The northern part of Louisiana often gets overlooked as a tourist destination, which makes sense, especially when Louisiana’s other major cities like New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, and even Lake Charles are all relatively close to each other. You could drive from Lake Charles to New Orleans in less than four hours. Shreveport has a lot to offer, though! From history to mystery to beautiful natural scenery, Louisiana’s third-largest city is worthy of spending a few days exploring. If you’re thinking about making the journey, here are some of the best things to do in Shreveport. This list will cover a bit of everything, ensuring that folks with a wide range of interests can enjoy this beautiful city.

Top Tourist Attractions in Shreveport

The top tourist attractions in Shreveport cover everything from historic museums to picturesque parks. Of course, you’ll want to make sure you hit up all of the top tourist attractions in Shreveport. From striking it big at the casinos to shopping till you drop at the outlet, there’s always something to do in Shreveport.

1. Louisiana Boardwalk Outlets

• Address: 540 Boardwalk Blvd, Bossier City, LA 71111
• Neighborhood: Downtown Bossier City
• Website: https://www.louisianaboardwalk.com
• Pro Tip: Once you spend time shopping and eating, spend some time along the riverwalk to enjoy the waterfront scenery.

Overlooking the beautiful Red River, the Louisiana Boardwalk boasts more than 60 retail stores and restaurants to enjoy. Located in Shreveport’s neighboring city of Bossier City, you could easily spend several hours here popping in and out of shops and enjoying the waterfront. There’s always an event or two taking place, too, so you’ll want to check their events calendar and see what’s coming up before your visit.

2. Shreveport Municipal Auditorium

• Address: 705 Grand Ave, Shreveport, LA 71101
• Neighborhood: Downtown Shreveport
• Website: https://shreveportmunicipalauditorium.com/
• Pro Tip: Take the backstage tour to learn the full history.

The Shreveport Municipal Auditorium was built in the 1920s and is a beautiful example of Art Deco architecture in the Pelican State. Music lovers will appreciate this as being one of the spots where The King Of Rock ’N Roll, Elvis Presley, got his start.

The auditorium was once the home of the Louisiana Hayride, a radio/television country music show that ran from the 1940s to the 1960s and helped launch the careers of famous folks like Elvis, Hank Williams, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, and countless others. Take a tour and learn more or check the auditorium’s events calendar and get some tickets to see a show!

Things to Do in Shreveport with Kids

Shreveport is a kid-friendly city, so no matter how old your kids are, you’ll find plenty to keep them occupied, especially if they are animal lovers. These family fun spots are great for both rainy days and perfect-weather adventures, ensuring you’ll have plenty to do no matter what the weather is up to! Louisiana weather can be pretty fickle, so be sure to check the radar before you embark on any outdoor adventures.

1. The Shreveport Aquarium

• Address: 601 Clyde Fant Pkwy, Shreveport, LA 71101
• Neighborhood: Downtown
• Website: https://www.shreveportaquarium.com/
• Pro Tip: Get there early to beat the crowds

Who wouldn’t want to spend the day at an aquarium? The Shreveport Aquarium is one of the best things for families with kids to do in Shreveport, and you can easily spend an afternoon getting mesmerized by all of the sea creatures here. There are seven galleries that hold more than 300 species and 1,000 animals including sharks, stingrays, seahorses, and just about every sea creature you can think of. The whole family will enjoy getting an opportunity to hand-feed the stingrays, touch sea stars, and learn all about these incredible animals and how they thrive in their environments. If your kids love the aquarium, the Jubilee Zoo is another incredible spot for animal lovers, and it’s not very far from downtown Shreveport.

2. Chimp Haven

• Address: 13600 Chimpanzee Pl, Keithville, LA 71047
• Neighborhood: About 30 miles south of Shreveport
• Website: https://chimphaven.org/
• Pro Tip: Plan your visit during one of their Discovery Days

You may have seen the series on Disney +, and maybe that’s why you’ve come to see them for yourself! Chimp Haven is a refuge for chimpanzees that cannot be released back into the wild. For many years, chimpanzees were used for scientific research, because they share so much DNA with us. Laws have since been passed to keep chimpanzees safe, but the chimps that were living in biomedical research facilities can’t just be released back into the wild, and that’s where Chimp Haven comes in. Think of it like a retirement center for chimpanzees, where they can live out their golden years in ideal habitats surrounded by lush greenery, ample enrichment activities, and nothing but the finest food to snack on.

There are over 300 chimpanzees here, making it the largest chimpanzee refuge center in the entire world. One thing to note before you embark on this epic adventure is that Chimp Haven is not open to the public for the majority of the year. You’ll need to check the website to see when the scheduled Discovery Days are, and that’s when they open the gates and allow the public to see these adorable creatures up close. This happens about once a quarter, so be sure to check your schedule so you don’t miss it. You can, however, schedule a private tour just about any time of year, which is 100% worth the splurge.

If you just can’t find it in the budget or the Discovery Days don’t match up with your vacation, consider lacing up your sneakers and hitting the nearby Monkey Trail. This 10-mile trail is a popular pedestrian and biking trail nearby, and it’s named because of its proximity to Chimp Haven. You may not be able to see them, but you’ll be able to hear the chimps in the distance on your hike!

3. Gators & Friends

• Address: 11441 US-80, Greenwood, LA 71033
• Neighborhood: About 20 miles west of Shreveport
• Website: https://gatorsandfriends.com/
• Pro Tip: Take on the thrilling zip line for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity

Shreveport may be far from Cajun Country, but Gators & Friends will make you think you’re right in the swamps. Animal lovers of all ages will enjoy a visit to this unique animal and adventure park. As you may have guessed by the name, Gators & Friends is home to hundreds of American alligators as well as several other furry friends like goats, antelope, deer, and more. Feeding time for the alligators is always a fun show, as well as the petting zoo area where you can cuddle with some of the other animals here, but the real adventure begins above your head.

Gators & Friends is home to a 7-part zip line that’ll have you soaring above the treetops, all over the park, including a final 750-foot fly over the live alligator pond that’s home to more than 300 alligators. Don’t worry, you’ll be safely harnessed the entire time so you can just enjoy the ride! The fun doesn’t stop there, though. Gators & Friends has an entire adventure park where you can race your friends on an epic go-kart track, too. If you’ve got the need for speed, then sign up!

4. Sci-Port Discovery Center

• Address: 820 Clyde Fant Pkwy, Shreveport, LA 71101
• Neighborhood: Downtown
• Website: https://sci-port.org//
• Pro Tip: Get there early to beat the crowds.

One of Shreveport’s most popular attractions, the Sci-Port Discovery Center is where you’ll fall in love with science, engineering, and so much more. There’s an IMAX Theater and a planetarium to enjoy shows in between strolling around the exhibits, as well as plenty of interactive exhibits and dioramas for hands-on learning, plus a children’s museum for the youngest of discoverers. and also a cafe to refuel when the little ones are wearing you out. General admission tickets are good for the entire day, so you can leave and come back later on in the day if you need to.

What to Do in Shreveport for Couples

Whether you’re on a first date or celebrating a 20-year anniversary, there are plenty of things for couples to do in Shreveport. Grab a beer at one of the many breweries in Shreveport, like Great Raft Brewing or Red River Brewing, before hitting up some of Shreveport’s top date night destinations. Here are a few ideas:

1. R.W. Norton Art Gallery

• Address: 4747 Creswell Ave, Shreveport, LA 71106
• Neighborhood: Near Caddo Heights
• Website: https://www.rwnaf.org/
• Pro Tip: Check the website before you go to make sure the gardens are open

The R.W. Norton Art Gallery is a wonderful date idea. The art museum is home to several exhibits and hundreds of pieces of artwork that are bound to spark a thoughtful conversation with your significant other. In addition to the stationary exhibits, the art gallery is always hosting a few rotating exhibits and special events, and several special events that are geared towards the kids as well as adults-only events. After you’ve checked out the art gallery, take a stroll outside where you can enjoy one of the most picturesque garden landscapes in Shreveport. The 40 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens wrap around the R.W. Norton Art Gallery and include thousands of native and introduced flowers. The gardens are open from sunrise to sunset and there’s always something in bloom!

2. Gardens of the American Rose Center

• Address: 8877 Jefferson Paige Rd, Shreveport, LA 71119
• Neighborhood: Edge of town
• Website: https://www.rose.org/
• Pro Tip: Be sure to check the weather forecast before your visit!

Stop and smell the roses, literally! The Gardens of the American Rose Center is the largest park dedicated to roses in the entire country, and it makes for a wonderful day trip. There are thousands of roses planted around the rose gardens, and it’s a lovely way to spend an afternoon with your loved one. No matter what time of year you visit, you’re bound to find something in bloom. And you can always check the website ahead of time and give them a follow on Facebook so you can stay up to date on any events or bloom schedules.

Where to Go in Shreveport at Night

Shreveport has an enticing nightlife scene that will appeal to just about anyone. Whether you’re looking to see a live show, enjoy some drinks, or indulge in a fantastic meal, Shreveport nightlife has something for everyone. Here are a few of our favorite things to do in Shreveport at night:

1. Restaurant Scene: Strawn's Eat Shop

• Address: 125 Kings Hwy, Shreveport, LA 71104
• Neighborhood: Kings Highway
• Website: https://www.strawnspie.com/
• Pro Tip: Get the famous ice box pie!

There are a few iconic restaurants in Shreveport that should make it onto the bucket list while you’re visiting: Strawn’s Eat Shop, Herby-K's, and Fertitta’s Delicatessen. Strawn’s is a great spot for breakfast, but they serve lunch and dinner, too. One thing that’s not to be missed here is the famous ice box pies. Strawberry is the star of the show, but other flavors are offered as well. For lunch, you can’t go wrong with Herby-K’s, home of the Shrimp Buster. This unique spin on a po’boy has been a Shreveport staple for nearly 100 years, and it’ll turn you into a customer for life. Finally, Fertitta’s Delicatessen is Shreveport’s oldest restaurant and these folks are known for their unique spin on the muffuletta, a signature New Orleans sandwich. You can even purchase some of Fertitta’s olive salad mix to take home or give as a gift.

2. Hit The Casinos: Horseshoe, Perhaps?

• Address: Multiple
• Neighborhood: Along the riverfront
• Website: https://www.shreveport-bossier.org/
• Pro Tip: Book a room so everything you need is under one roof!

Are you feeling lucky? You may strike it big at one of the many casinos around the Shreveport-Bossier area. Whether you prefer slots or high-stakes games, the casinos along the banks of the Red River will keep you entertained for hours. While there are several casinos to choose from, Horseshoe and Boomtown are two of the most popular. Be sure to check out the entertainment schedule for each casino, you’ll often find performances from notable musicians, comedy legends, and local celebrities. If gambling isn’t in the cards, treat yourself to a luxury spa day while the rest of your crew dances with Lady Luck.

3. Take A Ghost Tour

• Address: Multiple stops along the tour
• Neighborhood: Downtown
• Website: https://www.facebook.com/historichauntsofshreveport/
• Pro Tip: Book your tour early before it sells out

New Orleans may get all the ghostly glory, but Shreveport has its fair share of paranormal hotspots that just may turn even the most hardcore skeptic. Some of the most allegedly haunted places in Shreveport include the Oakland Cemetery, Greenwood Cemetery, and even the Shreveport Municipal Auditorium. Sign up for a walking tour and not only will you get an opportunity to learn more about the history of some of these spots, but you might just have a paranormal experience of your own.

Free Things to Do in Shreveport

We get it, traveling can be expensive, so why not make the most of all of the free things you can do in Shreveport? A good time on a dime doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice some of the best sights. Here are some free things to do in Shreveport:

1. Walter B. Jacobs Memorial Nature Park

• Address: 8012 Par Rd 4, Shreveport, LA 71107
• Neighborhood: Outside of downtown
• Website: https://www.facebook.com/walterbjacobs/
• Pro Tip: Bring your sneakers and enjoy 160 acres of beautiful scenery.

Who wouldn’t love a walk through the park? The Walter B. Jacobs Memorial Nature Park is just the ticket for when you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Take a casual stroll down the nature paths, enjoy the live animal exhibits in the visitor center, and don’t forget to check out the deer in the deer pin. If you happen to visit during late October or November, you’ll be met with some lovely fall colors that will add a splash of color to your stroll! There are even a few picnic areas within the park, so pack some snacks and enjoy the surroundings.

2. Bonnie and Clyde Ambush Site

• Address: 2419 Main St, Gibsland, LA 71028.
• Neighborhood: Outside of Shreveport
• Website: https://www.bonnieandclydeambushmuseum.com/
• Pro Tip: Enjoy a meal at the restaurant next door for the full experience.

This is another attraction that’s near Shreveport, not technically within the city limits, but it’s also worth the extra effort. If you weren’t aware, Bonnie and Clyde met their maker on a dirt road in a rural part of Louisiana in an epic shootout with the police in 1934. The humble little museum is full of newspaper clippings, artifacts, photographs, and more of this infamous duo. Next door to the museum is a cafe, and it also just so happens to be the last place Bonnie and Clyde ate before they died. Once you visit the museum you may be hooked on learning more, and you’ll be surprised to learn that you can actually drive over to where the shootout took place.

The Bonnie and Clyde Ambush Site is considered more of a roadside attraction, but it’s not every day that you get the chance to see this unique slice of history. You’ll want to have your phone’s GPS on for the drive, the mile marker tends to blend in with the area--blink and you’ll miss it! Oh, and for the paranormal investigators out there, the ambush site is rumored to be haunted by their spirits. Some people have claimed to have heard gunshots and disembodied voices while visiting this site.

3. Lake Bistineau State Park

• Address: 103 State Park Rd, Doyline, LA 71023.
• Neighborhood: Outside of Shreveport
• Website: https://www.lastateparks.com/parks-preserves/lake-bistineau-state-park
• Pro Tip: Rent a canoe and see the park from an entirely new perspective.

Although technically not in Shreveport, it’s only 30 miles outside of the city, and worth the drive, especially if you’re looking to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a more peaceful setting. Lake Bistineau State Park is nestled along the shores of Lake Bistineau, offering some stunning waterfront scenery along with excellent fishing. If fishing’s not on your list of fun things to do, lace up your sneakers and hit the 10 miles of trails within the park, or rent a canoe and paddle around the 11-mile canoe trail for an entirely new perspective of the park.

Lake Bistineau State Park has an 18-hole disc golf course, one of only five state parks in Louisiana to offer this "new" sport. If you’re on the fence about where to stay near Shreveport, consider renting one of the cabins! It’s the perfect spot to come back to after a day of touring the city. You’ll have nothing but lovely views and peace and quiet.

And there you have it! This list should keep you and your family busy for several days as you explore the beauty of Shreveport and northern Louisiana. If you've visited any of these attractions, tell us about your experience in the comments below!