In Baton Rouge, Louisiana, there’s always something to celebrate. Cheer on the Louisiana State University Tigers, enjoy authentic Cajun and Creole cooking, and partake in the many festivals that celebrate local culture.
Cheer
Sports fans all over the country know Mike the Tiger as the beloved mascot of Louisiana State University (LSU) athletics. Visit Mike in his natural habitat while attending a game at LSU’s Tiger Stadium.
Credit: Visit Baton Rouge
Honor
Recognized as the “Pirate of the Pacific,” the USS Kidd destroyer now honors those who proudly served in the armed forces. Learn about its restoration at the USS Kidd Veterans Museum and see a reenactment of a World War II attack every year on July 4. Groups can spend the night aboard the USS Kidd to experience life in close-quarters and courage under fire. At Louisiana Memorial Plaza, read the names of the fallen soldiers and honor their service.
Taste
At Red Stick Spice Co., learn how to create authentic Cajun and Creole cuisine with chef-led cooking classes. Work as a team to create a multicourse meal in its high-end teaching kitchen. Make savory gumbo, meat pies, and Louisiana bread pudding. (And then dig in!)
Credit: Visit Baton Rouge
Visit
Built in 1791, the Magnolia Mound Plantation is a well-preserved representation of a traditional French Creole house. The grounds feature an open-air hearth, a pigeonnier for game birds, and a weaver’s workshop, giving groups a sense of plantation residents’ daily lives. Guided group tours and hands-on educational programs are available. Tour Louisiana’s Old State Capitol, which now serves as the Museum of Political History. Also known as the “Castle of Baton Rouge,” the building is a Gothic architectural treasure, complete with a stained glass dome. At the current Louisiana State Capitol, the tallest capitol in the United States, head to the 24th floor for sweeping views of the Mississippi River.
Main Image: Old State Capitol; Credit: Visit Baton Rouge
