23 Things to Love About Lincoln Parish

We are halfway through the year 2023! What greater way to celebrate our city and parish than with 23 things we love about this community. From local events to inspiring attractions, there is truly something for everyone in the family in Ruston-Lincoln Parish.

1. Local Art

Lincoln Parish is scattered with murals and art exhibits. You won’t get far without seeing work from local artists on the walls of buildings or the painted bulldogs all around Ruston. Check out our attractions page for some ideas of where to find great local art!

2. Community Atmosphere

One of the biggest things you will love about Lincoln Parish is the sense of community. There are so many opportunities to attend community events. It is the kind of community that supports each other and roots for one another with every event and production that occurs.

3. History of Lincoln Parish

Lincoln Parish is full of history and packed with opportunities to learn more about Northern Louisiana. We have a variety of museums with insight into the history of our parish. The Northern Louisiana Military Museum and the Autrey House, to name a few. For more opportunities to learn about this history head to our attractions page.

4. Sporting Events

Here in Lincoln Parish, we are BIG sports fans! Louisiana Tech and Grambling University have many sporting events throughout the year for you to come cheer on your favorite teams! We also have the Ruston Sports Complex where you can participate in activities or watch tournaments hosted throughout the seasons. You can find home game itineraries on our website here!

5. City and Parish Parks

If you love the outdoors, you’ll love Lincoln Parish! There are so many parks and trails for you to get out and enjoy nature. Huckleberry Trails Park offers 23 acres of land to walk around and explore, as well as a playground kids to enjoy! Lincoln Parish Park has a lake with kayaking, a beach, RV park, and 10 miles of mountain biking trails with more to come!

6. Loyal Blue

Ruston is home to Louisiana Tech University. We love the bulldogs and there are so many ways that the college contributes to the atmosphere and community here! Whether it is attending the pep rallies, sporting events, musical performances, or just taking a stroll through campus. There is so much LA Tech has to offer!

7. Grambling State University

Grambling State University is another college in Lincoln Parish. Home to the Grambling Tigers, they also have sporting events and other activities for the community to enjoy. While you’re in the area, you can also check out the Eddie G. Robinson Museum to learn more about his legacy in sports.

8. Ruston Farmers Market

The Ruston Farmers Market is a well loved part of the area. You can walk around and find so many local goods and handmade items. This is a great way to support the community and find unique treasures. Fresh fruit, flowers, juice, bracelets, and baked goods are just a few of the products that the farmers market has to offer!

9. Live Music

There are so many opportunities to enjoy live music around the area. Sundown Tavern and Utility Brewing are two places that frequently feature artists and provide a fun atmosphere to experience while sitting at their outdoor patios. There are also performances to enjoy downtown at Railroad Park during events that happen throughout the year.

10. Family Acitvites

Lincoln Parish is the best place to have a fun family time! Lambright Sports and Wellness Center offers a wide variety of things to do. You can climb the rockwall, go for a swim in their outdoor pool, or even test out your skills at the bowling alley!

11. Peach Festival

The Louisiana Peach Festival is one of the most loved events hosted in Ruston, LA. This is such a unique part of Lincoln Parish history and shows the strong sense of community. Celebrate the best of Lincoln Parish during this annual event in Downtown Ruston!

12. Food Trucks

A unique aspect to our culinary scene is the Heard Freighthouse Food Park and the many other food trucks you can see parked across town. Heard Freighthouse is a fun area in Downtown Ruston perfect for a lunch outing. There are many options for local delicious food and getting to catch up with friends at their picnic tables.

13. Historic Downtown Ruston

Downton Ruston is known for its charming appearance and local flavor. Taking a stroll through the locally owned stores and grabbing a bite to eat is the best way to spend an afternoon. You can also admire the twinkling lights strung all around Railroad Park while you take an evening walk.

14. Dixie Center for the Arts

Ruston is home to the historic Dixie Center for the Arts. This theatre was originally for silent movies, and was redone in 2005. Now they host many traveling performances, bands, shows from the Ruston Community Theatre, and free summer movies! The Dixie is a cultural treasure and the heart of the arts in Northern Louisiana. Catch a band or watch a performance in this beautiful theater!

15. Coffee Shops

Sitting in a comfy chair and sipping on a delicious beverage is one thing that is easy to find here. There are several coffee shops that provide the perfect atmosphere to meet up with friends, read a good book, or get some work and studying done. Common Goods and Railway are two local coffee shops that have delicious drinks and treats for you to enjoy. If you are a die-hard local franchise fan, then PJ’s Coffee and Starbucks are options as well!

16. Holiday Spirit

One thing unique about Lincoln Parish is all of the holiday spirit! From holiday carriage rides through the streets of Downtown Ruston to Halloween movie nights at the Dixie, there is always some kind of holiday celebration to enjoy. Lincoln Lights up the Pines is a magical event where you can see Christmas Lights throughout Lincoln Parish Park.

17. Local Bakeries

There is so much to do downtown, but one of our favorite things is going to Uptown Downtown with friends for a yummy sandwich or to grab a cupcake. They have adorable outdoor seating to enjoy the fresh air during your lunch break. Enjoy delicious cupcakes and cookies from Sweets by Sarah or fresh baked goods at Common Goods for more options!

18. Butterfly Garden

Located downtown is a beautiful butterfly garden! This garden was a collaboration of the City of Ruston and the North Central Louisiana Master Gardeners to add some beauty to the corner of downtown. There are adorable flowers and plants and a bench for you to sit and enjoy watching the butterflies float around you! This is such a great way to enjoy the beauty of nature and the downtown atmosphere.

19. Library Events and Exhibits

The Lincoln Parish Library has a large selection of books with all genres and reading levels. They also host events throughout the year for the community to participate in. Catch one of the many speakers on varying topics and featured exhibits. During the summer, they offer reading programs and special kids events.

20. Squire Creek

Another thing to love about the beautiful scenery in Lincoln Parish is the beautiful flower field at Squire Creek in the spring. The fresh air and scenery will make for a great day, and a great photo opportunity for family or friends!

21. Mitchams Farm

A favorite part of Lincoln Parish heritage is Mitchams Farm. Gaze through the beautiful peach orchards at sunset or pick up a carton of peaches in the summer. They have many peach products such as ice cream, peach salsa, and so much more!

22. Ruston Community Theatre

Ruston is home to the best community theatre group - Ruston Community Theatre! Created in 1977, RCT has brought our community memorable shows such as Hello Dolly!, A Christmas Carol, and Mary Poppins. Make sure to catch one of the shows throughout the season and be amazed at the local talent we have living in Lincoln Parish!

23. Cultural District

Lincoln Parish has many local art displays, exhibits, and classes for you to enjoy. Creative Exchange and Ruston Artisans are two local places to check out for art classes and fun events. The Lincoln Parish Library also has an events center with art and experiences for you to enjoy.

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Anna Graney

Author

Anna Graney

Anna Graney is originally from a small town in Oklahoma and she moved to Ruston to attend Louisiana Tech University. In her free time, she enjoys going to coffee shops with friends or traveling to new places. As Digital Marketing Coordinator, Anna supports the Director of Marketing and Communications in managing digital assets, online promotion of Ruston/Lincoln Parish, and attending events in the area to gather and develop content.

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