35 Things to Do in Ruston Before You Graduate

College is great a time to explore, try new things, and make memories.

With this in mind, we're encouraging students to get out into the community and experience these 35 things in Ruston & Lincoln Parish before they graduate!

Pictured: Walking trails at Lincoln Parish Park

1. Treat yourself to some peach ice cream from Mitcham Farms (Typically offered May-August)

2. Take a selfie with each bulldog in The Bulldog Project

3. Make friends with a pup by adopting a dog for a day from 4 Paws

4. Engage in the history of the parish by visiting our local museums: North Louisiana Military Museum, Lincoln Parish Museum, and the Eddie G. Robinson Museum

5. Adventure Outdoors! Go hiking, mountain biking, or kayaking at Lincoln Parish Park

6. Enjoy listening to live music on the Sundown Tavern patio

7. Attend one of the shows at the Dixie Theatre

8. Get some Ruston stickers, postcards, and brochures at the Ruston Visitors Center

9. Experience the Grambling State University marching band in action

10. Taste some classic Louisiana crawfish at Ben Christmas Crawfish

11. Attend the Louisiana Peach Festival to enjoy music, arts vendors, food trucks, and peaches! (First weekend in June)

12. Spend an afternoon shopping local in Downtown Ruston

Arial view of Downtown Ruston

13. Go for a hike at Driskill Mountain - the tallest point in Louisiana (a short drive from Ruston)

14. Celebrate 4th of July at the Temple Baptist Church Freedom Fest and fireworks display

15. Have a fun movie night at Celebrity Theatres for their $5 Tuesday night deal

16. Enjoy a dinner with a unique twist of flavors at White Lightnin'

17. Participate in fun Loyal Blue Weekend activities

Loyal Blue Weekend Activities in Railroad Park

18. Practice your skills at Frisbee Golf in Hideaway Park

19. Sip and study at Common Goods

20. Get active with friends and check out the Lambright bowling alley

21. Meet up with artists at one of the workshops hosted by Creative Exchange

22. Picnic on a sunny day at Railroad Park

23. Take a carriage ride during the holiday season through Downtown Ruston

24. Try the pizza of the month at Utility Brewing

25. Visit your neighboring university, Grambling State University or LA Tech University

Visit to GSU campus

26. Cook a meal using locally sourced ingredients from the Ruston Farmers Market

27. Get board and card games from A&H Games for a game night with all your friends

28. Admire the work of creators at one of the art exhibits in town

29. Eat some delicious frozen custard with friends at Eskamoes

30. Try somethings from all of the food trucks at Heard Freighthouse Food Park

31. Spread holiday cheer at downtown Ruston's Christmas kick-off celebration

32. Lay out a hammock at Hideaway Park or Lincoln Parish Park

33. Play pickleball at the Ruston Sports Complex

34. Participate in karaoke night at La Bamba

35. Take a stroll down the Rock Island Greenway

While we made this list with students in mind, we also encourage visitors and locals to experience these 35 things that Ruston has to offer! Be sure to share your adventures using the hashtag #RustonLA

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.