Most people know about Louisiana’s rich Cajun, Creole and French heritage and culture, but along the Boom or Bust Byway you’ll experience “Louisiana’s Other Side.” And you won’t be disappointed!
Your drive includes views of colorful wildflowers, placid bayous, peaceful plantations, shady forests, and rich productive farmland. Instead of shrimp gumbo or crawfish étouffée, you’ll dine on local favorites such as fried chicken, catfish, or chicken fried steak with green beans, okra, sweet potatoes, and cornbread. In the quaint towns, you’ll discover hidden treasures in the shops and fascinating history in the museums.
As you drive along the byway you will see evidence of the economic booms and busts experienced by the resilient people of northwest Louisiana. You’ll see graveyards of old oil field equipment that died when the oil industry went bust. But you’ll also see new oil and gas facilities being built in response to the current booming oil and natural gas economy. And there’s a booming new industry – casino gaming! Five floating, and fun-filled, casinos can be found along the banks of the Red River in Shreveport and Bossier City.
The Boom or Bust Byway follows Highway 2 and is defined by the Louisiana/Texas border on the west and the loop around the town of Homer, La., to the east. The listings on this page include our Byway partners in Caddo and Bossier Parishes. The Boom or Bust Byway website also includes information about byway partners in Webster and Claiborne Parishes.
Pick up a free GPS at Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau's Downtown Visitor Center, 629 Spring St., Shreveport. You can also download the Byway app in the iTunes App Store and on Google Play.
Walter B Jacobs Memorial Nature Park is located within 160…