Founded in 1860, Louisiana State University (LSU) has a beautiful campus located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the state capital and a cultural crossroads between the Cajun country of Lafayette and the beautiful, internationally known city of New Orleans, the birthplace of jazz music and home of Mardi Gras. Just minutes from LSU, downtown Baton Rouge is a vibrant hot spot that’s bursting with an authentic, festive culture you can’t find anywhere else. Attend an exhibition at the LSU Museum of Art, watch the sun set over the mighty Mississippi River or visit a historic plantation. Dine on delicious Southern cuisine (ever tried fried alligator?), explore one of many international art and music festivals and check out the Baton Rouge Zoo. Whatever your interests may be, our city is the perfect place to spend a day - and four years!