Overview
Ruston is the fourth-largest city in Northern Louisiana, with a population of about 23,000 people, and is home to Louisiana Tech University.
3 sights · 4 things to do · 2 places to eat · 4 bars & cafés · 2 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Ruston
Louisiana Tech Football
Lincoln Parish Park
Rated as one of the best mountain bike trails in America, Lincoln Parish Park is a treasure for mountain bike lovers and noncyclists, too. The ten-mile trail offers a challenging and exciting course for not only the adva…
Eddie G. Robinson Museum
Dedicated to the life and career of the late Grambling State University football coach. Opened in February 2010.
Louisiana Tech activities website
Lincoln Parish Library events
Lincoln Parish Calendar of Events
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Mar–May, Sep–Nov. Summer highs reach about 93°F; winter lows dip to about 35°F. Very hot (Jul, Aug) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Dec and Jan. (climate data from nearby Arcadia)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- MLU Monroe Regional Airport, Monroe — 35 mi away. Directions
- ELD South Arkansas Regional Airport at Goodwin Field, El Dorado — 49 mi away. Directions
- MSY Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, New Orleans — 224 mi away (major hub). Directions
Ruston comes on the interstate highway 20 between two bigger cities of North Louisiana. These two cities are eastbound Monroe and westbound Shreveport.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Eddie G. Robinson Museum, Louisiana Tech Football
- Lunch Roma Italian Bistro
- Afternoon Lincoln Parish Library events, Ruston Farmer's Market
- Dinner El Jarrito Mexican Grill
- Evening The Revelry
Day 2
- Morning Lincoln Parish Park, Louisiana Tech activities website
- Afternoon Lincoln Parish Calendar of Events
- Evening Sundown Tavern
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
Ruston comes on the interstate highway 20 between two bigger cities of North Louisiana. These two cities are eastbound Monroe and westbound Shreveport.
Ruston is also located along US Highway 167, a good route for those coming from Alexandria, LA to the south or Little Rock, AR to the north.
By plane
- Monroe Regional Airport (MLU) - the birthplace of Delta Air Lines - is served by Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and United Airlines.
See
See Lincoln Parish Park
Rated as one of the best mountain bike trails in America, Lincoln Parish Park is a treasure for mountain bike lovers and noncyclists, too. The ten-mile trail offers a challenging and exciting course for not only the advanced rider, but beginners alike. Beach with lifeguards offered from Memorial day to Labor Day.
- North Louisiana Military Museum, 201 Memorial Dr. Artillery and military equipment and other displays in homage to the men and women of uniform. +1 318-251-5099
- Lincoln Parish Museum, 609 N Vienna St. Regional history, like maybe something on Jack Kerouac's mention of Ruston. +1 318-251-0018
- Autrey House Museum, 8297-8201, LA-151, Dubach. Oldest dogtrot house in Lincoln Parish, built in 1848.
See Eddie G. Robinson Museum
Dedicated to the life and career of the late Grambling State University football coach. Opened in February 2010.
Do
- Squire Creek Country Club Peach Festival
Buy
Shop North Park Mall Shopping Center
Eat
Drink
Drink Sundown Tavern (Sundown)
The band starts playing at 9PM.
Drink Board and Bottle Cafe and Wine Bar
charcuterie and wine but also coffee concoctions.
Sleep
Stay Hampton Inn
Stay safe
Emergency services
- For all emergency services, dial 911.
- Law enforcement is provided by the Lincoln Parish Sheriff and the Ruston Police Department. The Louisiana State Police generally patrol areas outside of the city limits and often assist on major crimes.
- For all health concerns, medical assistance can be found at the Northern Louisiana Medical Center. The hospital is located on E Vaughn Ave.
Nearby
Arcadia
City / town · 2 listings · 17 mi away
Jonesboro
City / town · 3 listings · 20 mi away
Monroe
City / town · 16 listings · 30 mi away
Minden
City / town · 2 listings · 38 mi away
Winnfield
City / town · 7 listings · 41 mi away
El Dorado
City / town · 2 listings · 48 mi away
Coushatta
City / town · 20 listings · 54 mi away
Natchitoches
City / town · 19 listings · 59 mi away
My experience
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