Baton Rouge, the capital of Louisiana, is located in the southern part of the state along the Mississippi River. It's situated about 80 miles northwest of New Orleans.

Baton Rouge has not always been the capital of Louisiana. The capital was originally New Orleans, but it was moved to Baton Rouge in 1849 due to concerns about flooding and the city’s strategic location.

Tourists visit Baton Rouge for many reasons -- its rich history, unique attractions and vibrant culture. Some of the more popular sites to visit are Louisiana’s Old State Capital and the present Louisiana State Capitol which is the tallest capitol building in the United States. The USS Kidd, the campus of Louisiana State University (LSU), Southern University and Magnolia Mound Plantation. Tourists also enjoy the lively music scene featuring Cajun, Creole and Swamp Pop music.

Baton Rouge offers a delicious array of Cajun and Creole cuisine, from crawfish etouffee, boiled crawfish (in season), gumbo, jambalaya and even beignets. You will also find classic dishes such as po’boys, red beans & rice and boudin. Louisiana features a diverse culinary heritage.

Baton Rouge hosts various festivals throughout the year. Enjoy the Baton Rouge Blues Festival, which celebrates the city’s blues heritage, and Fest For All, a multi-genre arts festival. Also, Mardi Gras festivities bring vibrant parades and celebrations to the city, even before Mardi Gras day.

The Southern hospitality of Baton Rouge, along with the sense of community and pride, contributes to the welcoming and warm atmosphere that people appreciate in Baton Rouge.

When you visit Louisiana, be sure to add Baton Rouge to your itinerary.