Baton Rouge, LA

Louisiana State Capitol
DESCRIPTION: During the Huey P. Long governorship (1928-1932), America’s tallest State Capitol skyscraper was erected; at 450 feet tall and 34 stories, it cost $5 million, which was a scandalous sum for its time; it is said that he had a touch of Napoleon Complex – one wonders; Long was assassinated at this capitol in 1935 and is buried on the grounds; the Observation Tower offers a view of Mississippi River and downtown; gift shop, cafe and picnic area on premises

ADMISSION: free

DAYS & HOURS: daily

ADDRESS: 900 North Third Street  MAP

PHONE: 225-342-7317

WEBSITE: http://www.crt.state.la.us/tourism/Capitol

 

Baton Rouge River Center
DESCRIPTION: A Swiss Army Knife-like venue that combines a 10,000-seat arena, a grand ballroom for dining events, and a 1,900 seat Theatre of Performing Arts, plus a 70,000 square foot Convention Center under the same roof; there's never a dull moement on its packed event calendar that ranges from Sesame Street Live to Monster Truck Racing to American Ballet Theatre

ADMISSION: varies bay event

DAYS & HOURS: can be any day, but varies bay event

ADDRESS: 275 South River Road  MAP

PHONE: 225-389-3030

WEBSITE: http://brrivercenter.com

Belle of Baton Rouge Casino
DESCRIPTION: features free valet parking restaurants and in-casino food service; located on the Mississippi River in the downtown historic district across from the Baton Rouge River Center and Sheraton Hotel; three-deck riverboat casino features a 29,000 square feet gaming area for 800 slots, video poker, keno machines and table games including blackjack, Caribbean Stud Poker, mini-baccarat, roulette, craps and complimentary cocktails; also features a Sunday Jazz Brunch, Argosy Sports Bar, Butler's Pantry Deli and Atrium Lounge

ADMISSION: free

DAYS & HOURS: 24/7

ADDRESS: 103 France Street  MAP

PHONE: 225-378-6000

WEBSITE: http://www.argosycasinos.com

Casino Rouge
DESCRIPTION: Open 24-7, this 60,000-square foot pavilion features 1,085 slots and 31 table games; with free valet parking across the street from the state capitol on the Mississippi River downtown, no wonder its so popular; Capitol Bistro is one of the finest steakhouses in the state and the international marketplace buffet; live entertainment Wed-Sun, 40 table games including blackjack, craps, roulette and the only live poker in town; enjoy the Sunday Champagne Jazz Brunch at an affordable price; the entertainment is interesting but only average

ADMISSION: free

DAYS & HOURS: 24/7

ADDRESS: 1717 River Road North  MAP

PHONE: 225-381-7777

WEBSITE: http://www.casinorouge.com

Cohn Memorial Arboretum
DESCRIPTION: One of the largest and finest arboretum’s in the state

ADMISSION: free

DAYS & HOURS: daily 8a-4:45p

ADDRESS: 12206 Foster Road  MAP

PHONE: 225-775-1006

WEBSITE: Link

Bluebonnet Swamp
DESCRIPTION: Self-guided nature trails through a magnolia-beech forest and into a 65-acre cypress swamp, also features a picnic area

ADMISSION: adults $3, ages 3-17 $2

DAYS & HOURS: Tue-Sat 9a-5p, Sun Noon-5p

ADDRESS: 10503 North Oak Hill Parkway  MAP

PHONE: 225-757-8905

WEBSITE: Link

LSU Golf Course
DESCRIPTION: 18-hole course is designed to be both enjoyable and challenging. Distinguished by active Live Oak, Cypress, Sycamore, Pecan and Hackberry trees that provide shade and challenging natural hazards. Redesigned, the new course features eleven new holes, a nine-hole par three course, driving range, and a Pro Shop

DAYS & HOURS: weekdays 7a-sunset, weekends 6a-sunset

ADDRESS: Nicholson at Burbank next to LSU Campus  MAP

PHONE: 225-578-3394

WEBSITE: http://www.golf.lsu.edu

Windrush Gardens
DESCRIPTION: A 25-acre expanse of semi-formal gardens with many varieties of vegetation used in 19th century plantations; part of LSU Rural Life Museum

ADMISSION: adults $9, ages 5-11 $5, age 62+ $7, age 5 and undeer enter Free

DAYS & HOURS: daily 8:30a-4:30p

ADDRESS: 6200 Essen Lane  MAP

PHONE: 225-765-2437

WEBSITE: Link

St. Francisville, LA

The Bluffs Golf Course on Thompson Creek
DESCRIPTION: Louisiana's Plantation Country Golf Club, Lodge & Conference Retreat featuring an Arnold Palmer-designed championship golf course, tennis, swimming, nature trails and fabulous Louisiana-French cuisine

DAYS & HOURS: weekdays 7a-sunset, weekends 6a-sunset

ADDRESS: Highway 965 at Freeland Road  MAP

PHONE: 225-634-3410

Plaquemine, LA

Plaquemine Lock
DESCRIPTION: Lock structure and lock house built in 1909; museum with history of the locks and antique boat pavilion and downtown Plaquemine

ADMISSION: $2

DAYS & HOURS: daily 9a-5p

ADDRESS: 57730 Main Street  MAP

PHONE: 225-687-7158

WEBSITE: http://www.crt.state.la.us/Parks/iPlaqlock