Explore the rich history of Louisiana through a collection of sites spanning the Civil War, cultural heritage, art, and local experiences. From battlefields and historic plantations to museums and vibrant cultural centers, these landmarks offer a deep dive into the state’s diverse past and heritage.
Shreveport Municipal Auditorium
Nicknamed “The Muni,” Shreveport Municipal Memorial Auditorium is an Art Deco gem with serious star power and spooky vibes. This historic venue helped launch legends like Elvis, Johnny Cash, and Hank Williams through the famous Louisiana Hayride radio show. Built in the 1920s to honor WWI soldiers, it’s now a National Historic Landmark. With a capacity of up to 3,000 guests, it hosts everything from concerts to graduations—and yes, it’s rumored to be haunted. Ghost sightings? Just part of the charm!
See MoreErnest's Orleans Restaurant & Cocktail Lounge
Ernest’s Orleans Restaurant & Cocktail Lounge in Shreveport is well known for its authentic, old-school vibe. Since 1954, they've been serving delicious Creole, Italian, and seafood dishes and might be most famous for their marinated crab claws and prime steaks. The dining rooms are elegant, and the cocktail lounge, with regular live music, is as classic as it gets.
See MoreKent Plantation House
Step back in time at one of Louisiana’s oldest homes, Kent Plantation House. Tucked along Bayou Rapides in Alexandria, this beautifully preserved Creole property dates back to 1796 and showcases what life was like on a Southern plantation. Featuring French Colonial architecture and original outbuildings like slave cabins and a sugar mill, it’s essentially a living museum and certainly a sobering reminder of the past.
See MoreMulticultural Center-The South
Right in the heart of downtown Shreveport, the Multicultural Center of the South is all about celebrating the rich mix of cultures that call Northwest Louisiana home. From Cajun and Creole to Chinese and Cambodian, the center’s exhibits, tours, and events highlight traditions from all over the world. With a multicultural library, kid-friendly art classes, live performances, and more, it’s a space for learning, connection, and community. It's definitely worth a stop!
See MoreSouthern University Museum-Art
The Southern University Museum of Art in Shreveport is a must-visit spot downtown, packed with African American art and artifacts. It showcases a mix of university and privately donated works, focused on the rich cultural history of the African diaspora. The museum celebrates the proud cultural heritage of displaced African communities, with exhibits like The Art and Soul of Shreveport and various learning programs. Open Tuesday through Friday, it’s an essential stop for cultural enlightenment.
See MoreGermantown Colony Museum
Visit the Germantown Colony Museum, near Minden, to be transported back to the 1830s when the Harmonist Society, a group of German immigrants led by the Count and Countess von Leon, founded a utopian community. Seeking religious freedom and a better life, they created a society based on shared beliefs, hard work, and communal living. The restored, original wooden buildings, including the Countess's house and a church, give you a real sense of what life was like here back then, with exhibits showing their daily routines, religious practices, and artifacts. It's a fascinating place!
See MoreLouisiana State Oil and Gas Museum
Fittingly located in Oil City, the Louisiana State Oil and Gas Museum dives into the history of the state’s oil boom. With interactive exhibits, photos, films, and life-size dioramas, it explores how oil transformed the region, from the first oil well in Jennings to the development of the first offshore drilling rig in Caddo Lake. Oil City, once a booming town, played a key role in shaping Caddo Parish and the oil industry. If you ever wanted to know some of the what, where, and why of the oil industry, this place is quite an education.
See MoreCane River Creole National Historical Park
Just outside Natchitoches, Cane River Creole National Historical Park offers a powerful look at over 200 years of life on two historic Creole cotton plantations: Oakland and Magnolia. With 67 preserved structures, including slave quarters, barns, and the Oakland main house, the park tells the stories of everyone who lived and worked there: landowners, enslaved people, tenant farmers, and more. From Creole culture to Jim Crow-era history, it’s an important experience and an opportunity to reflect on the realities of this era.
See MoreLouisiana State Exhibit Museum
Step into the past in this one-of-a-kind circular museum in Shreveport. Built in 1939 as part of a New Deal project, the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum is packed with 1940s-era dioramas, Native American artifacts (including a Caddo dugout canoe carved from a hollowed cypress tree), and art by regional creatives. Highlights include a massive fresco on the front and a topographical map showing Louisiana’s cultural layout. It’s free to visit, full of surprises, and a fascinating mix of history, culture, and ultra-modern architecture!
See MoreRobinson Film Center
Dinner and a show? 🍿 The Robinson Film Center in downtown Shreveport is a not-for-profit movie theater that aims to educate, enrich, and entertain with a mix of indie, foreign, and classic films. They also have a rooftop bistro (Abby Singer’s) serving lunch, dinner, and drinks, making it THE go-to spot for a night out at the movies!
See MoreR.W. Norton Art Gallery
The R.W. Norton Art Gallery is the largest museum in Shreveport and home to over 400 works, including pieces from ancient civilizations, the Renaissance, and American artists like Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russell. The museum grounds feature arched bridges, outdoor sculptures, and 40 acres of botanical gardens. Visit in spring to see thousands of azaleas in bloom! The R.W. Norton Art Gallery is open year-round and is always free, making it a great spot to explore and unwind.
See MoreMansfield State Historic Site
Located just outside Mansfield, La., this site preserves part of the battlefield where the Battle of Mansfield took place on April 8, 1864. The museum delves into the human side of the battle, telling stories of soldiers and their struggles. Walking trails and monuments offer a chance to reflect on the harsh realities of the Civil War.
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