Lawrence Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Located in the heart of the United States, Lawrence is a vibrant city in the state of Kansas. Known for its rich history, thriving arts scene, and friendly community, Lawrence offers a unique and diverse experience for travelers.

One of the highlights of Lawrence is its charming downtown area, filled with historic buildings, quaint shops, and a wide variety of restaurants and cafes. Take a stroll down Massachusetts Street, the city's main thoroughfare, and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere. Browse through the local boutiques, art galleries, and bookstores, or simply enjoy a cup of coffee while people-watching.

For history enthusiasts, Lawrence offers a fascinating glimpse into the past. The city played a significant role during the Civil War and was the site of the infamous Lawrence Massacre. Visit the Lawrence History Center to learn more about this dark chapter in American history and explore the exhibits that showcase the city's evolution over time.

Nature lovers will find plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy in Lawrence. The city is surrounded by picturesque landscapes, including scenic parks and nature trails. Clinton State Park, located just a short drive away, offers opportunities for boating, fishing, hiking, and camping. Take a leisurely walk along the Kansas River or rent a bike to explore the scenic countryside.

Art and culture thrive in Lawrence, making it a haven for creative souls. The city is home to numerous art galleries, theaters, and performance venues. The Spencer Museum of Art, located on the University of Kansas campus, houses an impressive collection of contemporary and historical artworks. Catch a live performance at the Lied Center of Kansas, a state-of-the-art performing arts venue that hosts a wide range of events, from classical music concerts to Broadway shows.

Alternative names: Founded: 1854 (170 years ago)Population: 93.9 thous. (2019)Area: 34.92 mi²Elevation: 850 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 38°57'59"N, 95°14'10"W

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KansasUnited States

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Lawrence Top Attractions

Lawrence Attractions - What to See and Explore

Lawrence offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Watkins Museum of History, Spencer Museum of Art, Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics, University of Kansas Natural History Museum. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Museum • History museum
Watkins Museum of History
The Watkins Museum of History is a museum in Lawrence, Kansas that is managed by the Douglas County Historical Society. It provides programs and public events, educational resources and activities, and changing exhibits about the heritage of Douglas County.
Museum • Art • Art museum
Spencer Museum of Art
The Spencer Museum of Art is an art museum located on the University of Kansas campus in Lawrence, Kansas. The museum houses collection that currently numbers more than 47,000 artworks and artifacts in all media.
Museum • Specialty museum • History museum
Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics
The Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics, often shortened to the Dole Institute, is a nonpartisan political institution located at the University of Kansas and founded by the former U.S. Senator from Kansas and 1996 Republican presidential candidate Bob Dole.

Museum • Natural history museum
University of Kansas Natural History Museum
The University of Kansas Natural History Museum is part of the University of Kansas Biodiversity Institute, a KU designated research center dedicated to the study of the life of the planet.
38°57'30"N • 95°15'0"W
The University of Kansas
The School of Architecture and Design is an independent professional school of the University of Kansas with programs in architecture and design.
Music and shows • Nightlife • Performing arts
Lied Center of Kansas
The Lied Center of Kansas is the main performing arts center at the University of Kansas, and one of three performing arts dedicated centers on the campus.
Library
Kenneth Spencer Research Library
The Kenneth Spencer Research Library is a library at the University of Kansas in Lawrence. Completed and dedicated in 1968, the library houses special collections materials including rare books, maps, archives, and photographs. The library is open to members of the public and is not limited to students and faculty members at KU.
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Clinton Lake
Clinton Lake is a reservoir on the southwestern edge of Lawrence, Kansas. The lake was created by the construction of the Clinton Dam, and the 35 square miles of land and water is maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Church • Gothic Revival architecture
St. Luke African Methodist Episcopal Church
Saint Luke African Methodist Episcopal Church is a historic church at 900 New York Street in Lawrence, Kansas, United States. It was built in 1910 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2005.
Library
Lawrence Public Library
The Lawrence Public Library is a public library located in Lawrence, Kansas. It serves the City of Lawrence, and, through its membership in the Northeast Kansas Library System, all of the citizens of the NEKLS multi-county regional library system.
Classes and workshops • Paint and pottery studios • Art gallery
Lawrence Arts Center
The Lawrence Arts Center is located in Lawrence, Kansas, United States. It is a regional hub for visual and performing arts, contemporary exhibitions, film, and lectures.
Romanesque architecture
Douglas County Courthouse
The Douglas County Courthouse in Lawrence, Kansas is a three-and-a-half-story stone building built in 1903. It was designed by noted 19th-century architect John G. Haskell in association with another architect, Frederick C. Gunn. It is a Richardsonian Romanesque work.
Universities and schools
University of Kansas
The University of Kansas is a public research university with its main campus in Lawrence, Kansas, United States, and several satellite campuses, research and educational centers, medical centers, and classes across the state of Kansas.
Church • Oread
Plymouth Congregational Church
Plymouth Congregational Church of Lawrence, Kansas is an affiliate of the United Church of Christ that was established in 1854, months after the Territory of Kansas was opened to settlement.
Bridge
Kansas Turnpike Bridges
The Kansas Turnpike Bridges are a pair of multi-beam girder bridge that carry the Kansas Turnpike and Interstate 70 over the Kansas River at Lawrence, Kansas. The first bridges were a pair of deck trusses, each carrying two lanes of traffic. The bridges were the site of the groundbreaking of the Turnpike on December 31, 1954.
Universities and schools
Bailey Hall
Bailey Hall, at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas, was built in 1905. The architect was John G. Haskell who was among the architects of the Kansas State Capitol. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2001. As of 2013, the building is home to the Communication Studies department.
Street • Oread
Massachusetts Street
Massachusetts Street is the main street that runs through the central business district of downtown Lawrence, Kansas. It begins just south of the Kansas River at Sixth Street and continues south until reaching Haskell Indian Nations University.
Concerts and shows • Music venue • Bars and clubs
The Granada
The Granada Theater is a historic theater and concert venue located in Lawrence, Kansas.
Bridge
U.S. 40 and 59 Bridges
The U.S. 40 and 59 Bridges are twin multi-beam girder bridges over the Kansas River at Lawrence, Kansas. The west bridge carries two lanes of southbound traffic, connecting to Vermont Street, while the east bridge carries two lanes of northbound traffic from Massachusetts Street.

Things to See and Do in Lawrence by Category

Sights, interesting and unusual places and attractions valued by most tourists. See the list of places to visit in Lawrence.

Culture

Lied Center of Kansas
Lawrence
Music and showsNightlifePerforming arts
Lawrence Arts Center
Lawrence
Classes and workshopsPaint and pottery studiosArt gallery
Phoenix Gallery
Lawrence
MuseumArt galleryShopping
Van Go
Lawrence
MuseumArt galleryEast Lawrence
Wonder Fair
Lawrence
MuseumArt galleryShopping

Shopping

Phoenix Gallery
Lawrence
MuseumArt galleryShopping
Wonder Fair
Lawrence
MuseumArt galleryShopping
Lawrence Antique Mall
Lawrence
ShoppingAntiquesShopping centre

Active

Allen Fieldhouse
Lawrence
Arenas and stadiumsSport venueSport
Memorial Stadium
Lawrence
FootballSport venueArenas and stadiums
Booth Family Hall of Athletics
Lawrence
MuseumSpecialty museumArenas and stadiums
Hoglund Ballpark
Lawrence
BaseballSport venueBaseball field
Budig Hall
Lawrence
AuditoriumSport venueSport

Other categories

Museum Church Art gallery Forts and castles

Day trips

Lawrence – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Lawrence, it's worth seeing attractions such as: T-Mobile Center (Kansas City), Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art (Kansas City), National World War I Museum and Memorial (Kansas City).

36 milesE
Sport venue, Sport, Arenas and stadiums
T-Mobile Center, Kansas City
Nestled in the heart of Kansas City, Missouri, the T-Mobile Center stands as a modern beacon of entertainment, drawing visitors from near and far to its state-of-the-art facility. This arena, with its striking architecture and cutting-edge amenities, has quickly become...
36 milesE
Art museum galleries and sculpture garden
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City
Nestled in the heart of Kansas City, Missouri, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art stands as a beacon of cultural enrichment and artistic excellence. This renowned art museum, widely recognized for its extensive collection of artworks from around the globe, offers visitors...
36 milesE
Museum, History museum, View point
National World War I Museum and Memorial, Kansas City
The National World War I Museum and Memorial in Kansas City, Missouri, stands as a poignant tribute to the sacrifices and impacts of the First World War. Opened in 2006, this museum offers an immersive journey through the history of the Great War from an international...
41 milesE
Sport venue, Sport, Arenas and stadiums
Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City
Arrowhead Stadium is an American football stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, United States. It primarily serves as the home venue of the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League.
24 milesW
Museum, History museum
Kansas State Capitol, Topeka
The Kansas State Capitol, known also as the Kansas Statehouse, is the building housing the executive and legislative branches of government for the U.S. state of Kansas.

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Best Time To Visit Lawrence

Learn when is the best time to travel to Lawrence weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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April, May and June are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in July, August and September.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in January and February. Most of it rains in May and June.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Lawrence?

The top attractions to visit in Lawrence are:

What is the best time to visit Lawrence?

April, May and June are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in July, August and September. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January.