Red River Cruise, Shreveport, LA

The Spirit of the Red River is a 35-passenger boat with observation deck

by Katy Ray | January 14, 2012

In just a few weeks the Spirit of the Red River will be back from a winter hiatus, ready to take eager nature lovers, bird watchers, and other adventurers through the waterways north of Shreveport and Bossier City. The Spirit of the Red River is a 35-passenger boat with indoor seating and an outdoor deck that cruises along the historic Red River and Cross Bayou.

The hour-long river cruise offers passengers closeup observations of wildlife, such as nutria, ducks, blue herons, white egrets, kingfishers, and various types of reptiles, including snakes, turtles, and alligators. Passengers will also get a unique perspective of the cities that have built up along the shores of the Red River here in this northwestern corner of Louisiana.

History buffs will appreciate the lessons learned from the captain, who will speak about the Indian tribes who had previously lived along the red clay banks of the river, and about the founding of Shreveport in 1836 by Captain Henry Shreve Miller. Miller famously removed a 180-mile long natural logjam, known as the Great Raft, that had obstructed passage to shipping along the Red River. Once Shreveport was settled, the logging industry dominated the area.

Nowadays though, it's clear what industry is king along the Red River in this little niche: river casino gambling. The Spirit of the Red River will take its passengers by the five great paddlewheel boats so that they get an up-close look at the details of each unique vessel.

The hourlong cruise departs from 820 Clyde Fant Parkway, Shreveport, LA 71101across from Sci-Port: Louisiana's Science Center. It operates Thursday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, 12 noon-5 p.m. The last cruise each day is at 4 p.m.

To book a cruise, email capt.sandy@redrivercruise.com or call 318-564-3560.