The next time you visit Kansas City, consider escaping the crowds and heading to Lawrence. This vibrant college town has all the amenities of the big city with none of the chaos.
Lawrence is one of Kansas’s best-kept secrets. It’s a place with incredible history, culture, and nightlife, not to mention two major universities.
If you’re unfamiliar with the area’s fascinating past, that’s all about to change. Get ready to add this destination to your Midwestern travel bucket list.
Let’s dive in!
Discover Lawrence, Kansas
Lawrence is a bustling community of just under 100,000 people between Kansas City and Topeka. Anti-slavery activists founded the town between the historic Oregon and Santa Fe trails in 1854.
While it’s a college town today, it’s also a site of cultural significance. It’s part of the Freedom’s Frontier Heritage Area, a zone along the Kansas and Missouri border where key events occurred.
You’ll find plenty of outdoor activities here. Lawrence has over 50 public parks with playgrounds, walking trails, and more. You won’t have to travel far to catch a glimpse of local flora and fauna. Both Clinton State Park and the Prairie Park Nature Center showcase native species.
In addition, this small city is a cultural hotspot. Massachusetts Street features tons of live music venues and theaters hosting local and national performances.
Excellent retail and dining options, including Free State Brewing Company, Kansas’s first legal brewery, are plentiful. Needless to say, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant Midwest town.
Where Is Lawrence, Kansas?
Situated in the northeastern part of the state, Lawrence is just 35 miles west of Kansas City. Sweeping plains make up much of the landscape.
But thanks to the Wakarusa and Kansas rivers that surround it, the region has diverse plant and animal life. Trees, wetlands, and lakes are abundant in this area. It’s a colorful oasis on the rolling prairie.
You can find both historic and modern homes within the city limits. While some neighborhoods have typical suburban houses with modest yards, others boast old brick streets and 19th-century mansions. The mix of architectural styles provides a glimpse into Lawrence’s unique, diverse past.
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What Kind of Town is Lawrence, Kansas?
Home to Haskell Indian Nations University and the University of Kansas, Lawrence is a college town through and through. KU, a research university offering more than 400 degrees, is its flagship school. Its football team, the Jayhawks, is one of the NCAA’s most successful.
Although it isn’t as well-known, Haskell Indian Nations University is an equally important piece of the area’s identity. It exclusively serves Indigenous students and is the only inter-tribal college in the US. In fact, over 150 Native nations are represented at Haskell.
Interesting Things To Do in Lawrence, Kansas
You’ll never be bored on a visit to Lawrence. This gem has all the nightlife, culture, and adventure of a big city with small-town charm and Midwestern hospitality.
Here are just a few exciting activities to consider while you’re in the area.
Explore Historic Downtown Lawrence
Downtown Lawrence is lively, charming, and full of possibilities. Locals know the main drag as Mass Street. It’s full of locally-owned art galleries, boutiques, music venues, restaurants, and bars.
Many businesses, including The Bourgeois Pig, Free State Brewing Company, and Find 715, have won awards for their tasty fare and frosty beverages.
Visit Jazz Haus or The Granada for your live music fix. Tour the Lawrence Arts Center to take in some free art exhibits. You could also stop by the Carnegie Building or the Watkins Museum of History to learn about the town’s past. Further, you can participate in many free outdoor events hosted by public parks throughout the summer.
Dig into the Past with Haunted Lawrence.
Check Out the Haskell Cultural Center and Museum
The Haskell Cultural Center and Museum offers a unique perspective on the past. Through several exhibitions and permanent collections, the center highlights the history, struggles, and accomplishments of Indigenous Americans.
The museum houses two permanent exhibits. One focuses on Native veterans, while the other examines Haskell Indian Nations University’s journey to becoming the school it is today. You’ll also see fascinating fine art, cultural artifacts, and photographs.
Both docent-led and self-guided tours are available, so you can take it in however you choose.
Stroll the Prairie Park Nature Center
Since 1999, the Prairie Park Nature Center has connected the people of Lawrence with Kansas’s native animal and plant life. The center occupies more than 100 acres on the city’s east side.
You can visit lakes, wetlands, wooded areas, and prairie habitats. Deer, beavers, bobcats, and bird sightings are common. Additionally, the education building is filled with nature dioramas and displays. If you’re lucky, you might meet the center’s resident birds, including eagles, falcons, hawks, and owls.
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Best Places to Stay Near Lawrence, Kansas
A trip to Lawrence is a great way to explore Kansas’s natural beauty. You’ll find tons of great local options for camping, whether you’re looking for a remote site or a park with amenities.
Here are a few of the best places to stay in Jayhawk country.
Clinton State Park
Beautiful Clinton State Park sits on the Clinton Reservoir and features picturesque campsites eight miles from downtown Lawrence. It offers 20-, 30-, and 50-Amp power, as well as partial hookups and boondocking spots. You’ll have access to water, flush restrooms, and a dump site.
Unlike some state parks, it has laundry facilities and showers. It provides easy access to fishing, swimming, boating, and trails. Families will enjoy the on-site playground, volleyball courts, and picnic tables.
Perry State Park
Perry State Park is a scenic camping option on the Perry Reservoir, about 23 miles from Lawrence. Sites have 20-Amp power and partial hookups. Showers, drinking water, and a dump station are also available.
This campground is ideal for equestrians and cyclists. More than 15 miles of bike paths and 25 miles of horse trails cover the grounds. It’s also a great place for bird-watching, picnicking, and hiking.
Bloomington East Campground
The Bloomington East Campground sits at the edge of Clinton Lake, about 21 miles from downtown Lawrence. You’ll find hundreds of sites with water hookups and 20-, 30-, and 50-Amp power here. While there’s no sewer connection, there’s a dump station on the property.
You’ll enjoy access to flush restrooms, showers, and drinking water. Each site comes with its own fire ring and picnic table.
The 35-square-mile lake is popular for fishing, swimming, and boating. Pets are welcome, so bring your furry friends along.
Is Staying in Lawrence, Kansas, Worth It?
Lawrence is one of Kansas’s most dynamic cities. The thriving art and music scene is exciting enough on its own. But with the local shops, restaurants, and museums, this Midwestern college town is a can’t-miss destination. Whether you want to party or peruse the past, you can do it here.
Keep this fun city in mind when planning your next visit to Kansas. A trip to this vibrant location is undoubtedly worth it!
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