LSU Rural Life Museum and Burden Museum & Gardens

LSU Rural Life Museum and Burden Museum & Gardens
Years in Business: 54 years

For more than 50 years, Burden Museum & Gardens has been a treasured oasis in the heart of Baton Rouge. This 440-acre property, once part of the Burden family estate, now serves as a cultural, historical, and horticultural hub—offering a unique blend of nature, history, and education. The property is home to two remarkable entities: the LSU Rural Life Museum and the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens. Together, they create an immersive experience for families, students, and visitors of all ages.

LSU Rural Life Museum: Where Heritage Inspires
Founded in 1970, the LSU Rural Life Museum preserves and interprets the rich rural heritage of Louisiana through more than 35 historic structures and a collection of over 15,000 artifacts spanning the 18th through early 20th centuries. The museum experience also includes Windrush Gardens, a 25-acre semi-formal garden with century-old plantings and peaceful paths. Open daily with paid admission, the museum offers visitors an authentic window into the lives, skills, and traditions of Louisiana’s past. Whether attending signature events like Harvest Days, Haints, Haunts & Halloween, A Rural Life Christmas, or Old Fashioned Easter, or simply exploring the museum’s exhibits and historic grounds, guests of all ages can engage with Louisiana’s rich cultural story.

LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens: Where Nature Teaches
From ornamental gardens and wetlands to children’s gardens and forest trails, the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens bring plant science to life. Families can enjoy seasonal events, kids can explore the Pollinator Garden or StoryTime, and garden enthusiasts will find inspiration in every bloom. Open daily with free admission, it’s a place where beauty and science grow side by side. Visitors of all ages can enjoy the sights and sounds of nature, explore at their own pace, and experience the joy of the outdoors in the heart of Baton Rouge.

Why Families Love Burden Museum & Gardens
All programming at Burden Museum & Gardens is created with multi-generational visitors in mind. From hands-on events to casual strolls through nature, there is something for every age and interest. Though located just minutes from I-10, the property feels worlds away—offering visitors a chance to slow down, explore, and connect with Louisiana’s cultural and natural heritage.