You’re in for a treat when you experience the sweet peaches and historic charm of Ruston and Lincoln Parish. Located in the heart of North Louisiana in between Monroe and Shreveport, this region offers an exciting college town atmosphere, a downtown district entrenched in rich Southern history and, of course, some of the sweetest peaches you’ll ever sink your teeth into. Here are a few of the many fun things to do in “The Peach City.”
TAKE A WALK DOWN RUSTON’S MEMORY LANE
Historic Downtown
Downtown Ruston has many historic building that tell the story of Louisiana's vibrant past.
Historic Downtown Ruston is an ultra-charming area of 18 city blocks with shopping, dining and museums. Walk along Trenton and Vienna Streets to browse the many boutique shops selling clothes, antiques, souvenirs and more. Park Haus is a local favorite showcasing regional artists, accessories and gifts. After a day of shopping, craft beer fans can visit Utility Brewing Company for a refreshing house-made pint of ale. Travelers are able to dive deeper into local history and culture when they visit one of the many interesting museums located in downtown Ruston.
Lincoln Parish Museum
Step back in time at the Lincoln Parish Museum where you can view artifacts from the city’s past. Learn more about the stories of the region from “Walls that Talk” where you’ll hear citizens telling their own stories of long ago. In addition to vintage clothing, supplies, furniture and photos, the museum itself is a historic landmark built in the mid-1800s. Once you’re done visiting the museum, be sure to snap a few photos in front of the museum, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Eddie G. Robinson Museum
Sports lovers will get a kick out of visiting the Eddie G. Robinson Museum built to honor the legendary football coach. Just 10 minutes from downtown Ruston, this educational attraction includes exhibits that document and share the history and life of the award-winning football great who went on to win 408 games during his impressive coaching career with Grambling State University. Over 200 athletes who played for Coach Eddie G. Robinson went on to the NFL and four were eventually inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
FEEL BIG EXCITEMENT IN A SMALL COLLEGE TOWN
Louisiana Tech University
Louisiana Tech University is an accredited institution with ties to big research projects. Photo credit: Louisiana Tech University
Opened just before the turn of the twentieth century, Louisiana Tech University is a public research institution with enough smarts to have its programs funded by NASA, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Department of Defense, among others. Offering an accredited educational program and NCAA Division I sports teams, the Louisiana Tech invites visitors to stroll through the pedestrian-friendly campus featuring a Quad lined with beautiful shade trees and a fountain affectionately known as “the Lady of the Mist.”
Grambling State University
The marching band at Grambling State University is equally as popular as its award-winning sports teams. Photo Credit: Carlton Hamlin
While Grambling State University isn’t the only college institution that lends itself to the town’s energetic college vibe, one can’t deny the school’s distinct contribution. As home of the Eddie G. Robinson Museum, Grambling State has a long history in award-winning sports, including football, basketball, cross country, soccer and bowling. Even the university’s marching band that roots on its team at sporting events has international acclaim. Toting the motto, “Where Everybody is Somebody,” Grambling State University is a place where you can experience an authentic hometown college scene.
Ruston Sports Complex
Sports competitions in baseball, softball, soccer and more are a fun-filled experience at Ruston Sports Complex for locals and visitors alike. Photo Credit: Ruston Sports Complex
As a premier sports facility in the southern region, the Ruston Sports Complex is a top spot for athletic competition and recreation. The family-oriented 185-acre property boasts cutting-edge soccer, baseball, softball, football and tennis facilities. Here, you’ll find teams facing off in competitions and tournaments, as well as a chance to enjoy walking paths, biking trails, playgrounds and more.
RECONNECT TO THE SWEET OUTDOORS
Peach Orchards
Take a bite out of Ruston's sweet culture at the Louisiana Peach Festival held every summer.
A great time to visit Ruston Lincoln Parish is during springtime peach season where the sweetness of the town really comes out. For over 60 years, the city has hosted the Louisiana Peach Festival, where visitors take to the outdoors to sample all kinds of peach-inspired dishes while enjoying a host of events, including a bass fishing tournament, rodeo, antique car display and arts-and-crafts show. If you want to buy your own fuzzy peaches to eat, cook and share, visit one of the many local farms (some will even let you pick your own peaches!), such as Mitcham Farms & Peach Store, Yak’s Produce or Thompson’s Peach Farm.
Lincoln Parish Park
For just a few dollars, Lincoln Parish Park is a recreational dream come true. Kids of all ages have a blast biking, picnicking, canoeing, kayaking and swimming in the park’s lake. One of the best rated mountain biking trails in America is located on 10 miles of paths designed for cyclists of all levels. Children also love the park because of its playground, sandy beach and picturesque lake perfect for fishing in the summer. Or simply taking time to explore the 1.25-mile walking path that surrounds the lake to make your visit an adventure you won’t soon forget.
Lake D’Arbonne State Park
Looking for a quick daytrip to make the most of North Louisiana’s landscapes? Take a 40-minute drive northeast of Ruston to connect to the great outdoors at Lake D’Arbonne State Park. The 665-acre park has five fishing piers dotted along a serene man-made lake where you can catch a variety of fish, including bass, catfish, bream and crappie. The rolling hills surrounding the lake also give visitors the opportunity to enjoy mountain biking, picnicking, birding and camping. Additional amenities include a boat launch, tennis courts, disc golf course and hiking trails.
DISCOVER LOCAL FLAVORS YOU WON’T SOON FORGET
Railway Coffee
Located in the heart of downtown, Railway Coffee serves up some of the town's best local cups of Joe. Photo Credit: Railway Coffee
Whether you’re snobby about how you take your coffee or you just want hot brew to get you going, Railway Coffee is a great spot for coffee, light fare and baked goods. Serving locally roasted beans, the coffee shop also offers seasonally inspired parfaits, acai bowls, breakfast sandwiches, pot pies and sweet desserts like coffee cake, scones and muffins. If you want to continue to enjoy the fresh-roasted flavor of their coffee, you can buy a bag (or two!) of their beans to take home and enjoy.
Ben Christmas Crawfish
Taste the flavors of the Deep South with a meal at Ben Christmas Crawfish. The casual eatery may look like a typical boil shack, but you’ll soon realize with your first bite that the food is extraordinary. Popular dishes include a savory plate of boiled or fried shrimp, seasoned fish, juicy steaks and fresh crawfish sold from January to June. For more adventurous foodies, you can order a dish of Bayou-inspired frog legs and finish it off with a serving of nanner (banana) puddin’ and sweet tea.
Log Cabin Grill & Market
When you’re looking for all things grilled and delicious, plan a meal at Log Cabin Grill & Market. Hungry guests can order a plate of hand-cut ribeye or a plate of surf & turf with aged beef sirloin and grilled or fried shrimp. Also available is a Tex-Mex menu featuring enchiladas, sizzling fajitas and a tamale platter. Once the hunger has been satisfied, don’t forget to peek inside the market located inside the restaurant where you can treat yourself to mouthwatering cracklins and baked goods.