From Museums to Wildlife Refuges: 5 Must-See Attractions in Bossier City, Louisiana
Bossier City is in Louisiana, USA, located on the eastern bank of the Red River, opposite Shreveport. The city has a population of around 63,000 and is the third-largest city in the Shreveport-Bossier metropolitan area.
Bossier City is well-known for its casinos, gaming establishments, and hotels, making it a popular tourist destination. Bossier City also boasts numerous parks, museums, and other attractions that cater to people of all ages and interests.
One of the most popular attractions in Bossier City is the Louisiana Boardwalk, an outdoor shopping and entertainment center located on the banks of the Red River. The Boardwalk features a variety of stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues, including an IMAX theater and a riverfront amphitheater.
Visitors can also stroll along the riverfront promenade and enjoy the scenic views of the Red River.
Another must-see attraction in Bossier City is the Barksdale Global Power Museum, located on the Barksdale Air Force Base. The museum is dedicated to the history of Barksdale Air Force Base and its role in global military operations.
Visitors can explore exhibits, including historic aircraft, artifacts, and memorabilia. The museum also features an outdoor park showcasing various aircraft and missiles, making it a popular attraction for aviation enthusiasts.
Louisiana Boardwalk Outlets
Louisiana Boardwalk Outlets is a popular shopping center located in Bossier City, Louisiana, just across the Red River from Shreveport. The complex offers a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options, making it an excellent destination for visitors of all ages.
With over 50 stores and restaurants, there’s something for everyone at the Louisiana Boardwalk Outlets.
The shopping center offers a mix of designer brands and discount stores, allowing shoppers to find deals on everything from high-end fashion to home goods.
In addition, visitors can browse popular brands like Nike, Levi’s, and Under Armour. The outlet mall also offers a variety of dining options, including national chains like Hooters and local favorites like Joe’s Crab Shack.
In addition to shopping and dining, the Louisiana Boardwalk Outlets also hosts various events throughout the year, including live music, festivals, and seasonal events like Halloween trick-or-treating and visits with Santa Claus during the holidays.
The shopping center is also located near several other attractions, including the nearby casinos and Louisiana Downs racetrack, making it an excellent destination for a full day of fun and entertainment in Bossier City.
Touchstone Wildlife and Art
Touchstone Wildlife and Art is a unique museum in Red Chute, Louisiana, that combines the beauty of art with the natural wonder of wildlife. Visitors to the museum can enjoy an extensive collection of wildlife art and artifacts, including taxidermy animals, antlers, and horns.
The museum’s exhibits showcase a wide variety of wildlife worldwide, including exotic animals like lions, tigers, and bears.
One of the most striking exhibits at Touchstone Wildlife and Art is the life-size dioramas that depict animals in their natural habitats. These dioramas are meticulously crafted, with detailed backdrops, realistic foliage, and taxidermy animals that are arranged to look as if they are interacting with each other.
The museum also features an extensive collection of antique firearms and other hunting equipment, offering a glimpse into hunting and wildlife conservation history.
Touchstone Wildlife and Art is an excellent destination for anyone who loves wildlife or art. The museum is open to the public and welcomes visitors of all ages.
It’s a great place to learn about different animals and their habitats and appreciate the natural world’s beauty and complexity.
Bodcau Wildlife Management Area
Bodcau Wildlife Management Area is a vast 33,766-acre wildlife refuge in Benton, Louisiana. Established in 1949, it has become a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
The management area offers a diverse range of habitats, such as upland pine and hardwood forests, bottomland hardwood forests, wetlands, and open fields. These habitats provide a home for a wide range of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, quail, and various waterfowl species.
One of the main attractions of Bodcau Wildlife Management Area is its excellent hunting opportunities. It offers a range of hunting opportunities, including deer, turkey, and small game such as squirrels and rabbits.
There are also several waterfowl hunting areas, including the Black Bayou Reservoir and the Bodcau Bayou. All hunters must have a valid Louisiana hunting license and adhere to the management area’s rules and regulations.
Bodcau Wildlife Management Area also offers various recreational opportunities, such as hiking, camping, and fishing. Visitors can enjoy the area’s scenic beauty by hiking along its many trails, including the 7.5-mile Bayou Bodcau Dam Trail, which offers stunning views of the Bodcau Dam and Reservoir.
The management area has several campgrounds for camping, including the primitive Bodcau Bayou Campground and the modern Black Bayou Lake Campground. Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy the area’s numerous waterways, which are home to various fish species such as bass, crappie, and catfish.
Barksdale Global Power Museum
The Barksdale Global Power Museum is a unique museum located in Bossier City, Louisiana, on the grounds of the Barksdale Air Force Base.
The museum is dedicated to preserving the history of the 2nd Bomb Wing, the evolution of the B-52 Stratofortress, and the vital role played by Barksdale Air Force Base in the nation’s defense. The museum showcases various aircraft, engines, weapons, and artifacts related to the history of the 2nd Bomb Wing and the U.S. Air Force.
One of the most notable exhibits at the Barksdale Global Power Museum is the B-52 Stratofortress, which played a pivotal role in the Cold War and continues to serve as a symbol of U.S. Air Force power.
Visitors can get an up-close look at the aircraft, explore the cockpit and flight deck, and learn about the technology and systems that make the B-52 such an impressive weapon system. Other aircraft on display include the B-17 Flying Fortress, B-29 Superfortress, and SR-71 Blackbird.
In addition to the impressive collection of aircraft, the Barksdale Global Power Museum features a range of exhibits and displays that cover the history of the 2nd Bomb Wing and Barksdale Air Force Base.
Visitors can learn about the different missions of the 2nd Bomb Wing, from strategic deterrence to conventional bombing, as well as the people and technology behind the missions. The museum also has a gift shop where visitors can purchase souvenirs and memorabilia related to the museum and the U.S. Air Force.
Krewe of Gemini Mardi Gras Museum
The Krewe of Gemini Mardi Gras Museum in Bossier City, Louisiana, celebrates one of the world’s largest and most famous carnival celebrations.
The museum is dedicated to the history and traditions of the Krewe of Gemini, which was founded in 1989 and has been a major part of the Mardi Gras festivities in northwest Louisiana ever since.
Visitors to the museum can explore exhibits showcasing the intricate and colorful costumes worn by Krewe’s members and floats, memorabilia, and other artifacts highlighting the region’s rich cultural heritage.
The museum also features interactive displays and multimedia presentations that give visitors a comprehensive overview of the Mardi Gras celebration.
Visitors can learn about the history and significance of the holiday, as well as the associated rituals and traditions. They can also view photographs and videos of past Mardi Gras parades and balls and listen to stories from members of the Krewe of Gemini and other participants in the festivities.
In addition to the exhibits and displays, the Krewe of Gemini Mardi Gras Museum hosts various special events throughout the year, including book signings, lectures, and demonstrations.
The museum is open to the public regularly, and admission is free. It is a must-see destination for anyone interested in the history and culture of Louisiana, as well as those who want to experience the excitement and joy of Mardi Gras firsthand.
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