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Shreveport, Louisiana’s third-largest city with a metropolitan population of around 400,000, sits on the banks of the Red River in the northwest corner of the state. Often called the “Queen City of the South” or simply “The ‘Port”, Shreveport blends Cajun and Southern culture with a rich history shaped by river trade, the Caddo people, and a historic oil boom that transformed the region into a regional economic hub.
The city straddles the Red River across from Bossier City, forming the Shreveport-Bossier metropolitan area that serves as a cultural, entertainment, and commercial center for the Ark-La-Tex region—where Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma converge.
Long before European settlers arrived, the area was home to the Caddo people, an advanced Native American civilization known for their agriculture, pottery, and trade networks that stretched across much of the continent. The Caddo lived in the region for centuries, leaving behind burial mounds and artifacts that continue to be studied today.
The city itself was founded in 1836 when Captain Henry Miller Shreve navigated his steamboat up the Red River, proving that the previously unnavigable upper river could be cleared of logjams. His expedition opened the Red River to steamboat commerce, and a settlement quickly grew around the landing site. The town was officially incorporated in 1850 and became a key port for cotton and timber trade flowing south to New Orleans.
During the Civil War, Shreveport served as the capital of Louisiana for a brief period when Union forces captured Baton Rouge and New Orleans. The city was never captured by Union troops, and its strategic river location made it a vital Confederate supply line. After the war, Shreveport rebuilt and grew steadily as railroads extended into the region.
The oil boom of the early 20th century changed everything. In 1906, oil was discovered near Shreveport, and the city became the headquarters for oil exploration in the prolific East Texas and Louisiana oil fields. The Louisiana Oil Expo of 1927 attracted thousands to the city, and Shreveport’s population tripled in just a few decades. Today, the energy industry remains a cornerstone of the local economy alongside healthcare, manufacturing, and gaming.
Shreveport offers a mix of riverfront recreation, family attractions, and a nightlife scene anchored by its casinos and entertainment venues.
| Attraction | Type | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana Boardwalk | Shopping/Dining | Indoor/outdoor complex along Red River |
| Sci-Port Discovery Center | Science Museum | IMAX, interactive exhibits, planetarium |
| Gator and Friends | Wildlife Park | Alligators, exotic animals, water park |
| The STRAND Theatre | Historic Venue | Restored 1930s movie palace, live shows |
| Shreveport Aquarium | Aquarium | 250+ species, touch tanks, dive experiences |
| Barksdale Boulevard | Scenic Drive | Historic homes, Spanish Revival architecture |
The Louisiana Boardwalk is a must-visit destination along the Red River, offering over 80 shops and restaurants in an indoor-outdoor setting. Families will love the Sci-Port Discovery Center, which combines an IMAX theater with hundreds of interactive science exhibits and the Sawyer Space Station Planetarium. The restored The STRAND Theatre, a magnificent 1930s movie palace, hosts live performances, concerts, and theatrical productions throughout the year.
Shreveport’s casino scene along the riverfront includes venues like Horseshoe Bossier City and Sam’s Town Shreveport, offering gaming, live entertainment, and resort amenities. For something different, catch a Shreveport Mudbugs hockey game at the Brookshire Grocery Arena—the team draws passionate local crowds.
Shreveport’s cultural institutions and historic districts showcase the city’s layered heritage.
| Site | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Red River District | Riverfront promenades, public art, event spaces |
| Shreveport Municipal Auditorium | Historic art deco music venue, home to Kwame Causer |
| Spring Street Museum | 1860s architecture, local history exhibits |
| African American History Museum | Caddo heritage, Civil Rights era displays |
| Stewart’s Linwood Cemetery | Historic burial ground, notable local figures |
The Red River District has transformed the riverfront into a vibrant corridor of green spaces, public art installations, and event venues. The Shreveport Municipal Auditorium, an art deco gem built in 1934, is famous as the home of the Kwame Causer Drum and Bugle Corps and hosts the annual Red River Radio Birthday Party concert series.
History enthusiasts should not miss the Caddo Parish Courthouse, an ornate 1960 building featuring marble interiors and an observation deck with panoramic city views. The nearby Stewart’s Linwood Cemetery is the final resting place of many notable Shreveporters and offers guided tours that explore the city’s complex history.
The Ark-La-Tex region provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities, from paddling the Red River to exploring nearby forests.
The Red River itself offers paddling, kayaking, and boating opportunities, with local outfitters providing rentals and guided trips. The river’s proximity makes Shreveport a convenient base for water-based recreation. Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge, just minutes from downtown, features paddling trails, birdwatching platforms, and a nature center where visitors can spot bald eagles, herons, and migratory waterfowl.
For trail hiking, the nearby Kisatchie National Forest extends into Louisiana’s upland regions, offering pine forests, rare wildflowers, and the Horse-Shoe Trail—a challenging 28-mile backpacking route. Within city limits, Southern Hills Park and Alyce B. Hinds Park provide paved walking trails, sports fields, and family amenities.
Fishing on the Red River yields catfish, bass, and crappie, and the annual Red River Expo celebrates the region’s fishing and outdoor culture. During cooler months, golf courses in the Shreveport area stay busy as the climate draws players from hotter regions.
Shreveport rewards visitors year-round, with each season offering a distinct character.
| Season | Avg. High | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | 75°F | Azalea blooms, festivals, mild weather |
| Summer | 94°F | Water activities, music events, hot humidity |
| Fall | 78°F | Cooler temps, State Fair of Louisiana, football |
| Winter | 58°F | Holiday events, mild breaks from cold northern weather |
Spring is arguably the finest time to visit, when dogwood and azalea festivals fill the city with color and the weather is ideal for outdoor exploration. The Shreveport Blues Festival and Highland Jazz & Blues Festival draw music lovers in April and November respectively.
Fall brings the State Fair of Louisiana to the fairgrounds—a massive event featuring carnival rides, livestock shows, deep-fried everything, and concerts. Cooler temperatures make October and November perfect for walking tours, casino hopping, and enjoying the Red River waterfront.
Winter sees fewer tourists, which means lower hotel rates and easier reservations at popular restaurants. The city decorates for the holidays, and the mild climate (compared to points north) makes winter walking tours particularly pleasant. Summer heat can be intense, but evening events, casino floors, and air-conditioned museums keep the city lively.
Here are some of our favorite things to do near Shreveport. Select what you would enjoy!
The R.W. Norton Art Gallery stands as Shreveport’s premier fine arts institution and largest museum, housing one of the most comprehensive collections in the southern United States. Set on 40 beautifully landscaped acres, the gallery combines world-…