Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Lawrence, Kansas

Lawrence, a charming college town, is notable for being the home of the University of Kansas (KU), which was established in 1865. The city stands out as one of the state’s prominent tourist destinations, celebrated for its historical conservation, cosmopolitan main street, and youthful vibrancy. KU is also recognized for its distinguished Jayhawks, particularly the men’s basketball team, known for consistently being strong contenders and competing in one of the sport’s most distinctive arenas. The legacy of the Jayhawks includes their initial coach, James Naismith, the inventor of basketball, and former player Wilt Chamberlain, who made his mark in the 1950s.

1. Massachusetts Street

The historic main street in downtown Lawrence is well-preserved, pedestrian-friendly, and vibrant with activity. This thoroughfare, along with adjacent streets, hosts over 100 establishments including shops, restaurants, cafes, galleries, and pubs. Further attractions include the elegant South Park, the intriguing Watkins Museum of History, and arts venues such as The Granada, The Replay Lounge, and the Lawrence Arts Center. Most of the architecture along Massachusetts Street dates back to between the 1850s and 1950s. Noteworthy at 729-731 is the House Building, the sole structure to withstand the Lawrence Massacre (1863), a Confederate assault on this Unionist city.

2. University of Kansas

The University of Kansas campus, located southwest of downtown, is a designated historic district listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors will find numerous reasons to explore the picturesque campus and Potter Lake, along with commemorating significant athletic achievements of the Jayhawks. The campus features a selection of museums catering to varied interests, including sports, science, art, and politics. Notably, this institution is the alma mater of former presidential nominee Bob Dole, who also played for the basketball team, as you will learn at the Booth Family Hall of Athletics.

3. Spencer Museum of Art

Established in 1928, the art museum located on the KU campus has assembled a significant collection comprising over 47,000 works and artifacts. This diverse compilation includes European and American paintings, sculptures, Medieval art, ethnography, and notable collections of 20th-century Chinese paintings and Japanese Edo-period artworks. Renowned artists represented in this collection encompass Mannerist painter Bronzino, landscape artist Albert Bierstadt, Pre-Raphaelite Dante Gabriel Rossetti, Édouard Manet, and John Singer Sargent. The museum hosts expertly curated exhibitions typically centered around specific themes, along with workshops, seminars, and live performances that are advertised on their calendar.

4. Biodiversity Institute & Natural History Museum

The impressive Dyche Hall (1903), designed in the Romanesque Revival style, is home to KU’s distinguished Biodiversity Institute & Natural History Museum. This institution features four floors of exhibits that invite prolonged exploration. Visitors can uncover the science behind parasites, observe live animals in terrariums, study the evolutionary history of plant life, and view numerous exceptional fossils from the Kansas Chalk, including Tylosaurus, recognized as the largest mosasaur yet discovered. The Panorama exhibit highlights Earth’s remarkable natural diversity, featuring a centerpiece from the 1893 World’s Fair, alongside the notable taxidermied horse, Comanche, who was the only U.S. cavalry survivor of the Battle of Little Bighorn (1876).

5. Watkins Museum of History

The museum, managed by the Douglas County Historical Society, occupies a grand space within the Romanesque Revival Watkins Land Mortgage and National Bank Building, which dates back to 1888. Visitors can expect to see fascinating temporary exhibitions alongside an engaging permanent collection that captures various aspects of the region’s history. Displays include telephones from the early 1900s, Civil War swords, and protest t-shirts reflecting mid-20th-century social movements. Among notable artifacts are the Old Sacramento Cannon, captured during the Mexican-American War (1846-48), an authentic John Brown Pike from 1859, and James Naismith’s desk, the inventor of basketball and KU’s inaugural coach. At the time of our writing, there was an impactful temporary exhibit highlighting the struggle for queer rights in Lawrence.

6. Allen Fieldhouse

Known as a sporting cathedral, Allen Fieldhouse serves as the home court for the University of Kansas basketball teams and stands as one of the most renowned collegiate arenas in the nation. Inaugurated in 1955 and accommodating 16,500 spectators, Allen Fieldhouse is renowned for its exceptional noise levels, providing a significant home-court advantage for the Jayhawks. The men’s team is consistently among the nation’s most successful, frequently earning NCAA tournament berths, culminating in three championships, with the most recent in 2008. Under the guidance of current coach Bill Self, the Jayhawks have secured the Big 12 conference title 16 times in 20 years. The arena features rich traditions, including the performance of the “Crimson and Blue” alma mater prior to the national anthem, followed by the crowd’s “Rock chalk, Jayhawk, KU” chant and a rendition of “Home on the Range” after the game.

7. Booth Family Hall of Athletics

Located just east of Allen Fieldhouse, the Booth Family Hall of Athletics is a contemporary museum honoring the athletic achievements of the Jayhawks. This free attraction, open year-round, offers a comprehensive introduction to the university’s extensive traditions and memorable moments in sports. The exhibit includes numerous artifacts, ranging from championship rings to game balls, alongside detailed profiles of influential figures such as James Naismith, recognized as the “Father of Basketball,” alumni Wilt Chamberlain, and esteemed current coach Bill Self, who signed a lifetime contract extension in 2021.

8. Clinton State Park

Clinton Lake, a 7,000-acre reservoir managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, is located on the southwestern perimeter of Lawrence. Constructed in the 1970s to mitigate floods that previously ravaged the Wakarusa Valley, the reservoir required the relocation of several towns to accommodate this expansive body of water. On the Lawrence side lies Clinton State Park, comprising 1,500 acres of shoreline. Anglers can take advantage of these clear waters, which are known for walleye, crappie, and channel catfish. The park offers nearly 400 campsites, approximately half of which include access to electricity and water. Additionally, over 50 miles of trails are available for hiking and mountain biking, extending into the adjacent 9,200-acre wildlife area.

9. Liberty Hall

A striking landmark on Massachusetts Street, Liberty Hall is a remarkable Beaux-Arts structure that opened in 1912, shortly after its predecessor was lost to fire. The building was ahead of its time, combining a grand pediment and elegant round-arch windows with fireproofing and excellent acoustics. Following renovations in the 1980s, the venue now accommodates 1,050 visitors beneath a splendid 35-foot vaulted ceiling adorned with a chandelier. Liberty Hall serves as a versatile venue, hosting concerts by renowned touring artists, as well as comedy, theater presentations, and regular screenings of independent films in both the Main Theater and Little Theater.

10. David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium

The Kansas Jayhawks football team plays at Memorial Stadium (1921), recognized as the seventh oldest collegiate stadium in the U.S. This venue, with a capacity of 47,233, was dedicated as a memorial to Kansas students who perished in WWI and has recently undergone over $30 million in renovations. The Jayhawks are a part of the Big 12 Conference and experienced a successful era in the 2000s under Coach Mark Mangino, who left in 2009 with a winning record of 50-48 after seven years. Gameday here is a lively event, complete with traditional tailgating and a multitude of pregame activities suited for all ages.

11. Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics

The Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics, named after the late senator and 1996 Republican presidential nominee Bob Dole (1923-2021), was inaugurated on his 80th birthday in 2003. This nonpartisan political institution at KU holds an annual Dole Lecture each April, featuring a bipartisan lineup of speakers, including Bill Clinton, Tom Brokaw, Carly Fiorina (former HP CEO), and Watergate journalist Bob Woodward. Key features of the institute include beams from the World Trade Center, the world’s largest stained-glass American flag, and a memorial wall dedicated to WWII veterans. Guided tours are available at no cost, providing insights into Dole’s humble beginnings during the Great Depression, his military service in WWII, and his record-setting 11-year tenure as the Republican Leader of the Senate.

12. Prairie Park Nature Center

Positioned on the southeastern outskirts of Lawrence, the Prairie Park Nature Center spans 100 scenic acres, encompassing wetlands, woodlands, a five-acre lake, and native prairie. This diverse setting provides opportunities to observe various Kansas wildlife, including bobcats, beavers, deer, and several species of birds of prey. A network of walking trails connects different areas of the property, including the shore of Mary’s Lake. The education building at the northern end, adjacent to the parking lot, features engaging nature displays, archaeology exhibits, dioramas, and various live animals.

13. South Park

Located at the southern end of downtown Lawrence, South Park is an enduring public area where individuals can gather and unwind. This park is the oldest in Lawrence, having been part of the original design in 1854. South Park offers a refined atmosphere with tall, mature trees, flower gardens, a butterfly garden, and historical elements such as the bandstand, constructed in 1906. The bandstand hosts various outdoor events during the summer, including parties, weddings, and the Lawrence City Band’s summer concert series. Additionally, for families visiting in summer, there is a wading pool featuring zero-depth entry with sprays and fountains.

14. Old West Lawrence

Old West Lawrence is a historic district recognized for its picturesque residential architecture, situated within easy walking distance to the west of downtown. Approximately half of the residences in this 12-block area date back to the 19th century, with the oldest dating to 1860, only a few years after the founding of Lawrence. The district boasts nearly 130 contributing buildings, making it an ideal location for leisurely strolls on a summer day, accompanied by the shade of old deciduous trees. On the eastern side lies the charming Watson Park, which features Locomotive #1073, built in 1902 and utilized for freight services in the Lawrence area until 1952.

15. Lawrence Rotary Arboretum

Situated near the shores of Clinton Lake, the Lawrence Rotary Arboretum has been developed over the past two decades. Opened in 2005, this delightful park incorporates a remarkable collection of trees situated amidst a patchwork of botanical gardens. The arboretum features approximately 30 different tree species, including Pacific sunset maple, swamp white oak, bald cypress, European hornbeam, lacebark elm, and autumn purple ash. Each tree specimen is labeled and can be located using an interactive map provided on the Lawrence City website. Additionally, the WaterWise demonstration garden educates visitors about native pollinators and drought-resistant plants.