---
id: "2068"
name: Boom or Bust Byway
distance: "137"
duration: Half-day to one day for a self-guided tour
description: The Boom or Bust Byway showcases America's economic and historical shifts, from agriculture to industry, through oil, gas, lumber, and transportation. It highlights key landmarks like the Germantown Colony and Homer Historic District while also celebrating its musical heritage with the Louisiana Hayride, which launched stars like Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash. Beyond history, the byway offers stunning natural scenery. Visitors enjoy abundant outdoor activities, making it a perfect destination for both history enthusiasts and nature lovers.
path:
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organization:
  - url: https://boomorbustbyway.com/
    name: Boom or Bust Byway
websites:
  - url: https://byways.explorelouisiana.com/byway/boom-or-bust-byway
    name: Louisiana Byways
  - url: https://nsbfoundation.com/nb/boom-or-bust-byway/
    name: National Scenic Byway Association
attractions:
  - url: https://belcher-memorial.wixsite.com/belcher-memorial/large-grid
    name: Belcher Veterans Memorial
  - url: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caddo_Lake
    name: Caddo Lake
  - url: https://caddoparks.org/map/earl-g-williamson-park/
    name: Earl G. Williamson Park
  - url: https://www.sos.la.gov/HistoricalResources/VisitMuseums/GermantownColonyMuseum/Pages/default.aspx
    name: Germantown Colony State Museum
  - url: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caddo_Lake_Drawbridge
    name: Historic Caddo Lake Drawbridge
  - url: https://www.visitwebster.net/places/sikes-ferry/
    name: Historic Dorcheat Bayou and Sikes Ferry Landing
  - url: https://1130thetiger.com/
    name: KWKH Tower
  - url: https://www.lastateparks.com/parks-preserves/lake-claiborne-state-park
    name: Lake Claiborne State Park
  - url: https://muddybottomsatv.com/
    name: Muddy Bottoms ATV & Recreation Park
  - url: https://www.townofoilcity.com/
    name: Oil City
  - url: https://www.portauprincerestaurant.com/
    name: Port Au Prince Restaurant
  - url: https://rascals-vivian.edan.io/
    name: Rascals Restaurant
  - url: https://www.explorelouisiana.com/museums/red-river-crossroads-museum
    name: Red River Crossroads Museum
  - url: https://www.bossierlibrary.org/locations/plain-dealing-branch
    name: Rita Sanders Keoun Memorial Plain Dealing Branch
  - url: https://www.sos.la.gov/HistoricalResources/VisitMuseums/LouisianaStateOilAndGasMuseum/Pages/default.aspx
    name: The Louisiana State Oil & Gas Museum
  - url: https://caddo.gov/portfolio-item/vivian-railroad-station-museum/
    name: Vivian Railroad Station Museum
designations:
  - National Scenic Byway
states:
  - LA
ll:
  - -93.87887315706486
  - 32.88434771409791
bounds:
  - - -94.042458
    - 32.61559167346939
  - - -92.922323
    - 32.950927

---

North Louisiana's rolling hills and pine forests can be seen in all their beauty along the Boom or Bust Byway. Tracing roads that once were paths for frontiersmen moving west, the byway opens the state's hill country for your own exploration. Discover a picturesque rural region steeped in pioneer heritage. Experience lively cultures expressed in small town festivals, heritage museums, delicious southern cooking at roadside restaurants and hospitality beyond compare.

Climb aboard the byway north of Shreveport-Bossier City. Your trip along LA Hwy 2 and a network of adjoining roads will lead you from a gift shop and tea room in Vivian to Homer's famed antebellum architecture to Bernice's many historic buildings.

Along the way, visit a museum in Oil City that showcases the huge regional influence of the oil industry. Pick ripe berries on a bright sunny morning. Enjoy the beauty and sport of Lake Claiborne and Lake Bistineau State Parks, Earl Williamson Park on Caddo Lake plus numerous other lakes and bayous. Visit heritage centers carefully maintained by locals whose roots run deep. When the sun sets, make yourself comfortable at a B&B tucked away along the route. Leave the city streets behind and experience the rural riches of Northwest Louisiana.