Baton Rouge

Thanks to its position on the Mississippi River, Baton Rouge has one of North America's deepest ports and, as a result, has been a magnet for industrial development. In addition to possessing natural reserves of oil and gas, Baton Rouge developed into a strategic site for petrochemical companies, wood and paper producers. Lately, however, tourism has become a top industry, and the city is regularly being used as a location for filmmakers. Gaming is another growing industry, including downtown's giant Belle of Baton Rouge. Two major universities — Louisiana State and Southern — call Baton Rouge home and, as a result, the city has an excellent ...

Thanks to its position on the Mississippi River, Baton Rouge has one of North America's deepest ports and, as a result, has been a magnet for industrial development. In addition to possessing natural reserves of oil and gas, Baton Rouge developed into a strategic site for petrochemical companies, wood and paper producers. Lately, however, tourism has become a top industry, and the city is regularly being used as a location for filmmakers. Gaming is another growing industry, including downtown's giant Belle of Baton Rouge. Two major universities — Louisiana State and Southern — call Baton Rouge home and, as a result, the city has an excellent collection of restaurants, bars performing arts venues and museums. LSU sporting events draw enthusiastic crowds in record numbers, and several city festivals keep the town hopping. The city's population has soared in recent years, with many displaced Hurricane Katrina victims leaving New Orleans (just 80 miles southeast) and resettling here.

About the Expert

Debra Landau has written eight Lonely Planet guidebooks, including books on the USA, Caribbean, and the South.