Baton Rouge, Louisiana’s capital city, sits on the eastern bank of the Mississippi River, and there are lots of ways to experience America’s most famous waterway on your next visit, from cruising the river to walking or biking along waterfront trails.
River cruises
Enjoy amazing views of downtown and the Baton Rouge harbor with Baton Rouge Cruises. Take in the sights and learn a little local history with a narrated harbor cruise or head out on Friday evening for a cocktail cruise with live music.
Mississippi Riverfront walking and biking
The Mississippi River Levee Trail stretches from downtown south to the campus of Louisiana State University (LSU) and is a popular spot for bicyclists, walkers, and joggers. The trail is 15 feet (4.5 meters) wide and features separate lanes for walking and biking.
River attractions
Louisiana’s Old State Capitol is an obvious sight along the Mississippi River in downtown Baton Rouge: the Gothic Revival building has been called the “Castle on the River” and the “Castle of Baton Rouge”. The building served as the state Capitol until the early 20th century and now houses a museum that tells the story of Louisiana’s past.
Take a 15-minute walk north and you’ll find the new Louisiana Capitol Building, which was completed in 1932 and is the tallest Capitol building in the United States.
The Louisiana Art & Science Museum is a popular spot along the Mississippi River that has 4,000 artifacts and pieces of art in its permanent collection, as well as rotating exhibitions of internationally renowned artists. The Louisiana Art & Science Museum also features an Ancient Egypt Gallery (with a 2,300-year-old mummy), hands-on galleries, and programs in its on-site planetarium.
