Discover the Red Stick: Top 12 Fun Facts About Baton Rouge You Can't Miss!

1. The Tallest Capitol

If you're ever feeling too short in life, take a trip to Baton Rouge and get inspired by their giant ruler of the land: The Louisiana State Capitol is the tallest capitol building in the United States, towering over its fellow buildings at an impressive 450 feet with its 27-story art deco tower, also being a registered National Historic Landmark and offering intriguing tours for history and architecture buffs!
Source => visitbatonrouge.com

2. Baton Rouge's Seven Rulers

If Baton Rouge were a contestant on a reality TV show, it'd be the ultimate survivor, having swapped allegiances between seven different rulers - talk about playing both sides of the fence! Alas, here's the twist: Baton Rouge has been governed by the French, British, Spanish, Republic of West Florida, United States, Confederate, and the United States again post-Civil War, creating a melting pot of cultural influences that boasts diverse religious practices – from Catholicism and Protestantism to Vodou – and a vibrant LGBT community.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

Did you know that the world's favorite spicy superhero, TABASCO® Sauce, was born in 1868 in Louisiana's Avery Island? Discover how this fiery condiment saved our taste buds and conquered the culinary world! 🌶️🔥

=> Fun Facts about Louisiana

3. Godzilla of Legislative Lairs

If the Louisiana State Capitol in Baton Rouge were a skyscraper, it'd be the Godzilla of legislative lairs: towering at 34 floors, it holds the title of the tallest capitol in the United States. Erected in 1932, this National Historic Landmark melds classical and Art Deco architecture, leaving visitors floored. And for those whose heads aren't high enough in the clouds, the 27th-floor observation deck offers a bird's-eye view of the city – all for the low price of zero dollars! Note: the tower is open daily except major holidays, and viewing hours end at 4 p.m. sharp.
Source => civilrightstrail.com

4. Empire State of the South

Step aside, New York City: Baton Rouge has its own Empire State funk going on! In the land of gumbo and jazz, the Louisiana State Capitol stands tall and proud: At 450 feet and 34 stories high, it's not only the tallest capitol building in the United States, but also the tallest edifice in Baton Rouge. Completed in 1932, this National Historic Landmark features an Art Deco design and serves as the home to the Louisiana State Legislature and the Governor's office. This sky-high wonder sits pretty on a 27-acre estate, complete with capitol gardens adorned with azaleas, magnolias, and majestic live oaks.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

5. LSU's Jungle Tiger

Whoever said tigers are just confined to the jungle clearly didn't account for college mascots: Mike the Tiger, a Bengal tiger, is the pride and joy of Louisiana State University, residing between Tiger Stadium and the Pete Maravich Assembly Center, with theTiger Athletic Foundation accepting donations for his habitat's maintenance and upgrades, plus the added touch of a live webcam for everyone to witness his whiskered glory.
Source => livebeaches.com

6. Meet Mike the Tiger

When Louisiana State University's Mike the Tiger isn't busy sneaking into Narnia or practicing for the 100-meter roar: visitors can catch a glimpse of this beloved mascot for free at his North Stadium Drive habitat between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. daily, including weekends and holidays – just keep an eye on his social media for updates on yard work or maintenance delays.
Source => lsu.edu

7. Prescription for Success

Who knew the prescription for success had a Louisiana twist? Baton Rouge has been producing the nation's prime medical talent, all with a side of jazzy charm: Xavier University of Louisiana in Baton Rouge holds the title for graduating more African American students from medical school than any other university in the United States, and its College of Pharmacy is a top producer for African American pharmacists.
Source => xula.edu

8. French-Speaking Capital

Parlez-vous français à Baton Rouge? Magnifique! Here, it's glitz and glamour meet pétanque and French chatter: Baton Rouge regularly hosts French-speaking events like Tables Françaises and Clubs de Pétanque, celebrating and promoting Francophone culture in Louisiana, all thanks to the spirit of CODOFIL's mandate.
Source => crt.state.la.us

9. Catch of the Carp

They say there's plenty of fish in the sea, but it turns out there's a "carp-load" in Baton Rouge's waterways just begging to be eaten: While Asian carp may be an invasive species causing ecological damage across the Mississippi and Missouri river basins, they're actually low in fat and high in omega-3 fatty acids, making them a deliciously healthy choice for consumption. So get ready to enjoy a "fish-tastic" meal, and thanks to experts in the field, there's even a handy video to teach you all the best ways to clean, cook, and plate up these flying fish!
Source => lsuagcenter.com

10. Culinary Xanadu

Do you hunger for adventure and flavors unknown, while your taste buds scream, "Bring on the spice and call me Cajun!"? Well, Baton Rouge is your culinary Xanadu: Home to a delicious mélange of Cajun, Creole, and Southern flavors, the city's food scene is a tantalizing playground for both locals and visitors with iconic spots like Cocha and Kalurah Street Grill, while taco maven Jay Ducote tantalizes with his pop-up Government Taco – set to become a permanent locale in 2018!
Source => visitbatonrouge.com

11. Yuletide Extravaganza

Deck the halls and jingle your bells, Baton Rouge is rolling in Yuletide cheer like the big man in red himself: The annual Baton Rouge Christmas Parade attracts over 80,000 spectators, featuring marching bands, dance troupes, celebrities, non-profits, and local businesses. After a pandemic-induced hiatus, this jolly jamboree is set to return on December 11, 2021, with a pre-parade Battle of the Bands where talented ensembles from the area vie for the title of Baton Rouge's top festive tunesmith.
Source => downtownbatonrouge.org

12. Gator's Dream City

If a gumbo-lovin' alligator traded in his swamp for a bustling metropolis, not even he could resist the charm of Baton Rouge, where jambalaya meets jam sessions, and étouffée encounters edification: Baton Rouge, Louisiana's capital, boasts a rich cultural history, prominent landmarks like the Mississippi River and the Louisiana State Capitol Building, and is a thriving hub of innovation and business, offering endless opportunities for professionals and entertainment-seekers alike.
Source => subr.edu