Top 15 Activities in Central Los Angeles

A northeastern suburb of Baton Rouge, Central was incorporated as a city in 2005 and has experienced significant growth since then; the population increased to nearly 30,000 by 2020.

Situated between the Comite and Amite rivers, this largely residential community features low-density housing set within picturesque pine woods, dotted with parks and nature preserves.

Despite Central’s relative seclusion, downtown Baton Rouge is at most 15 minutes away, providing easy access to numerous notable attractions characteristic of a state capital, as well as the oak-lined LSU campus.

The Baton Rouge summer heat can be intense; however, Central offers a variety of splash pads and public water parks, along with tubing opportunities on the Amite River.

1. Louisiana State Capitol

The Louisiana State Capitol, characterized by its 450-foot Art Deco tower, is an iconic landmark that defines the Baton Rouge skyline.

This structure is the tallest building in the city and ranks as the seventh-tallest in the state. Initiated by the 40th Governor, Huey Long (1893-1935), the New State Capitol was completed in 1932 after just 14 months of construction.

Upon entering, visitors are welcomed into the splendid Memorial Hall, measuring 124 feet long and 40 feet wide, where a large bronze relief of the state is embedded in the floor.

The observation deck located on the 27th floor offers an expansive view of Baton Rouge. Notably, Long was assassinated in 1935 and is interred on the grounds, with a statue facing the capitol.

2. Baton Rouge Zoo

This attraction is conveniently located near Central, adjacent to Baker, and is just over ten minutes away. The Baton Rouge Zoo is publicly owned and participates in more than 30 Species Survival Plans globally.

High-profile exhibits include the Realm of the Tiger, which features Malayan and Sumatran tigers, Asian birdlife, and Siamang gibbons.

Additionally, L’Aquarium de Louisiane showcases the state’s native fish, reptiles, and amphibians, while the Cypress Bayou Railroad meanders through the forest surrounding the zoo.

A schedule of engaging activities is available throughout the day, including keeper talks, demonstrations at the Wildlife Safari Theatre, and the Running of the Ducks at the Kids Zoo.

3. Old State Capitol

This impressive Gothic Revival building along River Rd served as the State Capitol from the mid-19th century until the 1930s.

The Old State Capitol, constructed on a bluff above the Mississippi River, boasts a lavish interior that contrasts with its fortress-like exterior, which was humorously criticized by Mark Twain.

Within, visitors will find rich marble, wood paneling, and stunning stained glass throughout the main gallery and the dome’s skylight.

This building underwent restoration in the 1990s and now features captivating exhibits detailing Louisiana’s extensive and eventful history.

Recent exhibits include “Louisiana’s Lionhearted Ladies: Championing the Right to Vote,” “The Boggs Family Legacy,” and “Louisiana’s Charity Hospital Systems: Medicine & Matters of State.” The immersive 4D presentation, “The Ghost of the Castle,” is also a highlight.

4. Blackwater Conservation Area

Located on the eastern bank of the Comite River, this remarkable natural area was reformed from a former gravel mine. The Blackwater Conservation Area was publicly opened in 2002 after its rehabilitation in the 1990s.

Covering nearly 60 acres, visitors can traverse the riverbank, explore restored wetlands, and navigate through native forests comprising oaks, pines, bald cypress, cottonwood, tupelo gum, river birch, red mulberry, and persimmon.

Designated trails guide visitors through the preserve, encircling two large fishing lakes situated a short distance from the river.

5. Louisiana State University (LSU)

Louisiana State University is among the most frequented destinations in Baton Rouge, located just south of downtown and recognized as one of the most aesthetically pleasing college campuses in the United States.

Primarily developed between 1925 and 1940, this verdant landscape features Italian Renaissance Revival architecture, exemplified by the 175-foot tall Memorial Tower.

The campus is adorned with six lakes and over 1,200 live oaks that provide shade along its numerous pathways.

There is much to engage visitors, including five distinguished museums—LSU Museum of Art, LSU Museum of Natural Science, LSU Rural Life Museum, Louisiana Museum of Natural History, and Andonie Sports Museum—as well as ancient Native American mounds and the state-of-the-art habitat for Mike the Tiger, the mascot for LSU’s 21 varsity teams.

Recognized as a top-tier athletics program in the United States, LSU has earned numerous national championships.

Tiger Stadium, home to the football team (NCAA Division I champions in 2019), stands as the eighth largest stadium in the world, accommodating 102,321 spectators.

6. Frenchtown Road Conservation Area

This reserve lies at the confluence of the Comite and Amite rivers in the southern section of Central and comprises nearly 500 acres of bottomland hardwood forest, featuring endangered and ecologically significant areas of spruce pine hardwood-flatwood forest and small stream forest.

The reserve serves as a vital habitat for migratory birds and can be explored via three miles of trails, weaving through both the central and northern sections.

These trails grant access to several scenic overlooks along the Amite River, as well as a network of tupelo-cypress sloughs and a river beach.

7. Old Governor’s Mansion

The historic residence of the former governor is located a short stroll east of the Old State Capitol, and represents another notable attraction in downtown Baton Rouge.

Constructed in 1930 during Huey Long’s governorship, this Classical Revival residence bears an uncanny resemblance to the White House without it being intentional.

Until 1963, this house served as the residence for nine Louisiana Governors and was subsequently transformed into a historic house museum in 1999 following restoration and a twelve-year period as the headquarters for the Louisiana Arts & Science Museum from 1964 to 1976.

Visitors can take guided tours (available until 3 p.m.) to view memorabilia connected to the mansion’s former inhabitants and admire opulent décor and fixtures, from the grand marble staircase to French wallpaper.

8. Jackson Community Park

This medium-sized community park is situated near Central High School Football Stadium, off Hooper Rd.

Notably, Jackson Community Park is recognized for its splash pad, which features an array of interactive sprays and jets. Open from April through October, this attraction provides a delightful escape from the summer heat for young visitors.

In addition, there is a traditional playground nearby and facilities for adult recreational activities, including a fitness station, walking loop, tennis courts, a lighted multipurpose ballfield, a soccer field, and a recreation center.

9. Aqua PARDS

Located a few minutes from Central in Denham Springs, Aqua PARDS is a small but well-equipped public waterpark adjacent to the PARDS Fitness Center.

Open full-time starting late May, Aqua PARDS provides ample enjoyment for active families, featuring a lazy river, two twisting water slides, a wading pool, and a large play structure with a tipping bucket perched at the top.

Notably, the park lacks deep water, making it suitable for children of all swimming abilities. Parents can unwind under the surrounding umbrellas, and a snack bar offers quick refreshments.

10. Capitol Park Museum

As a branch of the Louisiana State Museum, the modern Capitol Park Museum boasts world-class exhibits addressing various aspects of Louisiana’s history and culture.

Topics covered include music, the Mississippi River, cultural traditions like Mardi Gras, sugar cane, Gulf fisheries, oil drilling, and the turbulence of the Civil War.

Visitors will learn about Louisiana’s population growth, influenced by Native Americans, French, Spanish, and British colonists, enslaved Africans, and Acadians from Nova Scotia, resulting in a distinctive 21st-century melting pot.

The museum houses a treasure trove of remarkable artifacts, including 19th-century steamboat relics, a Civil War submarine, and cherished items like Buddy Guy’s Stratocaster guitar and a bugle played by Louis Armstrong during his childhood.

11. Kidz Korner Playland

Located nearby in Denham Springs is one of the few all-abilities playgrounds available in Louisiana.

This remarkable facility originated in 1997 when the Pilot Club of Denham Springs established a handicapped softball team.

The program faced challenges due to the lack of suitable facilities for participating children, which prompted the development of a playground where children of all abilities could engage in play together.

That initiative materialized in 2011, and Kidz Korner has since become a top-notch play facility, expertly maintained and featuring a spacious picnic shelter as well as a splash pad (open from April to October).

12. Baton Rouge Raceway

For an exhilarating experience, visit the ⅜-mile clay oval track located just northwest of Central in Baker. The Baton Rouge Raceway features lively high-speed racing every Friday night from April to October, culminating in the Louisiana State Championships.

Races feature various classes such as CRUSA Crate Late Models, Stingers, Mini Wedges, Street Stocks, Pure Stocks, and Limited Mods. The venue offers plenty of activities to keep children entertained, so check the schedule for seasonal events.

13. Central Sports Park

Spanning over 50 acres, Central Sports Park provides an exceptional venue for sports and active recreation, while also being suitable for leisurely visits.

The park features seven lighted diamonds aimed at competitive baseball and softball, all arranged around a central concession building and playground for children.

Additions to the park include four multipurpose fields, a fishing lake, two aesthetically pleasing lakes, a ⅓-mile walking trail, and a nature trail that is gradually developing.

The park’s three lakes attract various waterbird species, and the entire facility is enveloped within beautiful hardwood forests.

14. Comite River Park

Situated downriver from the Blackwater Conservation Area, on the west bank, Comite River Park spans over 100 acres of riverside woodlands and stretches along Cypress Bayou.

The undulating terrain at Comite River Park is ideal for mountain biking, featuring more than five miles of trails with exhilarating elevation changes.

Visitors should be prepared to navigate unique obstacles, including boulders and dense tree roots, and will be rewarded with scenic views closer to the water.

Equipped with a picnic shelter and bike-cleaning station, the park is well-suited for those wishing to walk or run on the trails, best approached in the opposite direction of mountain bikers.

15. Tiki Tubing

Another enjoyable option to relieve the sweltering summer heat is embarking on a tubing excursion along the tranquil Amite River.

Tiki Tubing operates from the opposite bank in Denham Springs and provides rental tubes as well as ice chests for your trip.

This serene journey features densely wooded banks along the Amite River, with minimal development, punctuated by several sandy bars along the tubing route, ideal for breaks.

Keep in mind that the river can reach significant depths, and tubing entails certain risks; thus, participants must sign a release form (preferably downloaded in advance for convenience), and wearing life jackets is recommended for all tubers.