From space simulations to a nationally renowned rose garden, there’s no shortage of things to do in Shreveport, Louisiana, the rising cultural center of a metropolitan region that boasts nearly half-a-million people. If you’re looking for fun in Shreveport, here are some of the best ways to get started.
Hotels near Shreveport, Louisiana: 10
Experience beauty inside and out at the R.W. Norton Art Gallery
View a collection of more than 400 paintings and sculptures from American and European artists at the R.W. Norton Art Gallery.
Known largely for its collection of works by Frederic Remington and Charles Marion Russell, the R.W. Norton Art Gallery houses art from American and European artists, plus an extensive rare book collection across 24 exhibition rooms. Once a private collection, this gallery today houses more than 400 paintings and sculptures, representing over 100 artists and a wide variety of artistic styles and time periods. Displays range from miniatures, models and sketches to works in bronze and silver, porcelain, blown glass, marble and wood. You can even view tapestries from the 16th century that once hung in a French palace. Outside, make your way through the beautiful tree canopy to the center of the 40-acre gardens, filled with irises, ginger lilies, coneflowers, black-eyed Susans and more. In spring, get a glimpse of the main attraction: over 100 azaleas in bloom.
Sample the Shrimp Buster at Herby-K’s
The famous Shrimp Buster po-boy sandwich at Herby-K’s has been a staple on this Shreveport eatery’s menu for more than 60 years.
Metal signs and steins, beer cans and beads, and hundreds of other tchotchkes line the storied shelves and walls of Herby-K’s, a hole-in-the-wall favorite in Shreveport, open since 1936. Menu highlights include oysters on the half shell, burgers, po’boys, sandwiches and more. For a true Herby’s experience, opt for the Shrimp Buster, a 1940s spin on a shrimp po’boy drummed up by the restaurant’s namesake in 1945. Fried butterflied shrimp come atop French bread, toasted and buttered, served with fries, coleslaw and a “special sauce.”
Immerse yourself in wonder at the Sci-Port Discovery Center
Shreveport’s Sci-Port Discovery Center features a 15-foot-long “Space Walk” as a well as an animal enclosure featuring frogs, alligators and snakes.
One of the best things to do in Shreveport, Louisiana, with kids (as well as the young at heart) is to spend a day at the Sci-Port Discovery Center, a 92,000-square-foot space dedicated to engaging visitors in math, science and technology. From stargazing in the planetarium to strolling along a 15-foot-long “Space Walk” that combines lights and mirrors to simulate star fields, the Center offers many out-of-this-world, immersive experiences. Plus, the Animal Enclosure allows you to get up close and personal with venomous and non-venomous snakes, as well as frogs, alligators and a box turtle. Up for a flick? The IMAX Dome Theatre is the only one of its kind in Louisiana. Group rates for 10 or more are available and children are admitted for only $12.
Stop and smell the roses at the American Rose Center
You can tour 118 acres of beautiful roses along with sculptures and water features at Shreveport’s American Rose Center.
Ranking right up there with Portland, Oregon, as a City of Roses, Shreveport, Louisiana, offers spectacular gardens on a 118-acre wooded tract known as the American Rose Center. Serving as the headquarters for the American Rose Society, the garden is the largest park in the U.S. dedicated to roses. Sculptures, fountains and a reflection pool round out this can’t-miss floral experience.
Become one with nature at Red River National Wildlife Refuge
Fans of the great outdoors in Shreveport will love hiking, fishing or spotting animals at the nearby Red River National Wildlife Refuge.
Located just southeast of the city, the Red River National Wildlife Refuge is part of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and a great place to find a full day’s worth of things to do in Shreveport, Louisiana, especially if you love the great outdoors. With over five miles of hiking trails, plus hunting, fishing and seasonal events, thousands are drawn to this favorite park where you can witness wildlife like white-tailed deer, armadillos, dragonflies, birds of prey and songbirds. Special events also take place at certain times of year, from pecan-nut picking in the fall to wild-plum harvesting in the summer.
Try your luck at one of the many Shreveport casinos
The many casinos located along Shreveport’s Red River offer slot machines along with popular table games like craps, blackjack and roulette.
If you love the thrill of casinos but not a pricey stay, there are plenty of affordable hotels near Shreveport, Louisiana, for you to check out. Looking for the best casino in Shreveport? Well, that probably depends on how you do inside. To try your luck, visit one of the many casinos along Shreveport’s Red River, from Margaritaville, with its island vibe and A-list performers, to the Eldorado, which offers approximately 1,400 slot machines and over 50 table games, including craps, blackjack and roulette.
Splash into fun at a water park
The whole family can slide, splash or swim at Shreveport’s Splash Kingdom Waterpark, featuring several slides, a lazy river and a wave pool.
With impressive and colorfully fun high-thrill slides that twist and turn to send your kids splashing into buckets of fun, Splash Kingdom is a great stop for the whole family and among the best Shreveport attractions. Looking for something less adventurous? You can opt for the wave pool or just float along the lazy river, too. A four-pack special includes four general admission tickets and meal vouchers for you and your pals for just $117. Senior and military rates are also available, as well as discounts for groups and young children.
Get away from the hustle and bustle at a wildlife preserve
With five nature trails featuring plants and wildlife across 160 acres, the Walter B. Jacobs Memorial Nature Park is an ideal spot for hiking or picnics.
For nature lovers, be sure to add the Walter B. Jacobs Memorial Nature Park to your list of fun things to do in Shreveport. This 160-acre wildlife preserve featuring five nature trails is perfect for bird watching, hiking, photography or picnics. Park naturalists are also available to provide information for visitors.
Hit up the outlets at the Louisiana Boardwalk
The Louisiana Boardwalk Outlets mixes the atmosphere of a waterfront boardwalk with the allure of national brands and popular themed restaurants.
Whether you hit it big at the casinos or not, one of the best places for shopping in Shreveport is at the Louisiana Boardwalk Outlets, located downtown on the Red River along with several of the best Shreveport attractions. Featuring deals from national brands as well as great restaurants, this outdoor shopping center provides the perfect atmosphere for a day on the town with friends.
So, whether you’re a foodie, traveling through Louisiana with kids, love to gamble or just need a respite in nature, you’ll find your niche with this list of top things to do in Shreveport, Louisiana.