View Shreveport's riverine history and riparian wildlife on The Spirit of the Red River Cruises; season resumes on Ap1

Captain Sandy Jackson will resume The Spirit of the Red River Cruises on Tuesday, April 1 and go through Nov. 31, says Chris Jay.

“What makes this tour so special is when I get to teach people about Shreveport-Bossier and the Red River’s history, especially the uses for the Red River during the Great Depression and U.S. wars,” said Captain Sandy. “This tour is such a great opportunity to gain memories, learn untold history and sightsee on this beautiful river.”

Captain Sandy has been a river boat captain for more than 40 years with 18 of those years as the captain for the Spirit of the Red River Cruise.

The 40-foot pontoon boat travels between Shreveport-Bossier’s six river boat casinos. It holds up to 35 people with tickets at $15 per person. Groups of 20 people receive a 10 percent discount.

While on the hour-long tour, passengers travel through populated areas along the Red River, then head northwest for an authentic glimpse of the river’s natural terrain and working fishery. Throughout the tour Captain Sandy explains the eventful history of the Red River, as well as pointing out the wildlife and architecture of river homes, houseboats and historical bridges.

The cruiser docks directly across from Sci-Port: Louisiana’s Science Center on Clyde Fant Parkway in downtown Shreveport. Tour times are 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Thursday-Saturday, and Noon-5 p.m. on Sundays. Tours begin at the top of each hour.

Captain Sandy Jackson: (318) 564-3560 or visit www.redrivercruise.com. Photo by Chris Jay.