The Downtown Historic District features dining and retail and service shops along 18 blocks. It is part of the National Trust for Historic Preservation's Main Street Program, which helps communities reinvest in their downtown and commercial districts. Visitors can explore downtown by foot and see the architecture of some of Ruston's oldest buildings, many of which are active businesses. Built in 1909, the Federal Building was the city's first structure built with Indiana limestone and one of two remaining in Ruston. Other buildings of note include the Beaux Art style stone facade of the Ruston State Bank and the Colonial Revival architecture and Italianate style of T.L. James House.
Located in downtown is Railroad Park, home to the Cajun Crawl (ruston.org). First organized in 2011, the annual festival features live music, art and crawfish. The park, as well as much of downtown, also hosts the Louisiana Peach Festival (louisianapeachfestival.org). Commercial peach orchards have been located in Lincoln Parish since the late 1930s, and since 1951 the festival has been organized to promote the local industry within Louisiana and surrounding states. Held in late June, the family-friendly event features arts and crafts, contests, music, food and local peaches.
The Lincoln Parish Museum (lincolnparishmuseum.org) is housed in one of the Ruston's oldest homes. Built in 1886, the building features a collection of murals depicting early life in Lincoln Parish, antique dolls, vintage furniture and other artifacts linked to the area's history. The city's Louisiana Military Museum (sos.louisiana.gov) showcases America's military history. Exhibits include uniforms, aircraft, equipment, vehicles and weapons, with particular emphasis to conflicts in the 20th century. Approximately six miles west of downtown is the Eddie G. Robinson Museum (robinsonmuseum.com), dedicated to Grambling State University's football coach of 56 years. In 1985, Robinson became one of the most successful college football coaches with 324 wins. Opened in 2010, the museum features archives and artifacts celebrating Robinson's achievements.
Lincoln Parish Park (park.lincolnparish.org) offers a 10-mile mountain bike trail that challenges both beginner and advanced riders. Picnic and camping sites, and a walking trail are also located at the park. Swimming and bass fishing is permitted in the park's 30-acre lake, which features a white sandy beach. Ruston is also within an hour's drive of several state parks (crt.state.la.us), including Lake D'Arbonne State Park and Lake Claiborne State Park north of the city. Visitors can enjoy hiking boating and camping at both parks. Lake D'Arbonne also offers cycling trails on rolling hills, lighted tennis courts and a seasonal swimming pool.
