On the Road

Ruston

Louisiana’s College Town

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Nestled in the heart of North Louisiana, Ruston is known for its lively college-town atmosphere, charming downtown district, scenic outdoor attractions, and the incredibly sweet peaches grown there. The area is home to Grambling State University and Louisiana Tech University, earning it the nickname of “Louisiana’s College Town.” There’s a buzzy college-town energy embedded in the community through public art displays, an active live music scene, alumni-owned small businesses, and an array of collegiate sporting events.

Additionally, the area boasts a variety of specialty shops, engaging attractions and events, and a diverse culinary scene. Explore Ruston’s many arts, outdoors, and historic attractions, such as the Louisiana Military Museum, the Eddie G. Robinson Museum, and Lincoln Parish Park, which features some of the best mountain bike trails in America. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, visit any of the area’s notable dining spots for a true Southern culinary experience. Local favorites include Utility Brewing, the Heard Freighthouse Food Park, Ponchatoulas, White Lightnin’, or Log Cabin Grill & Market.

You can’t visit the area without a stroll through Historic Downtown Ruston. Rated as one of the best historic small towns in the US, the 25-block downtown district features public art installations, a year-round farmers market, a food truck park, live music venues, a historic theater, and dozens of local shops and restaurants.

Ruston’s largest event of the year, the Louisiana Peach Festival, takes place right in the heart of downtown Ruston. The festival sees tens of thousands of attendees annually who flock to the downtown area on the first Saturday in June to discover the homegrown flavors, art, music, and culture of Ruston and Lincoln Parish. Indulge your taste buds with a scoop of peach ice cream or a bourbon peach pulled pork sandwich, all while enjoying 12+ hours of live music and the works of nearly 100 regional art vendors. And you can’t leave town without paying a visit to Mitcham Farms Peach Orchard for their famous “Ruston Red” peaches and a tour of the largest peach orchard in Louisiana.

Whether you’re coming to town for a home football game, Peach Fest, a foodie experience, or to ride through downtown in a horse-drawn carriage at Christmastime, there’s always an unexpected delight to discover in Ruston & Lincoln Parish.