Shreveport, a city known for its rich history, vibrant cultural scene, and of course, its casinos. While the casinos can be a fun and exciting way to spend an evening, there are plenty of other things to do in Shreveport that don't involve games of chance. Whether you're looking for outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or just a relaxing getaway, Shreveport has something for everyone.
From its beautiful parks and gardens to its world-class museums and historic landmarks, Shreveport is a city that's full of surprises. In this article, we'll explore 5 ways to skip the games in Shreveport and experience all that this amazing city has to offer.
1. Explore the Outdoors
Shreveport is surrounded by natural beauty, from the majestic Red River to the stunning piney woods of the Kisatchie National Forest. With its numerous parks, trails, and outdoor recreational areas, Shreveport is a nature lover's paradise.
- Red River National Wildlife Refuge: Located just a few miles north of Shreveport, the Red River National Wildlife Refuge is a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts. With its stunning views of the Red River and its diverse wildlife, this refuge is the perfect place to hike, bird-watch, or simply enjoy the great outdoors.
- Kisatchie National Forest: Just a short drive from Shreveport, the Kisatchie National Forest offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. From hiking and camping to hunting and fishing, this beautiful forest is a nature lover's dream come true.
Top 5 Parks in Shreveport
- Riverview Park: Located in downtown Shreveport, Riverview Park offers stunning views of the Red River and a variety of outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, biking, and kayaking.
- Cedar Grove Park: This beautiful park features a stunning lake, walking trails, and plenty of picnic areas.
- Betty Virginia Park: With its playgrounds, sports fields, and walking trails, Betty Virginia Park is the perfect place to spend a day outdoors with the family.
2. Discover Shreveport's Rich History
Shreveport is a city with a rich and varied history, from its early days as a Native American trading post to its current status as a thriving cultural center. With its numerous museums, historic landmarks, and cultural attractions, Shreveport is a history buff's paradise.
- Shreveport Museum of Art: Located in downtown Shreveport, the Shreveport Museum of Art features a stunning collection of American, European, and Asian art.
- R.W. Norton Art Gallery: With its impressive collection of American and European art, the R.W. Norton Art Gallery is a must-visit for art lovers.
- Historic Shreve Square Arts District: This vibrant arts district is home to numerous galleries, studios, and street art installations, making it the perfect place to explore and discover new artists.
Top 5 Historic Landmarks in Shreveport
- The Shreveport Water Works Museum: This unique museum showcases the history of Shreveport's water works and features a stunning collection of historic artifacts.
- The Shreveport Municipal Auditorium: This beautiful auditorium was built in the 1920s and features stunning architecture and a rich history.
- The Barksdale Global Power Museum: Located on the grounds of Barksdale Air Force Base, this museum showcases the history of the U.S. Air Force and features a stunning collection of aircraft and artifacts.
3. Experience Shreveport's Vibrant Cultural Scene
Shreveport is a city that's full of life and energy, from its vibrant music scene to its diverse cultural attractions. With its numerous festivals, concerts, and events, Shreveport is the perfect place to experience the best of Louisiana culture.
- The Shreveport Symphony Orchestra: With its stunning performances and world-class musicians, the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra is a must-visit for music lovers.
- The Shreveport Little Theatre: This intimate theater features a diverse range of productions, from classic plays to contemporary musicals.
- The Louisiana Hayride: This historic music venue is where Elvis Presley and other famous musicians got their start, and it still features live music performances today.
Top 5 Cultural Events in Shreveport
- The Shreveport Jazz and Blues Festival: This annual festival features live music performances, food vendors, and a lively atmosphere.
- The Shreveport Film Festival: With its diverse range of films and documentaries, the Shreveport Film Festival is a must-visit for movie buffs.
- The Shreveport Mardi Gras Parade: Experience the magic of Mardi Gras in Shreveport, with its colorful floats, lively music, and delicious food.
4. Enjoy Shreveport's Delicious Cuisine
Shreveport is a city that's known for its delicious cuisine, from its spicy Cajun dishes to its mouth-watering Southern comfort food. With its numerous restaurants, cafes, and food trucks, Shreveport is a foodie's paradise.
- The Southern Fork: This popular restaurant serves up classic Southern comfort food, including fried chicken, gumbo, and shrimp and grits.
- The Chateau Restaurant: Located in the heart of Shreveport, this elegant restaurant features a diverse range of international dishes, including steak, seafood, and pasta.
- The Marilynn's Place: This cozy cafe serves up delicious breakfast and brunch dishes, including pancakes, waffles, and eggs benedict.
Top 5 Food Trucks in Shreveport
- The Cajun Cookin' Truck: With its spicy Cajun dishes, including gumbo, jambalaya, and boudin balls, this food truck is a must-visit for foodies.
- The BBQ Truck: This popular food truck serves up mouth-watering barbecue, including ribs, brisket, and pulled pork.
- The Sweet Treat Truck: With its delicious desserts, including cupcakes, brownies, and ice cream, this food truck is the perfect place to satisfy your sweet tooth.
5. Relax and Unwind in Shreveport
Shreveport is a city that's perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation, from its beautiful parks and gardens to its luxurious spas and wellness centers. With its numerous yoga studios, meditation centers, and massage therapists, Shreveport is the perfect place to unwind and recharge.
- The Spa at the Shreveport Convention Center: This luxurious spa features a diverse range of treatments, including massages, facials, and body wraps.
- The Yoga House: With its variety of yoga classes and workshops, this studio is the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate.
- The Meditation Center of Shreveport: This peaceful center offers meditation classes, workshops, and retreats, making it the perfect place to find inner peace.
Top 5 Spas in Shreveport
- The Woodhouse Day Spa: This luxurious spa features a diverse range of treatments, including massages, facials, and body wraps.
- The Spa at the Horseshoe Casino: Located in the heart of Shreveport, this spa offers a variety of treatments, including massages, manicures, and pedicures.
- The Absolute Wellness Spa: With its focus on holistic wellness, this spa offers a variety of treatments, including massages, acupuncture, and nutrition counseling.
Now that you've read about all the amazing things to do in Shreveport, we hope you're excited to plan your trip and experience all that this incredible city has to offer. Whether you're interested in outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply relaxing and unwinding, Shreveport has something for everyone. So why wait? Book your trip today and discover the magic of Shreveport for yourself!
What are some popular outdoor activities in Shreveport?
+Some popular outdoor activities in Shreveport include hiking, biking, kayaking, and fishing. The city has numerous parks and trails, including the Red River National Wildlife Refuge and the Kisatchie National Forest.
What are some cultural attractions in Shreveport?
+Some cultural attractions in Shreveport include the Shreveport Museum of Art, the R.W. Norton Art Gallery, and the Historic Shreve Square Arts District. The city also hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year, including the Shreveport Jazz and Blues Festival and the Shreveport Film Festival.
What are some popular restaurants in Shreveport?
+Some popular restaurants in Shreveport include The Southern Fork, The Chateau Restaurant, and Marilynn's Place. The city is also known for its delicious Cajun and Southern cuisine, and has numerous food trucks and cafes serving up everything from gumbo to barbecue.