Shreveport

Shreveport is the largest city in Northern Louisiana, part of the twin city metro of Shreveport-Bossier City, and is considered the principal city in the three-state region known as the "Ark-La-Tex." It has about 188,000 residents (2019), and is in the area of the state designated as the Sportsman's Paradise. Many lakes and rivers are in the area and offer recreational activities. The surrounding area is also a contrast from points in southern Louisiana, in that the landscape is marked by rolling hills and pine forests, being an extension of the Texas region known as the Piney Woods. == Understand == Shreveport is also known regionally as a gambling center, due to the number of casinos and racetracks that operate in the area. Despite the fact that Shreveport has a reputation for gaming, there are multiple opportunities for arts, culture, and learning in the city, with a collection of museums, art galleries, symphonies, colleges and universities, in addition to several fine dining opportunities that bring a mix of regional and international cuisine to Louisiana's third-largest city. One thing that often goes unnoticed is that Shreveport was the capital of Louisiana during the Civil War from 1863-1865. == Get in == === By plane === 1 Shreveport Regional Airport (SHV IATA) (located 5 miles west of downtown, at the intersection of Interstates 20 and 220 and Louisiana State Route 3132), ☏ +1-318-673-5370. This is the main airport for the region and the largest commercial airport in northern Louisiana. Allegiant Air has nonstop service from Las Vegas and seasonal nonstop service from Orlando-Sanford. There is nonstop service on Delta from Atlanta, American from Charlotte and Dallas/Fort Worth, and United from Denver and Houston. 2 Shreveport Downtown Airport (DTN IATA) (about a mile north from downtown Shreveport), ☏ +1-318-673-5398. This small airport provides access for smaller, personal aircraft and charters. ==== Public airport transportation ==== SPORTRAN, the Shreveport area's public bus system, has a stop at the airport. This is also considered a transfer point for multiple bus routes in the area. The bus stop is directly outside the doors to the baggage claim. Routes 7 & 13 connect to the Downtown Transfer Station, and from there, take Route 20 to connect to hotels, casinos, and points downtown. Buses in Shreveport are free of charge. For those staying at nearby hotels around the airport and west of the Inner Loop (I-220/LA-3132), most have free airport shuttle service. However, in many cases, it is necessary to contact those hotels directly to arrange for the shuttle to pick up, as flights at Shreveport are more infrequent than at airports in larger cities. ==== Private airport transportation ==== Taxis are available from the airport and there are usually between 2 and 4 vehicles waiting outside the terminal. The pros are that a taxi can get you to more points in the Shreveport-Bossier City area than public transportation, but the cons are the considerably higher price. A taxi from the airport to downtown Shreveport or Bossier City is anywhere from $15 to $25. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft also have a presence in Shreveport, and drivers can usually be at the airport in less than 5 minutes if none are close by. When exiting the terminal, it is necessary to walk right and go to the edge of the building, as the Shreveport Regional Airport has specifically designated areas for Uber and Lyft services. Wait near the Uber/Lyft signs on the curb for a driver after requesting a ride. === By bus === 3 Greyhound, 408 Fannin St (at Edwards St), ☏ +1 318 221-4200. Direct service from cities along the Interstate 20 corridor (from Dallas to Atlanta), plus Houston, Texarkana, Alexandria, Lafayette, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans. (updated Aug 2015) === By car === Interstate 20, an east-west route between Dallas and Jackson, Mississippi, passes through Shreveport. Interstate 49, a north-south route between Texarkana and Alexandria passes through Shreveport. The portion of this highway that passes through downtown is still under construction and you will need to take Interstate 220 and Louisiana 3132 (the Shreveport Inner Loop) to connect between the two section of I-49. == Get around == === By car === The city is easy to navigate by car and one part of the city can easily be accessed from another via Interstates 20 & 49. In addition, there is an Inner Loop (I-220 and LA-3132) surrounding the city. Clyde Fant Parkway runs along the riverfront and links the downtown area with the southeastern part of the city around LSU Shreveport and the shopping areas of South Youree Drive. === By bus === Shreveport, like many other mid-sized cities in the Southern states, does not have a well developed public transit system. Most city residents prefer to get around by their own personal cars or motorcycles. That said, the city public transit network will get visitors to most major destinations and attractions in the city. ==== SPORTRAN ==== Shreveport's public transit system serves the majority of Shreveport, as well as a variety of areas in Bossier City. Most hotels in town will have a bus stop somewhere nearby. All routes in Shreveport connect at one of two transfer points: the 4 SporTran Intermodal Terminal (Downtown Transfer Hub), at the corner of Texas Avenue and Murphy Street, and the 5 Southwest Transfer Hub, located at the corner of W. 68th Street and St. Vincent Avenue. If travelling between downtown Shreveport and the southern half of the city, you will likely use both transfer stations. Public transportation in Shreveport is free. == See == The mansions along Fairfield Avenue give a glimpse into the city's history. The city is located in a region once rich with oil, and the mansions were built by those made wealthy by the industry during the 1920s and '30s. 1 American Rose Center, 8877 Jefferson Paige Road (Go west of downtown on Interstate 20 to exit 5 / Greenwood Road, turn right on the highway, and then left on Jefferson Paige Road. Drive a mile and a half.), ☏ +1 318-938-5402. M-Sa 9AM to 5PM; Su 1-5PM. America's largest garden park dedicated to roses, and is home to the American Rose Society. Any donation amount grants entry to gardens. (updated Aug 2018) artspace, 710 Texas St, ☏ +1 318 673-6535. Downtown art gallery with a cafe. 2 Robinson Film Center, 617 Texas Street, ☏ +1 318-459-4122. Varies. RFC is a venue of independent, international, and classic cinema in downtown Shreveport. In addition to their daily film programming, they offer film and media production classes for all ages. Abby Singer's Bistro is on the second floor of the Robinson Film Center offering a full-service bistro and bar. (updated Aug 2018) 3 R.W. Norton Art Gallery, 4747 Creswell Ave (From Interstate 49, take Exit 203 / Pierremont Ave, and go east for 0.8 miles. Turn left on Creswell Ave and the museum will be three blocks up on the right), ☏ +1 318-865-4201. Th-Su 1-5PM, closed M-W and holidays. World-class art gallery on Creswell Ave., near Line Ave. and Pierremont Rd. It is free to view the collection as well as the grounds, which are finely landscaped and located in a beautiful upscale neighborhood. Free. (updated Aug 2018) 4 Shreveport Municipal Auditorium, 705 Elvis Presley Avenue, ☏ +1 318 673-5100. Historic auditorium built in 1929, where the Louisiana Hayride has been recorded since 1948. There are statues of Elvis Presley and James Burton, both of whom played here, in front. This neighborhood is safe during daytime, but should be avoided after dark. === Museums === 5 Louisiana State Exhibit Museum, 3015 Greenwood Rd, ☏ +1 318 632 2020. M-F 9AM to 4PM; closed Sa and Su. Built in 1939, this museum that contains several dioramas and exhibits of Louisiana life and industries, such as sugar cane, salt mining, and rice. The circular museum is built in the architectural style of the period and has lots of places to sit and appreciate the exhibits. Rotating art and history exhibits come through the museum and can be reserved for special events. Free entrance. (updated Aug 2021) 6 Meadows Museum of Art, 2911 Centenary Blvd, ☏ +1 318 869 5169. (updated Aug 2021) 7 Spring Street Historical Museum, 525 North Spring St, ☏ +1 318 424 0964. Tu-Sa 10AM to 4PM; closed Su M and holidays. Small museum dedicated to the history of Shreveport and the local area. Exhibits include biography of Captain Henry Shreve, the Great Raft log jam, the Red River Campaign, and Shreveport's Red Light District. Parking available on the street and behind building. (updated Aug 2021) 8 Sci-Port Discovery Center, 820 Clyde Fant Pkwy, ☏ +1 318 424 3466. Th-Sa 9AM-5PM, Su noon-5PM, closed M Tu. Louisiana's Science Center is a 92,000-square-foot science and entertainment center in Shreveport-Bossier, featuring over 290 science, math and space exhibits, daily changing programs, an IMAX Dome Theatre, open-access, interactive, laser Space Dome Planetarium powered by a 16-million pixel laser projection system driven by the latest in planetarium software - Digistar3, gift shop and cafe. Sci-Port is located on the downtown Shreveport Riverfront. (updated Aug 2021) 9 Shreveport Water Works Museum, 142 N Common St, ☏ +1 318 221 3388. (updated Aug 2021) 10 Shreveport Aquarium, 601 Clyde Fant Prkwy, ☏ +1 318-383-0601, info@shreveportaquarium.com. (updated Dec 2021) === Outside Shreveport (Rural Caddo Parish) === 11 Louisiana State Oil & Gas Museum, 200 S. Land Ave., Oil City (20 minutes NW of Shreveport on LA Highway 1), ☏ +1 318-995-6845. Tu-F 10AM to 4PM; closed Sa-M. Museum dedicated to state's oil and gas industry, focusing on the turn of the century in northwest Louisiana, as well as the offshore industry in modern times. Outside the museum, oil derricks, pumps, and equipment dot the yard around the museum, giving it a unique appearance and a reminder of an age gone by for this area. Exhibits inside give people a chance to see and experience what oil workers went through on the over-water rigs. Small library and archives available for researchers and people interested in this area of history. Free. (updated Aug 2018) 12 Three Corners Marker (Louisiana / Arkansas / Texas Meeting Point), 22300 LA 1, Rodessa (42 miles northwest of Shreveport on LA 1). 24 Hours. Cement marker that shows where the states of Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas meet. Possible to be in all three states at once here! Park on the Louisiana side at Magnolia Clubhouse and walk 100 feet to the marker. Sitting next to tree by the roadside and an old abandoned service station. Free. (updated Aug 2018) == Do == === Amusement park === 1 Wonder Oasis Waterpark (formerly Splash Kingdom Family Waterpark), 7670 W. 70th Street, ☏ +1 318-591-4969. Daily 11AM-9PM Memorial Day through Labor Day. Closed remainder of the year. Small water park in the western part of the city. Slides and other rides available for all age ranges. Standard theme park food is available for moderate prices ($7 for a single meat cheeseburger). Adults $24.95, Under 42 inches $18.95. (updated Sep 2024) 2 Gators and Friends, 11441 US-80, Greenwood, ☏ +1 318 938-1199. F-Su 10AM-6PM. Watch large alligators being fed or look at deer, kangaroos goats, cotamundi, emu, etc; alternatively, do something a bit more bold and hold a baby gator. Also go-carting and ziplining. regular adult $12.50. (updated Sep 2021) === Casinos === There are two casinos located on the Red River in Shreveport. Sam's Town and Eldorado are located on Clyde Fant Memorial Parkway in downtown Shreveport. Just over the Red River in Bossier City are four other casinos. 3 Eldorado Resort Casino, 415 Clyde Fant Parkway, toll-free: +1 877-602-0711. 24 hours. Riverboat casino with full service resort hotel attached. Several restaurants inside. (updated Aug 2018) 4 Sam's Town Hotel & Casino, 315 Clyde Fant Pkwy, toll-free: +1 877-429-0711. 24 hrs. Casino and hotel with an Old West theme. Slots, card and table games available. Several restaurants inside. (updated Oct 2020) === Festivals === CORK. A wine-tasting festival that is held in the fall. Mardi Gras. This is much larger than one would expect outside of New Orleans, as the city streets are filled with many thousands of tourists during this season. The two largest Krewes are Gemini and Centaur, and their parades run throughout much of the city. Mardi Gras takes place on the two weekends in mid to late February. Mudbug Madness. An early summer time festival usually held in late May that features boiled crawfish, local artwork and live music near the riverfront in downtown Shreveport. Red River Revel. A fall festival, during mid to late October, that displays numerous locally produced arts and crafts, live music and dozens of booths serving food located near the riverfront in downtown Shreveport. Shreveport Brew. A beer tasting festival generally held in early October. State Fair of Louisiana. The State Fair of Louisiana is held in the fall at the state fairgrounds off of Interstate 20. === Golf === Shreveport offers many golf courses to choose from challenging everyone from amateur to pro. While many of Shreveport's golf courses are within the confines of Country Clubs that require annual membership or special invitation to enter, there are a handful that can be entered for a nominal fee. 5 Querbes Park Golf Course, Querbes Park Course, 3500 Beverly, ☏ +1 318-673-7816. The 18-hole "Querbes Park" course at the Querbes Park Golf Course facility in Shreveport, Louisiana features 6,207 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 71. The course rating is 71.0 and it has a slope rating of 118. (updated Aug 2018) Jerry Tim Brooks Golf Course, Jerry Course. The 9-hole "Jerry" course at the Jerry Tim Brooks Golf Course facility in Shreveport, Louisiana features 2,562 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 33. Huntington Park Golf Course, Huntington Park Course. The 18-hole "Huntington Park" course at the Huntington Park Golf Course facility in Shreveport, Louisiana features 7,294 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 72. The course rating is 73.3 and it has a slope rating of 113. === Outdoors === Bickham Dickson Park, 2283 Bert Kouns. A 585-acre facility offering boating and fishing on the 200-acre Old River Lake, walking trails, picnic areas, and equestrian trails. Charles and Marie Hamel Memorial Park. Located on Clyde Fant Memorial Parkway at Stoner Ave. outside downtown Shreveport is a 17-acre park offering picnic areas, scenic views of the Red River, off-road bicycle trails, and a boat launch. Cross Lake is an 8,575-acre lake located in Northwest Shreveport. Moss covered cypress trees line the banks of this open lake popular for fishing and recreational boating. Supporting waterfowl, alligators and an abundance of wildlife. There are many access sites, several commercial facilities, and two public parks. Duck Pond. A 6-acre East Kings Highway Park at 1200 East Kings Highway where a large number of ducks reside. There is also a playground, picnic area, and short walking trail. The ducks have been fed by people for so many years that they'll eat straight from your hand. Bring a loaf of bread! There is an 18 hole Frisbee Golf Course located on Clyde Fant Memorial Parkway on the riverfront about a mile outside downtown Shreveport. The 15-acre park also contains lots of picnic areas. Bordering the frisbee golf course is Veterans & Freedom Park, a 23 acre park honoring those who have given their lives in the line of duty. The Red River Bicycle Trail is an 8-mile paved trail off of Clyde Fant Memorial Parkway that follows along the edge of the Red River from downtown Shreveport to the Charles and Marie Hamel Memorial Park. It offers a beautiful view of the river and surrounding areas for both bicyclists and walkers alike. It also passes other recreational areas including the Frisbee Golf Course and Veterans & Freedom Park. === Sports === ==== Professional ==== Shreveport Mudbugs. The Mudbugs are a hockey team that play in the North American Hockey League. While holding onto the Shreveport name, they actually play across the river in Bossier City at the CenturyLink Arena. (updated Aug 2018) ==== Collegiate ==== Centenary College Gentlemen & Ladies. Collegiate baseball, basketball, golf, soccer, tennis, and volleyball. The Gents & Ladies play September thru May. Independence Bowl. Held late December ever year, usually after Christmas but before New Years; featuring teams from the Atlantic Coast Conference and Mountain West college football conferences. LSU Shreveport Pilots. Collegiate baseball and basketball. The Pilots play September thru May and home games are played on the LSU Shreveport campus. == Buy == A large shopping district has developed in the southern section of Youree Drive over the past decade. Many national chain stores and restaurants are located here. More upscale boutiques and shops are located on Line Avenue, near the Pierremont area of central Shreveport. == Eat == === Budget === Original Shreveport sites 1 Fertitta's Deli, 1124 Fairfield Avenue (one block north of I-20 at the corner of Sam Fertitta Drive and Fairfield Avenue). M-F 10:30AM–2PM; closed weekends. Oldest continuously operated restaurant in Shreveport; operated by the same family since 1927. Home of the classic "Muffy" sandwich. Pizza, salads, and mint tea served as well. $7-$12. (updated Aug 2018) 2 Strawn's Eat Shop, 125 East Kings Highway (3 miles east of I-49 on Kings Highway, near intersection of Alexander Avenue), ☏ +1 318-868-0634. Daily 6AM–8PM. Classic Shreveport eatery. American dishes like Chicken Fried Steak, Cheeseburgers, and Beef Tips. Home of the "Icebox Pie," with Strawberry Pie being the most desired among customers. $7-$12 a person. (updated Aug 2018) Breakfast 3 Southern Maid Donuts, 3505 Hearne Avenue (North of Hearne Avenue exit on I-20), ☏ +1 318-636-7202. M W–F 6AM–10PM; Sa Su 7AM–10PM; Tu closed. The original Southern Maid Donuts in Shreveport is at this location. One of the oldest donut chains in the US, all remaining locations are around Shreveport and Bossier City. This is reputedly the only company Elvis Presley ever did a commercial for; he sang the jingle for the commercial. $3-4 for two donuts and a coffee. (updated Aug 2018) === Mid-range === Original Shreveport Sites 4 Herby K's, 1833 Pierre Avenue (Take Texas Avenue a miles west of downtown, past the I-49 overpass. Turn right on Pierre Avenue and drive half a block.), ☏ +1 318-424-2724. M-Th 11AM–9PM; F Sa 11AM–10PM; closed Sunday. One of Shreveport's most renowned institutions and featured on several food and travel shows. Home of their famous "Shrimp Buster" po-boy. Sandwiches and po-boys available, as are a wide range of southern classics. Full service bar. The restaurant has a small area, so it may fill up quickly on busy nights. $15 and up. (updated Aug 2018) Italian 5 Monjuni's Italian Cafe, 1315 Louisiana Avenue, ☏ +1 318-227-0847. M-Sa 10:30AM-9PM, closed Su. Local Italian cafe with several locations, though this location is the original and tends to be the most popular. $10 and up. (updated Aug 2018) Mexican 6 Superior Bar & Grill, 6123 Line Avenue, ☏ +1 318-869-3243. Su-Th 11AM-10PM, F Sa 11AM-11PM. Mexican food in a relaxed cantina type environment. Live music every Friday and Saturday. Full service bar. Widely considered to be one of the best Tex-Mex spots in Shreveport. $15 and up per person. (updated Aug 2018) === Splurge === Cajun and Creole Copeland's of New Orleans on the corner of Bert Kouns and Youree Dr. Ernest's a New Orleans style restaurant, is located off the service road on Hwy 1 just south of downtown, and has a great view overlooking the Red River. Italian Bella Fresca is a high-end restaurant also located on Line Ave. near Superior Bar and Grill Steaks Superior Steakhouse on Line Avenue near the Pierremont Ave. is one of the best restaurants in town, and has one of the best wine lists in the city. Boiled crawfish, while very popular in south Louisiana, are not as popular around Shreveport. There are a handful of restaurants and seafood markets in the Shreveport area where they can be purchased during the season (typically late spring to mid summer). == Drink == === Alcohol === ==== Downtown ==== 1 The Blind Tiger, 120 Texas St., ☏ +1 318-226-8747. (updated Aug 2018) 2 Noble Savage Tavern, 417 Texas Street, ☏ +1 318-221-1781. (updated Aug 2018) ==== Highland District ==== 3 Strange Brew, 235 Wall Street, ☏ +1 318-222-2337. (updated Aug 2018) ==== Mid-City / Near Centenary College ==== 4 The Cub, 3002 Girard Street, ☏ +1 318-861-6517. (updated Aug 2018) 5 Round Bar, 3044 Youree Drive, ☏ +1 318-300-4958. Tu-Sa 2PM-2AM. (updated Aug 2018) === Nightlife and dancing === Downtown Larry Flynt's Deja Vu Hustler Club, 202 Commerce St. +1 318 221-2638 Royalty Cigar & Hookah Lounge, 211 Texas St. +1 318 218-9083. Sand Bar, 415 N Spring St. +1 318 212-1718 == Sleep == There are numerous hotels around the downtown area and the Shreveport Regional Airport. The casinos have hotels near the downtown area (I-20 east). There are also a selection of mid-range and upscale hotels in the southeastern part of the city. === Downtown === ==== Mid-Range ==== 1 Fairfield Place Bed and Breakfast, 2221 Fairfield Avenue, ☏ +1 318-848-7776. A classic Shreveport accommodation, the Fairfield Place is a late 19th-century home with 6 rooms. Each room has furnishings of the period and a classic feel to it, but still has modern amenities, such as TV, Wi-Fi, and private bathrooms. Hot breakfast served every morning. $75 and up. (updated Aug 2018) ==== Splurge ==== 2 Hilton Shreveport, 104 Market Street, ☏ +1 318 698-0900. (updated Mar 2016) 3 Holiday Inn Shreveport Downtown, 102 Lake Street, ☏ +1 318-222-7717. $100 and up. (updated Aug 2018) === Shreveport Regional Airport === ==== Mid-range ==== 4 Wingate by Wyndham - Shreveport Airport, 6245 Westport Avenue, ☏ +1 318-686-0102. $70 and up. (updated Aug 2018) ==== Splurge ==== 5 Hilton Garden Inn Shreveport, 5971 Financial Plaza, ☏ +1 318 686-0148. With plush beds, spacious desks and high-tech amenities. (updated Mar 2016) == Stay safe == === Crime === Shreveport ranks higher than the national average for every type of crime and in 2007 was rated in the top ten [1] most dangerous metro areas in the nation. Common sense is suggested when visiting the city. Some neighborhoods are more dangerous than others. In general, areas west of Downtown and Interstate 49 and south of Interstate 220 are more dangerous than other parts of the city. Be aware of your surroundings at all times. If it looks like the neighborhood is going downhill it might be best to turn around rather than drive through. It is not recommended to walk alone or in small groups after dark in the downtown district unless you stay in the well populated areas near the casinos and bars. == Go next == Bonnie and Clyde Ambush Museum, 2419 Main St Gibsland. The notorious Bonnie and Clyde were shot and killed a few miles south of Gibsland, Louisiana. Driskill Mountain, is the highest point in Louisiana, and is located about one hour east of Shreveport. The mountain is located on private property, but the trail to the top is open to the public. The hike from the road to the top of the mountain is about one mile with about 100 ft of elevation gain. Eddie G. Robinson Museum, +1 318 247-6337. This museum, about an hour east of Shreveport in Grambling, is dedicated to the life and career of the late Grambling State University head football coach, winningest NCAA Division I football coach. Opened in February 2010. Eddie Jones Park, free, W-Sa 8AM-5PM, Su 1-5PM. About thirty minutes southwest of downtown Shreveport, Eddie Jones Park features over 10 miles of mountain biking trails, five miles of horseback riding trails, and two miles of hiking trails. It is also home to Chimp Haven, and a Veterans' Cemetery. Natchitoches, Louisiana is the oldest town in Louisiana, and is located just off of Interstate 49 about 45 minutes south of Shreveport.