Location: Baton Rouge
Top Things to do in Baton Rouge
Top Restaurants in Baton Rouge
Things to do in Baton Rouge, Louisiana (LA): The Best Nature & Parks
Settled by Europeans on Native American hunting grounds, the city of Baton Rouge has grown up under the influence of English, French, Spanish, and native cultures. The city is proud of its Cajun and Creole heritage, with clubs famous for playing the blues, and streets full of restaurants serving up everything from spicy Bayou foods to Caribbean home cooking. Located on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi delta, visitors can watch the sun set over the levees or ride on a riverboat casino.
Restaurants in Baton Rouge
1. Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 171 reviews
Dedicated to conservation, education and recreation, this 101-acre facility includes wildlife and ecology exhibits and a 65-acre cypress-tupelo swamp, navigable by boardwalk, and filled with wildlife such as birds, bobcats, foxes, turtles and alligators.
Reviewed By 999chelsit - Youngsville, United States
We thoroughly enjoyed this walk through nature. We have a 7 and 4 year old who love all things nature and this place delivered. We were apprehensive that it may be too hot of a day, but we were wrong. Supremely shaded. You park next to a small pond filled with eager turtles looking for a quick snack, then take the most beautiful boardwalk to get the tp nature center where you pay a *super* small fee. The nature center blasts much appreciated A/C, has plenty of animals to look at in cages/terrariums, furs and snake skins to feel, kids nook/corner with books and kids chairs, and affordable souvenir corner with lots of nature-related things for both kids and adults. There are bathrooms, water fountains, snack and drink machines. The staff was supremely kind and knowledgeable about the area and were happy to chat with us. The walk itself was just relaxing as can be. Completely shaded and peaceful, away from the busy highways. It is a very well maintained place with several opportunities to sit along the way and just enjoy. The varieties of wild mushroom were incredible. We will be back!
2. Arsenal Park
3. Mike the Tiger's Habitat
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 615 reviews
Reviewed By jasoncastano - Dripping Springs, United States
We see Mike VII everytime we are in town. It is great habitat. He is not always out, so do not be surprised if he is inside. He does what he wants. He is still young, so if you do see him, you may notice how big his paws are for his body. The picture on my avatar was taken about 6 hours before kick off of game. A few things to clear up: 1) Mike VII, like his predecesors, is a rescue tiger. Meaning, LSU found him at a big cat rescue, Wild at Heart Wildlife Center, where he was rescued by Wild at Heart, when they took over from the prior owner who abused him; 2) Tigers do not live in prides. They are solitary cats and in the wild only come into contact to mate or if mama is raising babies. I have seen people say he should be in a pride in the comments. Just want clarity since I have read some comments that say he does not belong in the habitat and should be free. I get the sentiment. But, he is a rescue cat, born in captivity, not by LSU, but now taken care of by LSU.
4. University Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
Reviewed By SunflowerDay - Fort Lauderdale, United States
Great place for daily walks/jogs/bike rides. The scenery is breathtaking and the houses you pass by are stunning. The trail is well maintained and marked.
5. LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29 reviews
Burden Museum & Gardens offers discovery and adventure through historic, natural and educational experiences that provide a window into Louisiana’s rich, cultural past. Situated on 440 acres in the heart of Baton Rouge, it is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the flora and fauna of Louisiana’s lush landscapes and agricultural heritage. Burden Museum & Gardens includes the LSU Rural Life Museum, the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens and Windrush Gardens.
6. Burden Museum & Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Burden Museum & Gardens offers discovery and adventure through historic, natural and educational experiences that provide a window into Louisiana’s rich, cultural past. Situated on 440 acres in the heart of Baton Rouge, it is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the flora and fauna of Louisiana’s lush landscapes and agricultural heritage.
Reviewed By GlobeTrotting549323 - Houston, United States
heart The Burden facility is a delightful experience from the beautiful plants and schrubs to the antiques to take you back to yesteryear and right in the heart of Bato Rouge
7. Baton Rouge Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 269 reviews
More than 944 animals and birds, set in their natural outdoor habitats, plus a children's area, tram and train rides make this a family-friendly attraction.
Reviewed By ScottAshtonSmith - New Roads, United States
Whenever I visited the zoo in Louisiana, I would just hop on down to NOLA for the Audubon Zoo. The New Orleans zoo had to be better than the Baton Rouge zoo, right? Wrong! The Baton Rouge Zoo is top notch! AND it's right in my backyard. This place is an absolute gem. The family events throughout the year are also a lot of fun :)
8. Raising Cane's Dog Park
9. LSU Hilltop Arboretum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 13 reviews
10. Riverfront Plaza
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 40 reviews
Located between the Mississippi River, the Pennington Planetarium, the USS Kidd war museum and memorial and the Baton Rouge River Center, the plaza offers seating atop the Mississippi River levee. Also features a fountain, a 4 panel mural, observation deck, and access to the USS Kidd Fletcher Class destroyer.
Reviewed By JLGlenn - Baton Rouge, United States
Walking the river walk is very relaxing. I live here in BR and I enjoy taking a leisurely stroll by the Mississippi and maybe sitting on the steps or on a bench and watching life go by. Not to mention all the options you have of things to see and do downtown.
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