Located at 100 South River Road in downtown Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the historic former Yazoo and Mississippi Valley Railroad Company Depot is a striking site steeped in rich regional history. Built in the Classical Revival style, this impressive structure features a two-story main block flanked by two one-story wings, standing directly across from the Old State Capitol building. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1994, the venue previously served as a stop on the rail line between Memphis and New Orleans.
Today, when you visit this historic location, you can step inside a vibrant modern attraction: the building now houses the Louisiana Art and Science Museum. Exploring the interior reveals a fascinating mix of science, art, and history. You can discover an ancient Egyptian mummy from the Ptolemaic dynasty, marvel at an authentic Triceratops skull nicknamed Jason, and explore a gallery dedicated to the Solar System featuring astronomy and meteor displays.
The facility also houses a planetarium and holds Louisiana's Apollo 11 lunar sample display in its stores, making it a engaging stop during your downtown Baton Rouge trip.
What to see at Yazoo and Mississippi Valley Railroad Company Depot
- Historic Classical Revival train station on the National Register of Historic Places
- Home to the Louisiana Art and Science Museum and its planetarium
- Displays an ancient Egyptian mummy from the Ptolemaic dynasty
- Features a Triceratops skull nicknamed Jason and Solar System exhibits
Visiting tips
Be sure to cross South River Road after your visit to view the historic Old State Capitol building located directly opposite the depot.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
Yazoo and Mississippi Valley Railroad Company Depot is easy to reach on Baton Rouge’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Huey P. Long Bridge (Baton Rouge) and St. Joseph Cathedral. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Baton Rouge travel guide.
See the full Baton Rouge travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.