One of nine museums within the Louisiana State Museum system, the Capitol Park Museum in Baton Rouge, Louisiana introduces visitors to the state's vast history and culture. The two permanent exhibits in the nearly 70,000-square foot facility cover a lot of information through artifacts and interactive features. On the lower level, the "Grounds for Greatness: Louisiana and the Nation" highlights such notable (and infamous) Louisiana natives like Huey Long and Louis Armstrong as well provides a look the state's history, showing such topics as slavery in Louisiana, the Civil Rights Movement, Hurricane Katrina and more. The upper-level houses "Experiencing Louisiana: Discovering the Soul of America," which focuses on the different regions of Louisiana and what makes the unique. The exhibit also recognizes the music traditions and the Mardi Gras tradition within Louisiana.
Parking and Public Transportation at Capitol Park Museum
The museum does not have a parking deck, but there are a few metered parking spots in front and on the side of the museum. There is a parking deck located at the close by Capitol Park Welcome Center at 702 North River Road. There is a bus stop and a trolley stop in front of the State Library of Louisiana at 701 North 4th Street.
Best and Worst Times to Visit Capitol Park Museum
The museum itself is large enough so that it doesn't get crowded easily. However, if you are looking to visit at a quiet time, plan your visit during weekday mornings. Since Baton Rouge is home to Louisiana State University (LSU), fall Saturdays might be a little more crowded during home games. If you happen to be in the area at this time, plan your visit during the actual game time.
Admission to Capitol Park Museum
$6/adults; $5/students, senior citizens, and active military; free/children ages 12 and under; 10 percent AAA membership discount with card. Museum hours are 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Tuesday -Saturday. The museum is closed Sunday, Monday and on state holidays.
Must See/Do at Capitol Park Museum
On the ground level, be sure to explore a Mississippi River steamboat. See Huey Long's silk pajamas and watch footage about the impact of this politician. Learn more about Louis Armstrong and view his bugle he played in during his younger years. On the upper level, listen to the different music that has come from Louisiana and educate yourself further about dancehalls. View the elaborate costumes of Mardi Gras royalty and learn about the various krewes throughout the state.
Other Places to Visit Near Capitol Park Museum
Less than a mile is the State Capitol. Open daily, it is the tallest capitol in the United States with a height of 450 feet. Within its 34 floors, the observation deck located on the 27th floor. Huey Long is buried on the grounds. Admission is free. The capitol is open daily from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., with the observation deck closing at 4 p.m.
Around a mile from Capitol Park Museum is Louisiana's Old State Capitol. Much like other notable places in Louisiana, it has a storied history. Today it houses the Old State Capital Museum of Political History. It's opened Tuesday - Saturday, from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., and admission is free.
Insider Tip for Visitors to Capitol Park Museum
Take your time going through the museum. There is so much to see and take in; you don't want to miss any of it. And yes, that is an actual shrimp boat on the first floor.
If you have children with you, they will enjoy the music section and Mardi Gras section on the second floor.
Check out the event calendar for information on different lectures and talks as well as upcoming temporary exhibits.
Author's bio: Apryl Chapman Thomas spends most of her time traveling throughout the Southeast and writing about what makes the region special. She is the feature writer for Southern Hospitality Magazine-Traveler.
