Louisiana Oil and Gas Museum, Earl G. Williamson Park, and Vivian Railroad Station Museum are just a few treasured attractions along the byway.
SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER, LA- The byway is comprised of four parishes: Caddo, Bossier, Webster and Claiborne in north Louisiana.
Why is it called the Boom or Bust Byway? The answer soon will be apparent. As you drive along the byway you will see evidence of the economic booms and busts experienced by the resilient people of Northwest Louisiana. You’ll see graveyards of old oil field equipment that died when the oil industry went bust. But you’ll also see new oil and gas facilities being built in response to the current booming oil and natural gas economy.
The scenic drive traverses back roads lined with colorful wildflowers, placid bayous, well-kept churches reflecting the Protestant faith of most 19th century settlers, peaceful plantations, shady forests, and rich productive farmland. Stops in the quaint towns of Vivian, Plain Dealing, Oil City, and others reveal hidden treasures, culture and history.
Here is a list of a few attractions and festivals that tell the story of the booms and busts along the byway:
- Louisiana State Oil and Gas Museum. This free museum, located in Oil City, interprets Louisiana’s early oil industry boom and subsequent bust through photographs, film and life-size dioramas. It’s open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Vivian Railroad Station Museum. This free museum was an old train depot in the rural community’s early history. Museum curators meticulously document the railroad history and Caddo Parish’s beginning. An interpretive kiosk and train car are adjacent to the museum. It’s open Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and by appointment.
- Earl G. Williamson Park. This beautiful 40-acre park overlooks Caddo Lake. It offers a public boat ramp, picnic facilities, playgrounds, volleyball nets, tennis courts, swimming area and more.
- In May, pay homage to the oil boom that once characterized Oil City at the Gusher Days Festival. It is held the first Saturday in May at Earl Williamson Park. The festival offers entertainment, food booths, archery, and fishing tournaments. Free.
- In June, check out the Sunflower Trail and Festival. Drive Hwy. 3049 and enjoy the beautiful sunflower trail. Then spend the day at the festival eating, shopping, and listening to live music. Free.
- In December, be awed by the fireworks display at Christmas on Caddo Fireworks Festival at Earl Williamson Park. Spend the entire day entertaining the kids with Santa, a small carnival, arts and crafts booths, food booths, and a band. Free.
To learn more about the Boom or Bust Byway, visit www.boomorbustbyway.com or to plan a visit to Shreveport-Bossier visit www.Shreveport-Bossier.org or call 800-551-8682.
NOTE TO MEDIA: High resolution images of the Boom or Bust Byway are available. To request images contact Chris Jay at cjay@sbctb.org.
