The Most Criminally Overlooked City In Louisiana And Why You Need To Visit

New Orleans tends to get all the love when it comes to Louisiana, but there are so many other cities that get overlooked. Shreveport is Louisiana's third largest city and filled with just as much history and culture as New Orleans or Baton Rouge. Here are just some of the reasons you should visit Shreveport.

Shreveport was founded in 1836 and incorporated as a city in 1871.

It was also the state's capital during the Civil War.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Oakland Cemetery is Shreveport's oldest landmark.

The oldest marked grave is dated 1842. Pioneers, slaves, Confederate soldiers, and 16 previous mayors of Shreveport are all laid to rest here. In addition to that, in 1873 the yellow fever epidemic claimed the lives of about 750 victims, most of them were buried in a mass grave that you can visit today. There's also a Jewish section and a Masonic and Odd Fellows section.

The city has a bustling nightlife.

Multiple casinos, bars, and restaurants make for the perfect night out. There's also a few craft breweries you can check out, like Great Raft Brewing, Red River Brewing and Flying Heart Brewing company.

Shreveport has several hiking and biking trails along with a ton of parks for picnics, lakes for fishing and boating...

Experience Shreveport's outdoors!

Shreveport has a ton of museums you can check out.

The Sci-Port Discovery Center combines fun and education in a hands-on approach to science, mathematics, and technology. This place is great for people of all ages, a wonderful place for the whole family!

The first ever Shriner's Hospital was established in Shreveport in 1922.

Feeling adventurous?

Take a zip line over an alligator pond at Gators & Friends Alligator Park & Exotic Zoo

What's your favorite part of Shreveport? Let us know in the comments below.