The Afton Villa Gardens stand as proof that there can be beauty among the ruins. These breathtaking gardens rest on the terraced ruins of the palatial home built by Susan Barrow in 1849. These are 250-acres of trees, plants and flowers that line a winding walking trail. Take a stroll along this gorgeous path that always proves to be a calming, restorative exercise no matter what the season. And speaking of seasons, when spring brings the flowering and budding of these plants and trees, it also brings throngs of nature lovers to see the indescribable outdoor beauty unfold right before their eyes.
Baton Rouge celebrates nature's wild kingdom at Brec's Baton Rouge Zoo. The Realm of the Tiger is the latest spotlight feature at the zoo, as it dramatically illustrates how the tiger lives in its natural environment as well as how it uses its natural instincts to find food and to remain one of the jungle's most respected residents. Also, see the zoo's latest addition, the baby baboon and enjoy the colors of the dusky shades of sunlight on the very popular Twilight Tour. All that plus the summer zoo camp for kids all go to make Brec's Baton Rouge Zoo the #1 family attraction in the city.
Baton Rouge's Burden Center is a visually compelling sight, and if you're a garden and nature lover, it might just be a sneak peak at what heaven must be like! This amazing 440-acre is a tract that is used for a wide array of projects that test various crops and plants as they grow in Louisiana's climate. There are also several beautiful gardens of roses, flowers and vegetables that have walking paths and and various rest areas where you can sit in the great outdoors and reflect on this buffet of visual beauty.
If absorbing nature sounds like a great idea to you, then you can take it all in at BREC's Cohn Memorial Arboretum. The facility is used for the preservation and study of plants from other areas, but having them all together only adds to Baton Rouge's beauty. In addition to the enticing foliage, there are fruit orchards, a butterfly garden, paved walkways and a bamboo collection that inhabit this outdoor environment. Choose between self-guided or guided tours. If you prefer the guided tour, the number of participants is limited to 14 and arrangements must be made ahead of time. Admission to the area is free, but no picnics or pets are allowed.
If you're a real nature lover and want to see animals from all over the world but don't have the time or resources to make the trip, the Global Wildlife Center is a total must-see! This is the largest totally free-roaming wildlife preserve of its kind in the world. The 900-acre center is home to over 4,000 exotic, endangered and threatened animals from all over the planet. You can actually feed and touch the animals when you take the guided safari tour. Just reach out and touch a fascinating world of nature.
If you love birdwatching and want to make a bit of an escape from the usual rat race to do it, look no further than the Peveto Woods Sanctuary. Associated with the Baton Rouge Audubon Society, Peveto Woods Sanctuary encompasses approximately 40 acres and is located along the Louisiana coast in Cameron Parish. This habitat has been carefully preserved by the Baton Rouge Audubon Society and its reputation is so highly regarded that birders, nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts from all 50 states and 20 foreign countries have journeyed here to take in the beauty of this magnificent slice of nature.
If you like your nature served up with a good helping of history, then the Port Hudson State Commemorative Area is just for you. Enjoy the expansive walking trails, picnic tables and open lawns as they make up this sprawling 650-acre area that was once part of a Civil War battlefield. With such an historic backdrop, it is no wonder that there are always Civil War reenactments happening on site several times a month. So whether you're a history buff or just want a great day outdoors with the family, the Port Hudson State Commemorative Area is an excellent choice.