Shreveport, LA

RiverView Park
One of the highlights of the riverfront with an interactive water fountain having light and music, a waterfall, two amphitheaters, a dozen artistically designed roses—half in full bloom and others in partial bloom–-which change colors at night and a 300-ft.-long floating boat dock; 601 Clyde Fant Parkway

P.B.S. Pinchback Park
Named in honor of Louisiana’s first Black governor, this 10-acre park provides playground equipment, baseball field, basketball court, volleyball area, covered picnic sites with grills and an asphalt walking/jogging path; well used for family reunions; 6a-9p daily; 7903 Jefferson Paige Road; 318-929-2806; http://www.caddoparks.com

Caddo Lake
Between Texas and Louisiana sits Caddo Lake, which lies on Sabine River and Cypress Bayou. Dense stands of bald cypress line the channels that wind around the lake's 25,400 acres. Caddo, one of the oldest lakes in the area, was a natural lake until artificially dammed in the early 1900s; fishers note: it holds largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, red ear sunfish, chain pickerel and white bass; 318-309-3474; http://caddolakefishing.com

Walter B. Jacobs Memorial Nature Park
Dedicated to the preservation and study of nature, the park has interpretive exhibits, well marked hiking trails identifying natural features and animal habitats, guided tours with professional naturalists and a picnic area; 8012 Blanchard Furrh Road; 318-929-2806; http://www.caddoparks.com

Gardens of the American Rose Center
The American Rose Center features North America's largest rose garden with more than 20,000 roses on 118 acres of blooming beauty; headquarters for the American Rose Society; 8877 Jefferson-Paige Road; 318-938-5402; http://www.ars.org

Bayou Pierre, LA

Bayou Pierre Alligator Park
Walk through Alligator Island to see hundreds of young gators in various growth phases, and have your picture taken with a gator. Watch the beasts in action as park staff feed the snapping jaws of full-grown gators in a spectacular show; must see the Alligator Island Show and Big Al's Feeding Show; 877-354-7001; http://www.alligatorshow.com

Elm Grove, LA

Clark’s Red River Marina Park
Located approximately 13 miles south of Bossier City, numerous RV sites, cabins, boat launches, a store and guide service referrals make Clark’s a local favorite. 
500 J. T. White Road; 318-747-2002; http://www.clarksredrivermarina.com

Benton, LA

Cypress Black Bayou Recreational Area
Something to offer the entire family! Picnic among the pine trees, fish off one of the piers, stay in a cabin or cottage, or enjoy the sand beach. There is also a nature center and petting zoo; 135 Cypress Park; 318-965-0007; http://www.cypressblackbayou.com

Oil City, LA

Earl G. Williamson Park and Recreation Area
Located 18 miles north of Shreveport, this is the site of the world’s first oil well drilled over water.  The park and recreation area have numerous amenities including tennis courts, volleyball and baseball fields, a lake for fishing and boating with two swimming areas and a campground; 1425 Highway 1 North; 318-929-2806; http://www.caddoparks.com