Nestled in the northwestern corner of Louisiana, Shreveport is a city that surprises first-time visitors with its vibrant blend of Southern charm, rich history, and unexpected adventures. While many know it for its riverfront casinos, this cultural hub offers so much more than gaming tables and slot machines.
From ziplining over alligator-filled lagoons to exploring world-class art galleries, Shreveport delivers experiences that appeal to every type of traveler. Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or a solo adventure, this guide will help you discover the best things to do in Shreveport and create memories that last a lifetime.
Dive Into Marine Wonders at Shreveport Aquarium
Start your Shreveport adventure at the stunning Shreveport Aquarium, located right on the downtown riverfront. This impressive facility houses over 3,000 animals from 300 different species, offering an immersive underwater journey that captivates visitors of all ages.
The aquarium specializes in hands-on experiences that bring you face-to-face with marine life. Touch and feed friendly stingrays, get up close with mesmerizing moon jellies, and learn about shark behavior during live feeding demonstrations. The interactive touch pools let you connect with sea stars, cleaner shrimp, and colorful anemones while knowledgeable staff share fascinating facts about these creatures.
Walk through specialized galleries featuring brightly colored coral reefs, mysterious shipwrecks, dark ocean caves, and tropical lagoons. The freshwater domed gallery showcases unique species, while the deep-sea exhibits introduce you to strange creatures that thrive in darkness.
Most visitors spend about 1.5 hours exploring the entire facility, making it a perfect morning or afternoon activity. The aquarium’s location next to several downtown attractions means you can easily combine it with other fun things to do in Shreveport.
Explore Science and Space at Sci-Port Discovery Center
Just one block from the riverfront, Sci-Port Discovery Center offers 92,000 square feet of interactive science and entertainment. This impressive facility combines education with pure fun, making it one of the top things to do in Shreveport with kids.
The center features multiple distinct areas including a Space Center, the Sawyer Space Dome Planetarium, and the Power of Play Children’s Museum. With over 200 hands-on exhibits, kids can literally take the controls of the International Space Station simulation, conduct physics experiments, and explore natural science concepts through play.
The Gallery of Intrigue challenges curious minds with interactive puzzles and demonstrations, while Louisiana’s only Digital Laser IMAX Dome Theatre screens both educational documentaries and full-length feature films on its massive domed screen. Live science demonstrations happen throughout the day, offering engaging entertainment that sneaks in serious learning.
Planetarium programs transport visitors beyond Earth’s atmosphere to explore constellations, planets, and distant galaxies. The immersive dome experience makes you feel like you’re actually floating through space.
Plan to spend at least 2-3 hours here, especially if you want to catch an IMAX film or planetarium show. Check their schedule in advance to plan around special demonstrations and programs.
Experience Adrenaline at Gators and Friends Adventure Park
For those seeking fun things to do in Shreveport that pump up the adrenaline, Gators and Friends Adventure Park delivers unforgettable excitement. This unique attraction combines wildlife encounters with heart-pounding activities in one incredible location.
The park’s signature experience is the zipline course that sends you soaring over lagoons filled with real alligators. It’s an experience you won’t find in many other places. Watch daily alligator wrestling shows during feeding times, where experienced handlers demonstrate these powerful reptiles’ impressive abilities.
Beyond the gators, the park features a high-speed go-kart track perfect for friendly racing competitions. The exotic petting zoo lets you get hands-on with unusual animals, and pony rides delight younger children. Throughout the park, you can feed and interact with various zoo animals, creating memories that kids especially treasure.
The arcade offers indoor entertainment when you need a break from the Louisiana sunshine. Many visitors combine multiple activities, spending a full afternoon enjoying everything the park offers.
This attraction works wonderfully for families, date nights, or groups of friends looking for adventurous fun things to do in Shreveport Bossier.
Discover Artistic Treasures at R.W. Norton Art Gallery
Art lovers will find a hidden gem at the R.W. Norton Art Gallery, which houses one of the most impressive art collections in the South. Since opening in 1966, this free museum has earned national recognition for its diverse holdings spanning over four millennia.
The permanent collection includes works from Renaissance Old Masters through modernist innovators to contemporary neo-realists. Over 100 artists are represented, with particularly strong collections of Western art by Frederic Remington and Charles Russell.
Beyond paintings and sculptures, the gallery features rare books, John James Audubon nature prints, and 16th-century tapestries. The decorative arts collection showcases everything from fine porcelain to antique furniture.
The museum’s setting is equally impressive. The surrounding R.W. Norton Botanic Gardens offer beautifully landscaped grounds featuring an astounding azalea collection, walking paths, and peaceful spots for reflection. Stroll through these gardens before or after your gallery visit to complete the experience.
The gallery offers rotating exhibitions alongside its permanent collection, so there’s always something new to discover. Best of all, admission is completely free, making it accessible to everyone.
Step Back in Time at Louisiana State Exhibit Museum
Before you even enter the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum, the stunning Art Deco architecture captures your attention. Built in the late 1930s as part of the New Deal’s Public Works Administration projects, this circular building is an architectural masterpiece.
Massive frescoes on the building’s portico introduce the museum’s themes, depicting Louisiana’s economic history and labor traditions. The ultra-modern design of that era still impresses visitors today.
Inside, 23 beautifully crafted scale dioramas bring Louisiana’s past to life with remarkable detail. These scenes depict life in swamps, sugarcane and rice plantations, factories, and oilfields, showing how diverse industries shaped the state’s unique culture.
The collection extends beyond dioramas to include Louisiana Native American artifacts, regional and national historical items, works by local artists, and natural history exhibits. Each display offers insights into the forces that made Louisiana’s culture so distinctive.
The museum provides a self-guided experience, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Most visitors spend 45 minutes to an hour taking in the exhibits. Admission is free, though donations are welcomed to support this historic treasure.
Uncover Industrial History at Shreveport Water Works Museum
For something completely different, the Shreveport Water Works Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into 19th-century infrastructure. Built in 1887, this National Historic Landmark preserves one of the largest collections of intact Victorian-era waterworks equipment in the world.
Knowledgeable volunteers, including a guide named Kevin frequently mentioned in visitor reviews, offer engaging tours that bring the massive steam engines and boilers to life. You’ll see original tools and machinery still in their historical state, providing a tangible connection to the past.
The self-guided tour option uses an innovative phone-based audio system. Simply call a number and enter codes at different stations to hear detailed descriptions about what you’re viewing. No app downloads required!
Kids especially love the hands-on elements, particularly the opportunity to blow the authentic whistle. The museum shop offers unique souvenirs including tea towels and coasters featuring historical images.
This free museum operates on volunteer efforts and donations. The fact that infrastructure history can be this engaging surprises many visitors, making it one of the more unexpected fun things to do in Shreveport.
Create Art at Sanctuary Glass Studios
Looking for unique things to do in Shreveport that let you take home a one-of-a-kind souvenir? Sanctuary Glass Studios offers hands-on glassblowing experiences that transform you into an artist for a day.
As Shreveport’s only air-conditioned glass-blowing studio, Sanctuary provides a comfortable environment to learn this ancient craft. Experienced instructors guide you through the process of shaping molten glass into beautiful creations, whether you’re a complete beginner or have some experience.
Beyond individual workshops, the studio organizes team-building events perfect for corporate groups or special celebrations. They also accept commissions for custom pieces if you’re looking for statement artwork for your home or office.
The studio atmosphere encourages creativity and experimentation. You’ll leave with newfound appreciation for the skill required in glassblowing, plus a handmade piece you created yourself.
Workshops typically need advance booking, so plan ahead and reserve your spot. This makes an excellent date night activity or memorable experience for creative families.
Explore Asian Culture at ASEANA Asian Gardens
Find tranquility in the heart of Shreveport at the ASEANA Asian Gardens, a multi-level public space representing over 15 Asian countries. This lush oasis provides a peaceful escape from the city’s energy.
Beautifully landscaped gardens feature carefully selected plants, flowers, and trees authentic to various Asian regions. Winding paths lead you through different levels, each revealing new perspectives and photo opportunities.
Throughout the gardens, statues and architectural elements represent different Asian cultures, creating an educational journey as you explore. Informational plaques provide context about the countries and traditions represented.
The gardens offer a completely free experience that transports you beyond Shreveport’s Southern setting. It’s particularly beautiful during spring and fall when flowering plants are at their peak.
This makes an ideal spot for morning walks, photography sessions, or quiet contemplation. The peaceful atmosphere provides a perfect counterpoint to Shreveport’s more action-packed attractions.
Enjoy Performing Arts at the Strand Theatre
For culture seekers, the historic Strand Theatre stands as one of Shreveport’s crown jewels. Dating to 1925, this beautiful venue originally served as the city’s first imported foods store before becoming a theater.
After extensive restoration, the Strand reopened in 1984 and has since presented over 35 seasons of quality entertainment. The theater’s architecture rivals world-class opera houses, creating an elegant setting that enhances every performance.
Sitting in the heart of downtown’s West Edge arts district, the Strand anchors Shreveport’s cultural scene. Academy Award-winner and Shreveport native William Joyce has called it “A Palace of Dreams,” and experiencing a show here confirms that description.
The venue hosts a diverse lineup including musicals, films, concerts, comedy shows, and theatrical performances. Check their calendar when planning your visit to catch a show that interests you.
Even if you don’t attend a performance, the building’s exterior is worth admiring during a downtown stroll. The Strand represents the arts heritage that makes Shreveport special.
Experience Nightlife at Red River District
When the sun sets, the Red River District comes alive with some of the best things to do in Shreveport at night. This revitalized downtown area pulses with energy from restaurants, bars, breweries, and entertainment venues.
Start your evening at Great Raft Brewing, Shreveport’s beloved craft brewery. Sample creative, authentic beers crafted by passionate brewers committed to building beer culture in the community. The taproom atmosphere encourages conversation and connection with both locals and fellow travelers.
The Blind Tiger offers spicy cuisine and craft cocktails in a unique atmosphere. Their menu features bold flavors that pair perfectly with their creative drink offerings.
Throughout the district, you’ll find live music venues showcasing everything from blues and jazz to rock and country. The Louisiana Hayride’s legacy lives on through Shreveport’s continued embrace of live performance.
Restaurants stay open late, offering everything from upscale dining to casual bites. Stroll between venues, enjoy the outdoor patios when weather permits, and soak in the district’s vibrant energy.
The Red River District also hosts regular events and festivals, so check what’s happening during your visit for potential special experiences.
Visit Historic Oakland Cemetery and Logan Mansion
For those intrigued by history and architecture, Oakland Cemetery and Logan Mansion offer fascinating glimpses into Shreveport’s past. Oakland Cemetery’s historic grounds tell stories of the city’s earliest residents through elaborate monuments and peaceful landscaping.
The Logan Mansion, built in 1897, now operates as both a museum and event venue. This beautifully preserved Victorian home features period furniture, custom draperies, and architectural details that transport you to the Gilded Age.
The mansion offers overnight stays in elegant suites featuring comfortable beds with fine linens. The en suite bathrooms boast clawfoot tubs and spacious showers, plus thoughtful amenities like refreshment centers stocked with snacks and beverages.
Regular events at Logan Mansion include themed cocktail parties, historical tours, and special dinners featuring cooked-from-scratch cuisine. Some events incorporate ghost stories, as the mansion has a reputation for paranormal activity.
Historian Robert Trudeau frequently leads engaging tours that bring Shreveport’s history to life with fascinating anecdotes and thorough knowledge. His midnight cemetery tours are particularly popular among visitors.
Discover Local Art and Crafts at Agora Borealis
Support local artists and find unique Louisiana gifts at Agora Borealis, an art gallery and market housed in a historic downtown building. This venue showcases northern Louisiana creativity at its most authentic.
Browse paintings, pottery, sculptures, furniture, and jewelry crafted by local artisans. Each piece reflects the region’s culture and the individual artist’s vision, ensuring you won’t find identical items anywhere else.
Beyond being a gallery, Agora Borealis hosts art and gardening classes where you can learn new skills from experienced instructors. Check their calendar for workshops happening during your visit.
The curated selection makes gift shopping easy, whether you’re looking for something small or a statement piece for your home. Supporting these local artists helps sustain Shreveport’s creative community.
The building itself adds character to your shopping experience, with its historic architecture and downtown location making it easy to combine with other attractions.
Savor Southern and Cajun Cuisine
No visit to Shreveport is complete without experiencing the incredible food scene. The city’s culinary landscape reflects Louisiana’s diverse influences, from traditional Southern comfort food to spicy Cajun specialties.
Strawn’s Eat Shop has served satisfied customers since 1944. This acclaimed diner is famous for its icebox pies in flavors like strawberry, chocolate, banana, and butterscotch. The coconut cream pie features a massive layer of meringue topped with shredded coconut that’s infinitely gratifying. Quirky murals depicting everyone from Albert Einstein to Hank Aaron to George Washington add character to the atmosphere.
Marilynn’s Place serves casual Cajun and Creole favorites including po’boys, red beans and rice, fried catfish, and seasonal boiled crawfish. House specialties include nightly Cajun-inspired specials and beignets for dessert.
Ernest’s Orleans Restaurant brings over sixty years of history to the table, continuing to serve authentic New Orleans-style cuisine that keeps locals and visitors coming back.
Fertitta’s Delicatessen, opened in 1927 as Shreveport’s first imported foods store, now operates as a beloved Italian deli. Try their trademarked Muffy sandwich, a handheld version of the classic Italian muffuletta.
Don’t miss Southern Maid Donuts, famous for its neon sign proclaiming “Hot! Hot! Hot!” donuts. Elvis Presley loved this place so much he filmed his only product commercial here in 1954, and photographs commemorating that connection line the walls.
Experience Family Fun at Multiple Attractions
Shreveport offers numerous fun things to do with kids that combine education with entertainment. Beyond the aquarium and Sci-Port already mentioned, families can explore several other fantastic options.
The Shreveport Farmers’ Market, Louisiana’s largest, provides more than just fresh produce. Vendors sell everything from handmade soaps to sugar cane complete with saws for cutting the stalks. Live music often features local musicians, and the atmosphere buzzes with community energy.
Escape SBC challenges families to work together solving interactive puzzles in themed escape rooms. This tests communication and problem-solving skills while providing exciting entertainment.
Jubilee Zoo offers another opportunity for animal encounters in a family-friendly setting. The smaller scale makes it manageable even with young children who might become overwhelmed at larger facilities.
Throughout the year, Shreveport hosts family-friendly festivals and events. The annual Mudbug Madness Festival celebrates crawfish, the Red River Revel Arts Festival showcases local food, music and art, and the CORK Wine Festival samples wines from around the world (though parents should note this one’s more adult-focused).
Explore the Great Outdoors
Nature lovers will appreciate the outdoor recreation opportunities surrounding Shreveport. While the city offers urban attractions, the surrounding area features beautiful natural spaces worth exploring.
Cypress Black Bayou provides excellent fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. The peaceful waters attract anglers seeking bass, catfish, and other species, while birders appreciate the diverse avian populations.
Caddo Lake, straddling the Texas-Louisiana border, offers one of the most unique ecosystems in the region. This mysterious cypress swamp features hanging Spanish moss, winding waterways, and abundant wildlife. Boat tours and kayak rentals let you explore this atmospheric landscape.
Betty Virginia Park’s 23 acres provide walking trails, picnic areas, and peaceful spots for outdoor relaxation right within the city limits.
The American Rose Center, headquarters of the American Rose Society, features the largest park in the country dedicated to roses. Wander through gardens showcasing hundreds of varieties, along with sculptures, landscaping, and seasonal blooms that create stunning displays.
Discover Unique Attractions and Hidden Gems
Shreveport rewards curious explorers with several unusual attractions that make it stand out from other Southern cities.
The Barksdale Global Power Museum showcases military aviation history with exhibits featuring authentic uniforms, battle displays, and aircraft dating back to World War I. Access requires requesting a visitor’s pass at least 30 days in advance, but the effort rewards you with fascinating displays and views of active Air Force Base operations.
Central Artstation occupies a converted historic fire station, now serving as exhibition space for local artists. Art the Dalmatian, a large sculpture created by Academy Award-winner William Joyce and Brandon Oldenburg, guards the entrance.
Downtown’s murals create an outdoor art gallery. The Once in a Millennium Moon Mural covers 14 stories of the AT&T building, while “A Call to Action” celebrates local culture on the Convention and Tourist Bureau wall. The collaborative Juneteenth mural honors the holiday while showcasing Shreveport’s diversity.
The Touchstone Wildlife and Art Museum in nearby Haughton features over 1,000 stuffed and mounted animals in displays designed to resemble natural habitats. This unusual collection includes former zoo animals restored and preserved.
Elvis fans can follow the King’s footsteps at multiple locations. A seven-and-a-half-foot bronze statue outside the Municipal Auditorium honors his Louisiana Hayride performances. Southern Maid Donuts preserves his connection with photographs and memorabilia. The Strand Theatre, where Elvis watched movies between shows, offers another pilgrimage site.
Plan Your Shreveport Adventure
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or planning an extended stay, Shreveport offers enough variety to keep you entertained throughout your trip. The compact downtown area makes it easy to walk between many attractions, while others require short drives to reach.
Consider timing your visit around one of Shreveport’s many festivals for added cultural experiences. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable weather for outdoor activities, though summer brings its own energy with water activities and evening entertainment.
The city’s location in northwestern Louisiana puts you within driving distance of both Texas and Arkansas, making it a convenient hub for regional exploration. Many visitors combine Shreveport with trips to nearby Bossier City, which offers additional casinos, the Louisiana Boardwalk shopping complex, and complementary attractions.
From morning museum visits to afternoon adventures to nighttime entertainment, Shreveport delivers experiences that appeal to every interest and energy level. The combination of Southern hospitality, cultural attractions, outdoor activities, and unexpected adventures ensures your trip will be memorable.
Start planning your Shreveport itinerary today, and discover why this Louisiana city deserves a spot on every traveler’s bucket list. Whether you’re seeking family fun, romantic experiences, cultural enrichment, or adrenaline-pumping activities, you’ll find plenty of incredible things to do in Shreveport that exceed your expectations.
Conclusion
Shreveport is a city full of surprises. From art galleries and museums to fun outdoor adventures and delicious Cajun food, there’s something for everyone. The mix of Southern charm and modern attractions makes it a great destination for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.
Whether you want to explore history, enjoy live music, or relax by the Red River, Shreveport offers endless ways to make memories. Its friendly atmosphere, exciting festivals, and rich culture ensure you’ll leave with both great photos and unforgettable experiences.
FAQs
1. What is Shreveport famous for?
Shreveport is known for its riverfront casinos, Southern hospitality, cultural festivals, and lively music scene.
2. What are the best free things to do in Shreveport?
You can visit R.W. Norton Art Gallery, the Water Works Museum, and ASEANA Asian Gardens all for free.
3. When is the best time to visit Shreveport?
Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) offer pleasant weather and many local festivals.
4. How many days do I need in Shreveport?
A 2–3 day trip is ideal to see top attractions, enjoy local food, and experience the nightlife.
5. Is Shreveport family-friendly?
Yes! Families will love the Shreveport Aquarium, Sci-Port Discovery Center, and Gators and Friends Adventure Park.
