Lawrence, Kansas was founded in the summer of 1854, led by abolitionists who had a vision of a nation free from slavery. The pioneers of Kansas halted the westward expansion of slavery, igniting both the Civil War. Today, the rich history of Lawrence is augmented by a vital, modern city. The city is home to two universities, the University of Kansas and Haskell Indian Nations University, who have a profound influence on the town's artistic, cultural and recreational flavor. Lawrence is a unique and beautiful city, and has been ranked among the "Dozen Most Distinctive Destinations" by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Best Western Lawrence Kansas.
Things to do in Lawrence
Alvamar Golf Club
Alvamar has been listed among Golf Digest's "Top 75 Public Courses," and Golf Week's "Top 500 Courses." 1800 Crossgate Drive. Call 785-842-1907 for more information.
Alvamar Orchards Executive Golf Course
A nine-hole executive course. 3000 W. 15th Street. Call 785-843-7456 for more information.
Clinton Lake and State Park
The 7,000-acre Clinton Lake is a popular location for boating, swimming and fishing. The 1,500-acre park surrounding the lake offers hiking and mountain biking trails, camper hookups, primitive camping areas, picnic areas, fishing platforms, playing fields and a swimming beach. Clinton Marina offers complete facilities for boating and fishing. The lake has been named on of the "50 Best Boating Lakes" by Boating World Magazine. Call 785-842-8562 for more information.
Downtown Lawrence
Lawrence is proud of its beautiful downtown area. A stroll down historic Massachusetts Street passes by unique antique shops, specialty boutiques, coffee shops and sidewalk cafes. Street musicians and night clubs bring music to the air. Historic buildings are marked throughout the downtown area. Call 785-842-3883 for more information.
Downtown Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition
The Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition in downtown Lawrence displays the work of artists from all over the nation.
Eagle Bend Golf Course
A public 18-hole course and driving range. 1250 E. 902 Road. Call 785-748-0600 for more information.
Googols of Fun
Googols of Fun is billed as a "children's edutainment" center, focusing on infants through junior high age children. The indoor facility aims to educate and entertain with features that include a computer lab, indoor climbing playground, infant/toddler playroom, arts and crafts studio, redemption arcade, performance area (with a dress-up area, puppet theater, library and musical instruments), interactive, natural science-based exhibits, and more. Located at 4931 W. 6th Street. Call 785-856-6002 for more information.
Haskell Cultural Center
The Haskell Cultural Center exhibits the university's archival and artifact collections. A gallery displays student and American Indian artwork. Call 785-832-6686 for more information.
Haskell Indian Nations University
First opened in 1884, Haskell Indian Nations University (HINU) as the United States Indian Industrial Training School. Today the institution is an accredited junior college. Many of the university's buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The campus is located at 155 Indian Avenue. A self-guided tour of historic HINU is available from the Lawrence Visitor Information Center at North Second and Locust streets, just north of downtown across the Kansas River. Call 785-749-8404 for more information.
Hobbs Park Memorial
The Hobbs Park Memorial pays tribute to the vision, perseverance and sacrifices of Lawrence's founders and early residents. The monument is located on the home site of John Speer, a prominent founder of Lawrence and a leader of rebuilding efforts after the town's 1863 sacking, burning and massacre at the hands of William Quantrill. Located in Hobbs Park at 11th and Delaware streets in historic Old East Lawrence. Call 785-749-7394 for more information.
Jayhawk Boulevard
The University of Kansas overlooks Lawrence from its hilltop location. Early traders, explorers and families climbed the ridge that is now the campus' Jayhawk Boulevard to head west along the Oregon Trail. Jayhawk Boulevard reflects more than 125 years of campus history. A self-guided tour of historic Jayhawk Boulevard is available from the Lawrence Visitor Information Center at North Second Street and Locust streets, just north of downtown across the Kansas River.
KU Natural History Museum
The KU Natural History Museum was established in 1866. The nationally recognized museum features realistic wildlife scenes; an extensive collection of fossils; Comanche, the horse that survived the Battle at the Little Bighorn; and Annabelle, an magnificent 50-foot-long, 140-million-year-old dinosaur. The museum is located on the KU campus in Dyche Hall at 14th Street and Jayhawk Boulevard. Call 785-864-4450 for more information.
KU Sports
Dominate the spectator sports scene in Lawrence, the Kansas Jayhawks have top-rated men's basketball and football programs. Other university athletic programs include baseball, tennis, golf, volleyball, women's soccer, softball, rowing, track and swimming. Call 785-864-3141 for more information.
Lawrence Arts Center
The center of the arts in Lawrence, the Lawrence Arts Center offers an extensive calendar of exhibitions, performances and classes. Two galleries feature exhibitions by regional and nationally known artists, and dance and theatrical performances are given in the 300-seat theatre and two dance studios . Located at 940 New Hampshire. Call 785-843-6629 for more information.
Lawrence Community Theatre
Offering live theatre in an intimate setting, Lawrence Community Theatre puts on six productions each season. Located at 15th and New Hampshire. Call 785-843-7469 for more information.
Lied Center of Kansas
The University of Kansas' performing arts center brings world-class entertainment to the community. A variety of programs including Broadway favorites, family entertainment, dance and music are presented in the state-of-the-art center. Call 785-864-ARTS for more information.
Old West Lawrence
In 1863 the Old West Lawrence was an elite neighborhood, making it a target for Quantrill's raiders who destroyed most of the homes. Today, Old West Lawrence is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was a finalist in the "America's Prettiest Painted Places" competition. Located just two blocks west of downtown Lawrence.
Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics
The Institute features exhibits that follow fifty years of Kansas and American history. A 23-foot stained glass American flag highlights displays that include Dole's World War II uniform, artifacts, videos and historic photographs. The facility is also a research center, housing Dole's personal papers, the world's largest congressional collection. Call 785-864-4900 for more information.
Spencer Museum of Art
Located on the campus of the University of Kansas, the Spencer Museum of Art is considered to be one of the most eclectic and acclaimed college art museums in the region. The museum's extensive collection includes medieval art, European and American paintings, 20th century Chinese art and Japanese Edo-period paintings. Call 785-864-4710 for more information.
Stan Herd
View the work of Lawrence's famous outdoor artist. The rock mosaic is best viewed from the Lawrence City Hall. From 160-acre plowed portraits to one-quarter-acre stone designs, Herd has transformed sections of the Kansas landscape into art for the past 20 years.
University of Kansas
The University of Kansas has been a major part of Lawrence since its inception in 1866. It serves as a focal point for many academic, cultural and recreational activities. Today's enrollment numbers more than 25,000 students on its Lawrence campus. The hilltop campus has been acclaimed as one of the most beautiful in the country. Call 785-864-2341 for more information.
University Theatre
The renowned University Theatre at the University of Kansas has been bringing a variety of classical, musical and contemporary productions to the community for over 77 years. Call 785-864-3982 for more information.
Watkins Community Museum
Exhibits at the Watkins Community Museum focus on Lawrence's rich history. Past exhibits have included "James Naismith: The Basketball Man," "Lucy Hobbs Taylor: First Woman Dentist" and "Voices of the Civil War," a traveling national exhibit. Call 785-841-4109 for more information.