Visiting Northern Louisiana

Louisiana is well known for Mardi Gras celebrations, even in the far north of the state. With the Krewe of Centaur, Krewe of Artemis and Krewe of Gemini kicking off 2012 festivals, Shreveport, Bossier City, and towns across Northern Louisiana have full calendars of events. Spring is a holiday in Shreveport, and northern Louisiana celebrates with 2012 Holiday in Dixie. The festival celebrates the 64th year for Holiday in Dixie, which honors the Louisiana Purchase and coming of spring. Festival Plaza in downtown Shreveport, hosts 10 days of fun and parties in downtown Shreveport, running from April 8th through the 17th. Don’t miss the Classic Parade, block parties in Shreveport neighborhoods, and Carnival on the Riverfront.

May in Shreveport is another festive season. The 2012 Mudbug Madness Festival brings the fun to downtown Shreveport May 24th through the 27th. Celebrating the Louisiana institution of the crawfish boil, Shreveport’s festival is a popular Louisiana event. Featuring three stages for entertainment, Mudbug Madness is continuous entertainment. The unofficial kick-off to northern Louisiana’s summer, head to Festival Plaza Memorial Day weekend.

As summer approaches, northern Louisiana weather warms and it is time to head for the Shreveport – Bossier City riverfront. Divided by the Red River, there are abundant activities on the banks of either city. Eldorado Casino and Sam’s Town Casino provide gaming action on the Shreveport side, with DiamondJacks Casino, Boomtown Casino and Horseshoe Casino on the Bossier City side. There is more than a day’s worth of fun at the Bossier City Louisiana Boardwalk and Shreveport’s RiverFront Park. Be sure to bring the kids and dress appropriately for the water playground.

Travel east from Shreveport on Intestate 20 into northern Louisiana’s great outdoors. Past the Louisiana Army Ammunition Plant, the interstate crosses the northern edge of Crane Lake and Lake Bistineau. There is outstanding fishing at Lake Claiborne and Bayou D’Arbonne Lake north of Rushton. The cities of Monroe and West Monroe are surrounded by Louisiana parks – D’Arbonne National Wildlife Refuge, Russell Sage State Wildlife Management Arean and the Upper Ouachita National Wildlife Refuge.

Bisected by the Ouachita River, Monroe and West Monroe are a central location to enjoy the best of north Louisiana outdoor activities. Black Bayou Lake is among the many lakes offering outstanding Bass, Catfish and Panfish fishing. Water recreation abounds in spring and summer and there is nothing like a simple float down the Ouchita, on a hot day.

Artists take note: Monroe’s Masur Museum of Art hosts its 49th Annual Jured Exhibition this summer. The deadline for submissions to the 2012 show is March 18th. A showcase of contemporary artists, the Masur Museum of Art Annual Juried Competition features Juror Liza Simone. Travelers visiting Monroe can see the exhibition May 12th through July 21st.

Northern Louisiana Hotel Map