Shreveport, LA

Ark-La-Tex Antique Vehicle & Fire Fighters Museum
Housed in a former car and truck dealership from the 1920s and reopened as a museum in 1995; features an array of antique and classic vehicles, motorcycles and antique fire trucks and vintage costumes; includes a gift shop; listed on the National Registry of Historic Places; 601 Spring Street; 318-222-0227

Multicultural Center of the South
Located in downtown Shreveport, one of the newest cultural entities in town is The Multicultural Center of the South; opened 2005, it is one of the first new arts and cultural attractions in the exciting new West Edge Arts District; the formation of the District was spurred in part by a variety of organizations working in conjunction with the Shreveport Regional Arts Council to transform several old Shreveport buildings into art museums and other attractions that enhance the cultural landscape of the area; the Multicultural Center of the South, encompassing some 52,745 square feet, is a wonderful place in which to explore permanent displays and exhibits detailing the 20-plus ethnic and cultural groups that historically and currently live within the Shreveport – Bossier City area, including African Americans, Creoles, Cajuns, Native Americans, Filipinos, Japanese, East Indians and more; the Center presents a wide range of entertaining, educational family activities and special programs including lectures, symposia, live musical performances and cultural tour programs throughout the year, and also maintains a multicultural library and gift shop; 400 Travis Street, 318-424-1380; http://www.mccofthesouth.org

Stage of Stars Museum
Built in the 1920’s and recognized as “The finest example of Art Deco construction in the State of Louisiana” and a national historic landmark; it was also dedicated to the Soldiers of the Great War on Veterans' Day; in 1948, it started as the “The Louisiana Hayride”, a weekly radio showcase of talented singers, songwriters and performers; in 1954, 18-year old truck driver Elvis Presley made his debut here; recognized as a historical goldmine of Country Music and Hillbilly Rock n’ Roll; includes a gift shop; located in the Municipal Memorial Auditorium; 705 Elvis Presley Ave; 318-220-9434; http://www.stageofstars.com

Spring Street Historical Museum
Built in 1865 and listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the Spring Street Historical Museum features Civil War artifacts; uniforms, equipment and other items WWI and WWI, maps and more; 525 Spring Street; 318-424-0964; http://www.springstreetmuseum.com

Louisiana State Exhibit Museum
Numerous detailed, life-like dioramas depicting the history and culture of Louisiana through industry, agriculture and development, and other multifarious exhibits include prehistoric Native American artifacts, documents, and special exhibits; two exhibits depict African American history and leaders; the museum is also known for its towering murals; 3015 Greenwood Road; 318-632-2020; http://www.sec.state.la.us/museums/shreve/shreve-index.htm

Meadows Museum of Art
A surprising museum for the region and home to a collection of French academic artist Jean Despujols' paintings of Southeast Asia and documenting the peoples of Indochina; also features works by Diego Rivera, Jose Clemente Orozco, Mary Cassatt, Reginald Marsh, Alfred Maurer, Clyde Connell and George Grosz; 2911 Centenary Boulevard at Centenary College; 318-869-5169, http://www.centenary.edu/departme/meadows

Bossier City, LA

Ark–La-Tex Mardi Gras Museum
Provides an educational and entertaining perspective of the history of Mardi Gras in Louisiana; also a venue for functions that showcase the area’s cultural heritage; Sat 11a–4p,
Sun 1p–4p,
Mon–Fri by appt; 2101 East Texas Street; 318-741-3019; http://www.mardigrasmuseum.org

Barksdale Air Force Base, LA

Eighth Air Force Museum
This 12,000 square foot museum has a myriad of items from World War I to the present including authentic uniforms, dioramas, barrack exhibits and more, plus numerous aircraft and vehicles outside; shows Air Force films daily in a replica World War I briefing room; 88 Shreveport Road; 318-456-3067; http://www.8afmuseum.net