The National Scenic Byway Association is thrilled to declare September 22 as National Scenic Byway Day, a nationwide celebration inviting travelers to rediscover America’s most breathtaking, culturally rich, and story‑filled roads. The Boom or Bust Byway is celebrating this annual observance during a milestone year for American travel heritage. 2026 marks America’s 250th birthday and the 100th anniversary of the U.S. Numbered Highway System, the historic grid that transformed early routes into the modern network of highways that shaped American mobility. With road trips continuing to dominate vacation trends, National Scenic Byway Day offers the perfect excuse to take the scenic route and explore the authentic character of the USA.
Shreveport-Bossier sits at the heart of one of Louisiana’s most storied scenic drives. The Boom or Bust National Scenic Byway, designated a National Scenic Byway in 2021, stretches more than 130 miles along Highway 2 through four parishes—Caddo, Bossier, Webster and Claiborne—carrying travelers through the dramatic rise and fall of the region’s oil and gas industry. Along the way, visitors can explore the Louisiana State Oil and Gas Museum in Oil City, step inside the only functioning antebellum courthouse in Louisiana in Homer, and drift along the cypress-draped shores of Caddo Lake, a 30,000-acre Ramsar wetland straddling the Texas-Louisiana border. Whether visitors come for the history, scenery, antique shops or local diners tucked into the pine hills, the Boom or Bust Byway delivers Louisiana’s soul in equal measure. National Scenic Byway Day is the perfect occasion to experience it.
In recognition of the byway’s importance to Northwest Louisiana, the Town of Plain Dealing, Village of Gilliam and Bossier Parish Police Jury have each issued proclamations recognizing September 22, 2026, as National Scenic Byway Day. The proclamations celebrate the Boom or Bust National Scenic Byway’s scenic, historic, cultural, recreational, archaeological and natural treasures, as well as its contributions to tourism, local businesses and quality of life throughout the communities it connects.
“The small towns throughout Caddo and Bossier Parishes are at the heart of what makes Northwest Louisiana so special,” said Stacy Brown, president and CEO of Visit Shreveport-Bossier. “Along the Boom or Bust National Scenic Byway, travelers can slow down, experience the history that shaped our region, indulge in southern eateries and discov
er welcoming communities. Here you can explore great biking paths, fishing h
oles, kayak trails or recharge with some retail therapy and beautiful landscapes along the way. We are proud to celebrate a route that shares the character and charm of these communities with visitors.”
Across the country, more than 1,000 designated scenic byways showcase the landscapes, cultures, and communities that define America. From mountain overlooks and coastal cliffs to historic towns, Indigenous heritage corridors, rolling farmlands, and red‑rock canyons, each byway offers a distinct story – and a reason to slow down.
“National Scenic Byway Day is now our annual reminder that the journey is the destination,” said Sharon Strouse, executive director of the National Scenic Byway Association. “These roads connect us to America’s past, present, and future – inviting everyone to explore, connect, and fall in love with this incredible country all over again. Grab your keys, your crew, and go chase those horizons!”
Travelers are encouraged to celebrate September 22 by planning a scenic drive, visiting a byway community, exploring historic markers and museums, attending local events, or sharing their adventures using #NationalScenicBywayDay. With TravelByways.com offering maps, itineraries, and points of interest nationwide, planning the perfect scenic route has never been easier.