Visiting Northern Louisiana

The sportsman’s paradise of North Louisiana is home to Kisatchie National Forest, Louisiana’s only designated national forest. The region, traversed by Interstate 20 from Shreveport and Minden, through Monroe and West Monroe, to the Mississippi River, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. North Louisiana’s rural communities like Bastrop, in Morehouse Parish, offer premier duck-hunting habitat, swamps and bayous for nature lovers. Shreveport and neighbor Bossier City call travelers year-round with the excitement of riverboat casinos and Harrah’s Louisiana Downs horseracing. Events like October’s Red River Revel Arts Festival liven up the Shreveport riverfront, adding to the excitement of the city. Northern Louisiana has adventure for everyone.

Shreveport and Bossier City call their corner of northwest Louisiana – Louisiana’s Other Side. With a proud heritage combining southern charm, Cajun attitude and east Texas spirit, you’ll find great fun and good times on your visit. Barksdale Air Force Base on the east banks of the Red River is a proud contributor to the community. Barksdale AFB is the home of oldest bomb wing in the US Air Force and headquarters of the Eighth Air Force and the Eighth Air Force Museum. The museum is open to the public and features multiple versions of the B-52 among its aircraft exhibits.

Board the Spirit of the Red for a cruise down the Red River and Cross Bayou. Relax and enjoy the sites of Shreveport from the comfort of the riverboat, while Captain Sandy Jackson shares the history of the city and river. Cruises run through October and depart near Sci-Port, Louisiana’s Science Center, located on Clyde Fant Memorial Parkway.

The Rotary Club of Shreveport sponsors the 2011 Red River Dragon Boat Festival September 10th. Join the Shreveport and Bossier City community as teams of twenty paddlers compete down the Red River. North Louisiana’s largest arts festival begins October 1st on Shreveport’s riverfront. The 2011 Red River Revel runs October 1st through the 8th, showcasing more than 140 artists from across the US. Visit and browse the artist tents, enjoy headliner entertainment including The Band Perry, The Hunt Family and Sister Hazel. Red River Revel is a great family event.

Home of the University of Louisiana at Monroe and Warhawks Athletics, Northern Louisiana's Monroe and West Monroe never lack activities. Enjoy a full fall schedule of Volleyball, Golf, Soccer and Football. The Warhawks football home season opener is September 10th against the Grambling State Tigers.

Remember to make plans early for the North Louisiana Agri-Business Council 2012 Ag Expo. Hosted in West Monroe at the IKE Hamilton Expo Center on Main Street, the 2012 expo is January 20th and 21st - bring the kids to see the mini farm, and everyone enjoys the miniature cow show and junior livestock show.

Northern Louisiana Hotel Map