The mural, formally called Once in a Millennium Moon is the largest publicly funded mural in the nation, and a true community project. It was produced by a team of professional artists and 2,600 community painters under the lead of muralist Meg Saligman. Over 40% was actually painted by the people of Shreveport depicting the residents of the city and elements of their life. It is breathtaking in both its scope and its beauty.

Happily, it also answers the question of who are those people. A stand in front is keyed to each person and element in the mural with a brief explanation. Kids and adults will particularly enjoy linking the numbered explanations with the very real people of the city. Filled with images large and small it is a monument to the people of Shreveport and to city’s rich heritage.

Chimp Haven

Time your trip carefully for a visit to Chimp Haven. Called a retirement home for chimpanzees, it is open to the public on the second Saturday of each month March through June, and again September through November. Visitors can watch the chimps in a natural forest and during scheduled feeding times. Tour the sanctuary using special trails and overlooks on the two five-acre habitats.

Sci-Port

Science continues with Sci-Port Discovery Center in the heart of Shreveport. Recently expanded the Space Dome Planetarium, Solarium with sundial, rooftop observatory and 90 hands-on exhibits covering astronomy, space science, and applied math. There are also new navigation stations where young and old can control the planetarium screen and the depicted constellations. My personal favorite is the Foucault Pendulum. It shows the earth really does rotate. That’s sometimes hard to believe when we watch the sun rise each morning. But, of course, the sun isn’t moving, the earth is.

Shopping at the Boardwalk

The Louisiana Boardwalk in Bossier City (Shreveport’s more suburban twin across the river) merges shopping opportunities and fun. Laid out more like a small town with main streets than a shopping area, there’s a carousel, dancing water fountains, and a trolley to carry visitors around.

Municipal Auditorium – Music and Nostalgia

Music fans will definitely want to visit the historic Municipal Auditorium and Stage of Stars Museum, with its statues of Elvis and of James Burton (one of the premier guitar players of the last 100 years and a native son of Shreveport) inviting folks in to learn more. This grand old building dates back to 1929 when it was dedicated to the Soldiers of the Great War. That would be the war we now call World War I, but at the time no one could imagine the world would be ravaged by another Great War. Many of the country’s musical greats have performed on the stage – Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jim Reeves, Hank Williams and many more. The Stage of Stars Museum at the auditorium and the auditorium itself are open for tours and provide a fascinating look at the building (which is said to be haunted) and stories of the stars who played there.

Art

Called a gallery, R. W. Norton Art Gallery is more like a museum but without an entrance fee. It has a particularly fine collection of American Western Art (particularly Charles Marion Russell and Frederic Remington.) and rare books (including a double elephant folio edition of John James Audubon's "The Birds of America", one of only one hundred remaining copies). While tours are available for groups if requested in advance, one Saturday a month (usually the first Saturday) special tours highlight works in the collection from a unique point of view – including a tour exploring painting procedures and a Halloween tour. Southern University Museum of Art is a true gem featuring a fine collection of African and African-American art, including changing exhibits of some of America’s finest black artists. Once a popular restaurant with a bar and balcony area. It served as a training facility for Southern’s hospitality program before becoming a museum.

Family Friendly Mardi Gras

Shreveport welcomes families all year long, but shines at Mardi Gras time with the only family-friendly no-alcohol parade route in Louisiana. But that doesn’t mean no-fun. The parade itself makes the fun as floats, dance groups, marching bands, stream by. Arrive early and admire the floats lined up at the starting point along Clyde Fant Parkway.

Each parade is sponsored by a Krewe (or club). The Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau has a list of the parades and where they start. All the parades are fun. The Krewe of Gemini starts off along the water at Clyde Pant Parkway and has a great lineup of floats. The Krewe of Barkus and Meoux (also known as "The Animal Krewe” for their focus on animal welfare) features pets in costume, strolling along the route.

Mardi Gras All Year Long

The Ark-La-Tex Mardi Gras Museum in Bossier City brings the mardi gras to life 12 months a year with its displays of dazzling costumes worn by parade royalty and floats actually used in parades. Even the Krewe of Barkus & Meoux is represented.

Let’s Eat

Strawn’s Eat Shop is a popular place for visitors and locals. Down home breakfasts and dinners, with their famous fruit ice box pies – only the pie shell is cooked – topped with real whipped cream. For a taste of cajun seafood visit Herby-K’s Restaurant (1833 Pierre Avenue) – fun and funky with a real tree growing through the covered patio. Monjunis for Italian cuisine named after Mama’s nickname “little Mongunis” (a monguni is someone who loves to eat) for the kids who grew up to own the restaurant – huge portions of delicious food. Julie Anne’s Bakery & Café is known for its King Cake (a Mardi Gras favorite) but luscious pastry will entice you all year long. Pete Harris Café is considered one of the city’s best restaurants.

For More Information

Visit Shreveport-Bossier City Convention and Tourist Bureau great folks who’ll tell you about a great city.

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