LSU Center for River Studies
Explore the mighty Mississippi indoors! See a massive river model, AR sandboxes, and VR experiences at LSU's Center for River Studies.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Free admission & special events
LSU Center for River Studies
Best Time
Free admission & special events
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the mighty Mississippi indoors! See a massive river model, AR sandboxes, and VR experiences at LSU's Center for River Studies.
"The giant 3D model was so cool to see. Augmented reality sandboxes, virtual reality headsets, lots of creative graphics."
🎯 Free Admission Days
Visit on 'First Free Sundays' for free entry and community events!
📏 Marvel at the Scale Model
The 10,800 sq ft river model is a must-see; it simulates years of change in hours.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Lower Mississippi River Physical Model
Main exhibit hall
An enormous, 10,800 sq ft movable bed model simulating the Mississippi River delta and its changes.
Augmented Reality Sandbox
Interactive exhibit area
Hands-on learning with a sandbox that uses AR to visualize landscapes and water levels.
Virtual Reality Experiences
Interactive exhibit area
Immersive VR headsets offering deep dives into coastal environments and research.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit to the LSU Center for River Studies
Understanding the River Model
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Admission Days
Visit on 'First Free Sundays' for free entry and community events!
📏 Marvel at the Scale Model
The 10,800 sq ft river model is a must-see; it simulates years of change in hours.
🕹️ Interactive Exhibits
Engage with the AR sandbox and VR headsets for a dynamic learning experience.
👩🏫 Knowledgeable Staff
Tour directors like Nancy are praised for their expertise and communication skills.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Admission Days
Visit on 'First Free Sundays' for free entry and community events!
📏 Marvel at the Scale Model
The 10,800 sq ft river model is a must-see; it simulates years of change in hours.
🕹️ Interactive Exhibits
Engage with the AR sandbox and VR headsets for a dynamic learning experience.
👩🏫 Knowledgeable Staff
Tour directors like Nancy are praised for their expertise and communication skills.
📍 Location on Water Campus
Situated near the Mississippi River on the Baton Rouge Water Campus.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are highly impressed by the educational value and the sheer scale of the Mississippi River model, often calling it 'very impressive' and 'so cool to see.' The interactive exhibits like the AR sandbox and VR headsets are frequently praised for their engaging nature. The center's commitment to public access through 'First Free Sundays' is a significant draw, making it a highly recommended and accessible educational experience.
"Very impressive educational materials. The giant 3D model was so cool to see. Augmented reality sandboxes, virtual reality headsets, lots of creative graphics. They’re open to the public every first Sunday of the month. Go visit! Find out the ways CPRA is working to restore coastal Louisiana. The tour director Nancy was very knowledgeable and a great communicator."
Nick Stracco
"We went out on what they call "First Free Sunday" where the center was open to the public, free of charge. They have an ultra-accurate scale recreation of the Mississippi River delta to model how the river might change, and they do coastal restoration research as well.
But here's the cool part:
Their Mississippi delta model is HUGE. It's 120 feet x 90 feet, or 10,800 square feet in size! The entire bed is made of white plastic blocks that have been meticulously carved out to perfect detail in 3 dimensions by CNC machines. The whole thing can be filled with water and they use tiny plastic "sediment" that was calculated and designed to flow like the actual river's own sediment. From this, they can recreate the evolution of the river and delta landscapes at a rate of one year per one hour. So, if you wanted to see how things will change in 20 years, it'll take 20 hours.
On top of that, there's an array of projectors overhead pointing downward to display satellite imagery in incredible detail. I think I read that they've passed 4 billion data points to build this data cache for research purposes.
When you first enter the building, there's an area with wall displays and information about coastal erosion, the delta system, the model itself, et cetera. But there's also an augmented-reality sandbox on a table for visitors to "play" with and learn about landscapes and water levels. There's even some VR equipment for visitors to really immerse themselves!
The LSU Center for River Studies could've charged me money for to see these displays and I would've given 5-stars. The fact that they participate in First Free Sunday where you can just walk in really earns it a 6th star from me. Definitely cool."
Tom Gardiner
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Angela Marie
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The LSU Center for River Studies is located on the Baton Rouge Water Campus, near the banks of the Mississippi River. While specific public transport details aren't widely shared, it's accessible by car. Many visitors arrive via personal vehicles or ride-sharing services.
Parking information can vary, especially during special events. It's advisable to check the official LSU Center for River Studies website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date parking guidelines before your visit.
The center is designed to be educational and engaging for all visitors. While specific accessibility features aren't detailed in all sources, interactive exhibits like the AR sandbox and VR headsets are generally designed for broad participation.
The center is part of the LSU campus and the broader Baton Rouge area. Nearby attractions and amenities can be found by exploring the university campus and the city.
While not explicitly stated as a standard stop on all LSU campus tours, its location on the Water Campus makes it a potential point of interest. Inquiring with LSU's admissions or tour services might provide more clarity.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The LSU Center for River Studies offers free admission on 'First Free Sundays' each month, often featuring special community events. Outside of these days, it's recommended to check their official website for current admission fees and hours of operation.
The center is open to the public on 'First Free Sundays' from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. For other days or specific event hours, it's best to consult their official schedule or contact them directly.
Typically, 'First Free Sundays' do not require advance booking, as admission is free. However, for special ticketed events or group visits, it's always wise to confirm booking requirements.
The center hosts various groups, including disaster management teams and scholars. For organized group visits or tours, it's recommended to contact the center directly to arrange your visit. 
Yes, the center is open to the public, especially during 'First Free Sundays' and other community events. You do not need to be an LSU student to attend.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The star attraction is the massive 10,800 sq ft movable bed physical model of the Lower Mississippi River. This incredible exhibit allows for simulations of coastal changes and restoration efforts. +2
Visitors can engage with an augmented reality sandbox that visualizes landscapes and water levels, as well as virtual reality headsets for immersive experiences into coastal environments.
A typical visit can last anywhere from 1 to 3 hours, depending on your interest in the exhibits and whether you participate in any special programming or tours.
Absolutely! The interactive exhibits, especially the AR sandbox and the impressive river model, are highly engaging for children and make learning about coastal science fun.
The center provides very impressive educational materials, including wall displays on coastal erosion and delta systems, alongside the interactive exhibits.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted for personal use, especially to capture the impressive scale model and interactive exhibits. However, always be mindful of any posted signage or staff instructions regarding photography, particularly with VR equipment.
The expansive Lower Mississippi River physical model offers dramatic photographic opportunities. The AR sandbox and displays also provide visually interesting shots.
While not explicitly stated, it's good practice to avoid flash photography that might disrupt exhibits or other visitors. Professional or commercial photography may require prior permission.
Similar to photography, personal video recording is usually allowed. TikTok and Instagram creators have shared content from the center, indicating video is welcome.
A smartphone camera is perfectly adequate for capturing the exhibits. If you're interested in more detailed shots of the model, a camera with a good zoom lens could be beneficial.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Plan your visit around 'First Free Sundays' for a cost-effective outing filled with special community events. The center's engaging exhibits make it an ideal spot for kids to learn about important environmental topics in an entertaining way, ensuring a memorable and educational experience for the whole family.
🎓 Students and Educators
+2Educators can find inspiration for lesson plans, and students can gain a deeper understanding of critical environmental issues facing Louisiana. The interactive exhibits, including the AR sandbox and VR experiences, provide engaging learning tools that can supplement classroom studies. Consider visiting during a 'First Free Sunday' or arranging a group visit to maximize the educational impact.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The LSU Center for River Studies: A Hub for Coastal Research
+2Researchers at the center, such as coastal geologist Dr. Samuel Bentley, work with national media like The Weather Channel to communicate the urgency and complexity of coastal change. They utilize cutting-edge technology, including overhead projectors displaying detailed satellite imagery onto the model and vast data caches, to recreate historical and predict future landscape evolution. The ability to simulate one year of change in just one hour makes this a powerful research asset.
The center's work is crucial for developing resilient solutions to challenges like rising sea levels and storm surge, directly impacting the future of Louisiana's unique coastal communities. Beyond its research capabilities, the LSU Center for River Studies serves as an important educational outreach platform. Through initiatives like 'First Free Sundays' and 'Community Coastal Day,' the center opens its doors to the public, offering engaging exhibits that make complex scientific concepts accessible. Visitors can interact with augmented reality sandboxes, explore virtual reality environments, and learn directly from knowledgeable staff about the ongoing efforts to restore and protect the Louisiana coast.
Exploring the Interactive Exhibits
Complementing the sandbox are virtual reality headsets that transport visitors directly into coastal environments. These VR experiences provide a powerful, first-person perspective on the challenges and beauty of Louisiana's coast, from the depths of the delta to the impact of storm surge. This technology offers a unique way to connect emotionally and intellectually with the issues being studied.
Beyond these high-tech attractions, the center features informative wall displays and creative graphics that explain the science behind coastal erosion, delta systems, and the intricate workings of the Mississippi River. The overall presentation is designed to be highly educational and engaging for all ages, making complex scientific research understandable and exciting.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit