Are you planning a vacation to Shreveport, Louisiana? If so, you’re in luck! This vibrant city has plenty of activities for visitors of all interests and ages. From historically-rich landmarks to family-friendly fun, Shreveport has something for everyone. So, grab a pen and paper, and read on to discover the twelve best things to do in Shreveport, LA!
12 Things to Do in Shreveport, LA
| Attraction | Location | Opening & Closing Time | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great Raft Brewing | 200B Commerce St, Shreveport, LA 71101 | 12pm – 10pm Sun-Thurs, 12pm – 11pm Fri-Sat | $5 for tasting |
| Shreveport Casinos | Various locations throughout Shreveport | Varies by casino | Varies by casino |
| Barksdale Global Power Museum | 200 Barksdale Blvd, Bossier City, LA 71111 | 9am – 4pm Wed-Sat, 1pm – 4pm Sun | $10 adults, $8 seniors, $6 children |
| Louisiana State Exhibit Museum | 601 Clyde Fant Pkwy, Shreveport, LA 71101 | 9am – 5pm Mon-Sat, 1pm – 5pm Sun | $7 adults, $5 seniors, $4 children |
| Shreveport Water Works Museum | 1015 Texas St, Shreveport, LA 71101 | 10am – 4pm Wed-Sat, 1pm – 4pm Sun | $5 adults, $4 seniors, $3 children |
| Gators and Friends | 11111 Hwy 171 S, Keithville, LA 71049 | 10am – 5pm Mon-Sat, 1pm – 5pm Sun | $12 adults, $10 seniors, $8 children |
| American Rose Center | 800 Clyde Fant Pkwy, Shreveport, LA 71101 | 9am – 4:30pm Mon-Sat, 1pm – 4:30pm Sun | $10 adults, $8 seniors, $6 children |
| Exploring the Red River | Various locations throughout Shreveport | Varies by activity | Varies by activity |
| The Red River Brewing Company | 1201 Texas St, Shreveport, LA 71101 | 12pm – 10pm Sun-Thurs, 12pm – 11pm Fri-Sat | $5 for tasting |
| American Rose Center | 800 Clyde Fant Pkwy, Shreveport, LA 71101 | 9am – 4:30pm Mon-Sat, 1pm – 4:30pm Sun | $10 adults, $8 seniors, $6 children |
| Bally’s Hotel and Casino | 500 Texas St, Shreveport, LA 71101 | 24 hours | Varies by activity |
| SR-71 Aircraft | Barksdale Global Power Museum | 200 Barksdale Blvd, Bossier City, LA 71111 | 9am – 4pm Wed-Sat, 1pm – 4pm Sun |
Great Raft Brewing
For a one-of-a-kind experience and a truly unique way to enjoy hand-crafted beers from locally sourced ingredients, head over to Great Raft Brewing in Shreveport, Louisiana. The taproom is simple in design but offers a unique view for people inside, as it looks directly into the brewery so visitors can watch the brewers hard at work. This brewery also serves delicious food and drinks that keep people coming back year-round.
The brewery prides itself on knowing exactly where their beer has come from, and these special pale ale and dark ale, sour beers, and lager have become popular both with locals and with holiday-goers. With occasional events, live music, and special tastings, Great Raft Brewing is the perfect place to have an evening drink after a long day of sightseeing. Just be sure to check the opening days in advance!
Shreveport Casinos
Shreveport is known for its horse racing and gambling entertainment, with plenty of casinos and riverboat gambling available for visitors to the city. Try your luck at some of Shreveport’s top-rated casinos, like Bally’s Hotel and Casino or Sam’s Town Hotel and Casino. Alternatively, you can hop aboard a riverboat casino for an adrenaline-packed journey down the Red River.
No matter what type of game you’re looking for, Shreveport will not disappoint with its selection of poker, slot machines, and more. Who knows, you could end up walking away with more than a souvenir when you visit this gambling hotspot!
Barksdale Global Power Museum
The Barksdale Global Power Museum is the perfect place to go for aviation enthusiasts, engineers, and war history buffs. The museum is filled with iconic aircraft with their own unique features, like the SR-71 which served in the US Air Force for 24 years. You can also explore bombers and planes from both World War II and the Cold War.
At the museum, you can learn about the history of aircraft and gain a deeper understanding of the historic planes and their importance. It can easily be done on a day trip from Shreveport and it the perfect activity for a family or group of friends.
Louisiana State Exhibit Museum
The Louisiana State Exhibit Museum in Shreveport is an interesting place to visit where you can learn about the state’s amazing culture, history, and geology. It was opened in 1939 and it is the only museum of its kind in the state. Through various interactive exhibits, you can explore the state’s fascinating history, including its early years of development through the Industrial Revolution.
You can also find out more about Louisiana’s impressive role in the Civil War and artifacts from Renaissance Europe, World War II, and more. There are also cultural exhibits, such as photographs and paintings from famous artists, fossils of rare animals, and a butterfly garden for visitors to explore.
Shreveport Water Works Museum
The Shreveport Water Works Museum is a unique National Historic Landmark that offers visitors insight into the past of the city’s water treatment system. This old-fashioned steam-powered water treatment plant dates back to 1889 and still stands today, with parts of it open to the public.
Visitors can tour the old grassy building and learn about how Shreveport used to receive clean drinking water before modern treatment systems were introduced. Spend some time exploring the inner workings of the plant and its surroundings, or just take a stroll in the area and take in the sights. It’s a great way to spend a day in Shreveport.
Gators and Friends
Located half an hour away from Shreveport, the family-friendly Gators and Friends center offers plenty of activities for all ages to enjoy. From admiring the many alligators in their swampland, to petting friendly goats, Lemurs and other exotic animals, to racing around a go-kart track or soaring across a zipline – there is something for everyone at Gators and Friends. It’s a great day out for visitors and locals in search of adventure and fun. The center is open all year round, so no matter when you visit you’ll always find something new to do.
American Rose Center
A 20-minute drive from the city brings you to the beautiful American Rose Center, a garden set up and maintained by the American Rose Society. This picturesque garden is home to fragrant rose plants of all colors and is open between April and October. As you stroll through the rose gardens, you can breathe in the sweet scent of roses and admire the delicate sculptures and waterfalls. There’s also a quaint gift shop where you can pick up some souvenirs to remember your time in the American Rose Center.
Exploring the Red River
The majestic Red River has played a significant role in the development of Shreveport, Louisiana. This river is the perfect place to explore and get acquainted with the local culture while taking in spectacular views as you cruise through. Catch a glimpse of nature’s beauty as you traverse this body of water and get a sense of the historical significance of the area.
The Red River Brewing Company
The best way to kick off any adventure in Shreveport is at the Red River Brewing Company. Inside you’ll find an inviting environment complete with a glass-wall that looks into the brewery and gives visitors direct access to the beer-making process. Enjoy a delicious craft beer with food from the taproom and hangout with friendly locals and travelers from all over. With its simple design and one-of-a-kind view, the Red River Brewing Company is a must-try attraction.
Bally’s Hotel and Casino
You can’t miss the numerous casinos scattered throughout Shreveport and Bossier City. Of all the places, Bally’s Hotel and Casino and Sam’s Town Hotel and Casino are two of the highest rated. If you’re looking for something unique, hop on board one of the city’s riverboat casinos and try your luck while cruising down the Red River.
SR-71 Aircraft
If you’re intrigued by aircrafts or admire war history, a visit to the Barksdale Global Power Museum is a must. Here, you’ll be able to learn about the iconic SR-71 aircraft, which flew for 24 years in the US Air Force, often in extremely hostile environments. Admire bombers, planes, and other war-related craftsmanship, making this museum the perfect activity for friends or family.
Conclusion
The best way to explore Shreveport, a city full of unique experiences, is to take a deep dive into its culture and attractions. From Red River Brewing Company and Great Raft Brewing, to the Barksdale Global Power Museum and R. W. Norton Art Gallery, there’s something for everyone in Shreveport. Whether you’re looking for a fun day out with the family or an evening of drinks and socializing, this Louisiana city has you covered. Make sure to check out each one of these 12 must-see activities in Shreveport to make the most of your trip!