Are you on the hunt for some awesome things to do in Shreveport for your next Louisiana getaway? You’ve come to the right place!
We’ve compiled a list that highlights all the history, nature and great times that Shreveport has to offer! Shreveport is the Austin, Texas of Louisiana so there’s always something to do no matter what kind of attractions in Shreveport you’re looking for!
Whether you’re looking for a cool state park to roam around in for the afternoon, a good brewery to enjoy a few pints, or searching for things to do in Shreveport with kids, we have you covered!
So pack some comfortable walking shoes and join us as we walk you through things to do in Shreveport that you can’t miss out on!
15 Best Things To Do In Shreveport LA You Shouldn’t Miss!
Louisiana State Exhibit Museum
Louisiana State Exhibit Museum is a great stop when looking for things to do in Shreveport!
It is home to 23 dioramas portraying snapshots of Louisiana in the 1940’s. It’s filled with artifacts from Louisiana Native Americans, regional and national historical artifacts as well as original work by local artists and natural history exhibits! This is definitely one of the fun things to do in Shreveport for people looking to soak in all the history of Louisiana!
It’s open 9 am to 4 pm from Monday to Friday and has free admission! If you’re looking for a tour, contact them by phone or through their website and you’ll be able to enjoy your time while learning cool facts from their guides! This is one of the attractions in Shreveport you can’t miss!
Walter B Jacobs Memorial Nature Park
Looking for a place to enjoy the outdoors? Walter B Jacobs Memorial Nature Park is one of the best things to do in Shreveport for all nature lovers!
It has free admission, open from Wednesday to Sunday, between the hours of 8 am to 5 pm. This is one of the free things to do in Shreveport that’s great for people looking to stay active while enjoying great food and beer. It has long walking trails that have a variety of wildlife and trees!
It has a great visitor centre with exhibits and an outdoor aviary featuring birds of prey! Walter B Jacobs Memorial State Park is definitely a location you should consider when looking for things to do in Shreveport with kids!
Barksdale Global Park Museum
Barksdale Global Park Museum is one of the best things to do in Shreveport for people looking to learn more about the airforce as well as see an actual functioning airbase!
The museum itself is a static display of retired planes and is spread out over a large area as it is still an active United States Airforce Base, so you’ll need to pack some comfortable walking shoes and plenty of water! A cool thing about this location which makes it one of the really interesting things to do in Shreveport with kids, is that it’s got dioramas with exhibits directly displaying airplane history with major historical events such as 9/11.
Please remember that while this is one of the things to do in Shreveport, it is still an active airforce and you’ll need to contact them directly as well as complete a background screening to be allowed onto the base!
Looking to do more than just visit Shreveport? No worries! Check out our article on Weekend Getaways in Louisiana to make the most of your trip!
American Rose Center
The American Rose Center is one of the things to do in Shreveport that’s outdoors and gorgeous!
With admission at donation cost, there’s 118 acres of wooded tract for you and the family to explore! The gardens are home to the headquarters of the American Rose Society and the grounds are immaculately taken care of. It features a variety of roses, gardens and companion plants, sculptures and fountains, meaning that there’s something hidden on the grounds for everyone!
In season they are open from 9 to 5 Monday to Saturday and off-season 9 – 5 Monday to Friday. They ask that there is no smoking on the property and cuttings are strictly prohibited but there are plenty of picnic areas for you to sit down and enjoy the beauty! Don’t miss out on one of the best things to do in Shreveport!
Sci-Port Discovery Center
Sci-Port Discovery Center is one of the best things to do in Shreveport with kids!
This science center has 92,000 feet filled with fun interactive activities dedicated to teaching kids about science while keeping them entertained! This is one of the things to do in Shreveport if you’re wanting to keep the kids having fun while still learning.
It’s home to 200 hands-on exhibits, fit with interactive programs and demonstrations as well as an Imax Dome theatre! Sci-Port Discover Center also has a separate space and science Center, Power of Play Children museum and a designated section for kids eight and younger!
Don’t forget when you’re considering things to do in Shreveport to take a look at the Sci-Port Discovery Center!
Bally’s Shreveport
This Shreveport Casino is one of the great things to do in Shreveport at night.
It’s open 24 hours and will keep you well-stocked with drinks, food and fun games! This is one of the best things to do in Shreveport for adults because there are so many options! It has a 30,000 square feet gaming floor with over 50 table games. It even has video poker machines!
Don’t have a place to stay? No worries, rates at the hotel go for as low as 75 dollars a night! So don’t miss out on this exiting option for Shreveport acitivities!
Orlandeaux’s Café
Orlandeaux’s Café is a place of many names but that makes it one of the best places to visit in Shreveport LA!
It was opened in 1921 and has had many names over the years but nothing changes it’s great food and connection to the city! It’s recognized for its legacy of being the oldest continuously operated African-American family owned restaurant and is known for its delicious Creole Cuisine!
You’ll always need to visit a great place to fuel up for the day, or wind down at night so why not make Orlandeaux’s Café your stop when looking for things to do in Shreveport to experience the history of Louisiana cuisine!
Interested in more awesome places to eat while visiting Shreveport? Look no further! Here’s our article on some great Restaurants in Shreveport!
Shreveport Water Works Museum
Looking for more free things to do in Shreveport? Check out Shreveport Water Works Museum!
It’s a National Historic Landmark that offers self-guided tours using phones and has some great employees who are really knowledgable and have answers to all questions!
The piece itself was operating from 1887 to 1980, with huge machines and lots of fun this is definitely one of the great Shreveport activities you can’t miss! If you have kids who love to know how things work and are constantly looking to cool pieces of history this is a great place to take them!
Splash Kingdom Oasis
Splash Kingdom Oasis is a great option when looking for things to do in Shreveport with kids!
It’s a great family friendly destination fit with wave pools, slides, children’s areas and lazy rivers! Make time to visit Shreveport’s Oasis and enjoy the sunshine and fun times while spending time with the family! Make sure to pack plenty of sunscreen and get ready to spend the day having fun in the water!
It’s open in varying hours Sunday through Saturday so make sure to check their website before planning your trip! All of their tickets are based on height and age for safety and can be purchased either online or at the front entrance.
Duck Pond
When looking for free things to do in Shreveport you should absolutely be packing a picnic and taking a trip to the Duck Pond!
This is one of the best things to do in Shreveport with kids because you’re still able to enjoy the outdoors, they can run around in the park and they get to see some cool local wildlife while not breaking the bank!
There are covered seating areas, so no matter the forecast it’s a great place to be! Asides from the ducks, there are swans that frequent the pond as well!
Spring Street Historical Museum
Looking for something spooky? Go no further! Spring Street Historical Museum is one of the interesting things to do in Shreveport for both history buffs and people looking to experience the paranormal!
It’s located in the heart of Shreveport’s Historic District and covers periods of history including the Caddo Native American peoples, early settlers and onwards. The museum offers some interactive displays making this one of the really cool things to do in Shreveport with kids!
Don’t forget to visit the second floor and pay close attention to your surroundings… it’s rumoured to be haunted!
Visiting Louisiana in the fall? Wanting to find the best places to take pictures in the rich fall foliage? Don’t miss our article on Fall in Louisiana so you don’t miss anything!
RW Norton Art Gallery
The RW Norton Art Gallery is one of the must stop things to do in Shreveport if you’re a fan of art!
This gallery chronicles four centuries of American and European art. It’s one of the best places in Shreveport for wandering and enjoying your surroundings while having a peaceful afternoon.
It displays the varying styles of American and international prints, paintings and sculptures as well as a vast firearms collection! RW Norton Art Gallery is a great location for those looking for things to do in Shreveport that are a little slower pace while still keeping active and learning!
The property even includes a garden where over 10,000 azaleas bloom!
Shreveport Railroad Museum
This is one of the great locations for free things to do in Shreveport, LA!
It’s located right next door to the Shreveport Water Works Museum and has no admission fee! Meaning that you can enter without paying, or if you really love what you see and enjoyed your time, make a donation!
This museum is one of the best things to do in Shreveport with kids who love learning about trains and railroads! They even having a working model railroad in the building! It’s small, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to enjoy in the property.
The building contains lots of history and historical artifacts from the civil war, specifically history of trains going back as far as the 1800’s! Don’t miss this option for cool historical attractions in Shreveport!
Asian Gardens of Shreveport
Asian Gardens of Shreveport is one of the great things to do in Shreveport if you’re looking to enjoy the outdoors and learn something new about different cultures!
It’s open everyday from sun up to sundown as it’s a public park, so it’s a great option for free things to do in Shreveport, LA! It has beds featuring twelve different asian cultures all cultivated by a group of Asian American individuals looking to showcase the beauty of their cultures! They put a lot of work and effort into keeping it clean and pretty for visitors so please be respectful when you visit.
Asian Gardens of Shreveport is a colourful place that is always changing! With gorgeous tile work, blooming trees and statuary pagoda’s that makes it one of the places to visit in Shreveport if you’re looking to enjoy nature!
Red River Brewing Company
Red River Brewing Company is a must stop destination for friends looking for the best things to do in Shreveport for adults!
They have great food and great local brews at reasonable prices. You can get flights of six samples for around 10 dollars. Their service is great and they have fluctuating entertainment including glass blowing done on site! Red River Brewing is definitely a fun thing to do in Shreveport and you should take the time to stop in. They’ve even got some old school arcade games!
Looking for more awesome activities to do in Louisiana? We’ve always got you covered! Here’s our Ultimate Bucket List of things to do in LA! What are you going to do next?
Shreveport is a city rich in history, nature and great drinks. There’s something around every corner for all types of visitors and we hope that you take advantage of the great attractions in Shreveport for your trip!
Now that you’ve seen our list of things to do in Shreveport, what are you going to do first?
