Exploring the Top Activities in Shreveport, Louisiana
Nashville might be known for its country music, but there's a Louisiana town that once gave it some fierce competition. That town is Shreveport, the largest city in northern Louisiana, which thrived as a hub for radio and entertainment in the mid-1900s. The Louisiana Hayride radio show played a significant role in establishing Shreveport's musical legacy and even provided a platform for a young Elvis Presley to kickstart his career.
Yet, Shreveport's history and entertainment aren't limited to Elvis. Visitors can explore a variety of attractions here, including riverfront casinos, historic landmarks, Southern cuisine, and colorful light shows. Even though it might not initially seem like it, Shreveport is definitely a place worth checking out. Here's what you can do in this city steeped in history.
What To Do
Explore The Louisiana State Arboretum
Green-thumbed visitors should set aside a good few hours to explore the Louisiana State Arboretum, the country's largest park dedicated solely to trees. Spanning hundreds of acres, the arboretum boasts a vast variety of gorgeous plant species. The park's exquisite collection is tended to by the American Horticulture Society, which also has its headquarters on the property. After a recent renovation, the arboretum celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2024 and is now welcoming eager visitors.
arboretum.org; 8877 Jefferson Paige Rd, Shreveport, LA 71119; 318-938-5402
Immerse Yourself in Art
Shreveport's artistic scene is surprisingly vibrant and little-known, showcasing the city's unique creative spirit and rich cultural past. The Louisiana State Exhibit Museum offers a glimpse into life in Louisiana in the 1940s through 23 exhibits. Housed in an elegant 1939 building, the museum's collection includes Native American artifacts, natural history exhibits, and original works by local artists. Shreveport's largest museum, the R.W. Norton Art Gallery, displays an extensive collection of sculptures, paintings, rare books, and decorative arts. For a more interactive experience, locals highly recommend The Agora Borealis, a one-stop shop for unique fine art and souvenirs.
Visit The Spot Where Elvis Took His First Bow
In 1954, Elvis appeared on the Louisiana Hayride, a legendary country music show broadcast from the Shreveport Municipal Auditorium. Built in the 1920s, the auditorium started out as an army barracks before gaining international acclaim as a performance venue. Apart from being Elvis's debut stage, the auditorium also played a significant role in launching the careers of Hank Williams and Johnny Cash. This iconic auditorium is a must-visit destination for music and pop culture enthusiasts.
shreveportmunicipalauditorium.com; 705 Grand Ave, Shreveport, LA 71101; 318-841-4000
Pay a Visit to Shreveport's Oldest Museum
The Spring Street Museum, constructed in 1866, is one of the city's oldest buildings. The first floor boasts revolving exhibits filled with vintage clothing, photographs, antique toys, and more. Head up to the late-19th-century Victorian parlor on the second floor.
lsus.edu; 525 N Spring St, Shreveport, LA 71101; 318-562-3128
Test Your Luck at the Casinos
Shreveport and Bossier City's skylines are instantly recognizable thanks to the shimmering casinos lining the Red River. Bally's Shreveport Casino & Hotel invites visitors to "play and stay" with over 1,000 modern slot machines and 50 live-action table games. Across the river, The Margaritaville Resort Casino and The Horseshoe are popular choices for both locals and tourists, often commended for their excellent dining, cleanliness, and diverse selection of games (and they also serve as accommodations).
Drive Through The Spectacular Bridge of Lights
At night, the Bakowski Bridge of Lights transforms the Red River into a breathtaking display of colors. Spanning the Texas Street Bridge, the bridge is illuminated with dynamic light shows designed by the Shreveport Regional Arts Council. On special occasions, the dazzling display draws large crowds to the riverbanks on both sides.
Where to Eat
Dine at Historic Spots
Shreveport is famous for its delicious Creole and Cajun cuisine, and the food often comes with a side of history. If you only have time for one restaurant, make it Orlandeaux's Cafe, the oldest continuously operated African-American, family-owned restaurant in the United States. Dig into piled-high po' boys, hearty gumbo, and Orlandeaux's renowned stuffed shrimp. Historic Herby K's, the city's oldest restaurant, also offers incredible seafood and po' boys, making it a beloved downtown staple since 1936.
Taste The Local Crawfish
For a genuine Cajun culinary experience, visit one of Shreveport's popular crawfish restaurants. The family-owned Crawdaddy's Kitchen is a local favorite known for its spicy crawfish (when in season), fried catfish, and seasoned Cajun fries. For a more refined eating experience, head to The Blind Tiger and indulge in their Crawfish Combo, a platter featuring fried "craw-tails," crawfish meat pies, and crawfish etouffee.
Indulge in the Renowned Southern Maid Donuts Bites
Back in 1954, musical icon Elvis Presley filmed his sole commercial ad for a Shreveport-rooted company - Southern Maid Donuts. Since 1937, this beloved family-run business has been offering the city with fresh, high-quality donuts, now boasting five locations around the city, with residents highly recommending the venue on Hearne Avenue.
Your Accommodation Options
Cozy Up At a Charming Bed & Breakfast
For those preferring a tranquil break, consider booking a stay at the beloved Fairfield Place Bed and Breakfast. Nestled in a historic house, this quaint abode exudes a homely charm with its cottage-inspired decor, comfortable beds, private pool, and a patio decorated with fairy lights. Situated just under 10 minutes away from local attractions, you can unwind in serenity while being within reach of all the action.
stayfairfield.com; 2221 Fairfield Ave, Shreveport, LA 71104; 318-848-7776
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After exploring the Louisiana State Arboretum and immersing yourself in Shreveport's art scene, consider visiting the spot where Elvis Presley took his first bow. Elvis performed on the Louisiana Hayride, a country music show broadcast from the Shreveport Municipal Auditorium in 1954. This iconic auditorium played a significant role in launching the careers of many famous musicians, including Elvis and Hank Williams.
Once you've paid homage to the past, head to Shreveport's oldest museum, The Spring Street Museum. Constructed in 1866, the museum houses exhibits filled with vintage clothing, photographs, and antique toys. Located on the second floor, the late-19th-century Victorian parlor offers a glimpse into the city's rich cultural past.
In the evening, take a leisurely drive through the Spectacular Bridge of Lights. The Texas Street Bridge is illuminated with dynamic light shows designed by the Shreveport Regional Arts Council, making for a breathtaking display of colors on the Red River.
