On my way out, graffiti warned me to stay away. I wasn’t able to discern whether the graffiti was wr

This wharf isn t in any of the travel guides and with good reason: it s a pretty dangerous place. I received the tip-off from former Baton Rouge resident car rental companies in las vegas Mary from The Search For Cookie Mountain , and one day after work, I wandered out to the wharf to explore the unique structure.
It amazed me how easy it is to access the structure.  I arrived at the wide open entrance gate no locks, no fences, no barbed car rental companies in las vegas wire. Not even a 'no trespassing' sign. It s clear that no one is responsible for maintaining the wharf, as it is largely a place that time (and apparently the City of Baton Rouge) has forgotten about.
The walkway leading out to the wharf is in a decrepit state. Composed primarily of thin rusted-through sheets of iron, there are many spots where it does not look like it could support the impact of a heavy rain, let alone a full grown adult. There are many places where the iron has rusted through, creating peepholes allowing me to peer into the muddy river below. In order to walk out onto the wharf and avoid becoming an accidental river casualty, I balanced along the stronger girders supporting the thin iron sheets.
On my way out, graffiti warned me to stay away. I wasn't able to discern whether the graffiti car rental companies in las vegas was written as some kind of a safety warning or if it was just some kids wanting car rental companies in las vegas to keep their secret spot to themselves… my guess was the latter.
Perched above the Mississippi, I found a place littered with rusty iron, jagged pieces of machinery, broken glass, and obscured by a blanket car rental companies in las vegas of graffiti. While there are walls along the walkway, the concrete slab that made up the wharf offers no such protection. One wrong step near the edge and it is long, fast drop into the sludge of the river below.
Obviously, countless other visitors have been to this unique place (as evidenced by the graffiti), but more so, I thought about the folks who actually worked here. At one time, this had to be a busy hub of shipping and receiving activity. Who were the dockworkers who loaded and unloaded ships on this pier? To them, this wasn't a site of curiosity – it was their place of work, their 9:00-5:00.
Now, the wharf is clearly abandoned and unwanted as a hub of river commerce. The years of neglect and misuse have left it unfit to support any real commercial activity. But the very neglect that keeps the wharf from its original intended purpose has given it a new lease on life as an accessible abandoned structure.
Curious explorers, young lovers, transients, car rental companies in las vegas abandoned building aficionados, and photographers now flock to the pier to take in the unique structure, colorful graffiti galleries, and the stunning view.
Despite all the jagged, twisting metal, profanity-laced graffiti, and broken alcohol bottles, the wharf is actually quite a romantic place. Everywhere I looked, couples names were scrawled in spray paint through arrow-pierced hearts. The wharf was even the scene of an elaborate proposal, or so I assume from the presence of the following graffiti:
car rental companies in las vegas It's not hard to see why couples are drawn to this place. The wharf provides what might be the best view in Baton Rouge. Facing west, the sun sets over the Mississippi river with the iconic Horace Wilkinson Bridge car rental companies in las vegas and the Baton Rouge skyline to the north. And at sunset, the place is magical. Alluring and urban, yet placid and serene; a major departure from the active wharf it once was.
As I was leaving, one pervasive car rental companies in las vegas thought weighed heavy on my mind: why do we as a society keep some abandoned structures available and open to the public, no matter the safety concern, and yet are quick to condemn, lock down, or bulldoze others? Why aren t there more places like this without car rental companies in las vegas barbed wire around them? Is this just one that slipped through the cracks?
Thanks JoAnna! I can t take too much credit for the photos the place is just beautiful at sunset, so it didn t take much other than just pressing the shutter release button on my camera to capture car rental companies in las vegas it.
Thanks for visiting and I appreciate you sharing your thoughts and concerns. I know I m not the first and certainly won t be the last to write about it. I suppose this is the crux of all destinations, no? Some people are upset when places become too touristy or ruined by the crowds and dramatically car rental companies in las vegas change from the place they know and love. I ensured not to provide any directions to the wharf; anyone who wants to find it will have to do so on their own. Will my individual post cause an influx of visitors? I only WISH I had that kind of web presence! Will dozens of posts like mine cause an impact? Naturally. I will remember your concerns, and will continue to ensure I m taking a measured approach with similar destinations in the future. car rental companies in las vegas Thanks car rental companies in las vegas for the comment.
Beautiful post! I have been intrigued with Baton Rouge since my mom taught me Me and Bobby McGee by Janice Joplin as a kid. I didn t realize what an icon she was until I grew up, but I always remembered that first line Busted Flat in Baton Rouge and when I was so young, I wondered, where is Baton Rouge? Gorgeous photos. It may be forgotten and falling apart, but your article makes me want to visiti there and see it for myself. There is something about a place where time stands still that draws me to it. I hope that they decide to restore it one day, the view is stunning.
Thanks Deb! Yes, it would be interesting to see if this place is ever restored or if they build something else nearby that can take advantage of the spectacular view. I know some would be upset if they restored this place, as they like the charm as is. As for me, I m not sure how I feel on that it s a tricky issue for sure.
Just curious. If you are by the dock where you walk out over the river and facing the river, would it be to the left or right. Also how far of a walk. I know somebody who would absolutely love to see this site.
To be honest, I m not 100% sure. I know that if you re facing Port Allen from the river from this abandoned pier, the big new bridge is on your right. It s not very far from that at all, and you can actually catch a glimpse of it if you re driving from Port Allen back into Baton Rouge.
Thanks man! I actually just went there on a date yesterday and caught some awesome pics. As we were leaving we saw another couple coming in to take pics, so im guessing more and more people are starting to go there. I hope they keep it open even though it is a little dangerous there.