City: Shreveport, LA

Category: Tours & Attractions

Telephone: (318) 673-7703

Address: 601 Clyde Fant Pkwy

Description: Opened to the public in 1970, this one-of-a-kind botanical garden and educational center is named after Robert Sim “Cap” Barnwell, a local oil tycoon whose family made a generous donation to the city of Shreveport to build the structure in his honor. Situated on the banks of the Red River, the main building is a 7,850-square-foot glass-domed conservatory, where bromeliads, flowering shrubs, palms, and numerous exotic plants await your arrival. The Fragrance Garden, located on the south end of the center, lives up to its name, inviting you to identify plants by both smell and touch. Art exhibits appear throughout the year, creating a place that offers its visitors something new to explore every time they stop by. And be sure to shop at the Store at the Barnwell for unique handicrafts fashioned from a variety of media, all seasoned with a bit of local culture. Numerous classes and workshops for all ages are offered throughout the year. Looking for a great mug of coffee while enjoying the flora? Then purchase a cup of Plantation Gourmet Coffee at the Coffee Corner. Meeting spaces area also available for rent; call for prices. And the not-for-profit group, Friends of the Barnwell, works constantly to generate awareness of the center, promote its programs, and raise funds to repair and renovate the property. Open Tues through Fri, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sat from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sun from 1 to 5 p.m.