The best city hikes and walks in West Baton Rouge Parish

Situated on a bluff overlooking the river, the Louisiana Old State Capitol is a striking Gothic Revival building often described as the "Castle of Baton Rouge." Built between 1847 and 1852, it served as the seat of state government until the current capitol opened in 1932.

Galvez Plaza, located on North Boulevard, is a centrally located city square that serves as a gathering place for events, concerts, and festivals in downtown Baton Rouge. Surrounded by restaurants, cafes, and cultural institutions, the square is a hub of activity and relaxation.

In front of the Louisiana State Capitol in Baton Rouge stands the statue of Huey P. Long, the former governor and senator of Louisiana. He was the driving force behind the construction of the current capitol and is often seen as the embodiment of the building itself.

The Louisiana State Capitol, located at 900 North Third Street in Baton Rouge, is an impressive example of Art Deco architecture and the tallest capitol building in the United States. At 450 feet (137 meters) and 34 stories, it towers over the Baton Rouge skyline.

The State Library of Louisiana, located at 701 N. Fourth Street, is the state's central knowledge and information center. Opened in 1958, the building is located near the Louisiana State Capitol and offers a wealth of resources on Louisiana's history, culture, and government.

Located in historic downtown Baton Rouge, St. Joseph Cathedral is the city's oldest Catholic church and a beautiful example of Gothic Revival architecture. The current church was built between 1853 and 1856 on the site of two earlier churches dating back to the Spanish Colonial period. The parish was originally founded in 1792 as Nuestra Señora de los Dolores (Our Lady of Sorrows), and later took the name St. Joseph when English became the dominant language.

On the banks of the mighty Mississippi in downtown Baton Rouge, you'll find Sing the River, a unique interactive sculpture by artist Po Shu Wang. This shimmering, reflective installation—not unlike "The Bean" in Chicago—is not only a visual spectacle but also a musical work of art. What makes it special? The sculpture is connected to sensors in the river that measure water level and current. This data is converted into sound, making the river "sing." Visitors can also interact by speaking into the sculpture or pressing buttons, creating a dialogue between humanity and nature.

The bridge connecting East and West Baton Rouge over the Mississippi River is the Horace Wilkinson Bridge, often referred to locally as the "New Bridge."