5 Best Sunday Drives Around Baton Rouge
There are so many reasons why the Sunday drive will never go away. Quality family time is harder to come by these days; as is the chance to escape from the pace of everyday life. The Sunday drive offers these outlets and more. But, while you want to let the Sunday drive allow you to wander, it is still a good idea to have a destination in mind. That is why we have compiled a list of the 5 best Sunday drives around Baton Rouge.
Port HudsonPort Hudson was the site of a forty eight day long Civil War battle when Confederate troops, outnumbered five to one, tried to stop the union Army from taking control of the Mississippi River. Today, 889 acres of the northern portion of the battlefield stands as the Port Hudson State Commemorative Area. There are three observation towers, six miles of trails, a museum, a picnic area and restrooms. The site is a rare opportunity to learn American History on the grounds where that history took place. It's also very easy to find. Simply take Highway 61 North. The Port Hudson Historic Site will be on your left about 25 miles north of Baton Rouge.
River Road Plantations
Another walk through Louisiana History in our own backyard can be found at any of the great River Road Plantations. Tourists come from all over the world to tour them, and we often overlook how close these treasures are to us. While you can get to Houmas House and San Francisco Plantation on the East side of the Mississippi River, we recommend crossing over to the West side, taking Highway 1 South until you see the sign for Nottaway Plantation, then turning left towards the river. After Nottaway, you can hug the river on Highways 405 and 18 to see Oak Alley and Laura Plantations in Vacherie, and Evergreen and the Whitney Plantations in Edgard.
Cat Island
The Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge is not an island inhabited by cats (that’s in Japan). Cat Island is, however, a refuge for the Louisiana Black Bear, bobcats, minks, river otter, and countless species of migratory birds. The river does not have levees around Cat Island, so it does flood in the spring when the water levels are naturally high. But, there are swamp tours available. To get to Cat Island, take Highway 61 North through St. Francisville. Turn left on charlotte Armstrong Street. Then take Airport road to CR-225 and follow it to the refuge. Remember, this is a wildlife refuge, so don’t expect any amenities while you’re there. Also, since St. Francisville is along the way, you may want to check out Rosedown Plantation or the Myrtles.
Kleibert’s Turtle and Alligator Farm
Another great opportunity to learn about the nature and wildlife that surrounds us in south Louisiana is at Kleibert’s Alligator and Turtle Farm. Kleibert’s features a swamp with a walking tour, up close access to alligators, and an alligator farm where you can hand-feed the gators. You may remember the name Mike Kleibert from the 1st season of Swamp People on the History Channel. Kleibert’s is south of I-12 in Hammond, but since this about Sunday Drives, let’s skip the interstate and take Old Hammond Highway all the way to Happywoods Rd just before I-55. Turn right on Happywoods and take it until you turn left on West Hoffman Road. From there, you’ll take a left on W. Yellow Water Road to find Kleibert’s. By the way, when you’re in Hammond, we recommend rounding out this Sunday drive by feeding your sweet tooth at Eddie’s Frozen Custard Shop on West Thomas Street in Hammond
Donaldsonville
While most Sunday drives aim to take you off the beaten path, this one sends you right downtown. Donaldsonville, which was actually the State Capital for a brief time in the 1800’s, offers a downtown full of history and historic architecture. The Ascension Parish Courthouse is one of the highlights of the drive; as is the Ascension of our Lord Catholic Church, which dates back to the 1700’s. These are just two of more than 600 buildings that are over 100 years old. To get there, cross the river and take Highway 1 south. It will take you straight into downtown.
While you’re checking out some of the hidden highlights around Baton Rouge, you want to enjoy the car you’re exploring in. If you’re in a Volkswagen, from the Golf all the way up to the Tiguan, you will find a sporty ride that puts the safety and comfort of your family at the forefront. If you find that your current vehicle isn’t up to the challenge of hitting the back roads of South Louisiana over the weekend, please give us a call at Southpoint Volkswagen and we can help you find a car more suited to your lifestyle and desire to be adventurous.
