Are you visiting the city of Lawrence and you do not know any fun activities to engage in?
Well, you’re at the right place, where you will receive the necessary help.
Lawrence, a city in Kansas, is a gorgeous city with a list of beautiful sights and lots of fun activities to engage in.
Some of the interesting things and places that you’ll find in Lawrence are art galleries, great restaurants with good food, even foreign delicacies, wedding halls, museums, brewing companies, and even wineries.
Lawrence has a bubbling culture and is also rich in music, as it has a lot of music festivals.
Lawrence is also home to a lot of beautiful parks like the Clinton state park, prairie park Nature Centre and a whole lot more. All these contribute to making Lawrence an activity-packed city.
While visiting endeavour to check out places like the Spencer Museum of Art, Natural History Museum of the University of Kansas, etc.
So now, I am going to be showing you the 23 best and most interesting places and things for you to engage in during your visit to Lawrence.
23 Great Places and Activities for Places Lawrence.
1. Go on a tour of the University of Kansas Natural History Museum
The University of Kansas Natural History Museum is located on the university’s campus on Jayhawk Boulevard, specifically at 1345 Jayhawk Boulevard, Lawrence, Kansas.
It is part of the University of Kansas Biodiversity Institute, which is dedicated to researching the variety of life on Earth.
All of the galleries are housed in the historic Dyche Hall, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
There are over ten million artefacts and species there. A visit is simply one of the best things to do in Lawrence, KS, that you should add to your bucket list.
2. Take a stroll down Massachusetts Street.
Massachusetts Street, also known as Mass Street, is in downtown Lawrence, more specifically in the central business district.
It is one of Lawrence’s most popular tourist attractions, and thus one of the best things to do in Lawrence, Kansas.
This historic district runs south from Sixth Street, just south of the Kansas River, to Haskell Indian Nations University.
It was named after the Massachusetts Emigrant Aid Company, which helped to establish the city by bringing anti-slavery settlers.
There are numerous restaurants, shops, and a brewery on the premises. There are also some sections listed on the National Register of Historic Places in the United States that are worth exploring.
3. Haskell Cultural Center and Museum
This Museum is found at 155 Indian Ave. Box #5013, Lawrence, KS.
The Haskell Cultural Center and Museum at Haskell Indian Nations University allows you to immerse yourself in cultural diversity at its finest.
The Haskell Cultural Center and Museum were founded to honour its students’ resilience and strength, as well as their contributions to the university’s current name, Haskell Indian Nations University.
It focuses on the resurgence of Indigenous expression and strives to incorporate elements of self-determination and tribal pride into its academic spirit.
Don’t pass up a visit to this museum! It’s one of the most unusual but interesting things to do in Lawrence, Kansas.
4. Free State Brewing Co.
Located at 636 Massachusetts Street, Lawrence Kansas is Free State Brewing Company, which began operations in 1989, was Kansas’ first post-prohibition legal brewery.
It is currently a 14-barrel brewhouse that uses only top small brewers’ equipment to produce superb authentic and original beers.
They are not limited to the rules of specific beer styles, so let your taste be your guide.
Start with their flagship beers, such as Wheat State Golden or Oatmeal Stout.
Their beer samples are available at their fun and cosy brewpub. There is always some fresh drink available for you to experiment with.
5. The Circle S Ranch and Country Inn
If you are looking for a lovely wedding and event venue or an outdoor oasis, or a quiet weekend getaway? The Circle S Ranch & Country Inn has it all.
The Circle S Ranch, founded in 1860, has been in continuous operation for six generations. The driveway to the Inn is a half-mile long and ends as you cross the hill and valley.
The Inn is nestled at a slight incline in the path that leads to the prairie garden (a popular venue for weddings).
This location is ideal for training, breakout sessions, and corporate retreats, with the Ranch providing an ideal setting for team bonding.
3325 Circle S Lane, Lawrence, Kansas
6. Pay a visit to Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics
Situated at 2350 Petefish Drive, Lawrence, Kansas.
On the University of Kansas campus, the Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics is one of the top places to visit in Lawrence, KS, especially if you have a keen interest in politics.
It is a political institution founded by Bob Dole, a one-time U.S. Senator from Kansas and the 1996 Republican presidential candidate.
This institute was opened in 2003, it is a 28,000 sq ft facility that houses Dole’s papers but its stand as a non-partisan institute makes it a key venue for political events.
Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics has hosted speakers like Bill Clinton, Bob Woodward, Tom Brokaw, and Bob and his wife, Elizabeth Dole. Various programs and tours are offered by the institute.
Also, you could rent this space as It is also up for rent.
7. The DeBruce Center
The DeBruce Center is a one-of-a-kind facility where fans of all ages can come together to learn about the rich history of basketball, a sport dear to KU’s heart.
Exhibits at the DeBruce Center and the Booth Family Hall of Athletics are free to view, making it one of the best free things to do in Lawrence, Kansas.
The Original Rules of “Basketball,” as well as other basketball exhibits, are open to the public all year.
Except for holidays, the museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., but it is closed on Sundays.
Address: 1647 Naismith Drive, Lawrence, KS 66045
8. Learn History at Watkins Museum of History
Address: 1047 Massachusetts Street, Lawrence, Kansas
Established in 1933, the Watkins Museum of History is devoted to the preservation and exhibition of the history of Douglas County, Kansas.
The Douglas County Historical Society has operated the museum since 1975.
Watkins Museum of History is housed in the historic 1888 Watkins Land Mortgage and National Bank Building and displays temporary and permanent exhibits.
You will learn of the role played by Douglas County during important events like the civil rights movement, the Civil War, the Vietnam War through the permanent exhibits here.
All these make Lawrence one of the top fun things to do in Lawrence, Kansas, consider an addition to your checklist of places to visit in Lawrence, KS.
9. Ruff House Art
Visiting Ruff House Art is one of the best things to do in Lawrence, Kansas,
The Ruff Art House located at 729 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS 66044 is a stationery store known for its stationery and personalized cards, which are frequently used as gift packs.
For over nine years, this stylish letterpress shop has been selling journals, planners, notebooks, personalized greeting cards, miniature gift cards, and gift wraps.
Wholesale items are available for birthdays, weddings, and parties.
You’d appreciate the hand-crafted stationery and customizable cards, which are both useful and adorable.
Ruff House Art is the ideal gift shop for special occasions.
They are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
10. Spend quality time at the Live Performances at Lied Center of Kansas
The Lied Center of Kansas is a performing arts centre on the campus of the University of Kansas that opened in 1993.
It was built in collaboration with the Lied Foundation by the Lawrence community and is located at 1600 Stewart Drive, Lawrence, Kansas.
The centre is named after Ernst M. and Ida K. Lied, Ernst F. Lied’s parents. Lied was a University of Kansas alumnus.
It can seat close to 200 people, and the centre also has many educational outreach programs, such as study guides, school programs, and “School Ambassadors” for information required by local schools.
The Lied Center of Kansas is one of the best places in Lawrence to go on a romantic date because you can see a nice performance.
11. Quantrill’s Raid of Lawrence
Located at the Miller Farm to Oak Hill Cemetery.
The American Civil War was full of historical scenes and acts, but Quantrill’s Raid on Lawrence was a climactic event.
Since the event, there have been songs, movies, and TV shows created to depict the horrific aftermath of the Lawrence massacre.
You can join the ranks of many visitors from around the world by taking a self-guided tour of the vital historically significant sites that offer a one-of-a-kind experience and a comprehensive understanding of Lawrence’s history.
12. Get a glimpse of Nature’s Beauty at Prairie Park Nature Center
The Prairie Park Nature Center is located at 2730 Harper Street, Lawrence, Kansas.
is one of the city’s most popular attractions.
It opened in 1999 and consists of 100 acres of various habitats, including wetlands, woodlands, and prairie.
Mary’s Lake, a five-acre lake, is located within this nature centre.
It is a well-known fishing spot that is stocked with a variety of fish by the Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks throughout the spring and summer.
There are walking trails for bird watchers and people who love nature to enjoy.
Among the wildlife that lives here are birds of prey, deer, bobcats, and beavers.
13. Baker Wetlands
The Baker Wetlands are placed on the south side of Lawrence, Kansas.
It is a 927-acre nature preserve with over 10 miles of trails and a nice boardwalk.
Baker Wetlands Discovery Center, which opened in 2015, is a beautiful new 11,000 square foot structure.
It has a large display area, a research lab, a classroom space, and other amenities.
Baker has gradually reduced the previous use of the land, and this process is still ongoing.
In 2017, the centre recorded 487 plant species, 278 bird species, and 98 other vertebrate species.
14. Washington Creek Lavender
Washington Creek Lavender is located just outside Lawrence, in a small part of Provence.
This is an undulating purple hill with over 6000 fragrant lavender plants of various varieties growing on it.
Kathy and Jack Wilson own, operate, and manage Washington Creek Lavender, an organization of lavender farms.
Every lavender plant here is organic, and it is tended and cared for without the use of chemicals.
This necessitates more strenuous and direct care, but the result is a high-quality plant that is relaxing and healing.
This farm, which is a registered Kansas official agri-tour site, is open to the public.
So, you can take a walk through the fragrant rows of these lavender bushes before harvesting.
It’s such a peaceful scene. There is also a shop selling lavender-related items.
15. Do Some Exercise And Games At Sports Pavilion Lawrence
Lawrence Sports Pavilion is a public recreation centre in the city of Lawrence located at 100 Rock Chalk Ln, Lawrence, KS 66049.
This centre is located in Rock Chalk Park in northwest Lawrence, and it is one of the best places to visit in Lawrence. KS.
There are 16 full-size volleyball courts, 8 full-size basketball courts, a 1/8 mile walking/running track, aerobic/fitness rooms, and gymnastics areas at this facility.
There are also eight outdoor tennis courts, an indoor turf/soccer area, cardio/weight areas, meeting rooms, and over five miles of walking trails.
This is one of the Lawrence Kansas attractions that someone who is a fan of sports should see.
16. Booth Family Hall of Athletics
Booth Family Athletics Hall of Fame
The Booth Family Hall of Athletics is a museum dedicated to Kansas University athletic programs, student-athletes, and past and present coaches that opened in January 2006.
The 19,335 square foot facility, located near the Allen Fieldhouse, underwent tangible expansions in 2009.
It is open all year, allowing Jayhawk fans to learn about Kansas Athletics’ history and tradition.
The Story of Sport gallery features one case honouring Wilt Chamberlain and two Olympians cases, beginning with Kansas Athletics in 1879.
17. Watkins Community Museum of History
The Watkins Community Museum of History is located in the heart of downtown Lawrence.
It is one of the top Lawrence, Kansas attractions.
The Douglas County Historical Society founded the museum, which explains the local history and places exhibits in context.
Dr John Naismith and Langston Hughes, two former Lawrence residents, are featured in two of the most interesting exhibits.
The museum is housed in the Land Mortgage Company & Watkins National Bank building.
Also, Jabez Bunting (J.B.) Watkins, a Lawrence financier, commissioned the building’s construction between 1885 and 1888.
All this makes The structure itself interesting, and it hosts lectures and other special events.
18. Have a Glimpse of Amazing Arts at Spencer Museum of Art
The Spencer Museum of Art opened in 1928 with a collection of 7,500 art objects donated to the University of Kansas by Kansas City’s special art collector Sallie Casey Thayer.
Her skills were conceived in such a way that they would promote the study and appreciation of fine arts.
Glass, pictures, sketches, paintings, carpets, clothes, sculpture, metalwork, ceramics, and many other beautiful art pieces are included in the collection.
This collection grew rapidly and was relocated to its current larger location in 1978 – a stunning neoclassical structure constructed with Indiana limestone.
Recent additions to the museum include the transfer of 9,500 ethnographic objects in 2007.
This museum hosts educational and informative events such as lectures, film screenings, and gallery talks.
So, if you are looking for a fun but educational activity, this is recommended for you.
19. Wakarusa River Valley Heritage Museum
The Wakarusa River Valley Heritage Museum is a popular attraction in Lawrence, with exhibits that explain the history of Clinton Lake’s formation and how it affected the people who lived there.
The United States Corps of Engineers’ plan to dam the Wakarusa River and create Clinton Lake resulted in the displacement of residents who had worked on the land for decades with their families.
They were forced to form the Clinton Lake Landowners Association to save some of the historic old houses that were slated for demolition. This resulted in the creation of the museum.
A visit here should be on your list of things to do in Lawrence if you want to spend some time in a museum.
20. Enjoy a delicious Breakfast at The Roost
The Roost restaurant, located on No. 920 Massachusetts Street, Lawrence, Kansas is a large, realistic eatery that serves coffee, breakfast, lunch, and pastries.
The bar is one of the most well-known parts of the Roost, thanks to their inventive Bloody Maries and one-of-a-kind coffee drinks.
The food at the Roost is simple.
There are egg dishes, sandwiches, soup and salads, and the unavoidable mac and cheese. Every dish is made from scratch and cooked to perfection.
Their bakery also makes excellent cookies, pies, cakes, and brownies, which is another reason you should visit this one-of-a-kind to give your stomach the treat it deserves!
21. A Meal at 715 Restaurant
715, a Tuscan restaurant in a beautifully restored historic building featuring reclaimed wood and stone walls, is located at Massachusetts Street, Lawrence, Kansas.
The open kitchen takes centre stage, allowing guests to fully experience this Italian magic.
Meals are prepared with fresh meats and produce from nearby farms. They have a diverse menu, with a focus on delicious pasta dishes.
Try the rabbit ravioli with the rare hare, rabbit confit, the ureed goat cheese, olive oil, and parsnip. There is also an excellent wine list to complement the dishes.
This makes what to do in Lawrence, Kansas, for some mealtime and it’ll prove to be a visit well worth your time.
22. Explore Clinton State Park
Clinton State Park, located 6.4 kilometres west of Lawrenckilometresorth shore of Clinton Lake, encompasses 1,500 acres of lake.
The lake here is well-known for the abundance of fish and the clarity of its water.
It is well-known for a wide range of outdoor activities that are popular among birdwatchers, nature photographers, wildlife observers, and cross-country skiers.
A biking and hiking trail links the park to a nearby 9,200-acre wildlife area.
Waterfowl, wild turkey, songbirds, bald eagles, as well aite-tailed deer, can be found in Clinton State Park.
This park is one of the area’s most popular attractions and should be added to your schedule of places to visit while in Lawrence city.
23. Pay A Visit To The University of Kansas
The University of Kansas, located on Jayhawk Boulevard, is the state’s largest university, with branch campuses in Salina, Overland Park, and Kansas City.
The main campus is located on Mount Oread, Lawrence’s highest point.
The University of Kansas was established in 1865 and is a public research university best known for its University Hospital and Medical Center, both of which are located in Kansas City.
The schools of architecture, engineering, business, medicine, journalism, and law are all located on the main campus.
You can participate in a variety of tours, such as Admitted Jayhawk Days, Junior Days, Senior Days, and Senior Jayhawk Days.
Conclusion.
As we have just considered 23 different activities and locations which included restaurants, museums, parks, etc. The city of Lawrence gives you the whole package.
However, you can also visit other places around Kansas if you have time left, so you can make the best use of your entire holiday or visit.
So, start making feasible plans for your visit to Lawrence, and with the help of this article, you will be able to have a blast as you get to explore all these great places mentioned here.
