Pet-Friendly Guide to Ruston

It’s a given — you love being with your pets, and they definitely love being with you. But what happens when you decide to leave your house?

No matter how far away you are from home or even if you’re a Ruston native, here is your travel guide to the best spots where you can have your furry friends by your side.

Pictured: 📷: @magnoliaexplores at the downtown Ruston mural

Places to Stay

Ruston offers several places to stay where pets are warmly welcomed with an accompanying fee or deposit. Below is a list of some of our pet-friendly hotels and each of their locations.

Country Inn and Suites
1825 Roberta Road
Ruston, LA 71270

Hampton Inn Ruston
1315 N Trenton Street
Ruston, LA 71270

Holiday Inn Express
1312 Hospitality Street
Ruston, LA 71270

Fairfield Inn & Suites
1707 Roberta Avenue
Ruston, LA 71270

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott is recognized for providing a complimentary package for residents who bring their dogs. This pet package includes information about local veterinarians, pet stores, grooming salons, and parks!

📷: @sarahgbroussard at Squire Creek Country Club

Dining

Sundown Tavern

This local dive is known for its great sandwiches and burgers, and it regularly features live music for weekends and special events. You can kick back with their Famous Bloody Mary on their outdoor pet-friendly patio. Also, be sure to check out their Instagram featuring all the cats and dogs that have visited the Sundown patio!

Heard Freighthouse Food Park

From BBQ by Bad Wolf BBQ, to delectable muffulettas by Staples Sandwich Co, to specialty burgers by Grown and Grazed, this food truck park has all your cravings covered. They even have complimentary leash tethers and water bowls so you and your pet can both sit back and relax.

Eskamoe’s Frozen Custard

Craving dessert? This familiar favorite offers frozen custard, concretes, shakes, malts, shaved ice, and several food items which all can be enjoyed outside on their pet-friendly patio. Even your pup can enjoy their own sweet treat too; Eskamoe’s makes their very own pet-safe ‘Scoopie Snack’ – a scoop of vanilla custard topped with a dog bone!

Utility Brewing

This brewery located in downtown Ruston is Ruston’s very first brewery! Utility is celebrated for its craft beer and delicious wood-fired pizzas all made from scratch. Outside, they have a beautifully lit and spacious patio which is pet-friendly (pictured below).

📷: @sillylilytricksr4kidz at Utility Brewing Co.

Things to Do

Ruston Murals

Needing that perfect portrait for your furry friend? All across Ruston are vibrant backdrops showcasing our rich appreciation for the arts. The first photograph in this article features the Downtown Ruston Mural across the road from the Dixie Center for the Arts. Ruston also features three more colorful murals throughout the city; explore Ruston and see if you can find them all!

Lincoln Parish Park

Offering more than 10 miles of trails, Lincoln Parish Park is perfect for hiking, biking, and nature viewing. Its mountain bike trail is even rated as one of the best in the country! This park also features a stunning lake where guests can fish, kayak, and go swimming. Lincoln Parish Park allows leashed pets, and daily admission is $2 per person.

Ruston Farmers Market

This year-round farmers market boasts a diverse selection of local vendors. Whether you're looking for seasonal produce, locally-made products, or a quick and delicious breakfast, Ruston Farmers Market is a must-visit destination. Browse the market with your furry friend every Saturday from 9:00am-1:00pm.

Garland Gregory Hideaway Park

This free park is located on Louisiana Tech’s campus and is open every day of the week from dawn to dusk. It includes several walking trails overlooking a pond, an 18-hole frisbee golf course, and numerous picnic areas equipped with grills and fire pits.

📷: @ciara_morgan_23 at Louisiana Tech University

We as Ruston sure love our pets; I mean, we are the home of the Bulldogs for a reason! Be sure to share photos of you and your adventurous furry companions with #RustonLA.