LSU Lakes (University & City Park Lakes) - Image 1
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LSU Lakes Baton Rouge

4.8
·23 reviews·Baton Rouge, United States

A serene urban oasis in Baton Rouge, the LSU Lakes offer scenic trails, abundant wildlife, and recreational opportunities for all.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Tranquil atmosphere, fewer people

CrowdLow
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LSU Lakes (University & City Park Lakes) - Image 1

LSU Lakes Baton Rouge

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Tranquil atmosphere, fewer people

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene urban oasis in Baton Rouge, the LSU Lakes offer scenic trails, abundant wildlife, and recreational opportunities for all.

4.8
(23 reviews)

"This is a gem, a beautiful and special place that is peaceful and removed from the busy-ness of the city."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Comfortable Footwear is a Must

The 5-mile loop is perfect for a walk or run, so wear your best athletic shoes! :athletic_shoe:

💧 Stay Hydrated

Especially during warmer months, bring plenty of water for your outdoor activities. :droplet:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Scenic Lakeside Trails

Scenic Lakeside Trails

Circumference of the lakes

Enjoy a 5-mile loop with clean paths, offering stunning views of the water, wildlife, and surrounding homes.

Wildlife Watching

Wildlife Watching

Various points around the lakes

Spot American white pelicans, turtles, and other diverse bird species in this vibrant natural habitat.

Sunset Kayaking Adventures

Sunset Kayaking Adventures

Lakeshore Drive

Experience breathtaking sunsets from the water with affordable kayak rentals available.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for a Peaceful Visit

While the LSU Lakes are beautiful year-round, consider visiting during weekdays to avoid weekend crowds. Early mornings or late afternoons offer the best light for photos and a more serene experience. Be aware that some areas might have restricted access after dark, despite online listings suggesting 24-hour availability.

Embrace the Outdoors Responsibly

The LSU Lakes are a natural haven, perfect for walking, running, and cycling. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water, especially during warmer months. While generally safe during daylight, solo female visitors might prefer to walk with a friend or be extra aware of their surroundings, particularly if venturing out near dusk.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Tranquil atmosphere, fewer people
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon weekdays
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekend mornings
Why
Active community vibe
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The LSU Lakes never looked so beautiful 🤩 #travel #batonrouge #lsu #louisiana
@giovanni.lamonte
5.9K likes • 82.5K views

👟 Comfortable Footwear is a Must

The 5-mile loop is perfect for a walk or run, so wear your best athletic shoes! :athletic_shoe:

💧 Stay Hydrated

Especially during warmer months, bring plenty of water for your outdoor activities. :droplet:

There is a lot to do in Baton Rouge, you just have to find it. Sunset Kayaking at LSU lakes by @brecoutdooradventure And it was only $10 per person #batonrouge #adventure #outdoors #brec #kayak #kayaking
justcallme_ceo
7 likes • 379 views
The American white pelicans have arrived at the LSU lakes in Baton Rouge for their annual migration! #Pelicans #Migration #BatonRouge #Louisiana
lsuagcenter
470 likes • 6.4K views

🌅 Golden Hour Photography

Late afternoons offer stunning light for capturing the beauty of the lakes. :camerawithflash:

🛶 Affordable Kayak Rentals

Enjoy sunset kayaking for around $10 per person! :kayak:

Not just ANY lake, the LSU lakes!💜💛 If you know Baton Rouge then you know this PRIME location is a huge part of the Baton Rouge community! Located right outside the gates of LSU, on any given day, you will see people enjoying the lakes! This beautiful property is also close to some of the BEST restaurants and shopping in town! 2619 East Lakeshore Drive Baton Rouge, LA, 70808 For more information...
heatherhebert_realtor
4 likes • 80 views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Comfortable Footwear is a Must

The 5-mile loop is perfect for a walk or run, so wear your best athletic shoes! :athletic_shoe:

💧 Stay Hydrated

Especially during warmer months, bring plenty of water for your outdoor activities. :droplet:

🌅 Golden Hour Photography

Late afternoons offer stunning light for capturing the beauty of the lakes. :camerawithflash:

🛶 Affordable Kayak Rentals

Enjoy sunset kayaking for around $10 per person! :kayak:

⚠️ Be Aware of Traffic

Cyclists and cars share the road; exercise caution and be attentive. :warning:

🌙 Night Access Confusion

Hours can be unclear; police have enforced closures after 11:30 PM. :police_car:

What Travellers Say

4.8
(23 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the LSU Lakes for their well-maintained trails, peaceful atmosphere, and abundant wildlife, calling it a 'gem' and a 'beautiful and special place.' The scenic 5-mile loop is ideal for walks and runs. However, some users report confusion and frustration regarding operating hours, with police enforcing closures later than advertised, impacting the perceived 24-hour access.

"They are dredging and putting millions into university lakes to make it a center piece in btr. It was only 4 ft deep... they are making it real deep. With new trails and new park spaces.... Full redo. I could walk across the lake bed yesterday. So much fun."

Doug Lubey

"This is a fantastically-maintained lake with clean, easy to follow paths and it's very quiet most of the way around. It's about 5 miles all the way around, so it's a fantastic walk and it's wonderful to have a beautiful lake full of turtles and even a Wild Bird Refuge in Baton Rouge. This is a gem, a beautiful and special place that is peaceful and removed from the busy-ness of the city."

Tiffany Gilly-Forrer

"While not perfect the ride around the lake can be quite charming when traffic is light and the weather is good. Most days there are a fair number of walkers and runners. Weekends adds a number of bicyclists to the mix along with drivers who are all too often in a hurry to be elsewhere. Caution and attention are required at this of high use.

Still, let us not let the perfect be the enemy of the good, yes? There are times, like the evening I wrote this review, when a ride around the Lakes is a rare and marvelous thing. You should try it for yourself."

Mark E Martin

What People Like

Beautiful scenery
Peaceful atmosphere
Abundant wildlife

What People Dislike

Confusing hours
Nighttime closures

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The LSU Lakes are conveniently located adjacent to the LSU campus in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. They are easily accessible by car, with several entry points along Lakeshore Drive. Public transportation options might be limited, so driving or ride-sharing services are often the most practical ways to reach the lakes. TikTok

Parking is generally available along Lakeshore Drive and in designated areas near the lakes. However, during peak times, especially on weekends, parking can become scarce. Arriving early is recommended to secure a spot. Instagram

Yes, the LSU Lakes are very close to the LSU campus. Many students and visitors walk or bike to the lakes directly from campus, enjoying the proximity and scenic route. Instagram

The primary access is via Lakeshore Drive, which encircles the main lake. There are multiple points where you can enter the walking paths and access different areas of the lakes. Instagram

The most popular way to explore is by walking or cycling the approximately 5-mile loop around the main lake. The paths are well-maintained and offer continuous views. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to the LSU Lakes is free and open to the public. You do not need to purchase any tickets to enjoy the walking paths, scenery, or wildlife. TikTok

While often listed as open 24 hours, there have been reports of police enforcing closures around 11:30 PM. It's best to visit during daylight hours to avoid any confusion or unexpected closures. Reddit

Kayaking rentals are available and are quite affordable, with one reviewer mentioning a cost of around $10 per person. Instagram

The Wild Bird Refuge within the LSU Lakes is also free to access, allowing visitors to observe local and migratory bird species without charge. Reddit

While not explicitly stated in the provided information, it's generally recommended to check local regulations for pet policies in public parks. Leashed pets are often permitted, but it's always best to confirm. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

You can enjoy walking, running, cycling, bird watching, and picnicking. Kayaking is also a popular activity, especially during sunset. InstagramReddit

During daylight hours, it is generally considered safe to walk alone, especially with other people around. However, some advise caution, particularly for solo female visitors, and recommend avoiding it at night. Reddit

The lakes are home to various wildlife, including turtles, and are a popular spot for migratory birds like the American white pelican. You might also spot foxes. InstagramReddit

The loop around the main lake is approximately 5 miles, which can take about 1.5 to 2 hours to walk at a moderate pace. Reddit

Information on restroom availability is not explicitly provided, but public parks often have facilities. It's advisable to check local park information or be prepared. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The entire perimeter offers beautiful views, but the areas with clear water, abundant wildlife, and the reflections of the surrounding trees and homes are particularly picturesque. Sunset provides stunning golden hour light. TikTokInstagram

Early mornings and late afternoons, especially during the 'golden hour' before sunset, offer the most beautiful lighting for photography. TikTok

Drone usage in public parks and near university campuses can be restricted. It's essential to check local regulations and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone. TikTok

While there aren't specific 'landmarks' in the traditional sense, the natural beauty of the lakes, the wildlife, and the impressive homes along the shore provide ample photographic opportunities. Instagram+1

Popular shots include serene lake views, wildlife encounters (especially pelicans), sunset kayaking, and scenic walking paths. TikTokInstagram+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The LSU Lakes offer a wonderful, free outdoor experience for families. The well-maintained paths are perfect for strollers and young walkers, and the abundance of wildlife like turtles provides endless fascination for children. Reddit Pack a picnic to enjoy by the water, and consider bringing binoculars for birdwatching. While generally safe during the day, always supervise children closely near the water. Reddit

🏃‍♀️ Fitness Enthusiasts

For runners and cyclists, the 5-mile loop around the LSU Lakes is an ideal training ground. The path is mostly flat with gentle curves, offering a consistent workout. Reddit Be mindful of other users, especially on weekends when the paths can get busy with walkers and cyclists. Early mornings are best for a less crowded, more focused training session. Reddit

📸 Photographers and Nature Lovers

The LSU Lakes are a photographer's dream, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. Capture stunning reflections on the water, the vibrant birdlife (including migratory pelicans), and the charming lakeside residences. TikTokInstagram+1 The peaceful atmosphere makes it easy to immerse yourself in nature and find unique shots. Remember to be respectful of the wildlife and their habitat. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Revitalization of LSU Lakes

The LSU Lakes are undergoing a significant transformation, with millions of dollars being invested to enhance their appeal as a central feature of Baton Rouge. Recent dredging has deepened the lakes, creating new park spaces and improved trails. This revitalization aims to make the lakes an even more attractive destination for recreation and relaxation. Reddit

These improvements are turning the lakes into a more robust ecosystem and a more enjoyable public space. The ongoing development suggests a commitment to preserving and enhancing this natural asset for the community and visitors alike. Reddit

Wildlife Encounters at the Lakes

LSU Lakes serve as a vital habitat for a variety of wildlife, making it a prime spot for nature enthusiasts. During their annual migration, American white pelicans grace the waters, offering a spectacular sight for visitors. Instagram

Beyond the pelicans, the lakes are teeming with turtles, and a dedicated Wild Bird Refuge attracts numerous other avian species. The peaceful environment, removed from the city's hustle, allows for intimate wildlife observation. Keep an eye out, as even foxes have been spotted in the area. Reddit

Recreational Activities and Community Hub

The LSU Lakes are a beloved community hub, offering a wealth of outdoor recreational opportunities. The approximately 5-mile loop around the lake is a favorite for walkers, runners, and cyclists, providing a scenic and engaging way to stay active. Reddit

For those seeking a different perspective, kayaking is a popular choice, especially during the magical sunset hours, with affordable rental options available. Instagram The lakes are not just a place for exercise but also a cherished spot for relaxation and enjoying the natural beauty of Baton Rouge. Instagram

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