Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Bossier City, Louisiana

Located on the Red River, adjacent to its counterpart Shreveport, Bossier City is home to a population exceeding 60,000 residents.

Together with Shreveport, it constitutes a prominent gaming destination within the Ark-La-Tex region, featuring a variety of expansive casino resorts reminiscent of Las Vegas, alongside shopping centers and premier family attractions.

Revenue derived from gaming has enabled the development of various projects throughout the city, including the Louisiana Boardwalk outlet mall and the vibrant East Bank District, which showcases locally-owned bars and dining establishments.

The nearby Red River National Wildlife Refuge offers natural beauty at the southern edge of Bossier City, while Barksdale Air Force Base serves as an intriguing site for aviation enthusiasts and hosts a noteworthy museum.

1. East Bank District

Situated just a couple of blocks north of Interstate 20, Barksdale Blvd serves as the main vein for an exciting new entertainment and culinary district.

The East Bank District has emerged since the late 2000s as part of a broader revitalization initiative for downtown Bossier City.

Once referred to as “Old Bossier,” the East Bank District has transformed into a significant attraction for both locals and visitors alike, offering various bars, independently-owned dining venues, and attractions such as the Bayou Axe Throwing Co.

An outdoor event space known as the East Bank Plaza occupies a quarter city block and was completed in 2017, serving as a place of respite with ample seating, steel shade structures, and public artworks.

2. Margaritaville Resort Casino

Dominating the northern side of the Louisiana Boardwalk is the Margaritaville Resort Casino, which commenced operations in 2013, merging Las Vegas-style gaming with exceptional hospitality.

For those drawn to the casino experience, it offers a sprawling 26,500 square feet of gaming space equipped with 1,200 slot machines and 50 table games. Additionally, patrons can enjoy a sportsbook for real-time wagers across a variety of sports, including basketball and UFC fights.

Complementing the gaming facilities are six diverse dining options, ranging from the upscale Jimmy’s Seafood & Steak to quicker options at the Banyan Tree Coffee Bar.

3. Red River National Wildlife Refuge

Travel a few miles down the Red River and shortly after the Brookshire Grocery Arena, you will arrive at this nature preservation area overseen by the National Wildlife Refuge.

The Bossier City unit serves as the refuge’s headquarters, housing an educational visitor center and featuring over five miles of trails.

The visitor center provides insights into the various wildlife species you may encounter, and for families, the Lake Bluff Trail (Green) leads to an engaging Nature Discovery Play Area.

This play area is designed with nature themes, showcasing balance beams, hollow logs, treehouses, and a replica fishing boat to entertain kids.

4. Shreveport Aquarium

The Shreveport bank of the Red River is lined with casino resorts and also hosts family-friendly attractions, including the Shreveport Aquarium.

Inaugurated in 2017, the aquarium houses over 3,000 animals representing more than 300 species, many of which are native to this area.

The Dome on the Bayou reflects the beauty of Caddo Lake, located on the Louisiana-Texas border, showcasing freshwater species such as American paddlefish, alligator snapping turtles, and sliders.

The largest exhibit is the 30,000-gallon Ocean Tank, where visitors can observe tropical reef species, including gray sharks, through an underwater tunnel.

Check the schedule for daily feedings featuring rays, sharks, and alligator snapping turtles, as well as opportunities to touch moon jellies, starfish, and more.

5. Sci-Port Discovery Center

On the west bank of the Red River, an extensive science and entertainment center awaits, combining three attractions within a single complex.

First, the Louisiana Science and Space Center (LSSC) features 200 interactive exhibits, captivating live science demonstrations, and the Sawyer Space Dome Planetarium.

Power of Play (POP) is a children’s museum where kids under 8 can explore creativity and problem-solving skills in a miniature version of Shreveport-Bossier City.

Additionally, the complex is home to Louisiana’s only IMAX Dome Theatre, showcasing awe-inspiring films about the cosmos and the natural world on a three-story screen.

6. Barksdale Global Power Museum

Established in 1921, Barksdale Air Force Base borders the southeastern edge of Bossier City and is home to the 2nd Bomb Wing, the oldest bomb group in the U.S. Air Force.

This base features more than 40 B-52H Stratofortress bombers, providing a remarkable sight during takeoff and landing.

The Barksdale Global Power Museum exhibits an extensive collection of aviation artifacts and aircraft, primarily focusing on bombers and the history of U.S. military aviation.

Among the displays are two B-52s and several unique items for aviation enthusiasts, including a Lockheed SR-71A Blackbird, a MiG-21F, an Avro Vulcan, and a Boeing PB-1W Flying Fortress.

A particularly notable feature is the wreckage of an interwar-era Keystone B-6A bomber, discovered in nearby woods in the 1980s.

7. Bossier City Farmers’ Market

Located on the east side of the Pierre Bossier Mall, the Bossier City Farmers’ Market is a vibrant event occurring every Saturday morning from April through November, without interruptions. Remarkably sized, the market accommodates around 200 vendors, filling it up weekly.

One can expect to discover exceptionally fresh seasonal produce from local farms, in addition to baked goods, jams, jellies, honey, sauces, spice blends, flowers, candles, handcrafted fashion accessories, paintings, jewelry, artisanal soaps, leather items, and much more.

The market also features live music and activities for children, alongside food trucks serving a diverse array of options, from tamales to shrimp plates and po-boys.

8. Louisiana Boardwalk

This outdoor shopping center, positioned alongside the Red River, was inaugurated in 2005 and has become another popular entertainment venue, featuring the Regal Louisiana Boardwalk & IMAX multiplex.

The Louisiana Boardwalk was meticulously designed from the ground up, and due to its layout, size, and proximity to visitor attractions, it successfully emulates the ambiance of a genuine city district.

The area is characterized by a main tree-lined boulevard, complemented by plazas, a central fountain, and alleys, all of which become exceptionally picturesque at sunset.

Shoppers will find outlet and factory stores for notable brands such as Nike, Levi’s, Under Armour, and Kay Jewelers, among others, as well as a variety of restaurants catering to diverse tastes, ranging from Sushiko Sushi & Grill to Joe’s Crab Shack.

9. Flying Heart Brewing & Pub

Established in the East Bank District, the first craft brewery in Bossier City includes a pizza kitchen and full bar, which launched in 2018.

Flying Heart produces an extensive range of beers that cater to diverse preferences, whether one favors lighter, spicier, hoppier, maltier, or darker options.

The six flagship offerings include Louisiana Amber, Firehouse Blonde, Milk Maid Stout, Six of Hearts (Golden Ale), Barrel 52 (Porter), and Black Heart (Brown Ale).

Moreover, the brewery features unique creations infused with innovative flavors such as cilantro or chili pepper. Pizzas are offered with a thin New York-style crust and regularly rotating monthly specials to provide variety for patrons.

10. Brookshire Grocery Arena

If a major recording artist is touring Northwest Louisiana, they are likely to perform at this arena, which opened in 2000.

After undergoing several name changes, the Brookshire Grocery Arena accommodates up to 14,000 spectators for concerts, offering comfortable cushioned seating and complimentary parking.

Notable performers in the past decade have included Foo Fighters, Cher, Paul McCartney, P!nk, Garth Brooks, and Bob Seger. This venue also hosts rodeos, family entertainment, and sporting events throughout the year.

11. Louisiana Downs Casino & Racetrack

This horse racing track and racino, located in eastern Bossier City, was established in 1974. For those interested in racing events, the thoroughbred season runs from May to September, followed by the quarter horse meet from January to March.

In total, Louisiana Downs hosts 130 days of racing each year, with significant events like the Super Derby (Grade III) scheduled for September, featuring a purse of $300,000, marking it as the track’s richest race.

The adjacent casino sprawls across 150,000 square feet, offering over 800 games and a sportsbook, making it the only facility in the region where one can watch and wager on horse racing while enjoying slot machines and sports betting.

12. Horseshoe Casino

Notable for its striking golden hotel tower, the Horseshoe Casino is another one of the three casino resorts located along the riverfront in Bossier City and opened in 1994.

Managed by Caesars Entertainment, the casino offers 1,500 slot machines and a comprehensive selection of table games, including roulette, blackjack, craps, Caribbean stud poker, and three card poker.

A variety of dining options are available, ranging from upscale dining experiences at Jack Binion’s Steak House to more casual fare at Jasmine’s Noodle Bar, 8 OZ. Burger Bar, or The Port, a seafood bar.

13. Party Central Family Fun Center

As a family entertainment center that has been operational for over twenty years, Party Central offers a variety of attractions suitable for all ages.

This center provides an 18-hole miniature golf course, a go-kart track, batting cages, arcade games, a towering 25-foot slide, a climbing wall, bungee trampoline, bumper cars, bumper boats, and more.

Patrons pay for each attraction and the center offers various packages and group rates. Food options include a selection of comfort food items such as pizza, burgers, nachos, and chicken tenders.

14. Pierre Bossier Mall

Positioned at the intersection of Interstate 20 and Airline Drive in Bossier City, the enclosed Pierre Bossier Mall houses approximately 80 retailers.

Similar to many shopping centers, occupant numbers at the mall have declined slightly in recent years; however, it still boasts a variety of well-known names.

Notable retailers include JCPenney, Foot Locker, Forever 21, Dillard’s, Claire’s, GameStop, Hot Topic, and Kay Jewelers, reflecting a diverse shopping experience.

Dining options are plentiful, with chain restaurants located along Airline Drive, presenting choices from Red Lobster and Waffle House to Arby’s, Subway, Taco Bell, and Burger King.

15. Mike Wood Memorial Park

Situated south of the air force base, Mike Wood Memorial Park spans 30 acres and has seen considerable investment in recent years.

This park includes one of Bossier City’s two public swimming facilities, available from Memorial Day weekend through the summer break.

Additional amenities encompass tennis courts, a disc golf course, an outstanding modular playground, and a walkway recently enhanced with ten fitness stations.

Furthermore, the park provides an excellent vantage for observing aircraft as they take off and land at Barksdale Air Force Base, including the impressive B-52 bombers.