Connected by the beautiful Red River, Shreveport-Bossier is home to unique experiences that draw visitors looking for a low stress getaway with lots of options for fun. Filled with natural beauty and diverse and friendly people, the area is a terrific place for a romantic weekend escape, bachelor or bachelorette parties, and family excursions.
Book a room at a B&B or a casino hotel, enjoy the energy of charming downtown Shreveport, shop in a local boutique, try your luck in one of five thrilling riverfront casinos or on one of the region’s biggest racetracks. Shreveport-Bossier combines a relaxed pace with unforgettable activities.
There’s no shortage of fun for families. Downtown Shreveport holds two amazing attractions for kids, including the Sci-Port Discovery Center, a 92,000-square-foot facility featuring interactive STEM exhibits, a planetarium, and Louisiana’s only IMAX Dome Theatre. The nearby Shreveport Aquarium is home to 300 species and 1,000 animals, including sharks, rays, jellyfish, alligators, and more.
It's hard not to notice the area’s rich music scene. This is the home, after all, of the legendary Shreveport Municipal Auditorium. Built in the 1920s, the “Muni” is famous for hosting scores of performers who went on to become household names. Ever heard of Elvis Presley or Hank Williams? They were two of the many singers who got their start through the auditorium’s renowned live show, the Louisiana Hayride. You can still catch local and national musicians on stage here today. (Don’t forget to snap a picture in front of the Elvis statue!) Shreveport-Bossier is filled with lots of opportunities to hear live music both in local venues and through numerous annual outdoor festivals.
Shreveport-Bossier is an art lover’s paradise. Don’t miss the R.W. Norton Art Gallery, Shreveport’s largest museum and home to 400 years of European and American art. Take a break from paintings and explore the surrounding Norton Botanical Gardens, featuring 40 acres of beautifully landscaped azaleas and other plants.
Downtown Shreveport’s Artspace is also a must-see, home to regularly changing local art exhibits along with special events like poetry readings and art classes. The Meadows Museum of Art at Centenary College features a significant number of pre-war works from French artist Jean Despujols, as well as notable examples of Inuit, Haitian, and African art. For a unique look at Art Deco architecture and frescos, plan a visit to the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum, famous for 23 meticulously crafted 3D dioramas depicting life in Louisiana in the thirties and forties.
Soft rolling hills and beautiful foliage also define the Shreveport-Bossier area. Rose enthusiasts come from miles around to see the American Rose Center, the largest park in the United States dedicated to roses. Take a stroll through 65 rose gardens holding 20,000 rose bushes, sculptures, and other plants.
Hop on the Boom or Bust Byway and check out the area’s bucolic environs which include numerous options for outdoor fun. Drop a line in Caddo Lake, or rent a cabin on stunning Cypress Black Bayou Park, a public recreation area where you can swim, fish, boat, camp, and even visit a quaint zoo and nature center dedicated to expanding knowledge about native fauna.
From casinos to culture, and from annual Mardi Gras parades to year-round events and live music, Shreveport-Bossier is a welcoming place just waiting to show you its many charms. Find out more about the many amenities that await you here in Louisiana’s twin cities.