Ford Park Cross Lake
A peaceful Shreveport park with a classic playground, vintage train, and scenic Cross Lake views, perfect for family picnics and fishing.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Ford Park Cross Lake
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
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.
"It's a good place to take the kids to play and have a picnic."
🧺 Picnic Perfect
Plenty of tables and shade trees make it ideal for a family picnic. Bring your own food and enjoy the views!
📸 Photo Ops Galore
Capture memories with the vintage train and scenic lake views. The old dock was a great spot, though now removed.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
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
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
Throughout the park
Enjoy serene vistas of Cross Lake, perfect for picnics, relaxation, and capturing beautiful moments.
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Planning Your Visit
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Best Times
Insider Tips
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🧺 Picnic Perfect
Plenty of tables and shade trees make it ideal for a family picnic. Bring your own food and enjoy the views!
📸 Photo Ops Galore
Capture memories with the vintage train and scenic lake views. The old dock was a great spot, though now removed.
Any social hangout areas? Looking for friends.
🎣 Catfish Hotspot
If you're into fishing, Cross Lake is known for its jumping catfish, especially during warmer months.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing some walking to explore the park and its amenities.
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!
📸 Photo Ops Galore
Capture memories with the vintage train and scenic lake views. The old dock was a great spot, though now removed.
🎣 Catfish Hotspot
If you're into fishing, Cross Lake is known for its jumping catfish, especially during warmer months.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing some walking to explore the park and its amenities.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ 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.
Yes, there is parking available, including a boat launch area. However, be mindful of your surroundings when parking, especially if you're alone.
Yes, there is a boat launching dock at Ford Park, allowing direct access to Cross Lake for boating and fishing enthusiasts.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ford Park is a public park and generally does not have an entrance fee for general access. Enjoy the amenities for free!
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.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy picnicking, playing on the playground, fishing, boating (with the boat launch), and simply relaxing while enjoying the lake views.
Absolutely! The park features a playground with classic metal equipment that kids love, making it a great spot for family outings.
Restroom facilities are typically available at public parks like Ford Park. It's advisable to confirm their availability upon arrival.
Yes, Cross Lake is known for fishing, and Ford Park offers access for anglers. Catfish are particularly popular here.
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.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
Yes, Ford Park is an excellent spot for picnics, with numerous tables and shaded areas available for visitors to enjoy their meals.
📸 📸 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.
With its natural beauty and unique landmarks like the train engine, Ford Park can be a charming backdrop for casual photo sessions.
For Different Travelers
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👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the playground, the park offers ample space for picnics, with plenty of tables and shade trees, making it easy to spend a whole afternoon. The vintage train engine also provides a unique point of interest for kids to explore and photograph. It's a great spot for a casual family outing without the crowds of larger amusement parks.
🎣 Anglers and Outdoor Enthusiasts
Beyond fishing, the park's natural setting provides a pleasant environment for general outdoor enjoyment. Whether it's a leisurely stroll, a picnic by the water, or simply enjoying the lake views, Ford Park caters to those seeking a peaceful connection with nature.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Park's Amenities
For those who enjoy the water, the park provides a boat launching dock, granting access to Cross Lake for fishing and boating activities. The lake itself is known for its scenic views, making it a pleasant backdrop for picnics. While a dock used to be a popular photo spot, it has since been removed.
Visitors often praise the park for its cleanliness and peaceful atmosphere, making it a good choice for a relaxing day outdoors. The presence of ample picnic tables and shade trees further enhances the visitor experience for those looking to spend an extended period enjoying the park's offerings.
Fishing and Lake Activities
Beyond fishing, the lake offers opportunities for other water-based recreation. While specific amenities for watersports might be limited within the park itself, the general ambiance of Cross Lake is conducive to enjoying the water. The presence of the boat launch suggests a community that values its aquatic resources.
It's worth noting that while the lake is a draw, visitors should remain aware of their surroundings, especially near the boat launch area, as some have reported feeling uneasy. However, for fishing enthusiasts and those looking to enjoy a day by the water, Cross Lake and Ford Park provide a solid local option.
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