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Everybody likes Mike, especially since he's the official mascot for Louisiana State University. Hundreds of fans and nature lovers alike flock to see Mike in his natural habitat at the LSU Tiger Cage; visiting Mike has become one of the city's favorite attractions. Originally, Mike's habitat was a mere 2,000 square feet and very limited for an animal (and mascot) of his stature. His home has now been expanded to include an impressive 15,000 square feet and he now resides in what is considered to be an amazing recreation of a tiger's natural habitat. Also, the lair features plenty of oak trees and an Italianate tower that echoes the architecture of the LSU campus.

It seems that finding and reading a real book these days is getting to be more and more difficult. If you prefer to turn actual pages made out of paper in bound book instead of reading it on a computer, then you need to visit Cottonwood Books. Not only do they specialize in real books, they specialize in really rare ones! If you are searching for that one missing Nancy Drew volume to complete your collection and are in search of that elusive first edition, Cottonwood is your tome haven. They also do special orders and have a friendly, helpful staff.

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.

The Louisiana Art and Science Museum explores some of nature's most dramatic wonders both from the inside and the outside. On the inside, you can enjoy a vast array of interactive exhibits as well as see movies about volcanoes, among others. Aside from the galleries inside, peer at the galaxy outside in the Rene W. Pennington Planetarium located within the museum. Don't forget to stop by the gift shop to select an item or two that will remind you of your adventurous day at the Louisiana Art and Science Museum. It's the ultimate art attraction in Baton Rouge.