From breathtaking views of the State Capitol and downtown
skyline at our new Riverfront Pavilion to plantation tours,
West Baton Rouge offers the very best of the Louisiana experience.

West Baton Rouge Museum
Any visit to West Baton Rouge should start with the
West Baton Rouge Museum in Port Allen. The site includes the museum, the circa 1830 Aillet House, a 1850s slave cabin and three antebellum worker's cabins from the plantation of Henry Watkins Allen, the last Confederate Governor of Louisiana and the Mayor whom Port Allen was named.
The original museum was created from the remaining rooms of the Parish's third courthouse and reflects a Greek Revival style.

The highlight of the Museum is a 1904 22-foot working sugar mill model, which shows the process of sugar production from sugar cane to raw sugar. Originally made for the 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition in St. Louis, the model was restored for use in the museum. Dedicated to depicting the importance of the sugar cane industry to West Baton Rouge's growth in the 1800s, the museum also features a film produced by the American Sugar Cane League; a "talking wall" exhibit with local residents describing their experiences of life on sugar cane plantations; changing art exhibits; and a gift shop. The museum is open from 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and from 2 until 5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free.

Located at 845 North Jefferson Street, Port Allen, LA 70767 - (225) 336-2422.

Statue of Gov. Henry Watkins Allen
Henry W. Allen is perhaps one of the most important figures in West Baton Rouge history. Allen was an attorney who moved to West Baton Rouge in the early 1850s and purchased a plantation. He studied at Harvard and traveled extensively in Europe. Elected to the Louisiana legislature in 1853, he served in the Confederate forces in the Battles of Shiloh, Vicksburg and Baton Rouge, rose to the rank of brigadier general, and suffered severe injuries in the Civil War. Allen was elected as the last Confederate governor of Louisiana in 1863, serving at a time the state was in chaos. Port Allen was named after Allen, who left Louisiana for Mexico in 1865, where he died in 1866. The statue of Allen, sculpted by well-known artist Angela Gregory of New Orleans, was erected facing the beautiful West Baton Rouge Parish Courthouse in 1962. The statue sits in an area known as Heroes Plaza, surrounded by beautifully landscaped grounds hosting ornate benches and lighting.  This area is dedicated to all the West Baton Rouge servicemen and women who lost their lives for our country. 

Located on LA Hwy. 1 between parish governmental offices and the parish library.

City of Port Allen Railroad Depot
Built near the original depot site, the railroad depot building is a museum depicting the life of railroad workers in the 1940s. It includes a ticket booth, clothing and memorabilia from that era, along with the typewriter originally used at the depot. The 1950 caboose, which is also open for tours, is the only one in Louisiana that is almost totally restored to its original condition. It shows how railroad operators worked and lived in the caboose. An adjacent pavilion is used for community events. Admission is free, Only by appointment.

Located on the Union Pacific railroad tracks on LA Hwy. 1 North in Port Allen. - (225) 383-8760.

Mississippi Riverfront Development
Offering a breath-taking panoramic view of the Mighty Mississippi and Baton Rouge, the Riverfront Development is the newest addition to West Baton Rouge's tourism offerings. A wonderful place to relax or have a picnic, the area includes a pedestrian promenade with special architectural paving, viewing benches, ornamental street lighting, and a gazebo. It is used by the community for recreational and entertainment events. On this site a ferry operated between Port Allen and Baton Rouge from 1820 to 1968.

Located on the Levee at the end of Court Street in Port Allen.

Port Allen Middle School
One of the finest examples of art deco buildings in Louisiana, the school was built in 1938. It was designed to accommodate 250 students and was heated with a steam boiler. The original school has been expanded several times, and was converted to middle school use in 1981. The original structure, with its two-story central pavilion and third story frontal tower, is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Located at 610 Rosedale Road (Hwy. 986) in Port Allen.

Scott’s Cemetary
The burial place of African Americans in West Baton Rouge's history, the cemetery dates back to the 1850s. Located at the corner of Court and Commerce Streets near the Riverfront Development.

For information:
Scott's United Methodist Church - (225) 383-2234.

Port of Greater Baton Rouge
Located on one of the busiest waterways in the world, the Port of Greater Baton Rouge is one of the top ten ports in the country. It handles roughly 61 million short tons of cargo each year, has 3,000 feet of dock and 550,000 square feet of warehouse space. Its facilities include grain elevator storage, molasses, sugar, oil and coffee terminals. The port is closed to the public during any world conflict.

Located on Ernest Wilson Drive in Port Allen -
(225) 342-1660.

Antioch Missionary Baptist Church
Antioch Missionary Baptist Church was established in 1865, and is the oldest African-American Baptist church in West Baton Rouge. Located in the heart of Lukeville, a state historic marker notes the site of the original church and the gravesite of the church's founder, Rev. Luke Billups, Sr. 2778 Billups Lane. (Private)

The Port Allen Lock
Adjacent to the Port of Greater Baton Rouge, the Port Allen Lock connects the Mississippi River to the Intracoastal Waterway. The massive structure has 90-ton doors and 64-feet sides. The lock was constructed in 1961 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to replace the historic Plaquemine Lock. The Intracoastal Waterway is an east-west inland waterway shortcut that connects Florida and Texas, eliminating 130 miles of shipping distance. The lock is closed to the public during any world conflict. Open 7 days a week to the public free of charge. Located on Ernest Wilson Drive in Port Allen - (225) 343-3752.

West Baton Rouge Tourist Information and Conference Center
You'll feel at home the minute you step into this beautiful new facility. Its rich interior is adorned with cypress and huge brick fireplaces, comfortable chairs and, of course, south Louisiana coffee. It offers one of the most complete collections of Louisiana attractions and maps in the state. Stop in for a visit, refreshments, and our friendly hospitality. This beautiful new facility boasts a huge conference center, complete with meeting rooms, a large banquet room, and business center. All within walking distance to local hotels.

Located just off Interstate 10 at Exit #151 in Port Allen - (225) 344-2920.

State Capitol Raceway
A division of the National Hotrod Racing Association, the raceway holds races every Friday night throughout the year, including several nationally recognized events in the spring and fall.

Located at 11436 U.S. Hwy. 190 West in Erwinville - (225) 627-4574.