Since an economic downturn in the early 1980s this former oil and gas town has been reinventing itself as a cultural, entertainment and shopping hub.
Once a major participant in the oil business, Shreveport has been building itself anew since the oil bust of the 1980s. Today it is booming thanks to its riverboat casinos, outdoor festivals and activities and visitor attractions.
Shreveport is the third largest city in Louisiana and traces its beginnings to the Red River on which it stands. Inventor and steamboat captain Henry Miller Shreve cleared large concentrations of deadwood from the waterway in the 1830s. This opened the way for trade and the founding of the city.
Start your Shreveport voyage of discovery by embracing its natural beauty. Climb aboard a boat for a cruise on the Red River or stroll along its banks. Wander through The Gardens of the American Rose Centre, home to more than 20,000 rosebushes. Drive to the nearby countryside and take a boat journey through the swamps of Louisiana.
On your return, enjoy Shreveport’s musical heritage. Take a tour of the Municipal Auditorium and stand on the stage where Elvis Presley and many other musical legends began their careers on the Louisiana Hayride radio show.
Continue your journey into Shreveport’s past with a visit to Spring Street Historical Museum. For interactive learning for all the family, take part in nearly three hundred hands-on scientific activities at the Sci-Port Discovery Centre.
If shopping is on your agenda go to the Louisiana Boardwalk on the river front. This is a large shopping, entertainment and dining complex hosting outlet stores and boutiques.
Shreveport also offers the opportunity to play and party. The city is home to a number of Vegas-style riverboat casinos. There are thousands of square metres of gaming space with slots, gaming tables, craps, blackjack and many other ways to win or lose large amounts of money.
No matter when you visit, you’ll more than likely find a huge festival. They are held in most months of the year and celebrate everything from crawfish and Christmas to Mardi Gras and even poke salad
