"Land of Oil and Red Tape" Top 5 Page for this destination Baton Rouge by der_geograf

Baton Rouge Travel Guide: 322 reviews and 550 photos

Louisiana State Capitol and government buildings

Welcome to the City-Parish of East Baton Rouge

Founded in 1699 along the banks of the Mississippi River, Baton Rouge has evolved into the state of Louisiana's center of government, industry, research, and education, as well as one of the state's leading port cities.

As is true for most medium-sized Southern cities, for successful touring and exploration of Baton Rouge you have to scratch the surface. The city has a plain, bland appearance at first glance, but after living here for almost seven years, I am discovering more and more about it, and I have watched it develop.

There seems to be a certain kind of new energy taking hold. Baton Rougeans are developing a renewed sense of pride in their hometown. Increasingly they are shrugging off the silly notion that they live in a small town, and they are supportive of making the changes that are necessary for any metro area of 500,000 to make. For example, the mayor has initiated a campaign to rid the city of it's urban decay, historic preservationism is becoming a larger force, and city leaders are pushing "Plan Baton Rouge", which is an aggressive and innovative revitalization based on "new urbanism" that is aimed at changing downtown from it's current "nine-to-five" status. In the spring of 2003, a delegation of city leaders even travelled to Austin, Texas and held a 3-day conference with leaders there to get some ideas on how to create positive change.

Also in 2003, the city regained control of its public schools from the federal government after reaching a settlement in the nation's longest-running school desegregation case.

Downtown Baton Rouge on a sleepy Sunday afternoon

Baton Rouge has endured and withstood some heavy tests, from a shaky economy to two serial killers that stalked her streets and neighborhoods and claimed the lives of at least 15 of her female residents and a devastating disaster that knocked its larger neighbor city out of service and dumped many new residents in her bulging borders.

But through all of the growing pains of a young metropolis, Baton Rouge has proved her will and worth.

Welcome to a city that is coming of age.

2004 Governor's Inauguration, State Capitol

The city has a difficult time selling itself to outsiders as it is often hidden in the shadow of its neighbor New Orleans. (70 miles separate the two.) Not to be sold short, the Baton Rouge area has something to offer history buffs, "outdoorsy" types, and sports fans--and everyone's stomach. Not to mention politics that are as spicy as the local food!

For more information, visit The Baton Rouge Area Convention and Visitor's Bureau.

Pros and Cons

Pros:excellent side trip from New Orleans, airport offers flights to many regional large cities, low cost of living
Cons:traffic congestion, confusing street grid, air pollution, poor drainage, areas of urban blight
In a nutshell:With greater collaboration between the city-parish government and the academic community in recent years, Baton Rouge is finally becoming the destination its grand history and location suggest it should be.

Intro Updated Dec 15, 2005
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Reviews (13)

The Interstate 10 bridge on a Sunday - Baton Rouge

Interstate 10--budget more time for... Transportation (3)

One of Baton Rouge's main problems is that it wasn't designed to grow as much as it has. So when the brilliant city... more travel advice

Stalled SUV in Garden District floodwaters - Baton Rouge

Flash floods Warnings Or Dangers (4)

Baton Rouge is flat, and drainage is poor for the most part. That being said, a typical thunderstorm with even brief,... more travel advice

The Mississippi River batture - Baton Rouge

The Mississippi River batture Sports & Outdoors (1)

When the river is not at flood stage (normally during the summer and fall, it is possible to venture down the other side... more travel advice

Old Ferry Landing, Port Allen - Baton Rouge

Enjoy the view (and learn a little too) Things to Do (2)

The main plaza of the Old Ferry Landing has tall metal sheets of historical information about the area and its history. more travel advice

Off The Beaten Path (1)
Historic homes in downtown Baton Rouge
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Travelogues (1)

Written Jan 29, 2004

7 photos

Inauguration Day 2004 -- Louisiana makes history

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Comments (19)

aaaarrgh Oct 12, 2006 at 5:17 AM Report Abuse

Genuinely interesting tips, thanks :-)
wendy33 Jun 28, 2005 at 10:56 AM Report Abuse

thanks for the tips. but what side of town is best to live at? i may be tranferring out there soon.
TheWanderingCamel Jun 14, 2005 at 7:11 PM Report Abuse

Hey great tips. I am going to be visiting there soon so these have been very helpful. Wish you would put more! Megypt
pedersdottir Apr 1, 2004 at 8:51 AM Report Abuse

Hi Mike: nice update on your Baton Rouge page - and travel motto! Enjoy your 'take' on life in the South!
mtncorg Mar 30, 2004 at 8:51 AM Report Abuse

All that is missing here, is Randy Newman wailing away about the Kingfish! ;-]
am&pm Mar 27, 2004 at 11:38 AM Report Abuse

We live in Baton Rouge and still learned something from reading your page!! Thank you! I love this city.
andal13 Mar 26, 2004 at 7:53 PM Report Abuse

Your hometown looks very attractive; all the cities have their own problems... they are inherent to urban life. Best wishes for Mrs. Blanco!
Christophe_Ons Mar 22, 2004 at 12:08 PM Report Abuse

Wonderful page about your hometown. Insightful, and with some very nice pictures. Great job. Best regards from Belgium :)
keeweechic Feb 14, 2004 at 8:17 PM Report Abuse

I enjoyed my brief and unexpected stay in Baton Rouge. It looks much nicer in good weather:-) Quite a historic day you have just had there.
Leipzig Feb 7, 2004 at 3:58 AM Report Abuse

Great page! Blame it on the urban water management - it should be possible to avoid annual floodings caused by rainfalls with a good drainage system - perhaps your town is rich enough to pay each year the damages