Shreveport, Louisiana
USA
Geographic Coordinates: 32.465300, -93.795500
Temperature Range: 5.0°C to 38.0°C (41°F to 100°F)
Climate: Climate: Humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. Average temperature ranges from 43°F (6°C) in January to 82°F (28°C) in July. Weather patterns: Frequent thunderstorms, high humidity levels, occasional tornadoes, and hurricanes during the late summer and early fall.
Population: 286200
Language: English
Shreveport is a bustling city located in the northwestern region of Louisiana, United States. It is situated along the banks of the Red River and serves as the commercial and cultural hub of the Ark-La-Tex region. The city boasts a rich history, Diverse culture, And numerous attractions that make it an ideal destination for tourists. One of Shreveport’s most notable landmarks is the Louisiana Boardwalk. This outdoor shopping center features dozens of stores, Restaurants, And entertainment venues all set against a picturesque backdrop overlooking the river.
Visitors can enjoy everything from high-end fashion boutiques to classic southern cuisine at one of many restaurants in this area. Another must-see attraction in Shreveport is its many museums. The R.W. Norton Art Gallery houses an impressive collection of American and European art spanning several centuries while also featuring beautiful gardens for visitors to explore. Additionally, Sci-Port Discovery Center offers hands-on exhibits on science, Technology, Engineering, And math (STEM) topics that are perfect for kids and adults alike. For those who enjoy outdoor activities or natural beauty spots Shreveport has plenty to offer too!
The Red River National Wildlife Refuge provides visitors with opportunities to see wildlife such as bald eagles up close while hiking trails through forests filled with towering trees provide visitors with ample opportunity to experience nature’s beauty firsthand.
Shreveport also has a thriving music scene that attracts people from around the world every year during its annual festivals such as Mudbug Madness Festival which celebrates Cajun culture through food music arts crafts etc., Or Let The Good Times Roll Festival which showcases live performances by some top musicians from around America! but not least importantly there are plenty of dining options available throughout Shreveport ranging from traditional southern comfort food like gumbo or jambalaya served at popular local joints such as Herby-Ks restaurant or more contemporary cuisine served up at upscale establishments like Marilynn’s Place.
Shreveport is a vibrant city that offers something for everyone. From its rich history and cultural diversity to the many attractions and outdoor activities available, Visitors will find plenty of reasons to explore this unique destination. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or an extended stay, Shreveport has everything you need to make your trip unforgettable!
Important Landmarks
- Louisiana Boardwalk is a shopping and entertainment district situated on the banks of the Red River.
- Shreveport Aquarium is an interactive aquarium that showcases marine life from around the world.
- Sci-Port Discovery Center is a science museum that has hands-on exhibits, a planetarium, and an IMAX theater.
- R.W. Norton Art Gallery displays works by American and European artists in addition to beautiful gardens.
- Barksdale Global Power Museum is a military aviation museum located on Barksdale Air Force Base.
- The Strand Theatre is a historic theater in downtown Shreveport that hosts concerts, plays, and other performances.
- Red River National Wildlife Refuge offers hiking trails, bird watching opportunities, and educational programs for nature enthusiasts.
- Caddo Lake State Park boasts cypress trees, Spanish moss, and excellent fishing opportunities for visitors to enjoy.
- Chimp Haven Sanctuary provides guided tours to visitors of its sanctuary for retired research chimpanzees.
- Walter B Jacobs Memorial Nature Park offers hiking trails through various ecosystems including wetlands and forests in Shreveport’s suburbs with its urban nature center setting.
Primary Industries
- Healthcare: Shreveport boasts several hospitals and medical centers such as Willis-Knighton Health System, Christus Health Shreveport-Bossier, and LSU Health Sciences Center.
- Manufacturing: The city has a robust manufacturing sector with major companies like General Electric, Benteler Steel/Tube, and Calumet Specialty Products Partners.
- Gaming: The city is known for its casinos and gaming industry with popular establishments like Eldorado Resort Casino Shreveport and Sam’s Town Hotel & Casino.
- Education: There are several universities and colleges in the area including Louisiana State University in Shreveport (LSUS), Southern University at Shreveport (SUSLA), Centenary College of Louisiana, and Northwestern State University Nursing School.
- Retail: The region has numerous shopping centers such as Mall St. Vincent, Pierre Bossier Mall, Louisiana Boardwalk Outlets which provide employment opportunities for retail workers.
- Oil & Gas: Companies such as Chesapeake Energy Corporation have offices here making the oil & gas industry an important contributor to the economy of the region.
- Transportation & Logistics- With its strategic location near major highways like I-20,I-49,I-220 it serves as a transportation hub for trucking companies that transport goods from Texas to other states or vice versa
Noteable History
- The founding of Shreveport in 1836 as a trading post on the Red River.
- The Battle of Mansfield in 1864 during the Civil War, where Confederate forces under General Richard Taylor defeated Union troops.
- The Great Fire of 1866, which destroyed much of downtown Shreveport and led to the construction of buildings with fire-resistant materials.
- The discovery of oil in nearby fields in the early 20th century, which led to an economic boom for Shreveport and the surrounding region.
- Elvis Presley’s first radio broadcast on KWKH’s Louisiana Hayride show from the Municipal Auditorium in Shreveport in 1954.
- Jimmie Davis, a country music singer and songwriter who served two terms as governor of Louisiana from 1944-1948 and again from 1960-1964 was born near Shreveport.
- Huddie Lead Belly Ledbetter, a blues musician who was born and raised near Shreveport and became famous for his recordings with folklorist John Lomax during the Great Depression.
- Clyde Barrow (of Bonnie & Clyde) lived briefly in West Dallas just across from Bossier Parish before he began his crime spree that included robbing banks around North Texas until he met Bonnie Parker at a mutual friend’s house on Thanksgiving Day in Dallas.
- Hurricane Katrina evacuees were housed at various locations throughout Shreveport after they fled their homes along the Gulf Coast when Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans on August 29,2005.
- The first female mayor elected to office by popular vote was Hazel Beard Hargrove who served as Mayor pro tem after Mayor James C Gardner passed away while still serving his term.
Museums and Things To See
- R.W. Norton Art Gallery
- Shreveport Water Works Museum
- Louisiana State Exhibit Museum
- Shreveport Municipal Auditorium (National Historic Landmark)
- The Agora Borealis (art collective and marketplace)
- Sci-Port Discovery Center
- Gardens of the American Rose Center
- Red River National Wildlife Refuge
- Barksdale Global Power Museum
- Southern University Museum of Art at Shreveport
Sports Teams
- The Shreveport Mudbugs is a minor league ice hockey team that was established in 1997 and has won four championships, including the President’s Cup in 2018.
- The Shreveport-Bossier Mavericks used to be a professional basketball team that competed in the American Basketball Association from 2010 to 2015 and won two championships during their time in the league.
- The Shreveport Captains were a minor league baseball team affiliated with several Major League Baseball teams, such as the San Francisco Giants and Texas Rangers, from 2003 to 2011.
- The Louisiana Swamp Dragons was an indoor football team that participated for one season (2005) as part of the National Indoor Football League.
- Centenary Gentlemen are the athletic teams of Centenary College of Louisiana located in Shreveport that compete at the NCAA Division III level and have had success in various sports like basketball and swimming.
- Caddo Magnet Mustangs is a high school sports team based out of Shreveport known for its achievements across different sports such as football and soccer over time.
- Evangel Christian Academy Eagles is another high school sports team situated in Shreveport acknowledged for its success on both football fields and basketball courts throughout history.
- Shreve City Sharks is a youth football club based out of A.C Steere Park that competes against other youth clubs across North West Louisiana.
Cultural Events
- The Red River Revel Arts Festival is an annual event that takes place in downtown Shreveport. It’s a celebration of art, music, and food with various displays showcasing the work of local artists.
- The Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival is another popular event that celebrates the unique culture of Louisiana. Visitors can enjoy live music performances, traditional Cajun and Zydeco cuisine, and dance performances.
- Mudbug Madness is a must-visit festival for crawfish lovers! Held every Memorial Day weekend in downtown Shreveport, this event features live music from local bands, carnival rides for kids, and plenty of delicious crawfish dishes to try.
- Independence Day Festival is an annual celebration that includes a parade through downtown Shreveport followed by live music performances from local artists as well as food vendors serving up tasty treats.
- Let the Good Times Roll Festival is a three-day event that highlights African-American culture with live music performances from both local and national artists along with traditional Southern cuisine served by various food vendors.
- Highland Jazz & Blues Festival takes place each September at Columbia Park in Shreveport’s historic Highland neighborhood where visitors can enjoy jazz and blues musicians from across the country while browsing through local art displays available for purchase.
- Finally, Holiday Trail of Lights is a seasonal celebration spanning several cities throughout North Louisiana including Shreveport-Bossier City where visitors can marvel at holiday light displays at various locations while participating in special events like parades or even meeting Santa Claus himself!
Cuisine
- Crawfish – The Boil
- Po’boys – Herby-K’s
- Barbecue – Real BBQ & More
- Fried chicken – Willie’s Chicken Shack
- Gumbo – Marilynn’s Place
- Beignets – Strawn’s Eat Shop
- Catfish – Shane’s Seafood and BBQ
- Red beans and rice- Eddie’s Restaurant
- Muffuletta sandwich- Fertitta’s Delicatessen
- Jambalaya- Ralph & Kacoo’s
- Betty Virginia Park is a beautiful park that offers various recreational activities such as walking trails, playgrounds, picnic areas, and a dog park.
- Red River National Wildlife Refuge is an excellent place for nature lovers to explore the hiking trails, wildlife viewing areas, and fishing spots.
- Cross Lake is a popular destination for water enthusiasts who enjoy boating, fishing, and swimming in the clear waters.
- Shreveport-Bossier City Greenway Trail System connects multiple parks throughout the city with its network of trails designed for walking and biking.
- Sci-Port Discovery Center is a science museum that provides hands-on exhibits and an IMAX theater experience to educate visitors about science concepts in an engaging way.
- Walter B Jacobs Memorial Nature Park offers hiking trails through a nature reserve where visitors can learn about local flora and fauna through educational programs.
- Independence Stadium hosts college football games during the fall season which makes it an exciting destination for sports fans.
- Splash Kingdom Waterpark Shreveport provides entertainment with its thrilling slides, wave pool & kiddie play area that are perfect for families looking to cool off on hot days!
- RiverView Park sits on the banks of Red River offering visitors access to playgrounds & splash pads making it perfect for families with young children who want to enjoy outdoor activities together!
- Hamilton/South Caddo Community Park features sports fields including baseball/softball/soccer/basketball/volleyball/tennis courts which makes it ideal for athletes looking to practice or compete in various sports!