Day Trip Itinerary: Ruston/Lincoln Parish

The Ruston area is known for its thriving college-town atmosphere, a historic downtown district and the incredibly sweet peaches grown in this scenic part of north-central Louisiana. The area boasts a variety of specialty shops and delicious restaurants. Come explore Ruston's many arts, outdoors and historic attractions.

Breakfast Options:

Common Goods Co.

Common Goods is charming a bakery and coffee shop, serving artisan breads and specialty coffees. A great spot to fuel up for your day of adventures!

Park Avenue Diner

Park Avenue Diner serves breakfast all day with a side of retro charm downtown. From brioche French toast to chicken and waffles and a pork chop and eggs, they do all the basics right.

Morning Activities and Attractions:

Ruston Farmers Market

At the Ruston Farmers Market, vendors provide high-quality, fresh, locally grown produce, plants and flowers and more local goods. All items come from Louisiana farms, farmers, and producers.

Ruston Murals

Art lovers will enjoy a stroll through downtown to see the Ruston Murals, colorful creations that make the perfect backdrops to all your Ruston selfies and are a testament to the creative culture that thrives here.

James Lake Birding Trail

An outdoor paradise, James Lake Birding Trail is one of Louisiana's best places to see a wide variety of birds. Bird lovers can view these magnificent creatures from three locations - the viewing platform, the bridge or the lakes' wooded walking trail.

For more information on birdwatching in the state, visit Louisiana Birding.

Main Street—Downtown Ruston

Downtown Ruston is the heart of the city. Ruston is a Louisiana Historic District and a certified Louisiana Main Street community. It is the thriving core of the community with unique shopping, great restaurants, and beautifully restored buildings. Downtown Ruston, and specifically Railroad Park, is host to a number of activities and events.  

Lunch Options:

Ponchatoulas

Ponchatoulas is a culinary gem serving up Cajun delights that showcase Louisiana's rich flavors. With a legacy spanning decades, this restaurant has mastered the art of blending traditional ingredients with modern flair. Whether you're a local looking for a taste of home or a visitor eager to experience authentic Cajun cuisine, Ponchatoulas promises a quintessential Louisiana meal.

Brister’s Smokehouse

Brister’s Smokehouse is a barbecue lover’s delight serving up all your favorites like ribs, chicken, pulled pork, and brisket, along with three different types of sourdough bread. Try the famous scatterload sandwich made with minced ham, turkey, hot link sausage, brisket and cheese!

Hot Rod's Bar-B-Que

Hot Rod's is another excellent option for great barbecue and homemade sides — with a reputation for a to-die-for peach cobbler to finish it all off.

Afternoon Activities and Attractions:

Lincoln Parish Park

With one of the best mountain bike trails in America, Lincoln Parish Park is a treasure for mountain bike lovers and non-cyclists too. The 10-mile trail offers a challenging and exciting course for not only the advanced rider but beginners as well. Park amenities include covered pavilions, picnic tables and benches throughout the park. A 1.25-mile walking path winds around the beautiful lake. Guests can fish from piers or from non-motorized boats. Kayaks and canoes are welcome. Campsites featuring RV spots and primitive camping spots are available. The park also offers a playground for children. Legacy Park, located inside the park grounds, offers children of all abilities a chance for fun and play. The park’s sandy beach and swimming area are open Memorial Day to Labor Day, each with a lifeguard on duty.

Lake D’Arbonne State Park

Piney forests, rolling hills, five fishing piers and a beautiful lake draw visitors to Lake D’Arbonne State Park. Designed to keep the focus on nature, park facilities blend with the natural landscape to enhance the outdoor experience of this 655-acre park. Recreation on Lake D'Arbonne is tremendously popular among locals and visitors, and record freshwater catches of bass, crappie, catfish and bream make Lake D'Arbonne a fishing haven. Wide open areas of the lake, about seven miles from the park, appeal to water skiers and pleasure boaters. The boat launch at the park opens up all of these opportunities to outdoorsmen.

Ultrazone Paintball

Come check out the coolest paintball arena in Ruston, Ultrazone Paintball! Bring friends and family alike for an action-packed adventure. 

Mitcham Farms Orchard and Peach Store

Mitcham Farms is the largest peach orchard in Louisiana. Stop by the Peach Store for delicious treats made with hand-picked Louisiana peaches, a wide range of gourmet foods, gift products and local arts and crafts. 

Dinner Options:

Heard Freighthouse Food Truck Park

Hungry for something a little different? Check out Ruston's own Heard Freighthouse Food Truck Park to enjoy flavor-filled, locally produced dishes on food truck takeover nights. Options include barbecue with the Bad Wolf BBQ crew or specialty crafted burgers and sandwiches from Grown and Grazed.

Utility Brewing Company

Grab a beer at Ruston's first local brewery, Utility Brewing Company. Located in downtown Ruston, this gem not only serves up craft beer, but also delicious brick oven pizzas and salads made from fresh, locally produced ingredients. They also offer dining options for kids and a beautifully lit outdoor patio with spacious seating. 

Log Cabin Grill and Market

Known for their steaks and Tex-Mex cuisine, Log Cabin Grill and Market also offers tasty barbecue, seafood, salads, sandwiches and so much more. Located inside the restaurant is The Market with take-and-bakes, fresh meat, cracklins, seafood and seasonings. 

And keep reading if you want even more trip ideas for the Ruston area.