Trip ideas while visiting Baton Rouge in Louisiana
The USS Kidd, a retired Fletcher-class destroyer from World War II, is now docked along the Mississippi River in Baton Rouge and stands as one of the most historically significant museum ships in the United States. This formidable warship, bearing the hull number DD-661, offers visitors an authentic glimpse into naval warfare during the 1940s, with its original weaponry, engine room, and combat information center preserved in remarkable detail. The ship serves as both a monument to the Greatest Generation and a living classroom for anyone interested in military history, maritime heritage, and the sacrifices made by American sailors in defense of freedom.
The USS Kidd was named in honor of Rear Admiral Isaac C. Kidd, a retired naval officer who lost his life aboard the USS Arizona during the devastating Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Admiral Kidd, who was serving as the Arizona’s captain at the time of the attack, became one of the most recognizable symbols of that fateful day, and his legacy lives on through this destroyer. The ship was built at the Kelley Drydock and Shipbuilding Company in San Diego, California, and was commissioned into active service on April 23, 1943, quickly joining the fight in the Pacific Theater where she would see some of the war’s most intense naval engagements.
The USS Kidd earned a distinguished combat record during her World War II service, participating in numerous operations across the Pacific including the Marianas, the Philippines, and the Ryukyu Islands. She served as a destroyer escort for carrier task forces, conducted shore bombardment missions in support of amphibious landings, and helped protect friendly shipping from enemy submarine and aerial threats. The ship’s crew saw action in several major engagements, and their bravery earned the vessel multiple battle stars. After the war ended, the Kidd was decommissioned and eventually placed in reserve, where she sat for decades until a dedicated group of volunteers and veterans secured her preservation as a museum ship, ensuring her place in history for future generations.
Walking the deck of the USS Kidd is an immersive experience that transports visitors back to a time when sailors lived and worked in close quarters aboard a fighting ship. The main deck features the ship’s original 5-inch caliber guns, massive weapons capable of firing shells weighing dozens of pounds over great distances. Visitors can climb down into the engine room, where the original steam turbines and propulsion systems are on display, and explore the cramped crew quarters where sailors slept in stacked bunks mere feet from one another. The combat information center, the nerve center where officers directed the ship’s operations during battle, provides a fascinating look at the technology available to WWII-era naval commanders.
The Veterans Museum adjacent to the ship houses an extensive collection of military artifacts, memorabilia, and interactive exhibits that chronicle American military history from World War I through the present day. The museum features displays of uniforms, weapons, medals, photographs, and personal items donated by veterans and their families, each telling a unique story of service and sacrifice. Interactive exhibits allow visitors of all ages to learn about military tactics, communications equipment, and the daily lives of servicemen and women. The collection is particularly strong in artifacts related to the Pacific Theater, providing context for the ship itself and the broader war effort.
The Kidd’s location on the Mississippi River provides a scenic backdrop for the museum complex, with the waterway itself serving as a reminder of how vital rivers were to the transportation and commerce of Louisiana and the entire nation. The museum is situated in the Louisiana Riverfront Development, an area that has been transformed into a vibrant cultural corridor with walking paths, green spaces, and views of the Mississippi’s busy shipping traffic. Visitors can stroll along the riverbank and admire the massive cargo barges and riverboats that continue to navigate this historic waterway, connecting the present day to the same river that shaped Baton Rouge’s identity as a port city.
The best time to visit the USS Kidd is during the spring months of March through May or the fall months of September through November, when Baton Rouge’s weather is at its most pleasant for walking the outdoor decks and exploring the museum grounds. Summer temperatures in Louisiana can soar above 90 degrees Fahrenheit with high humidity, making outdoor activities less comfortable, though the ship’s interior does offer some relief from the heat. Winter is generally mild but can bring occasional cold fronts that make a visit less appealing for those unfamiliar to the climate. The museum is open year-round, and guided tours are available for visitors who want a more in-depth understanding of the ship’s history and operations.