Summer Insider’s Guide: LSU Rural Life

Why We Love It

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The LSU Rural Life Museum provides insight into the largely forgotten lifestyles and cultures of the 18th and 19th century Louisianans. You can learn about the life of our ancestors—their hardships, inspiration and determination—by exploring the architecture and artifacts from the rural past of south Louisiana. The 430-plus acres of beautiful land is a great day adventure for any age.

A Must Do

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Take a self-guided tour of the LSU Rural Life Museum and Windrush Gardens. See the largest collection of material cultures of Louisiana during the 18th and 19th centuries. The museum is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. A tour of the museum takes a minimum of 2 hours.  A tour of Windrush Gardens takes about 30-45 minutes. Don’t forget to ask about interpretive events, special events and lectures throughout the year.

What’s New This Summer

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Come see the newest additions to our collection, including a country store and John Deere tractor from 1927! 

Insider’s Secret

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The LSU Rural Life Museum holds the largest collection of Louisiana vernacular architecture and the most extensive collection of material culture items from the 18th and 19th centuries. The museum includes 32 historic outbuildings that are spread over 25 acres and are divided into four sections: the Working Plantation, the Upland South Region, the Gulf Coast Region, and an Exhibit Barn. Through the forethought and generosity of the Burden Family, the LSU Rural Life Museum remains intact for future generations.

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