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Tour Downtown Baton Rouge’s Fletcher-class destroyer USS Kidd (DD-661) and the Louisiana Veterans Museum. There's fun for the whole family at the "Pirate of the Pacific."
LEARN MORELocated in the heart of scenic downtown Baton Rouge, the USS Kidd Veterans Museum serves to honor the men and women of our American armed forces. Through its exhibits, visitors are able to take a step back in time and learn about their sacrifices for the freedoms we enjoy today.
Named for Medal of Honor recipient Isaac C. Kidd, Sr., the USS Kidd is one of only four Fletcher-class destroyers still preserved as museums and the only known destroyer preserved in her World War II configuration. She is recognized as one of the most authentically restored vessels in the world by the Historic Naval Ships Association, an organization whose fleet spans several nations scattered across five continents.
The attached Veterans Museum displays a variety of artifacts that celebrate veteran and naval military history, with displays and interesting artifacts for all generations.
Walk the decks of the USS Kidd in person. See the aircraft that soared through the skies of Southeast Asia during two eras of conflict. Examine the dented helmet of an infantryman who stormed the beaches of Normandy. Touch the names of the fallen Americans whose names are carved into the black granite walls of the Louisiana Memorial Plaza.
Who can reserve a Cultural Pass to the USS Kidd Veterans Museum?
This Cultural Pass is available to the following Livingstons Parish Library card types: Adult, Educator, Senior Citizen.
How can a patron reserve this Cultural Pass?
This Cultural Pass must be reserved in-person at one of the five Livingston Parish Library branches. It cannot be renewed or placed on hold.
What does this Cultural Pass provide?
This Cultural Pass allows either of the following:
Note: No more than two (2) adults can be admitted with this pass. This Cultural Pass cannot be used for groups or special events.
How long is this pass good for?
This Cultural Pass checks out for seven (7) days.
Cultural Passes not returned to the library within ten (10) days of the due date will be voided. A replacement charge will be applied to the account of the library cardholder for Cultural Passes not returned to the library or damaged Cultural Passes.
USS Kidd ship tour unavailable during major overhaul
The USS Kidd is currently undergoing an extensive overhaul, its first in more than 40 years, making ship tours unavailable.
During this overhaul, the museum remains open.
About the overhaul
The USS Kidd was removed from its concrete cradle in April 2024 and towed almost 400 miles down the Mississippi River, across the Gulf of Mexico, and up a canal to the Thoma-Sea Marine Constructors shipyard in Houma.
When she returns to Baton Rouge, the USS Kidd will look just as it did during the last days of World War II. The decks will have new steel, its guns will be reconditioned, the hull will once again be watertight, and the entire ship will be re-painted with her eye-popping 1944 dazzle camouflage design. Other surprises, with new stories, await a new generation of visitors, tour groups, and overnight campers.
The restoration represents a commitment by the State of Louisiana, the City-Parish of East Baton Rouge and the USS Kidd Veterans Museum to preserving USS Kidd’s legacy for future generations and ensuring that she remains not only a popular downtown attraction but also a living reminder of the sacrifices made by Louisiana veterans for our country.
Address
305 South River Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Hours
Daily: 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Phone
(225) 342-1942
Amenities
Website