12 Best Things To Do In Shreveport, Louisiana

1. Check out the exhibits at R. W. Norton Art Gallery

Not sure what to do in Shreveport? Visit this interesting American and European art gallery and museum. The exhibits inside are impressive to see, but equally impressive and beautiful are the landscaped grounds and botanical gardens that surround the museum. Here, many varieties of plants, including azaleas, bloom in spring. It is a great place to walk along the paths, winding through the flowers. Southern Living Magazine named the garden “one of the South’s favorite spots” since there is always something sweet growing here any time of the year.

R. W. Norton Art Gallery

Address: 4747 Creswell Ave, Shreveport, LA

Website: R. W. Norton Art Gallery

2. Walk around Walter B. Jacobs Memorial Nature Park

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This is a park in Shreveport that houses an interpretive building that has 3 rooms of live animals, and all kinds of exhibits of the natural world to explore and enjoy. There is an amphitheater, an herb garden, picnic areas, an aviary that has a variety of captive raptors and 5 miles (8 kilometers) of scenic hiking trails through a pine-oak-hickory forest at this exciting park.

Walter B. Jacobs Memorial Nature Park

Address: 8012 Blanchard Furrh Rd, 71107 Shreveport, LA

Website: Walter B. Jacobs Memorial Nature Park

3. Visit Jubilee Zoo

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Jubilee Zoo is a zoo that is not just great for little kids, but also families. If you want fun things to do in Shreveport with family, here is where you will find pony rides, bounce houses, exotic animals, a playground, and a picnic area. Last, but not least, there is a safari hayride on site. This is a really cute place for birthday parties and other such special occasions. The name says zoo, but it is actually a petting zoo and family fun area, where you can interact with the live animals!

Jubilee Zoo

Address: 6402 Highway 1, Shreveport, LA

Website: Jubilee Zoo

4. Learn some history at Meadows Museum of Art

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

This historical place and landmark is also an art museum that is home about 1,600 pieces of art, the Indochina Collection by Jean Despujols, as well as temporary art exhibitions. Since it is located on the beautiful campus of Centenary College of Louisiana, students get to learn the fine art of museum management firsthand. Free to the public, the Meadows Museum of Art is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, which gives it the title of being the only nationally accredited museum in North Louisiana.

Meadows Museum of Art

Address: 2911 Centenary Blvd, Shreveport, LA

Website: Meadows Museum of Art

5. Take your kids to Sci-Port Discovery Center

A fun and educational place for kids and adults. Kids can explore and interact with the many exhibits that help educate them about mathematics, science and technology. This place houses Louisiana’s only IMAX® Dome Theater, Louisiana’s Space and Science Center and the Power of Play Children’s Museum (POP). Finally, this place has won many honors which include the Best Science Attraction for Kids in Louisiana, Attraction of the Year in Louisiana, and one of Parents magazine’s top ten science centers in the nation.

Sci-Port Discovery Center

Address: 820 Clyde Fant Pkwy, Shreveport, LA

Website: Sci-Port Discovery Center

6. Tour Shreveport Water Works Museum

This is an interesting history museum in Shreveport. It highlights the town’s efforts to create a source of clean water for the city. An interesting piece of history is here, which is said to be the oldest intact collection of Victorian era waterworks equipment. The museum is registered as a Landmark and Historical Place due to its showcasing of Shreveport’s clean water history.

Shreveport Water Works Museum

Address: 142 N Common St, Shreveport, LA

Website: Shreveport Water Works Museum

7. Check out the artifacts at Louisiana State Exhibit Museum

If you’ve ever wondered, ‘What is Shreveport known for?’ then you need to check out this Louisiana history, agriculture, industry, and art museum that opened in 1939. The museum houses approximately 23 beautiful dioramas that showcase life in Louisiana during the 1940s. The collection includes such things as Louisiana Native American artifacts, regional and national history artifacts, original works by local artists, as well as natural history exhibits that are interesting and educational. The admission is free of charge and the museum is open to the public daily, except for Saturdays and Sundays.

Louisiana State Exhibit Museum

Address: 3015 Greenwood Rd, Shreveport, LA

Website: Louisiana State Exhibit Museum

8. Splash around with family and friends at Splash Kingdom Waterpark Shreveport

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One of the best Shreveport attractions, this is a great place to enjoy over the summer since Louisiana tends to become hot and humid. There is lots to do here with many attractions, like a wave pool, a lazy river, open and closed slides and sand volleyball. The park is open daily from 11 am-6 pm, with the exception of Fridays and Saturdays, when the park is open until 7 pm. This is a place that you can spend a whole day of quality time with your family.

Splash Kingdom Waterpark Shreveport

Address: 7670 W 70th St, Shreveport, LA

Website: Splash Kingdom Waterpark Shreveport

9. Take an Instagram-worthy photo of Ali Bahler's Call to Action mural

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

While touring Shreveport, be sure to make a stop at 629 Spring Street to get a good look at the incredible mural by profession artist Ali Bahler, entitled ‘Call to Action’. This colorful work of art pays homage to the city of Shreveport, with nods to its culture, festivals, and music and arts scene. Stop by during the early hours of the day, that way no cars parked along the curb will make it to your photo.

Call to Action mural

Address: 629 Spring Street, Shreveport, LA

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

10. Bring your date to American Rose Center

Fond of roses? Take your special someone to American Rose Center for a romantic stroll inside this lovely rose garden. The largest park dedicated to roses, the colorful flowers are definitely a sight to see. Complete with fountains, sculptures, and even a stunning reflection pool, this is a date spot that will definitely impress! The best time to visit is between mid-April to late May, when the roses are in full bloom.

American Rose Center

Address: 8877 Jefferson Paige Rd, Shreveport, LA 71119, United States

Website: American Rose Center

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 5pm; Sun: 1pm - 5pm

11. Get your daily workout done at Betty Virginia Park

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If visiting parks are part of your routine when on holiday, then add Betty Virginia Park to your itinerary. This 9.3-hectare (23-acre) park promises a good time, with short walking trails, a children’s playground, picnic areas, and a baseball/softball field. As one of the most visited parks in Shreveport, expect to see families and crowds, especially during the weekend. This is also a great place to get your daily workout done since anyone can make use of the walking trails available.

Betty Virginia Park

Address: 3901 Fairfield Ave, Shreveport, LA 71106, United States

Opening hours: 5am - 10pm (daily)

12. Enjoy trampoline fun at Air U Trampoline Park

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This indoor trampoline park is an excellent place to have fun with family and friends. If you’ve ever been stopped from jumping up and down on your bed, well this is a place where you don’t have to hold back. With over 10,000 square feet (929 square meters) of trampolines and foam pits, trampoline dodgeball courts, and basketball goals, everyone in your party is guaranteed an amazing time.

Air U Trampoline Park

Address: 424 Ashley Ridge Blvd, Shreveport, LA 71106, United States

Website: Air U Trampoline Park

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 4pm - 8pm; Fri: 4pm - 9pm; Sat: 10am - 9pm; Sun: 1pm - 8pm

Price: from 8 USD

Best things to do in Shreveport

Shreveport is a big city in Louisiana that lies along the Red River. It has lots of museums that highlight its rich history. It is a place I love to visit and stay in for a while, since I feel right at home here. I am sure you will too, so why not spend some time exploring this exciting big city yourself.