Settled on the banks of the Red River, Shreveport is one of the largest cities of Louisiana serving as the cultural and commercial hub of the region. The Louisiana City of Shreveport draws plenty of tourists, thanks to its scenic beauty, history, culture, heritage and southern charm. Outdoor recreation and cultural opportunities abound, as do family-friendly activities, events and historical attractions.
History of Shreveport
Shreveport was originally called “Shreve Town” in honor of Captain Henry Miller Shreve, commander of the US Army Corps of Engineers who cleared the Red River. In 1839, Shreveport was founded as a town by the Shreve Town Company, and in 1871, it was incorporated as a city. Soon Shreveport became the steamboat commerce center, mainly agricultural crops and cotton. It also became the center of rebellion during the American Civil War.
In the 20th century, Shreveport became the center of the oil industry. The Caddo Parish of Shreveport has one of the world’s largest gas and oil fields. Later in the 1980s, the oil industry had to face a few economic hiccups. Today, Shreveport has transformed into a service economy. The City of Shreveport has been named an “All American City” thrice- 1999, 1979 and 1853.
Important Locations in Shreveport
Shreveport offers educational, historical and cultural experiences. The city is home to art galleries, museums, historic landmarks and offers a range of recreational activities. You’ll find plethora of educational, fun and interesting things to do and see here. Check out our list of important locations in Shreveport-
Sci-Port Louisiana’s Science Center: Sci-Port: Louisiana’s Science Center offers fun and educational experience to people of all ages. It features over 290 hands-on mathematics, science, space science and technology exhibits. Plus, there is a laser Space Dome Planetarium and an IMAX Dome Theatre which puts out an amazing lineup of films based on scientific topics and subjects.
The Gardens of the American Rose Center: All the rose lovers,
The Gardens of the American Rose Center is a must-visit spot. It comprises of over 65 different rose gardens. From April to October, which is the rose blossom season, the gardens are lively and beautiful in fragrance as well as color. During winter season, the gardens transform into a sparkling light show.
R.W. Norton Art Gallery: The
R.W. Norton Art Gallery is an art aficionado’s heaven. It houses an impressive collection of European and American art, popular Americans portraits, nineteenth century American landscape art, and over 400 paintings as well as several sculptures, decorative arts, tapestries and prints.
Jubilee Zoo: See the animals up-close at the
Jubilee Zoo. It corrals plenty of animals. Visitors can feed, pet, play, and behold a variety of critters. The zoo also has bounce houses, pony rides, a safari hay ride, play spaces and a swathe of inflatable slides.
Louisiana State Exhibit Museum:
Louisiana State Exhibit Museum features the indigenous northwest Louisiana through several rotating exhibits and unique collections. The highlight of the museum is the Native American artifacts. The exhibits housed in the museum feature the history and development of the state.
Barksdale Global Power Museum: It was formerly known as the
8th Air Force Museum. It showcases the history of Air Force through vintage aircrafts and strategic bombardment exhibits.
Walter B Jacobs Memorial Nature Park: Connect with nature at
Walter B Jacobs Memorial Nature Park. It has 5 miles of walking trails and picnic areas. Inside are exhibits of animals and birds. They have everything from live alligator to touching snake, and hands-on nature education.
Pioneer Heritage Center: Catch a glimpse of the life and cultural history of early settlers of Louisiana at the
Pioneer Heritage Center. Housed in the LSU Shreveport Campus, the center features historical buildings created by the settlers.
Spring Street Museum: Know the history of Shreveport at the
Spring Street Museum through interactive exhibits. Learn and appreciate the founding and development of Shreveport at this museum.
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People and Culture of Shreveport
Shreveport is a flourishing cultural and commercial center, influenced by three states (Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas), making up a great hybrid of a city. It is a melting pot of Southern culture bringing up other states together in a gleeful way. The city offers metro area amenities and unique lifestyle that blends with the southern hospitality and friendly community.
The city offers plenty of opportunities to both residents and tourists to enjoy the cultural attractions of the city. The past of the city is well preserved in the lifestyle, food, architecture, museums, art, music and festivals.
Time Zone and Phone Codes of Shreveport
Time Zone
Current Local time: Shreveport follows the Central Time Zone
UTC – GMT Offset: Shreveport is GMT/UTC - 6hours during Standard Time, and GMT/UTC - 5hours during Daylight Saving Time
Daylight Saving Time Usage: Shreveport uses Daylight Saving Time.
Time Zone Abbreviations: CST stands for Central Standard Time and CDT stands for Central Daylight Time
Phone Code
Area code: 318
Best Time to Visit Shreveport
The best time to visit Shreveport is fall and spring, when the mild climate combines with several special festivals and events, making it an awesome time to holiday in Shreveport. To save on accommodation, visit Shreveport in fall or summer. February to May is perfect time as the celebrations and festivities are in full swing, and the weather is comfortable. For special events, December to January is the time to visit Shreveport. In December, the city is gussied up and the weather is comfortably cool.
The city hosts myriad of festivals and events that draws thousands of people from all around the world to experience the fun with plenty of art, good food, music, dancing and much more. The people of the Port City love to party and celebrate!
Important Locations in Shreveport Map Guide
