Tour the River Road for History, Culture and Fun

In the 1700s and early 1800s, French Creoles from New Orleans, hardworking German settlers and planters from England traveled the Great River Road, trying to make their fortunes. They brought diverse customs that made Louisiana the mélange of cultures it is today. 

For centuries, ghost stories and larger-than-life legends have haunted southeast Louisiana. The region’s homes, a medley of Creole, West Indies and English antebellum styles of architecture, tell colorful stories of the families who once inhabited them. 

The Louisiana River Road All-American Road stretches all the way from the southeast corner to the northeast corner of the state, but here's just a taste of what there is to offer around the Baton Rouge area.

Recreation, Outdoors and Activities for Families

Outdoor enthusiasts will find an angler’s haven here. In Pointe Coupée Parish, the Old River and False River areas provide opportunities for fishing, boating and jet skiing. Tunica Hills Wildlife Management Area, in the St. Francisville area, is great for hiking, horseback riding and wildlife watching. Those who want wild explorations with their tee times should follow the Audubon Golf Trail to notable golf courses. 

The region offers a lot for families as well, such as the BREC's Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center south of Baton Rouge. A swamp tour with Cajun Pride Swamp Tours is another great way to get an up-close-and-personal natural experience. For wildlife viewing in a tamer setting, the Baton Rouge Zoo is a fun way to spend an afternoon with kids. Animal lovers will enjoy their informational animal talks and interactive activities, including the Giraffe Chat, Otter Chat and the Running of the Ducks at the Kids Zoo.

Experience River Road History

History comes to life throughout the year in the small towns and settlements near Baton Rouge. Port Hudson State Historic Site saw one of the longest sieges in U.S. military history — and was the site of the first major use of African American troops in combat during the Civil War. For an additional peek at military past, visit the USS Kidd Veterans Museum in Baton Rouge (note that the ship is away for repairs). 

Explore the area's history at the West Baton Rouge Museum in Port Allen or the LSU Rural Life Museum and Windrush Gardens, where you may spot LSU students engaged in historical research and preservation. Travelers will find plenty of historic homes along the River Road area, including Destrehan Plantation in Destrehan, Oak Alley and Laura Plantation in Vacherie and Houmas House Plantation and Gardens in Darrow, which is also home to the Great River Road Museum. Over in St. Francisville, you'll find Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site.

Culture Along River Road

Cajun, zydeco, swamp pop and blues music fills the air in these parts. Music fans should try the popular Live After 5 concert series, which takes the stage on Friday nights in the spring and fall in downtown Baton Rouge. Country fans should check out Texas Club, which originally opened as a dance hall in 1981 and has hosted Hank Williams Jr. and George Strait. 

For an education in Louisiana art, visit Shaw Center for the Arts and LSU Museum of Art in Baton Rouge, which also hosts international exhibits. To learn about Louisiana's history, culture and industry, check out the Capitol Park Museum in Baton Rouge and the River Road African American Museum in Donaldsonville.

Best Restaurants Along River Road

In St. Gabriel, Roberto's River Road Restaurant is described as a hidden gem and is certainly worth a stop for their Shrimp Roberto, seafood-stuffed shrimp wrapped in bacon and fried. A taste of old Acadian style can be found in a back-country snack called cracklins or a hot link of boudin. The Gonzales Jambalaya Festival will give you the best of the best in this traditional Louisiana dish. Wayne Jacob’s smokehouse and restaurant in LaPlace sells the spicy, smoked sausage and gives tours and samples. And try the region's spicy delicacy, andouille, along the Andouille Trail in Louisiana's River Parishes.

Where to Shop

The Tanger Outlets in Gonzales are a must-visit, and the Towne Center at Cedar Lodge and Perkins Rowe in Baton Rouge feature upscale shopping and dining experiences. Pick up some homemade products at the German Coast Farmers' Market in Destrahan or explore the West Feliciana Antique Mall, with over 4,500 square feet and 30 vendors offering great finds.