Shreveport LA

Shreveport, LA – Nestled along the Red River in northwest Louisiana, Shreveport is a vibrant city where Southern charm meets a lively arts and entertainment scene. Known for its rich history, soulful music, and flavorful cuisine, this city offers visitors a unique blend of culture, community, and hospitality. Whether you're enjoying riverfront views, exploring local festivals, or tasting Creole favorites, Shreveport is full of surprises waiting to be discovered.

• Population: ~185,000
• Weather: Warm and humid; hot summers (70-95°F), mild winters (40-60°F).
• Places To Visit: Louisiana Boardwalk, R.W. Norton Art Gallery, Sci-Port Discovery Center, Shreveport Aquarium, Barksdale Global Power Museum.
• Top Activities: Strolling the Red River trails, trying your luck in the riverboat casinos, attending Mudbug Madness Festival, catching live jazz performances, and shopping locally made goods.
• Famous Food: Crawfish étouffée, gumbo, boudin balls, po'boys, and hot beignets from local cafés.

Shreveport, Louisiana features a diverse economy supported by key sectors like healthcare, education, manufacturing, and the energy industry. The city’s job market offers solid career opportunities for a wide range of professionals. Below are five popular and in-demand jobs in Shreveport, LA.

Top 5 Jobs in Shreveport, LA

Shreveport, Louisiana is a hidden gem with plenty of spots for students to unwind, catch a break from their studies, and enjoy some fun. Whether you're into arts, nature, or local eats, Shreveport has you covered.

Red River District – Located downtown, this vibrant area is perfect for students. It hosts live music, trendy bars, and various events. It's a great place to meet friends and enjoy the nightlife.

R.W. Norton Art Gallery – Love art and nature? The beautiful gardens and diverse art collections make this gallery a peaceful spot for relaxation and inspiration.

Marlene Yu Museum – Dive into the world of contemporary art and explore awe-inspiring exhibits. A perfect spot for those who cherish creativity and innovation.

Betty Virginia Park – This park is ideal for a leisurely stroll, a game of frisbee, or a relaxing picnic. With open spaces and shaded spots, it’s a favorite hangout for students seeking a break from the city buzz.

Downtown Shreveport Tamale Cartel – Treat yourself to some delicious tamales while soaking in the eclectic sounds and sights of downtown. It's a unique food experience with a local twist.

Great Raft Brewing – For students of legal age, this local brewery offers tours and a cozy atmosphere to enjoy craft beers with friends. The tasting room is inviting and a great spot to discover local flavors.

Shreveport Aquarium – Dive into the wonders of marine life. It’s a fun and educational way to spend an afternoon exploring underwater creatures.

Student Block Party – Often held during the school year, these events bring students together with music, food, and games. They're a surefire way to relax and make new friends.

Shreveport’s unique blend of natural beauty and urban charm provides an array of enjoyable spots for students to explore and enjoy their downtime.

Shreveport, Louisiana is home to several respected colleges and universities that prepare students for careers in healthcare, the arts, engineering, and the liberal arts. The city offers a mix of public and private institutions dedicated to academic excellence, community involvement, and workforce readiness.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Shreveport

Louisiana State University Shreveport (LSUS) – LSUS is part of the LSU System and offers strong undergraduate and graduate programs in business, education, and computer science. Known for its affordability and hands-on learning, LSUS is a top choice for students in Northwest Louisiana.

Bossier Parish Community College (BPCC) – Located near Shreveport, BPCC provides a wide range of associate degrees and certificates in technology, nursing, business, and engineering. It is known for its flexible schedules and career-focused education.

Southern University at Shreveport (SUSLA) – A member of the Southern University System, SUSLA is a historically Black community college offering associate degrees and transfer programs. It is especially noted for its allied health and science programs.

Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College (NLTCC) – This public institution focuses on technical and industrial training. It offers career-ready programs in fields such as welding, automotive technology, and practical nursing.

Centenary College Pathway Partnership with LSUS – Though Centenary is private, its academic partnerships with LSUS allow public school students to access dual enrollment and transfer programs, strengthening higher education options in the public sector.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Shreveport

Centenary College of Louisiana – The oldest chartered liberal arts college west of the Mississippi River, Centenary is affiliated with the United Methodist Church. It offers a rigorous liberal arts curriculum and is known for its programs in foreign languages, natural sciences, and the arts.

Ayers Career College – A career-focused institution offering programs in medical assisting, HVAC, and pharmacy technology. Ayers provides hands-on training aimed at getting students into the workforce quickly.

Virginia College (formerly in Shreveport) – Although now closed, Virginia College once offered career-focused programs in business, health care, and technology. Its legacy helped shape Shreveport’s technical education landscape.

American School of Business – A vocational institution focused on real estate, accounting, and business training. It serves adult learners seeking certification for professional advancement.

Remington College - Shreveport Campus – A non-profit college that offers diploma and degree programs in healthcare, criminal justice, and business. Known for its supportive learning environment and job placement services.

LA offers some of the best high schools in the country, preparing students for college and careers in various fields. In Shreveport, Louisiana, families have access to strong academic choices across both public and private sectors. These schools provide students with excellent academic programs, extracurriculars, and supportive learning environments.

Top Public High Schools in Shreveport, LA

• Caddo Parish Magnet High School – Consistently ranked among the top public schools in Louisiana, this selective-admissions school is known for its strong academic programs, advanced placement courses, and high college readiness scores.
• Captain Shreve High School – Offering diverse academic tracks and a variety of clubs and sports, Captain Shreve is recognized for excellence in both academics and student life.
• Southwood High School – Known for its commitment to student development, Southwood offers college preparatory courses alongside strong programs in arts and athletics.
• Northwood High School – A respected public school that blends academic rigor with character education and leadership development.
• Booker T. Washington High School – This historic school offers college and career readiness programs with a strong focus on culture, community, and personal achievement.

Top Private High Schools in Shreveport, LA

• C.E. Byrd High School – Magnet Program (Private Magnet Option) – While officially public, its selective magnet program often functions like a private institution, with specialized academics and honors tracks.
• Loyola College Prep – A Catholic, college-preparatory high school that promotes spiritual growth, academic excellence, and a strong sense of service. It offers small class sizes and high college placement rates.
• Calvary Baptist Academy – This private Christian school offers a faith-based education with strong academics, a variety of sports, and extracurricular opportunities aimed at building leadership skills and religious values.
• The Montessori School for Shreveport – Upper School – While smaller, this independent private school emphasizes student-centered learning, critical thinking, and personal development through the Montessori method.
• Evangel Christian Academy – Known for both academic and athletic excellence, this private school encourages spiritual growth, character development, and academic achievement.

Shreveport, Louisiana may not have any major league professional sports teams like those in Los Angeles, but it has a strong sports culture with passionate fans and several minor league and semi-professional teams. These teams bring excitement to the city and offer affordable, family-friendly entertainment throughout the year. Shreveport's sports history features a mix of baseball, football, hockey, and basketball at various levels of competition.

⚾ Baseball – Shreveport-Bossier Captains (Former)

• Shreveport-Bossier Captains – This former independent league baseball team was a fan favorite and played in the American Association until 2011. The Captains won the league championship in 2010, bringing a title home to the city. The team played its home games at Fair Grounds Field, a long-time ballpark in Shreveport's sports scene.

🏈 Football – Shreveport Steamer (World Football League, Former)

• Shreveport Steamer – The city briefly had a professional football team that played in the World Football League in the 1970s. Though the league was short-lived, the Steamer gave local fans a taste of pro football and played their games at Independence Stadium.

🏒 Hockey – Shreveport Mudbugs (NAHL)

• Shreveport Mudbugs – The Mudbugs are a junior ice hockey team in the North American Hockey League (NAHL). They have become a cornerstone of Shreveport’s sports identity, winning the Robertson Cup in 2018. Games are held at the Brookshire Grocery Arena, and the fanbase is known for its loyal and energetic support.

🏀 Basketball – Shreveport Mavericks (TBL)

• Shreveport Mavericks – The Mavericks are part of The Basketball League (TBL)100 consecutive games during the early 2010s. The team has helped keep professional basketball alive in Shreveport.

While Shreveport doesn’t host major league teams, its sports teams reflect the city’s spirit and dedication to athletic competition. Local fans continue to support their teams passionately, showcasing southern hospitality and pride at every game.

Shreveport, Louisiana is a vibrant city full of history, soul, and Southern charm. Known for its lively music scene, rich heritage, and beautiful surroundings, Shreveport has several fun and surprising facts that make it a unique place to explore. Here are some of the most interesting ones:

1. Elvis Performed Here First – In 1954, Elvis Presley gave his first big public performance on the stage at Shreveport’s Louisiana Hayride radio program.
2. Hollywood of the South – Thanks to state tax incentives, many movies have been filmed in Shreveport, earning it a nickname as a mini "Hollywood South."
3. Two Cities in One – Shreveport and Bossier City are right next to each other, separated by the Red River, but together they form a major cultural and economic hub in Louisiana.
4. Mardi Gras Magic – Shreveport hosts one of the largest Mardi Gras celebrations outside of New Orleans, complete with colorful floats and lively parades.
5. Gaming Hotspot – Shreveport is home to several riverboat casinos, drawing in visitors from Texas, Arkansas, and beyond for some fun on the water.
6. Home to an Afro-Futurist Legend – Jazz musician Sun Ra, known for his cosmic style of music and performance, spent some of his early years in Shreveport.
7. Steeped in History – The Shreveport Water Works Museum is the last known steam-powered municipal water plant in the U.S. and is now a National Historic Landmark.
8. Classic Southern Food – Shreveport is famous for its gumbo, crawfish, and boudin—a must-try for any food lover visiting the area.
9. A Unique Zoo Experience – The city's Jubilee Zoo offers hands-on animal interactions and even camel rides, perfect for family-friendly fun.
10. Home to the “Duck Pond” – The Betty Virginia Park has a beloved public spot known as The Duck Pond, where locals gather to relax and feed dozens of friendly ducks and geese.