Baton Rouge Museums Trail
Expiration: 365 days after purchase
From castles to mummies, immerse yourself in the history of the Capital City with the Visit Baton Rouge Museums Trail!
History buffs and curious families—get ready for an adventure through time, art, and science! With the free Baton Rouge Museums Trail, check in via GPS at must-see spots like the USS KIDD, Louisiana’s Old State Capitol, Old Governor’s Mansion, Baton Rouge Gallery, and more. Explore at your own pace, uncover local stories, and earn a prize when you complete the trail. It’s a fun, free way to experience Baton Rouge’s rich culture—one museum at a time!
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Nestled atop Knock Knock Hill near Baton Rouge’s scenic City-Brooks Community Park, Knock Knock Children’s Museum is a 26,000-square-foot, award-winning facility designed to spark curiosity and inspire lifelong learning through play. With 18 interactive Learning Zones—including the towering Storybook Climber, Art Garden, Go Go Garage, and Crawbaby area for toddlers—children engage in hands-on activities that promote early literacy, creativity, and STEAM exploration. The museum’s mission is to empower children to become readers, creative thinkers, and innovative problem solvers, laying the foundation for lifelong learning. Dedicated to inclusivity, Knock Knock also offers sensory-friendly Play 4 All events and is fully accessible to families of all needs. Whether you're planning a family visit, birthday party, or field trip, Knock Knock is a vibrant destination where learning and fun go hand in hand.
Louisiana’s Old Governor’s Mansion, located in downtown Baton Rouge, is a stunning example of Classical Revival architecture and a treasured piece of the state’s political history. Built in 1930 under the direction of Governor Huey P. Long, it served as the official residence for nine governors until 1963. Often called "Louisiana’s White House" for its resemblance to the presidential residence, the mansion now operates as a museum showcasing period furnishings, historic artifacts, and exhibits that explore the lives and legacies of Louisiana’s governors. With its grand ballroom, stately columns, and beautifully restored interiors, it’s a popular venue for tours, weddings, and special events, offering visitors a glimpse into the elegance and drama of Louisiana’s past.
Siting along the Mississippi River in downtown Baton Rouge, the USS KIDD Veterans Museum offers an immersive journey into naval history. The museum features exhibits including a P-40 aircraft, ship models, a full-scale replica of the Old Ironsides gun deck, and the Louisiana Veterans Hall of Honor. The Louisiana Memorial Plaza honors the state's fallen service members, complemented by a Corsair A-7E jet display.
Magnolia Mound is a beautifully preserved French Creole plantation house and museum located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Built circa 1791, the site offers a rare glimpse into 18th- and 19th-century plantation life, featuring original and reconstructed outbuildings. Spanning 16 acres shaded by ancient oaks, Magnolia Mound hosts educational programs, cultural events, and guided tours that explore the complex history of French Creole culture and the lives of both the landowners and the enslaved individuals who lived and worked there. The museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Perched atop a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River, Louisiana’s Old State Capitol—fondly known as the “Castle on the River”—is a must-see destination for visitors to Baton Rouge. This Gothic Revival masterpiece, built in 1847, boasts a stunning stained-glass dome and an iconic cast-iron spiral staircase. The museum offers free admission and features interactive exhibits, including the immersive “Ghost of the Castle” experience. Open Tuesday through Saturday, the museum provides guided and self-guided tours, with multilingual audio options available. Located at 100 North Boulevard in downtown Baton Rouge, the Old State Capitol is a captivating blend of architecture and history, offering an unforgettable experience for all ages.
Located in downtown Baton Rouge, the Capitol Park Museum offers an immersive journey through Louisiana's rich history and vibrant culture. As part of the Louisiana State Museum system, it features two permanent exhibits: "Grounds for Greatness: Louisiana and the Nation" and "Experiencing Louisiana: Discovering the Soul of America." Visitors can explore diverse artifacts, including a 48-foot shrimp trawler, a sugar cane harvester, and a Civil War-era submarine, highlighting the state's agricultural, industrial, and maritime heritage. Interactive displays delve into topics such as Mardi Gras traditions, jazz music, and the contributions of various cultural groups, including Native Americans, French and Spanish colonists, and African Americans.