City: Shreveport, LA

Category: Tours & Attractions

Telephone: (318) 220-9434

Address: 705 Elvis Presley Ave.

Description: The statues of Elvis Presley and James Burton indicate that you have found the home of the Louisiana Hayride, a program originally broadcast on KWKH radio on April 3, 1948. Known as the Cradle of the Stars, the Hayride helped introduce and promote numerous performers throughout its history, including Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Jim Reeves, Nat Stuckey, Maggie Lewis, Claude King, Merle Kilgore, David Houston, and James Brown. Even the King himself, Elvis Presley, first appeared on October 14, 1954. Designed by famed local architect, Sam Wiener, along with Seymour Van Os, the auditorium was completed in 1929 and was dedicated to the veterans of World War I. A wonderful example of art deco architecture, the auditorium can seat 4,000 people. Other features include a 6,300-square-foot arena, a 54-foot proscenium arch, and one of the largest stages in the area. Still functional, the Municipal Auditorium hosts any type of event you can image, from concerts to grand Mardi Gras fêtes. You will want to spend time in the Stage of Stars Museum, which does a great job telling the history of this National Historic Landmark facility. The museum is open Wed through Sat from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sun from 1 to 4 p.m. On Sat, hourly tours are available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.