Have you ever zipped past Ruston, Louisiana, on I-20 without stopping? I know I have—more times than I can count! But on a recent trip, I finally decided to explore this charming town, and wow, I was in for a treat. Ruston has so much to offer, from stunning murals to outdoor adventures that I never expected. So, the next time you’re cruising along I-20, take a detour and check out my 24-hour itinerary filled with personal highlights that will help you find the best things to do in Ruston. LA!
MORNING
Get Out in Nature at Lincoln Parish Park
Kick off your day with a quick breakfast at Lula Perl Café or Common Goods, then head to Lincoln Parish Park for some fresh air and exercise, whether walking, running, biking, kayaking, or fishing.
The 1.25-mile paved path around Hoogland Lake offers a great mix of sun and shade, perfect for a morning walk. I loved kicking off the day outdoors on this beautiful trail. I saw a bunch of ducks and turtles—though the turtles quickly splashed into the water when they saw me!
Along with the lakeside trail, there’s also a tree identification trail, with signs along the path highlighting different tree species.
If you’re a mountain biker, Lincoln Parrish Park’s mountain bike trail system is rated as one of the best courses in the USA, with trails ranging from easy to challenging. The park is also home to the world’s first MTB Waterfall Hub and flow trails, newly opened in 2024.
The park offers plenty of other fun activities, such as kayaking, canoeing, and fishing (from the piers or non-motorized boats). There’s also a playground for the kids, a beach with lifeguards (seasonal), plus covered pavilions, picnic tables, and benches for a relaxing day out.
If you’re into waterfalls, check out the man-made waterfall in Lincoln Parish Park before leaving. I spotted a sign while driving, parked, and walked along a short path to see it. It was just a gentle trickle when I was there, but still a nice view!
Explore Quirky Finds at the History Museum
Next, head to the Lincoln Parish Museum in the historic Kidd-Davis home built in 1886. It’s packed with fabulous antiques, murals, and artifacts that explore Lincoln Parish’s history and the families who helped shape it. Honestly, I could’ve spent the whole day there—no joke! There’s just so much to discover. (I need to write a whole article on this museum alone!)
I loved hearing the legend of Huey Long’s “deduct box”—he was a former governor of Louisiana who was assassinated in Baton Rouge—and listening to the old Edison phonograph and antique railroad dinner bell chimes.
And the best part? The museum is free, though you need to schedule an appointment beforehand.
Grab a Bite at the Food Truck Park
Head to downtown Ruston and grab lunch at the Heard Freighthouse Food Truck Park. Six food trucks surround a cozy courtyard with picnic tables, so you can dine al fresco or take your meal to go!
Grown and Grazed serves local, scratch-made meals like a killer bacon jam cheeseburger and crispy sweet potato fries. Staple Sandwich Co. is your go-to for hearty sandwiches on house-made focaccia. Bad Wolf BBQ elevates Texas-style BBQ with Louisiana flair—think smoked brisket and unique creations like pepper jack brisket boudin. La Authentic Chinese has flavorful daily specials, like pineapple chicken and pork stir-fried noodles. Taqueria La Mexicana has you covered for top-notch tacos, while Grace Wins serves Southern comfort food with dishes like buffalo mac and cheese and fried pies.
My pick: Not all food trucks were open on the day I visited, but the second I saw the Caprese sandwich on focaccia bread at Staple Sandwich Co., I was sold. It was insanely delicious—there’s preserved lemon in it! The Spicy Chickpea Salad was excellent too.
AFTERNOON
Explore Historic Downtown Ruston
After lunch, take a leisurely walk through Ruston’s historic district. Check out the fun boutique shops and the vibrant public art.
Chase Local Murals
The murals in downtown Ruston are bursting with color, and as a self-proclaimed mural junkie, I was in heaven strolling around and spotting them. It’s awesome to see Ruston embracing its vibrant arts scene.
Sniff Out the Bulldog Sculptures
If you love themed public art installations—like Herons on the Bayou in nearby Monroe and West Monroe, LA, and the Bushy Tail Art Trail in Columbus, GA—you’ll adore looking for the colorful painted bulldog statues throughout Ruston. A local artist designed each eye-catching statue, and they make very Instagrammable photo ops!
Discover Eddie G.’s Legacy
Next, head to Grambling State University to visit the Eddie G. Robinson Museum. Learn about the life and legacy of one of America’s greatest football coaches and be inspired by his remarkable journey.
Robinson wasn’t just a coach; he was a game-changer. He coached at Grambling for over 50 years, racking up more than 400 wins and sending over 200 players to the NFL, including Hall of Famers like Willie Brown.
The museum is packed with cool stuff from Coach Robinson’s career, from trophies and old jerseys to his actual office setup. It also has videos and a short documentary about his impact on sports and the opportunities he created for black athletes.
Stop by Mitcham Farms for a Peachy Treat
Make your way to Mitcham Farms, home to Louisiana’s largest peach orchard. Pick up some fresh peaches or indulge in peach-flavored products and treats.
The peach ice cream was fabulous, probably the best peach ice cream I’ve ever had!
LATE AFTERNOON/EVENING
Unwind with Drinks and Delights
Wrap up your day with cocktails, appetizers, and/or dinner at White Lightnin’ Cocktail and Culinary Company. I had originally intended to have one of their craft cocktails and dinner, but I was still pretty full from my peach ice cream, so we ordered cocktails and an appetizer—the hummus du jour. So good!
Where to Stay in Ruston LA
My go-to hotel in Ruston is the Hampton Inn. It’s easy access to/from I-20, includes breakfast, and has free parking. It’s also located a mere 1.5 miles from Louisiana Tech University and 6 miles from Grambling State University.
Comments & Reviews
Thank you for your kind words. So glad you enjoyed Ruston and our Lincoln parish Museum.