Experience Ruston Blog

35 Things to Do in Ruston Before You Graduate

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 

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!