Ruston is first and foremost a college town, where students spend some of the best and most exciting years of their lives. College is a time to explore, try new things, and make memories. With this in mind, we're challenging students to get out of their dorms and experience these 35 things in Ruston & Lincoln Parish before they graduate!
1. Treat yourself to some peach ice cream from Mitcham Farms (Typically offered May-August)
2. Earn a high score axe throwing at Bayou Axe
3. Treat you and a pup by adopting a dog for a day from 4 Paws
4. Revel in the history of the parish by visiting the three local museums
5. Adventure Outdoors! Go hiking, mountain biking, or kayaking at Lincoln Parish Park
6. Groove to live music on the Sundown Tavern patio
7. Attend one of the shows at the Dixie Theatre
8. Load up on freebies at the Ruston Visitors Center
9. Experience the Grambling State University marching band in action
10. Participate in a classic Louisiana crawfish boil at Ponchatoulas
11. Go to the Louisiana Peach Festival (first weekend in June)
12. Spend an afternoon shopping in Downtown Ruston
13. Reach the summit of Driskill Mountain, the tallest point in Louisiana (a short drive from Ruston)
14. Take pride at the Temple Baptist Church 4th of July fireworks display
15. Watch a blockbuster on a $5 Tuesday movie night at Celebrity Theatres
16. Enjoy a romantic dinner at White Lightnin'
17. Take part in 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 Railway Coffee
20. Play Wii Sports in real life at your university's respective bowling alley
21. Meet up with creatives at one of the workshops hosted by Creative Exchange
22. Picnic on a sunny day at Railroad Park
23. Collect goodies at a parade in downtown Ruston
24. Pig out and create the pizza of your dreams at Utility Brewing
25. Visit your neighboring university, either Grambling State University or LA Tech University
26. Cook a meal using locally sourced ingredients from the Ruston Farmers Market
27. Trade off with opponents at one of the card tables in A&H Games
28. Admire the work of creators at a NCLAC event
29. Share some frozen custard with your dog by getting him a "Scoopie" from Eskamoes
30. Drive out to the food trucks at Heard Freighthouse Food Park and have lunch
31. Spread cheer at downtown Ruston's Christmas kick-off celebration (first weekend in December)
32. Lay out a hammock at Hideaway Park or Lincoln Parish Park
33. Compete with your friends during open gym hours at the Ruston Sports Complex
34. Belt out your best notes at 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 challenge visitors and locals to experience these 35 things that Ruston has to offer! Be sure to share your adventures using the hashtag #RustonLA. Have a favorite that's not on the list? Let us know!
Tags: College Life