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.
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.
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. 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.
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. Mon-Sat 9AM to 5PM; Sun 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.
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. Fri-Sun 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.
1 Fertitta's Deli, 1124 Fairfield Avenue (one block north of I-20, at the corner of Sam Fertitta Drive and Fairfield Avenue), ☏ +1 318-424-5508. Wed-Fri 10:30AM–1:45PM; closed weekends. Oldest continuously operated restaurant in Shreveport; operated by the same family since 1927. They serve their own Muffy sandwich, pizzas, salads, and house-made sweet mint tea. $8.50-$10.50. (updated Aug 2026) 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.
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) 3 Strange Brew, 235 Wall Street, ☏ +1 318-222-2337. (updated Aug 2018) 4 The Cub, 3002 Girard Street, ☏ +1 318-861-6517. (updated Aug 2018) 5 Round Bar, 3044 Youree Drive, ☏ +1 318-300-4958. Tue-Sat 2PM-2AM. (updated Aug 2018) 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
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.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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