Top 20 things to do in Shreveport, LA for beginners (2023)

If you are considering a trip to Louisiana, Shreveport is a destination to consider. It is a city in the Northwest of the state known for music, culture, casinos and Southern food. When you visit this city you will find plenty of entertainment and there is something for every taste and age. To help you decide how to spend your time here, we've rounded up the top 20 things to do hereShreveport, L.Afor starters.

20. Visit the Touchstone Museum of Art and Wildlife

An unusual attraction in Shreveport is the Touchstone Museum of Art and Wildlife. This museum features thousands of stuffed and mounted animals mounted on replicas of their natural habitat. Each of the canvases features a hand-painted background. In addition to taxidermy, there are displays of Native American artifacts and war memorabilia.

19. Experience the history of music on stage at the Stars Music Museum

Shreveport is known for its connections to the music industry, and the best place to learn more is at the Stage of the Stars Music Museum. This attraction is located on Elvis Presley Avenue which is the perfect setting for such an attraction. Elvis Presley and Lead Belly are just two of the artists featured in this museum. Visitors can enjoy stories about the legendary people and places in this area that influenced the American music scene. An interesting element of a visit to this museum is learning about the Louisiana Hayride, a radio show that helped many artists launch their careers in the music industry. There are some interesting memorabilia about the Louisiana Hayride on display.

18. Explore local history at the Spring Street Museum

The Spring Street Museum is one of the oldest buildings in the city and was built in 1865. Over the years this building has served many purposes including as a bar and bank. Its history as a bank is still evident as the house features a heavy and ornate door. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can learn more about Shreveport's history through a variety of exhibits, artifacts, and interactive activities. It is worth noting that this museum is free to visit, which is an excellent option for those visiting the region on a budget.

17. Visit the Shreveport Railroad Museum

The Shreveport Railroad Museum opened in 2013 and focuses on the use of steam in transportation throughout history. It is located in one of the annex buildings of the Shreveport Waterworks Museum, so you can enjoy both activities on the same day. It is a project of the Red River Valley Railroad Historical Society. The museum displays artifacts, documents, memorabilia and photographs related to the railway industry. Other activities you can enjoy are train rides and activities related to train operations.

16. Go to the Shreveport Waterworks Museum

This museum is a National Historic Landmark and a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. Located on North Common Street, it was previously a pumping station built in 1887. The original filters and pumps are still in place and it is an unusual example of a steam hydraulic system. Visitors to this attraction have the option of taking a guided or self-guided tour of the facility. The guided tour is the best option if you want to learn more about the workings and history of the hydraulic system.

15. Go to the Sci-Port Discovery Center

Visitors to the Sci-Port Discovery Center can expect a fun and interactive experience. People of all ages can explore science, math and technology through a variety of interactive activities that are both educational and fun. The purpose of the hands-on activities is to pique visitors' curiosity so that they can learn about the world around them. In addition to the interactive activities, there is also an IMAX theater and a planetarium. In the IMAX Dome Theater, visitors can enjoy a unique experience as the film engages viewers in a realistic and emotional way.

14. Visit the Pioneer Heritage Center

A fantastic place to visit and learn about the history of the area is the Pioneer Heritage Center. This attraction focuses on the pioneers who settled northwest Louisiana. It covers where the pioneers came from, how they adapted the area to their needs, and how they lived their everyday lives. Established in 1977, the Pioneer Heritage Center offers visitors tours of various structures that show how the pioneers lived. Visitors can also learn about the cultural history of Northwest Louisiana and the state's natural environment.

13. Enjoy live music at the Noble Savage Tavern

The Noble Savage Tavern is one of the best places to visit at night. They have a special program throughout the week and there is live music every night. Music varies according to taste, so you can see rock, Americana, or blues bands play depending on when you visit. There is a wide range of beers on tap and they are known for their fun cocktails. The place also serves food, and the menu is extensive with many unusual combinations that you won't find on other menus in the area.

12. Check out the animals at the Jubilee Zoo

A fantastic day out for all the family is a day at the Jubilee Zoo,says holiday idea. This zoo is unusual in that it only has animals that are safe to interact with humans. So don't expect to see lions and tigers at this attraction. Visitors are actively encouraged to interact with the animals by feeding and petting them. Other things to enjoy at this attraction are a safari hay ride, carousel, inflatable boats and a children's playground.

11. Go to the Barksdale Museum of Global Energy

The Barksdale Museum of Global Power is dedicated to efforts to end the war and America's success in combat. Visitors can learn about the history of strategic bombing at Air Force Global Strike Command and its involvement with the 8th Air Force and 2nd Bomb Squadron. There are six exhibition galleries that tell the story of strategic bombing, but the highlight for visitors is the variety of aircraft on display.

10. Learn about local history at the Louisiana State Museum of Exhibits

Those interested in learning more about the history and culture of Shreveport and Louisiana should visit the Louisiana State Museum of Exhibits. It is housed in a 1930s Art Deco building. The museum's portico features frescoes depicting themes that continue throughout the museum. The highlight of the museum are the dioramas depicting various scenes from life in the area. These include swamps, paddy fields, sugar cane plantations, oil fields and factories. Other parts of the museum cover the state's role in the War of 1812 and Native American history. Other exhibits cover the state's natural environment.

9. Art Room

Artspace is not only an art gallery, but also an art center that encourages creativity. There are exhibitions throughout the year showcasing the work of local and international artists. The place is also used as a space for concerts, dance performances, poetry readings and much more. You should research what's going on at Artspace before visiting Shreveport to see if there's something that appeals to you.

8. Enjoy The Blind Tiger

While many of the tourist attractions can be seen during the day, there's plenty of fun to be had in Shreveport at night too. One of the best places to visit is The Blind Tiger, a legendary downtown hangout. In addition to drinks and music, you can also eat something. This place has its own restaurant that serves Cajun and Creole food.

7. Visit the University of the South Art Museum

A popular attraction among art enthusiasts visiting the city is the University of the South Art Museum. It is the only museum in northern Louisiana dedicated to preserving the culture and art of the African and African American diaspora. The permanent collection includes art and artifacts from West Africa. There are temporary and traveling exhibitions throughout the year. These often feature the work of local, regional, or national African American artists.

6. Watch a performance at the Shreveport Municipal Auditorium

If you want to catch a live performance in town, the Shreveport Municipal Auditorium is the best place to do it. Throughout the year, the full program of performances includes plays, musicals, dance performances and concerts. It's best to do some research before you go and book tickets in advance if you enjoy a show. The building is also interesting to look at as it was built in the 1920s in Art Deco style. It was initially used as barracks before being converted into an internationally renowned concert hall.

5. Enjoy Creole and Cajun dishes at Orlandeaux's Café

There are great restaurants in Shreveport, and many of them serve the Southern cuisine that the city is known for. One of the most famous places to eat is the Orlando Cafe. This café opened in 1921 and is now the oldest continuously operating family-owned African American café in the United States. The Creole and Cajun-style dishes served at this eatery have received excellent reviews from previous guests. It's best known for its gumbo, stuffed shrimp, po'boys and fish with homemade tartar sauce.

4. Have fun at the casinos

Shreveport is famous as a casino destination, and many tourists flock to the city just to spend time at its casinos. While there are many casinos to enjoy, two of the best are Eldorado Resort and Sam's Town Hotel & Casino. In these casinos you can enjoy all classic casino games. Both also offer multiple restaurants, live music venues, bars, spas, and a host of other luxurious amenities. If you intend to spend a lot of time at the casinos, both are good options for staying in a hotel.

3. Stroll through Shreveport's Asian Gardens

If you want to spend time outdoors in a tranquil and relaxing environment, visit the Shreveport Asian Gardens. This attraction is a lush oasis meant to represent 15 Asian countries. The gardens are beautifully landscaped with a wide variety of plants, flowers and trees. It is divided into several levels and there are statues to admire at various points. The gardens host various events throughout the year that showcase Asian culture, food, music and dance.

2. Go to the Shreveport Aquarium

One of the best family attractions in Shreveport is the Shreveport Aquarium. It is home to more than three thousand aquatic animals and has been open since 2017. Visiting the aquarium is an awe-inspiring experience as there are replicas of dark sea caves and shipwrecks. The highlight for many visitors is walking through the dome's gallery, where marine life swims overhead. Children will also enjoy the various touch pools surrounding the aquarium.

1. View the art in Agora Borealis

Ocean Louisiana Travel, the best thing beginners can do in Shreveport, LA is check out the art at The Agora Borealis. It is an art gallery founded by Katy Larsen who comes from a family of artists and is friends with many other artists. Located in a historic building in downtown Shreveport, the gallery features paintings, jewelry, furniture, sculpture and ceramics. Various events and art openings are also held here throughout the year.