Shreveport Local History

Shreveport was founded in 1836 at the juncture of the Red River and the Texas trail; an overland route to the then republic of Texas. The Caddo Indians sold the original boundaries of the town to the settlers.

The Red River was opened to sea traffic in the 1830s and remained in use until 1914. It remained silted up and closed until the 1990s when a major drive was initiated to restore the city as a center for shipping.

Shreveport Attractions

Top Attractions

Shreveport Activities

Yogie and Friends Exotic Cat Sanctuary - This is a sanctuary (zoo) where you will be able to see exotic big cats (lions and tigers etc) rescued from all parts of the world.

Shreveport Parks & Gardens

Riverfront Park - This park features a magnificent waterfall, which incorporates natural stone. There is a viewing area at the summit of the waterfall. There is extensive landscaping and an amphitheatre formed by lawn terraces for outdoor concerts.

Shreveport Restaurants and Bars

Louisiana has a cuisine unlike any other in the states with influences from Acadian, Spanish, African, French, Italian and Native American flavours. .

Creole cuisine is a mixture of Spanish, French and Caribbean and is famous for red beans and rice. .

Po'boys is sliced French bread filled with sliced meat or seafood and vegetables.

Shreveport Restaurants

Panos Owned by two brothers, this place offers consistent, well-priced delicious food for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Try the #1 breakfast special of two eggs, a choice of meat, grits or hash browns and toast for under $4. Milam Street.

Tacomania - One of the best Mexican restaurants in town, this family owned restaurant has a smoking and non-smoking area as well as a bar. The food is prepared fresh and is excellent. Mexican beer is always on tap and the frozen margaritas are really popular.

Hong Kong City Situated in the old TS station, this place is rated as one of the best oriental restaurants in the area. Try the Mongolian Pork with its excellent seasoning, or General Tso's spicy Chicken. Shreveport-Barksdale Blvd.

Shreveport Bars & Clubs

Alligator Joe's 200 Travis Street. This is a great place to hang out, the food is great and so is the live music. Open till late.

Thunderhead Too 905 Barksdale Blvd. A popular bar with pool tables and a dartboard. The beer is cold and the drinks are expertly mixed.

Shreveport children's activities

Yogie and Friends Exotic Cat Sanctuary - This is a sanctuary (zoo) where you will be able to see exotic big cats (lions and tigers etc) rescued from all parts of the world.