City: Shreveport, LA

Category: Parks & Recreation

Telephone: (318) 673-7727

Address: 2283 Bert Kouns

Description: At 585 acres, C. Bickham Dickson Park is by far the largest of any of the city-operated parks. It was initially named after the Dickson family, who in 1926 purchased the Sunflower Plantation that used to occupy the land. Picnic areas, walking and equestrian trails make this a popular getaway spot for locals. The 200-acre lake and fishing dock invite their fair share of sportsmen (and women). Small unmotored boats are welcome to use the boat launch to enter the shallow Old River Lake, but a Cross Lake sticker is required. Contact the Cross Lake patrol for information: (318) 673-7245. The park experiences seasonal flooding, however, limiting its complete viability for some visitors. But Louisiana State University in Shreveport saw an opportunity to teach both its students and the public about wetlands conservation, environmental research, and the importance of the Red River Watershed. So in 2000, the City of Shreveport and LSUS created the shared cooperative known as the Red River Education and Research Park. A terrific spot for bird-watching.