Boom or Bust Byway

Boom or Bust Byway: National Scenic Byway through Northwest Louisiana

The Boom or Bust Byway is a National Scenic self-driving byway that winds along back roads in northwest Louisiana. Its route follows Highway 2 and is defined on the west by the Louisiana/Texas border and Hwy. 3049, and on the east by Lake Claiborne. The byway runs through four parishes: Caddo, Bossier, Webster, and Claiborne.

The route offers an alternative for those looking to escape the city and discover the lesser-known side of Louisiana, away from the more widely known Cajun, Creole, and French heritage. The organization itself describes it as "Louisiana's Other Side."

A landscape shaped by the cycles of the oil industry

The byway's name reflects the visible traces of the region's economic cycles. Along the way, you'll see graveyards of abandoned oil field equipment left behind when the industry went bust, alongside new oil and gas facilities built during the recent boom. You'll also see forests planted decades ago when the timber industry was expanding, and other areas recently harvested by the timber companies still in operation. Agriculture has also experienced its own booms and busts, and you'll pass farms that have survived hard times and been passed down through generations.

The byway also highlights gaming as the emerging industry in northwest Louisiana: six floating casinos are located along the banks of the Red River. AAA Southern Traveler magazine named the Boom or Bust Byway a "Southern Travel Treasure" in 2015.

What to see and do along the route

The experience is designed for international travelers, families, retirees, and young explorers seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure. The route combines driving with outdoor activities, with good biking paths and fishing spots, plus stops at antique shops and local diners.

The landscape changes with the seasons: depending on the time of year, the roadsides may be covered in golden coreopsis, sunflowers, or crimson clover, often against a backdrop of dark green pine trees. The route passes tranquil bayous, peaceful plantations, shady forests, and productive farmland, as well as well-kept churches reflecting the Protestant faith of most 19th-century settlers.

Local cuisine and heritage

The area's food scene departs from Louisiana's better-known dishes, such as shrimp gumbo or crawfish étouffée. Instead, local favorites abound, such as fried chicken, catfish, or chicken fried steak with green beans, okra, sweet potatoes, and cornbread. In the towns along the route, you can find shops with unique items and museums with local history.

The byway also invites you to learn about the region's cultural context: in Louisiana, counties are called "parishes," a legacy of French heritage, referring to territories historically under the pastoral care and clerical jurisdiction of one parish priest. The Napoleonic Code, rather than Common Law, still governs in the state's courtrooms.

Planning and traveler resources

The byway's website organizes information into sections such as Explore the Byway, Getting Here, Tour the Towns, About the Byway, Photo Gallery, Things to Do, Events Calendar, Attractions, Outdoor Fun, Where to Eat, Accommodations, and Blog. It also offers publications such as news releases, articles, and brochures.

The organization provides a Boom or Bust Byway mobile app and an email newsletter for updates. It is managed by the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau.

Location and contact

629 Spring Street, Shreveport, LA 71101 · Email: info@sbctb.org