100+ Exciting Bucket List Things to do in Shreveport, Louisiana

Located along the scenic Red River, Shreveport-Bossier City, Louisiana, offers a distinctive fusion of Southern charm, culture, and history. My book, “100 Things to Do in Shreveport – Bossier, Louisiana Before You Die,” offers a bucket list of experiences for locals and visitors. The book includes information on over 100 Things to Do in Shreveport, Louisiana categorized by food and drink, music and entertainment, culture and history, shopping and fashion, and sports and recreation.

100 Things to do in Shreveport, Louisiana Book Cover

Order this comprehensive guide to some of the remarkable attractions and activities waiting to be discovered in the city of Shreveport. 

Why 100 Things to Do in Shreveport – Bossier, Louisiana Before You Die?

I wrote this book for locals and visitors alike. My hope is that this book will be a guide for visitors as they experience our small-town friendliness with big city amenities. It can serve as a guide to some of the best food, entertainment, recreation, culture, history, and shopping Shreveport-Bossier has to offer.

For the locals who pick up this book, I hope they will rediscover Shreveport-Bossier by becoming a tourist in their hometown. During the process of writing the book, I learned about several places and things to do that I didn’t know existed. The book includes establishments that may not be well known to all locals either because they are relatively newer or because they have been around so long that they are not talked about as much anymore.

Ideas for How to Use the Book to Explore Things to Do in Shreveport, Louisiana

Feel free to start by category, season, or itinerary. The book is divided into five categories: Food and Drink, Music and Entertainment, Sports and Recreation, Culture and History, and Shopping and Fashion. If you know what type of thing you want to do, start with the category. The visitor, who is planning a visit during a specific time of year may want to start in the Activities by Season section. If you are looking for something to do for a specific purpose such as a date night or family fun then start with the suggested itineraries section of the book. 

More Creative Ways to Enjoy the Book

🫙Use the book as a boredom buster! Write the page numbers on separate slips of paper. Put them in a jar and randomly draw. Commit to doing the activity on the page number that you drew by the end of the week. You could also blind flip through the pages and do the activity on the page where you stop.

🎁 Give the book as a gift with the promise of 100 dates or best friend outings attached to the gift. Gift the book to out of towns friends to encourage them to visit you.

🕵️ Turn the book into a quest. Go on a mission to complete all 100 things in the book getting business owners or managers to sign their pages. If you do, please take pics and tag me on social media at all of all your stops!

🛏️ Leave one in your guest room for visitors to enjoy.

Types of Things to Do in Shreveport, Louisiana Found in the Book

Food and Drink

When selecting which ones to include, I focused on a few different things. First, I wanted to be sure to list some of the best places that had stood the test of time with a long history in SBC like Ernests, Lucky Palace, Herby K’s, Oyster Bar and Grill, Orlandeaux’s Café, and Superior Bar and Grill. I also wanted to include some newer ones like Ghost Ramen. Secondly, I wanted cuisine to suit all tastes and price points. Mexican, Italian, Asian, American, BBQ, steakhouses, soul food, dessert shops, diners, and of course cajun restaurants are all represented. Lastly, I wanted to highlight dining options that offered their own speciality dish, unique drink or menu items, or even entertainment.

Pictured: The Blind Tiger restaurant in downtown Shreveport, Louisiana

Sports and Recreation Things to Do in Shreveport, Louisiana

For nature enthusiasts, the Shreveport-Bossier area offers plenty of outdoor adventures to enjoy. Head to Red River National Wildlife Refuge. It is a great place for birdwatching, hiking, and wildlife photography amidst scenic wetlands and forests. If you’re up for some water-based fun, rent a kayak or go fishing along the serene Caddo Lake, known for its towering cypress trees and picturesque bayous.

Art and Culture Things to Do in Shreveport, Louisiana

The Shreveport area has a thriving art with art galleries like the R.W. Norton Art Gallery, Nader’s Art Gallery, and Art Space. Catch a live performance at the historic Strand Theatre or the Shreveport Metropolitan Ballet. Experience art in the floral variety at the Asian Gardens of Shreveport or the American Rose Center. 

Nader’s Art Gallery in Shreveport, Louisiana

Historic Landmarks

Step back in time and uncover Shreveport’s past by touring its historic landmarks and museums. Some favorites include the Shreveport Water Works Museum, the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum, Spring Street Historical Museum, and the Oakland Cemetery. For a glimpse into the city’s railroad history, visit the Shreveport Railroad Museum, housed in a historic depot dating back to 1927. To see where legends like Elvis Presley, Hank Williams, and Johnny Cash performed in their early years, visit the Municipal Auditorium to learn about it’s Louisiana Hayride history.

Elvis Statue at the Municipal Auditorium

Casinos and Nightlife Things to Do in Shreveport, Louisiana

Find out if lady luck is on your side at riverfront casinos or Louisiana Downs Casino & Racetrack. At hotspots like Bally’s, The Horseshoe, Margaritaville Resort Casino, Eldorado Resort Casino and Sam’s Town Hotel & Casino you can enjoy everything from slot machines to table games 24/7. Afterward, unwind with live music and cocktails at one of the city’s many bars and lounges, such as Noble Savage Tavern or Fatty Arbuckles. Right now, I am loving the Eastbank district in Bossier City. My girlfriends and I will stay at the Horseshoe Casino just walking distance from the Eastbank District. We will spend the weekend playing slots, singing karaoke at the 1931 lounge, and indulging in charcuterie at the Casa di Amici. For a change of scenery, we walk across the street to the Eastbank district and grab dinner at BeauxJax or El Patio. Our evening ends with live entertainment at Hurricane Alley or Frozen Pirogue.


"100 Things to Do in Shreveport - Bossier Before You Die" Book for Sale on the shelves at Nobel Savage Tavern
“100 Things to Do in Shreveport – Bossier Before You Die” Book for Sale on the shelves at Nobel Savage Tavern.

Family-Friendly Fun Things to Do in Shreveport, Louisiana

Shreveport is a fantastic destination for families, with a variety of attractions that appeal to all ages. Spend a day at Sci-Port Discovery Center, where the area’s only iMax dome theatre, interactive activities and hands-on exhibits ignite curiosity and spark imagination. Cool off from the Louisiana heat at Splash Kingdom Waterpark, featuring thrilling water slides, lazy rivers, and splash pads for little ones. You can even pet stingrays at the underwater world of the Shreveport Aquarium.

 🔍 How about a self-guided scavenger hunt of Shreveport while you are in town? Check out these guides!

Festivals and Events

I certainly could not write a book about SBC without including festivals! Defining a festival season for the area is impossible as there are festivals going on all year long! There are over 30 festivals mentioned at some point in the book and they span across all four seasons. Throughout the year, Shreveport hosts a plethora of festivals and annual events that showcase the city’s culture, community spirit, and food. Join the festivities at the Red River Revel Arts Festival, a multi-day celebration of music, local artists, and food held annually in downtown Shreveport. Experience the excitement of Mardi Gras Madness with colorful parades, lively music, and traditional Cajun cuisine. Other notable events include the Holiday Trail of Lights during the winter season and the Louisiana Film Prize, a renowned film festival that attracts filmmakers from around the world.

Beads thrown from a float at a Mardi Gras Parade in Shreveport, Louisiana

Day Trips and Nearby Attractions

If you’re willing to venture beyond Shreveport’s city limits, you’ll discover even more gems waiting to be explored. Embark on a scenic drive to Natchitoches, known for its historic downtown and charming bed-and-breakfasts. Nature lovers will appreciate a trip to Toledo Bend Reservoir or Cypress Black Bayou for fishing, boating, and camping.

Things to do in Shreveport image of Cypress Black Bayou in Benton, Louisiana
Cypress Black Bayou in Benton, Louisiana

Lodging in Shreveport – Bossier City

Search your dates in my Booking.com to book.

Transportation in Shreveport – Bossier

A car is truly needed to get around town easily. If you are flying in or driving a motor home, consider using my Rental Cars link for booking.

How I Travel for Free

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Travel Insurance

Travel insurance can be beneficial on any trip 100 miles or more from home – even on road trips. If you have to cut your trip short, travel insurance can help you receive reimbursement for non-refundable prepaid trip expenses. Some plans even cover RV rental expenses or closed attractions. With plans from 10 different providers, Travel Insurance Masters can help you find the right coverage you are looking for!

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100+ Best Things to do in Shreveport, Louisiana Conclusion


The book was born from a deep-rooted love for my hometown, Shreveport. Having spent three decades there, the memories, streets, and people became an integral part of my being. Life eventually led me to North Texas, where I now reside with my husband and children. However, my heart continues to linger in Shreveport-Bossier, where cherished friends and family still reside. During my regular visits back home, I bring my Texas loved ones along, introducing them to the soul and culture of Shreveport-Bossier City. Their fresh eyes and shared experiences helped me see SBC through a new lens, one of a tourist.  I am beyond excited to share with you my book that highlights over 100 fun Things to Do in Shreveport, Louisiana. 

What are your favorite things to do in Shreveport, the Bossier City area or anywhere in North Louisiana? Comment below about special events and local attractions.

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