bayou excursion. Local operators offer
trips of varying lengths to big name swamps in the vicinity. Anyone
looking rather to do some footwork should head for the nature trails
in Bluebonnet Swamp. If you’ve got cash burning a hole in your
pocket, lighten the load at one of the boat-based casinos moored up
along the banks of the Mississippi River. Baton Rouge is 81
miles northwest of New Orleans and just over 57 miles east of
Lafayette.
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