USS KIDD is a WWII Fletcher-class destroyer, and National Historic Landmark, restored to 1945 configuration. The shoreside museum includes a P-40 aircraft, military ship models, WWI trench exhibit, the Louisiana Veterans Hall of Honor, and traveling exhibits relating to Louisiana's and her citizens' military contributions. The Louisiana Memorial Plaza and a Corsair A-7E jet are adjacent to the museum.
The Old Louisiana State Capitol, also known as the State House, is a historic government building, and now a museum, at 100 North Boulevard in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, U.S. It housed the Louisiana State Legislature from the mid-19th century until the current capitol tower building was constructed from 1929-32.
The Old Louisiana Governor's Mansion was used as Louisiana's official gubernatorial residence between 1930 and 1963; a new residence was completed in 1963. The Old Governor's Mansion was built under the governorship of Huey Long, its first resident. The building is reported to be inspired by the White House in Washington D.C. as it was originally designed by Thomas Jefferson. It is said that Long wanted to be familiar with the White House when he became president, so he had the White House duplicated in Baton Rouge. Some dispute this legend and simply say that the building is merely a fine example of a Georgian-style mansion.
One of the great things to do in the city is head to the Louisiana Art and Science Museum downtown. One of the well-known permanent exhibits is the Ancient Egypt Gallery which contains a well-preserved mummy. The museum also has a planetarium, movies, interactive exhibits, and a kids’ room. The museum occasionally holds special events like a Dark Side of the Moon light show in the planetarium during after-hours.
Go see LSU's live tiger mascot in his habitat! A very specific enclave of LSU’s campus is the Mike the Tiger habitat located near Tiger Stadium, also known as Death Valley. Mike is LSU’s mascot, and the university has a live tiger on display in a large and opulent habitat. Mike is well cared for, with his own team of veterinarians and personnel devoted to his entertainment and stimulation. Visitors come from near and far to watch Mike bask in the sun, swim, or bat his ball around.
The Old Arsenal Powder Magazine Museum is a fun little history museum focused on Baton Rouge’s role in the Civil War after the Powder Magazine and nearby barracks were handed over to state forces in 1861. The building was abandoned as an arsenal in 1869. The museum itself is interesting, but the grounds it sits upon are also beautiful. It is enveloped by Arsenal Park, which contains landscaped gardens, an Indian Mound, a historic cannon, and several beautiful, tree-lined paths.
The Capitol Park Museum is part of the Louisiana State Museum system and features Louisiana art as well as a number of historical exhibits. There is a large exhibit dedicated to the history of the region’s maritime industry, with a particular focus on riverboats like sternwheelers. There’s also a fantastic, immersive Mardi Gras exhibit. You can climb aboard a mock Mardi Gras float and watch footage that makes you feel like you’re looking down at a crowd below as you pass by.
Take an airboat on the Atchafalaya Swamp. McGee's Swamp & Airboat Tours is located in Henderson, Louisiana. Located just 20 minutes east of Lafayette and 2-hours west of New Orleans. Folks from around the world visit McGee's to experience the sights and sounds of the Atchafalaya Swamp on one of our world famous swamp and airboat tours, or to create their own adventure with our canoeing rentals and photography excursion opportunities. At the beginning of 2017, the McGee's property was purchased from the Allemond Family by Louisiana Swamp Base, Inc., a non-profit adventure and conservation program affiliated with the Boy Scouts of America. Swamp Base's goal is to immerse people from all over the world into the unique and often misunderstood wilderness of America's greatest swamp. McGee's helps fulfill this goal by providing insightful, entertaining and educational tours to the general public, tour companies, and school groups.
A must for your visit! Go feed zebras and giraffes. This is one of our favorite places to go. The Global Wildlife Center is a free-roaming wildlife preserve in Folsom, Louisiana. It is situated on a 900 acres preserve and hosts about 2000 exotic, endangered and threatened animals from all over the world.
If you have more time in Louisiana, go to Avery Island to tour the Tabasco Factory.