Train. John Ford Park, Shreveport, LA, Sep 2020
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Ford Park Cross Lake

4.4
Β·552 reviewsΒ·Shreveport, United States

A peaceful Shreveport park with a classic playground, vintage train, and scenic Cross Lake views, perfect for family picnics and fishing.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Train. John Ford Park, Shreveport, LA, Sep 2020

Ford Park Cross Lake

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A peaceful Shreveport park with a classic playground, vintage train, and scenic Cross Lake views, perfect for family picnics and fishing.

4.4
(552 reviews)

"It's a good place to take the kids to play and have a picnic."

Vertical photo
TIP

🧺 Picnic Perfect

Plenty of tables and shade trees make it ideal for a family picnic. Bring your own food and enjoy the views!

πŸ“Έ Photo Ops Galore

Capture memories with the vintage train and scenic lake views. The old dock was a great spot, though now removed.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.4 Β· 552 reviews

Type

Park

πŸ‘Ά Good for kidsβ™Ώ Wheelchair accessibleπŸ…ΏοΈ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Vintage Train Engine

Vintage Train Engine

Near the playground

A nostalgic relic from the past, this old train engine offers a unique photo opportunity and a glimpse into local history.

Playground Fun

Playground Fun

One side of the park

Featuring sturdy, classic metal equipment, this playground is a hit with kids, evoking a sense of childhood nostalgia for parents.

Cross Lake Views

Cross Lake Views

Throughout the park

Enjoy serene vistas of Cross Lake, perfect for picnics, relaxation, and capturing beautiful moments.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Outdoors

Ford Park on Cross Lake offers a refreshing escape with its playground, picnic spots, and lake views. It's a great place for families and anyone seeking a peaceful outdoor experience. Remember to check for local events or gatherings that might enhance your visit.

Safety First

While generally a pleasant spot, be aware of your surroundings, especially near the boat launch. Some visitors have reported unsettling experiences. Stick to well-lit areas and consider visiting during busier times if you're concerned.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend afternoons
Why
Lively with families and activities
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The catfish were jumping at Ford Park on Cross Lake #crosslake #Shreveport #catfish #louisiana #northlouisiana #northwestlouisiana
c.w.johnsonjr87
2 likes β€’ 142 views

🧺 Picnic Perfect

Plenty of tables and shade trees make it ideal for a family picnic. Bring your own food and enjoy the views! Reddit

πŸ“Έ Photo Ops Galore

Capture memories with the vintage train and scenic lake views. The old dock was a great spot, though now removed. Reddit

🌟 Simply STUNNING! 🌟 5856 S Lakeshore Dr, Shreveport, LA Freshly remodeled townhouse in a gated Cross Lake community close to the Shreveport Yacht Club across from Ford Park * Huge master bedroom is over 400 sq ft with a lake view * Spacious open floor plan with updated kitchen including refrigerator * Convenient access to I-220 * Two car attached garage with plenty of guest parking close by * Co...
platinumgrouprealty318
2 likes β€’ 25 views
reddit.com

Any social hangout areas? Looking for friends.

26M that's been living here for awhile now and I'm trying to get out of my homebody state. I'm all for trying no hobbies. Only thing is I'm not all about that night life (I don't drink or smoke). Just looking for any idea that a single guy like me could do in the…

🎣 Catfish Hotspot

If you're into fishing, Cross Lake is known for its jumping catfish, especially during warmer months. TikTok

πŸ‘Ÿ Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing some walking to explore the park and its amenities. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🧺 Picnic Perfect

Plenty of tables and shade trees make it ideal for a family picnic. Bring your own food and enjoy the views! Reddit

πŸ“Έ Photo Ops Galore

Capture memories with the vintage train and scenic lake views. The old dock was a great spot, though now removed. Reddit

🎣 Catfish Hotspot

If you're into fishing, Cross Lake is known for its jumping catfish, especially during warmer months. TikTok

πŸ‘Ÿ Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing some walking to explore the park and its amenities. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(552 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find Ford Park on Cross Lake to be a clean and peaceful spot, especially appreciated for its classic playground and scenic lake views, making it ideal for family picnics and a nostalgic outing. However, some have expressed concerns about safety and awareness of surroundings, particularly near the boat launch.

"We used to go all the time on the lake side.
The dock was torn down which was really a great, little place to take photos.
There is a nice playground on one side of the road, and an old train engine on the other. That train has been there as long as I can remember, and I've been here a few decades. It's decaying bit by bit and I am afraid it's days are numbered.

It's a good place to take the kids to play and have a picnic"

EMT Karen

"Very nice place the grandgirls had a blast playing on all the different old equipment. It was actually nice to see some equipment that was still metal like I use to play on as a kid myself. The park was very clean we also met a few men there and got to talk to a Veteran for a while. Definitely was a great time. We went to both sides of the park and both sides were clean the ice cream truck came through it just took me back to my childhood for a little bit."

kelly martin

"This is a very peaceful and well kept park, we had a picnic and there were plenty of tables and trees for shade. There are also wonderful views of the lake... and a boat launching dock... would definitely be back when I'm in town!"

Taneshia Higgins

What People Like

Clean and well-kept
Nostalgic playground
Peaceful lake views

What People Dislike

Safety concerns

Frequently Asked Questions

πŸš‡ πŸ—ΊοΈ Getting There

Ford Park is located in Shreveport, Louisiana, accessible via S Lakeshore Dr. It's conveniently situated near I-220, making it easy to reach by car. Instagram

Yes, there is parking available, including a boat launch area. However, be mindful of your surroundings when parking, especially if you're alone. Reddit

Yes, there is a boat launching dock at Ford Park, allowing direct access to Cross Lake for boating and fishing enthusiasts. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ford Park is a public park and generally does not have an entrance fee for general access. Enjoy the amenities for free! Reddit

Park hours are typically from dawn to dusk. It's always a good idea to check local listings or call ahead for any specific event hours or closures. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

You can enjoy picnicking, playing on the playground, fishing, boating (with the boat launch), and simply relaxing while enjoying the lake views. Reddit

Absolutely! The park features a playground with classic metal equipment that kids love, making it a great spot for family outings. Reddit

Restroom facilities are typically available at public parks like Ford Park. It's advisable to confirm their availability upon arrival. Reddit

Yes, Cross Lake is known for fishing, and Ford Park offers access for anglers. Catfish are particularly popular here. TikTok

There's a vintage train engine on display, a nostalgic piece of local history that serves as a unique landmark and photo spot within the park. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While there aren't typically permanent food vendors within the park itself, an ice cream truck sometimes visits, bringing a nostalgic touch. It's best to pack your own picnic. Reddit

Yes, Ford Park is an excellent spot for picnics, with numerous tables and shaded areas available for visitors to enjoy their meals. Reddit

πŸ“Έ πŸ“Έ Photography

The vintage train engine and the scenic views of Cross Lake are prime locations for photography. The area near the boat launch also offers picturesque lake vistas. Reddit

With its natural beauty and unique landmarks like the train engine, Ford Park can be a charming backdrop for casual photo sessions. Reddit

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