Last Updated on January 3, 2024 by Sammie
30+ Top Things to do in Shreveport/Bossier City
There are many more things to do in Bossier City and Shreveport Louisiana than most realize. Check out my list to keep you, your friends, and your family busy in these cities! I promise you won’t be bored.
Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus Tour stop #1
I’m on a North American tour, moving week to week to a new city and performing for the oldest circus in US history! Shreveport was stop number 1!
We’re here! The first stop on our American tour for Ringling Brothers & Barnum and Bailey Circus and I’m looking for things to do in Shreveport Louisiana.
It’s been a trek, people. Our cast and crew left Sarasota after 2 months of creating the newly reimagined Ringling Brothers show. We have two full years on the road and our first stop on the tour was in Shreveport/Bossier City. I can’t say I knew much about this part of Louisiana before, but nothing a little research and walking can’t fix.
Shreveport is known for riverboat casinos and lots of historic landmarks. Though it can give a sleepy town feel, there are still plenty of ways to entertain yourself and/or your family if gambling isn’t your thing. Here are the best things that Shreveport/Bossier City have to offer.
Fun Things to Do in Shreveport
1. Shreveport Aquarium
A great place for family fun! The Shreveport Aquarium is filled with exotic varieties of fish, coral, and creatures of the deep. Get up close and personal with one of the touch tanks and see if you can convince a family member to touch a shark or sting ray! Entrance fees are $12.95 for children and $15.95 for teenagers and adults.
2. Sci-Port Discovery Center
Another family fun option. This amazing place is more than just a kid’s science museum, it also has an Imax Dome Theater. The Sci-Port Discovery Center was named one of the top ten science centers in the nation by Parents Magazine. Meaning there will be lots of interactive exhibits to keep the kiddos entertained. General Admission is $10.
3. R.W. Norton Art Gallery
An impressive art gallery featuring a wide assortment of Western works such as Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russell. And if you heard about Shreveport’s Botanical Gardens, this is where you’ll find them. The gardens are definitely worth a visit in the spring when the azaleas are in full bloom. Admission is free but the museum is closed Monday-Wednesday. The gardens are closed on Monday & Tuesday.
4. Shreveport Water Works Museum
Also known as the McNeill pumping station, this place is a National Historic Landmark! Take a gander at industrial equipment from another era. It might just be a water pump but it is fascinating! Plus it doesn’t hurt that admission is free and there’s a small Railroad Museum attached to it.
5. Great Raft Brewing
What more do you need besides local beers and a tasting room? Plus they do orders to go. And if you’re dying to know how the liquid magic gets made, take a tour and they’ll be happy to tell you! They have trivia nights, vinyl nights, and lots of seasonal beers to keep the good vibes going. And now with their new addition of Dripp Hot chicken, you won’t have to worry about going hungry amidst all the beer tasting.
6. Asian Gardens of Shreveport
The ASEANA Asian Gardens is a multi-level public space that represents over 10 different Asian countries. It’s a little oasis in the heart of Shreveport filled with statues and greenery that will transport you out of this southern town for a short while. It’s another free experience that Is well worth the trip.
7. Shreveport Municipal Auditorium
Once home to the radio and later on television country show, Louisiana Hayride, performers such as Johnny Cash used to perform at the Shreveport Municipal Auditorium. Now you can check out the website to see what performances and shows are happening while you’re in town.
8. Elvis Presley Statue
If you found your way to the Shreveport Municipal Auditorium, there’s a good chance you spotted Elvis already. The statue stands proud and tall in front of the auditorium, commemorating December 15, 1956, when Elvis performed on the Louisiana Hayride.
ADDRESS: 705 Grand Ave, Shreveport, LA 71101
9. American Rose Center
Just me or did anyone else not know that the headquarters of the American Rose Society is located in Shreveport?? It’s beautiful! It’s 118 acres of multiple varieties of rose flowers, trees, a beautiful reflection pool, and lots of companion plants. Admission is $5 per person or $10 per family.
ADDRESS: 8877 Jefferson Paige Rd, Shreveport, LA 71119
10. Petting Zoo
The Jubilee Zoo has announced it is shutting its doors as of DECEMBER 16th.
11. The Agora Borealis
If you’re looking for an interesting place to shop, this is it. The Agora Borealis is an art marketplace where you can find everything from printed works of art to fancy-smelling soaps. Oh, and there’s food! Win, win, win!
12. A Sanctuary Glass Studio
I wish I had time to try this place but I will next time. Shreveport’s only air-conditioned glass-blowing studio. Try it once or pick up a new weekly hobby. They can teach you how to glass blow in a workshop, organize team-building events, as well as commission special pieces if you’re looking for a statement piece.
13. 318 Art Co.
If you’re looking for a specific Louisiana gift, this needs to be your go-to place. They have curated a wide assortment of locally made artisanal crafts available for purchase. Check out their website for art and gardening classes as well!
14. On Cloud Wine Winery
Voted as Shreveport, LA’s best winery. It’s a fun option for a girl’s night out, a special evening with your partner, or simply your post-work spot. Their wines are made locally and they have an adorable patio to enjoy the Louisiana sunshine. But don’t worry, if you need some AC, they have a tasting bar inside as well.
15. Orlandeaux’s Café
This was such an amazing find. My boyfriend and I were craving some cajun food and I couldn’t get gumbo out of my head. I didn’t realize it at the time but there are a few locations. But in my opinion, this location is the best because it’s set right on the bank of Lake Cross.
ADDRESS: 5301 S Lakeshore Dr, Shreveport, LA 71109
16. Louisiana State Exhibit Museum
For those of us who need our museum fix, I present the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum. It has quite an extensive collection of Native American artifacts from pre-historic times to the present. As well as beautiful dioramas depicting life in Louisiana from the 1940s.
17. Shreveport Convention Center
I can attest to this one personally! This is where we had our Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus Premiere Party! The food was awesome, and the drinks were…umm quite strong. It’s a beautiful multi-purpose space that can hold HUGE events.
Best Things to Do in Bossier City
18. Red River National Wildlife Refuge
A beautiful conservation area where you can enjoy walking trails, fishing, and wildlife viewing. At Red River National Wildlife Refuge, there are about 50,000 acres of exploration to be done! It’s right off of the Red River and if you like bird watching you’ll be happy as a clam here!
ADDRESS: 150 Eagle Bend Point, Bossier City, LA 71112
19. Former home of country music legend Hank Williams
Though the actual house is no longer standing at this address, music aficionados will still get a kick out of visiting the location of Hank William’s first home. Lots of stories pertain to this area including some of Williams walking the streets of the neighborhood strumming his guitar.
ADDRESS: 852 Modica Street in Bossier City
20. Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau
If you’re looking for a place to help figure out what to do at the junction of these two southern towns, check out the tourist bureau. The staff here are lovely and are willing to answer any questions you might have on the area. It’s also a great resource to check out if you’re interested in learning about any special events that might be happening in the area.
21. Mardi Gras Museum
I personally love glitz and glamour and was fascinated when I found out there is an entire 10,000-square-foot museum dedicated to all things Mardi Gras. Between the costumes and intricate displays, the museum is an amazing place to host any special event. Known as the Krewe of Gemini Mardi Gras Museum.
22. Bossier City Farmer’s Market
Nothing feels more comforting to me than a local Farmer’s Market. Filled with produce, freshly baked goods, and local businesses; it’s a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. Pay attention to the dates, however, because it’s only open every Saturday from 9am-1pm April-November.
23. Lake Plain Dealing
Not the biggest lake around but it’s the least crowded. Plain Dealing Lake is great for jet skiing, fishing, or just a casual swim. Pack a cooler and snag a seat at one of the picnic tables for an easy laid-back afternoon. And if you’re lucky, sometimes on Saturdays you can check out a boat race that’s happening on the water.
24. Altitude Trampoline Park
You might be traveling with some little ones who have a bit more energy than you. Check out the Altitude Trampoline Park to bounce around for a few hours and practice their flips. Who knows, maybe they’ll eventually be able to join the circus ;).
25. Gamble a dollar or two at the Casinos
Whether you’re into gambling or not I’d still suggest checking out the Goliath casino hotels in Bossier City. The buildings themselves are impressive enough to walk around in. Two of the top-rated casinos include Horseshoe Bossier Casino and Margaritaville Resort Casino. Enjoy the slot machines and maybe win a buck or two!
26. Liberty Garden
Another option to get out for the day is to check out the Memorial of Liberty Garden. It was made in honor of those who lost their lives on 9/11. In 2015, an 823-pound, 16-foot-tall beam from ground zero was donated to the memorial.
ADDRESS: 620 Benton Rd, Bossier City, LA 71111
27. Brookshire Grocery Arena
You have to take a visit to where the Ringling Brothers Circus performed! Besides the circus coming to town and performing at Brookshire Grocery Arena, this beautiful arena hosts a plethora of events and concerts. If there’s anything big coming to Shreveport or Bossier City, this is where you’ll be ending up.
28. Louisiana Boardwalk Outlets
If you’re wandering between Margaritaville and Horseshoe Casino, you’ll probably accidentally bump into these outlets. They are located right in between the two major casinos. There’s of course, lots of shopping to be done and even more restaurants to enjoy. Check out Rocket Fizz for a huge selection of candy and old-school bottled sodas.
29. Flying Heart Brewery
I stopped by here a few times and it was just what the doctor ordered. Definitely one of the best places around for a beer. They have a great selection of local brews, freaking amazing pizza, and live music. Their patio is prepped with cornhole and games to entertain any adult or kid who needs to stay put while the rents recharge.
Greater Louisiana Activities
30. Barksdale Global Power Museum
Just outside Bossier City, located on Barksdale Air Force Base (an Active Duty military installation), you can check out this Aviation Museum featuring real-life vintage aircraft. You’ll even be able to see the fastest and highest-flying jet ever! Guests will need to complete a Visitor Request Form to obtain a Barksdale AFB Museum Pass. Visitors from foreign nations must submit a Foreign Visitors Request Form and follow the same instructions that follow.
31. Lake Caddo
This place was such a gem of a find when my boyfriend came to visit. We were even able to do a little bit of canoeing in the bayou with the towering GORGEOUS Cypress trees. There is a $4 entrance fee per person and you can rent a canoe for $10 per canoe.
32. Lake Cross
Another option for a fun day by the water is Lake Cross. It’s a closer option to Bossier/Shreveport and you can still enjoy fishing, canoeing, swimming, or simply watching the abundance of wildlife. It’s an easy option for a weekend outing for the entire family.
33. New Orleans
If you don’t mind a little 5-hour drive, you can enjoy stepping outside of the Bossier/Shreveport Area and head on down to New Orleans. The city is the perfect place for a fun weekend. Whatever you consider a good time, This place will have it; food, lots of art museums, and other attractions are within a short walk of each other. I absolutely adore New Orleans and if you are considering going, check out my New Orleans Weekend Itinerary.
This is the first of MANY stops for our Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus Tour!! Follow me here for some behind-the-scenes insight into this iconic American Circus. We’ll be traveling the USA week by week city by city for the next two years. If you want to know more, send me a note and I’ll try to answer any questions along the way!
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