Fodor's Expert Review Rural Life Museum and Windrush Gardens
Baton Rouge
Run by Louisiana State University, this outdoor teaching and research facility aims to represent the rural life of early Louisianans. Three major areas—the Barn, the Working Plantation, and Folk Architecture—contain more than 32 rustic 19th-century structures spread over 25 acres. A visitor center adjoins the Barn, which holds a collection that includes old farm tools, quilts, 19th-century horse-drawn carriages, items once belonging to slaves, and much more. The plantation section's buildings include a gristmill, a smithy, and several outbuildings. The gardens were created by the late landscape designer Steele Burden.
