Explore Baton Rouge: Things to Do at Rural Life Museum

Events

 

 

 2025 theme womens work history through her story

The LSU Rural Life Museum is proud to present its 2025 theme,
"Women's Work: History Through Her Story." 

This year-long exploration celebrates the impactful contributions of women to Louisiana’s history and culture, spanning traditional roles in the home, political movements, wartime efforts, activism, cultural heritage, and the workforce.

Programming will include the annual Ione E. Burden Symposium, performances, author talks, exhibitions, and hands-on demonstrations.

Through these events, we will shine a light on the resilience, artistry, and leadership of Louisiana women, offering a deeper understanding of how their work has shaped society, influenced change, and left a lasting legacy.

 

 

haints haunts and halloween october 26 2-4:30 pm

Haints, Haunts, & Halloween

📅 Sunday, October 26, 2025
 🕑 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM 

Step into the charm of an old-fashioned country fair at the LSU Rural Life Museum’s Haints, Haunts & Halloween! This safe and family-friendly celebration is the perfect way to enjoy Halloween with a nostalgic twist. Enjoy storytelling, a cake walk, games, and trick-or-treating across the museum grounds. Costumes are encouraged, and families of all ages are welcome to join in the fun.

🟣 Admission:

Ages 0–3: Free
Ages 4–11: $6
Ages 12+: $12
 

Purchase Tickets Here!

 

 

Author Talk: Dr. Daniel Usner 


📅 Wednesday, November 12, 2025
🕑 Doors open: 11:30 AM | Talk Begins: 12 PM

Join us for a thought-provoking lunchtime program with Dr. Daniel Usner, author of

Native American Women and the Burdens of Southern History.

Dr. Usner will shed light on the resilience, leadership, and cultural influence of Indigenous women in the American South, offering a deeper understanding of their historical significance and ongoing legacy.

📖 Books from the author will be available for purchase in the Museum Gift Shop. Attendees will have the opportunity to get their copies signed and chat with the author when the talk concludes.

🟣 Admission is free and open to the public, thanks to the generous support of the Josef Sternberg Memorial Foundation.

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author talk daniel usner

 

 

A Rural Life Christmas

📅 Sunday, December 7, 2025

 🕚 Daytime Portion: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

 🌙 Evening Portion: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Celebrate the season at the LSU Rural Life Museum’s 19th-century Louisiana Christmas event. Enjoy live music, skilled artisans, storytellers, and costumed re-enactors bringing holiday traditions to life.

Families can meet Papa Noël, explore festive activities, and immerse themselves in the joyful spirit of the season.

🕚 Daytime Portion Admission:

Ages 0–3: Free
Ages 4–11: $6
Ages 12+: $12

Purchase Tickets Here!

🌙 Evening Portion Admission:

Ticket link coming soon!

           

LSU Rural Life Museum Christmas event called "A Rural Life Christmas" taking place on December 7th, 2025. The daytime portion is from 11 AM to 5PM and the evening portion is from 5 PM to 7 PM

 

trees in Windrush Garden lit up by Christmas lights for Louisiana Lights event.

Louisiana Lights

📅 November 28 – December 30, 2025

Experience the magic of the season at Louisiana Lights, a breathtaking holiday display that transforms Windrush Gardens into a glowing winter wonderland. Wander through enchanting garden rooms illuminated with dazzling lights, where the beauty of nature and the legacy of Steele Burden shine in perfect harmony.

This multi-night event is the perfect way to celebrate the holidays with family and friends, offering a serene and festive escape for all ages.

Purchase Tickets Here!

 

LSU