The capital of the US state of Louisiana, Baton Rouge is located on the eastern bank of the Mississippi River. This city is a major industrial, medical, petrochemical, technology, motion picture, and research center of Southern America. Baton Rouge owes its historical significance to its strategic location upon the Istrouma Bluff, which is the first natural bluff upriver from the Mississippi River Delta. The city is replete with the energy of youth while maintaining its traditions in Southern lifestyle and historic sites. The major tourist attractions include the Old State Capitol, USS Kidd and Veterans Memorial, Louisiana State capitol, Baton Rouge Zoo, and more.
Old State CapitolA magnificent Gothic Revival castle built in 1847, Old State Capitol is noted both from an architectural and historic perspective. This structure stands high on a bluff over the Mississippi River and is now the Museum of Political History boasting a number of exhibits including The Governor's Portrait Gallery, The Legacy of Huey Long, Baton Rouge and the Civil War, and many more. Old State Capitol also hosts a number of events. It can also be rented out as a venue for events such as weddings and other occasions.
USS Kidd and Veterans MemorialLocated on South River Road, USS Kidd and Veterans Memorial centers around the destroyer USS Kidd, a ship named after Rear Admiral Isaac Campbell Sr. This ship was launched in 1943. USS Kidd was nicknamed "Pirate of the Pacific". After it was decommissioned in 1964, this ship has been used in a number of movies and historical documentaries. The complex also boasts an observation tower and museum.
Baton Rouge ZooHome to both domestic and exotic animals, Baton Rouge Zoo is an excellent place to visit for wildlife lovers. Among the collections in the zoo are large cats, otters, fish, rhinos, amphibians, and reptiles of Louisiana. Visitors can check out the Parrot Paradise with rare birds from tropics including macaws and parrots. Flamingo Cove and Giants of the Islands put on exhibition Chilean flamingos, and the Aldabra and Galapagos tortoises. Another popular area in the zoo is the KidsZoo with barnyard animals and tunnels for children to play in. Safari Playground is located next to KidsZoo.