About Baton Rouge | Baton Rouge, LA (2024)

FAQs

What is Baton Rouge most known for? ›

Named by French explorers as "the Red Stick City," Baton Rouge is where Louisiana's capital, flagship university, and distinctive Cajun and Creole cultures all come together. Located in Southeast Louisiana, Baton Rouge is the fifth largest city on the Mississippi River and home to Louisiana's largest parish.

With its vibrant culture, top-notch food scene and tight-knit community, Baton Rouge is a great place to call home — and it's affordable. Baton Rouge's cost of living is much lower than the national average, with housing costs up to 20% lower than neighboring southern metros.

Creole & Cajun Food in Baton Rouge

Baton Rouge is known worldwide for its exquisite cuisine that combines the flavors and cultures of both Cajun and Creole.

Baton Rouge is popular for being home to the flagship university, LSU, as well as the only HBCU system in the country, Southern University. It is also known for its rich, 300-year history and museums, arts and culture scene, shopping and culinary offerings.

Baton Rouge has historically voted Democrat in its local elections. Only two Republicans have held the office over the last 100 years.

Baton Rouge ranks high for two types of crime — murder and burglary. According to data, the city has almost six times more murder crimes and four times more burglary crimes compared to the national average. The East Baton Rouge Coroner's website reported 106 homicides in 2023, down from 135 in 2022.

Baton Rouge Demographics

Black or African American: 52.53% White: 37.21% Two or more races: 4.04%

French Explorers

Pierre Le Moyne D'Iberville's writings refer to the area as Istrouma or Red Stick, which when translated into French becomes Baton Rouge. Records of D'Iberville describe large reddened poles erected by Indians with fish and bear heads attached in sacrifice.

The state fruit is the Louisiana strawberry. More than 380 acres of strawberries are harvested every year in Louisiana. The strawberry was designated as the state fruit of Louisiana twice — for one year in 1983 and permanently in 2001.

What is the number one food in Louisiana? ›

Gumbo (guhm-boh)

Fun fact: gumbo is the official dish of Louisiana. Watch this 60-sec gumbo recipe video. Where to find it: Gumbo is so ubiquitous, you're bound to find it wherever in Louisiana you're traveling. Head to Rocky and Carlo's in Chalmette for one of the best bowls in south Louisiana.

Top Attractions in Baton Rouge

Highlights include historical artifacts and scenic river views. Landmark building with panoramic views from its observation deck, lush gardens, and art deco interiors. Historical exhibits and legislative chambers are open for exploration. It is nice and so is Tiger Stadium.

French Explorers

Pierre Le Moyne D'Iberville's writings refer to the area as Istrouma or Red Stick, which when translated into French becomes Baton Rouge.

At the heart of downtown Baton Rouge lies Third Street, an entertainment hub of restaurants, bars, live music venues and other bustling hot spots.

Baton Rouge is French for "Red Stick." In 1699, French explorer Iberville was traveling up the Mississippi River and saw a bloodied, red pole on the shore. The "red stick" was marking the boundaries between hunting grounds of two Native American tribes. He named the location le bâton rouge, or the red stick.