





Children's Museums
Shreveport Water Works Museum
📍 142 N Common St, Shreveport, LA 71101🕐 Hours
| Monday | Closed |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 10 AM–4 PM |
| Wednesday | 10 AM–4 PM |
| Thursday | 10 AM–4 PM |
| Friday | 10 AM–4 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–4 PM |
| Sunday | 12–4 PM |
About Shreveport Water Works Museum
Historic pumping station with exhibits. 1887 water-plant museum featuring antique filters, pumps, steam equipment & other original machines. The McNeill Street Pumping Station was built in 1887 and features original steam-powered equipment that remained operational until 1980, making it a century-old functional water treatment facility. Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 333 visitors.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Historic Water Works Museum
- Highlights
- Last steam-powered municipal water plant in U.S., original equipment from 1800s
- Best For
- All ages, especially engineering and history enthusiasts
- Admission
- Free (donations accepted)
- Historic Status
- National Historic Landmark and National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark
💡 Did You Know?
- The McNeill Street Pumping Station was built in 1887 and features original steam-powered equipment that remained operational until 1980, making it a century-old functional water treatment facility
- The museum is still operational as a water treatment facility, allowing visitors to see authentic turn-of-the-century engineering in its original working context
- The facility offers free admission with donations accepted, and features personalized guided tours led by knowledgeable staff who can explain the operation and 100-year evolution of each piece of equipment
- An adjacent free railroad history museum provides additional historical exhibits, creating a combined heritage experience focused on Shreveport's industrial infrastructure
💬 What Visitors Say
- Arrive early to secure a personalized tour with the knowledgeable staff member on-site, who can provide detailed explanations of the historic steam engines and pumps. Reviews highlight the tour guide as 'incredible, passionate and extremely knowledgeable.'
- Take advantage of the free phone audio tour option if the staff guide is unavailable. This self-guided alternative ensures you get detailed information about the turn-of-the-century equipment and its 100-year evolution.
- Plan to visit the adjacent free railroad history museum during the same trip to maximize your educational experience and time spent on the museum campus.
- Admission is completely free with donations accepted—this is a hidden gem for budget-conscious visitors interested in engineering history. Plan adequate time to explore the operational facility without time pressure.
- Check the Easter week schedule in advance and note that the facility closes on certain holidays. Weekday visits are likely to offer better access to the personalized tour guide without crowds.
More Family Fun Nearby
Other venues within driving distance:
Own this venue? Stand out from the competition.
Children's Museums listings that are Featured get seen first by thousands of families every month.
- Priority placement in search
- Photo gallery showcase
- Insider tips from visitors
- Highlighted in dedicated featured section





