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Emma Boone
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eboone@visitshreveportbossier.org
Saturday, January 17, 2026
Louisiana Office of Tourism Kicks Off The
Year of Outdoors in Caddo Parish
Caddo & Bossier Parishes, LA – Visit Shreveport-Bossier announced its participation in the Louisiana Office of Tourism’s 2026 statewide campaign. Alongside Walter B. Jacobs Nature Center, Shreveport-Bossier was honored to be chosen as the location for the official announcement of the Year of Outdoors. The Year of Outdoors celebrates Louisiana’s outdoor culture while encouraging residents and visitors to reconnect with the natural landscapes that define the state.
Caddo & Bossier Parishes’ diverse outdoor assets provide a natural backdrop for showing how Louisiana continues to prioritize outdoor recreation as a core part of community wellbeing and visitor experiences.
“In Louisiana, the outdoors aren’t just something you see – they’re something you feel. Our outdoors areas are as diverse as they are unforgettable,” said Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser. “The Walter B. Jacobs Nature Center in Shreveport is a great place to launch our ‘Year of Outdoors’ campaign because it not only highlights the beauty of our state, but also helps educate visitors about what makes Louisiana’s outdoors so special. It’s another great way to Feed Your Soul with one of our state’s natural treasures.”
With a mild climate that makes this area Sportsman's Paradise, Shreveport-Bossier’s outdoor spaces bring family and friends together for memorable moments that will last a lifetime.
“The Year of Outdoors gives us a reason to pause and celebrate something we sometimes take for granted,” said Stacy Brown, President & CEO of Visit Shreveport-Bossier. “In Shreveport-Bossier, things grow here—community pride, connection, and a sense of belonging. Our outdoor spaces reflect that spirit and invite others to see our region the way we do.”
The newest example of this investment is the reopening of Walter B. Jacobs Nature Center. The newly completed 24,000-square-foot facility is the first of its kind in the region and offers a dynamic, immersive experience for visitors of all ages. The upgraded Nature Center includes interactive exhibits, live animal displays, a birds of prey aviary, five miles of outdoor hiking trails, and beautifully designed outdoor spaces that showcase the natural beauty of Caddo Parish.
Across Caddo and Bossier parishes, residents and visitors can experience fishing and paddling, trail exploration, neighborhood parks, scenic drives, and overnight outdoor escapes. From kayaking on Caddo Lake and camping just minutes from downtown at God’s Country Resort & Campground, to regional exploration along the Boom or Bust Byway, outdoor experiences are woven throughout North Louisiana. More outdoor adventures for all seasons and ages can be found at www.VisitShreveportBossier.org.
The Louisiana Office of Tourism is producing a series of limited-edition campaign posters and chose well-known local photographer Paul Keith to showcase Northwest Louisiana. Mr. Keith specializes in Caddo Lake photography and photo tours and attended the ceremony.
As Louisiana’s Year of Outdoors begins, Shreveport-Bossier serves as the launch point for a statewide focus on memorable outdoor experiences. Hosting the announcement highlights the region’s growing commitment to outdoor investment, from reimagined nature destinations to everyday access across Northwest Louisiana. Together, these spaces reflect a community where the outdoors are part of how people live, connect, and welcome visitors.
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Visit Shreveport-Bossier is the official destination marketing organization for Shreveport-Bossier City, Louisiana. The organization promotes the area as a premier destination for leisure travel, meetings, and events—driving economic growth and supporting local businesses. For more information, visit www.VisitShreveportBossier.org.
