Need to get out of that funk that comes with the stretch between winter and spring? Here are a few locations in or near Shreveport-Bossier that’ll make you feel like you’ve traveled to your favorite camping spot in the mountains (even if it’s just on your lunch break). For more information, check out the 2022 Official Visitors’ Guide to Shreveport-Bossier. You can request a free printed copy by mail or view the Shreveport-Bossier Outdoor Guide in a mobile-friendly e-reader edition.

Here are 5 of our favorite escapes to hit the mental reset button and become one with nature.

Walter B. Jacobs Memorial Nature Park

Trail Blog
Walter B. Jacobs Memorial Nature Park offers trails, an interpretive center, wildlife habitats, and more.

Walter B. Jacobs Memorial Park is located at 8012 Blanchard Furrh Road in Shreveport. This 120-acre nature park offers five miles of walking trails, including a wheelchair-accessible trail. The park features a visitor center with hands-on exhibits, more live animals, a children’s play area, classroom, and restrooms. While you’re there, check out their habitat for rehabilitating injured birds of prey or the deer enclosure. Admission is free.

American Rose Center

SBCTB American Rose Center
Spring bloom is underway at the American Rose Center, America’s largest park dedicated to roses.

The American Rose Center is America’s largest park dedicated to roses at 118-acres, and is home to the American Rose Society headquarters. The park’s paved trails and tranquil beauty make it a great place for walking, jogging, yoga, or simply enjoying the beauty of more than 20,000 rose bushes. Admission is by donation only.

Cypress Black Bayou

Cypress Black Bayou Blog
Cypress Black Bayou in Benton is a great spot for camping, fishing, boating, and swimming.

Cypress Black Bayou in Benton is a great spot for camping, RVing, boating, fishing, and swimming. Located at 135 Cypress Park Drive, the recreation area even offers a marina, a wildlife petting zoo with trails, and a beach!

Admission is $5 per person per day, and there is a $5 per day boat launch fee. If you’re planning a visit, check out their website for registration information.

Red River National Wildlife Refuge

Red River NWR
The walking trails at Red River National Wildlife Refuge are a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Red River National Wildlife Refuge offers five miles of marked, mowed walking trails that surround a beautiful oxbow lake called Lake Caroline. The refuge is particularly popular among birdwatchers and nature photographers. Anyone planning a visit for fishing (a new boat ramp allows easy access to Lake Caroline) should make sure that they’re not planning to visit during a bird-banding season by checking the official website. A terrific interpretive center offers regular classes and hikes. Admission is free.

Boom or Bust Byway

Byway Blog
Lots of parks and outdoor recreation can be found along the Boom or Bust Byway, including Robert Nance Park in Hosston.

There are dozens of outstanding parks and outdoor recreation areas located along Northwest Louisiana’s Boom or Bust Byway, a 136-mile scenic highway that runs through Caddo and Bossier Parishes. For the crib notes on outdoor attractions along the byway, check out the “Outdoor Fun” page on the official website.

For the best experience along the byway, make sure you’re taking advantage of their free mobile app, which provides an on-demand guided tour of towns like Oil City, Plain Dealing and Homer. The byway has an outstanding Facebook page and blog, both of which provide frequent inspiration for travelers. The Boom or Bust Byway app may be downloaded from the Apple and Google Play stores.

If you’re thinking about planning an outdoor adventure in Shreveport-Bossier, you can request a free, printed copy of our 2022 Official Visitors’ Guide to Shreveport-Bossier.

20×49.com is a publication of Visit Shreveport-Bossier.