When a person thinks of Louisiana, they may be met with images of Mardi Gras or the famous French Quarter, but that doesn't make the rest of the state unworthy of a visit. Baton Rouge has plenty of exciting activities within it, which makes it a perfect choice for any traveler.

Baton Rouge is the capital city, and there is a unique blend of music, culture, and scenery that makes this city one of a kind. From historic sights to outstanding food, here are 10 reasons to visit this capital.

Related: See Swamps, Pirates, & Cajun Culture At Jean Lafitte National Historical Park

10 Visit The LSU Rural Life Museum

History buffs won't want to skip this location! This is a self-guided tour that lets visitors walk through a rural home to get a glimpse into the life of the past. This museum is a preserved home that allows visitors an up-close chance to see 18th and 19th-century culture in rural Louisiana.

  • Address: 4560 Essen Ln, Baton Rouge, LA 70808
  • Hours Of Operation: Open daily from 8:00 am-4:30 pm
  • Cost Of Admission: $12

9 Get Inspired At The Louisiana Art & Science Museum

This museum is perfect for art lovers or for anyone looking for a rainy-day activity. From a wide arrangement of paintings to a planetarium, there's plenty to do! Expect to spend around 2 hours here, and don't forget to check out the gift shop on the way out!

  • Address: 100 S River Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70801
  • Hours Of Operation: Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m
  • Cost Of Admission: $12

8 See The 450 Feet Tall Louisiana State Capitol

Did you know that Baton Rouge has the tallest capital in the entire United States? It's true, and it's even free to visit! Here, visitors can tour the capital and travel up to the observation deck on the 27th floor to view the sweeping scenery of the city.

  • Address: 900 North Third Street Baton
  • Hours Of Operation: Open daily from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m
  • Cost Of Admission: Free

7 Enjoy A Po-Boy At Milford's On Third

This deli in downtown Baton Rouge is an amazing place to stop for breakfast, but they also have a remarkable lunch menu! At around $10 each, these sandwiches are well-priced, well-portioned, and, most importantly: well-made! This deli also has a breakfast menu that is beloved by tourists and locals alike.

  • Hours: Daily from 6 am-6 pm. Closed for 30 minutes from 10:30-11 am daily to swap menus.
  • Cost: $$
  • Address: 150 3rd St, Baton Rouge, LA 70801
  • Must-Try Dish: The Hot Sausage Po-Boy, $10

6 Explore Nature In The Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center

Calling all nature lovers! This free collection of trails will lead you to some amazing views! Hundreds of animals call this area home. For travelers interested in more information, stop by the exhibit building, where there are many live animals are kept in excellent condition, as well as plentiful amounts of information about the animals in the park.

  • Address: 10503 N Oak Hills Pkwy, Baton Rouge, LA 70810
  • Hours: Tues-Sat 9 am - 5 pm. Sun 12 pm-5 pm.
  • Distance: Multiple trails; the most popular is a 1-mile loop
  • Difficulty: Easy

Related: New Orleans Zipline Experience: Immerse Yourself In Louisiana's Wild Swamp Ecosystems

5 Visit The Historic Magnolia Mound Plantation

For any travelers looking for a peek into what it was like for early settlers then this is the spot to visit! This house dates back to 1791 and is a preserved piece of history. Magnolia Mound also serves as an important reminder of the role of enslaved people in Louisiana's history. It is suspected that 79 enslaved people worked on Magnolia Mound and although the original slave quarters have been destroyed, there is a double slave cabin that has been relocated to this property.

  • Address: 2161 Nicholson Dr, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
  • Hours Of Operation: Open daily from 8 am- 4:30 pm
  • Cost Of Admission: Self Guided tours are $3, Guided tours are $10

4 The Old Governor's Mansion

This mansion was the official residence of 9 Louisiana governors from 1930-1962. This mansion was designed to mimic the white house and is referred to as "Louisinia's White House." This visually and historically remarkable building is located in downtown Baton Rouge and is able to be viewed through guided tours.

  • Address: 502 North Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
  • Hours Of Operation: Guided tours are available Tuesday through Friday from 10 am to 3 pm
  • Cost Of Admission: $10

3 See The USS KIDD In Person

For those looking for a unique place to visit, look no further because this ship is a historic landmark of national significance. The USS KIDD played a unique role in WW2 and is one of the only ships from that era that is still able to be entered. Entrance into this museum includes getting to explore the decks of the USS KIDD and getting to see aircraft preserved from WW2.

  • Address: 305 S River Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
  • Hours Of Operation: Monday - Friday, 8 am - 5 pm
  • Cost Of Admission: $14 for Adults, $12 for Military, $10 for Children

2 Visit Mike The Tigers Habitat

Did you know that Louisiana State University has a live mascot? It's true, his name is Mike and he is kept in this 14,010-square-foot habitat that is located in the heart of Louisiana State University. With a waterfall, lush greenery, and plenty of natural substrates, there's no doubt that this is a beautiful habitat. Travelers can even come to visit Mike the Tiger for free!

  • Address: 16 N Stadium Dr, Baton Rouge, LA 70802

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1 Enjoy Downtown Baton Rouge

Travelers who are going to Baton Rouge for any reason make sure to set some time aside to explore the beautiful downtown within this city. Whether they want to sample some outstanding beignets at The Vintage or spend their afternoon at Red Stick Farmers Market, there is no shortage of interesting ways to spend the day.