5 Reasons to Visit Lawrence, Kansas

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Lawrence, Kansas is the 6th largest city in Kansas and home to two universities - the University of Kansas and Haskell Indian Nations University. As a college town, Lawrence is hip, lively, and even a little quirky, offering lots of rich local culture and activities for its visitors. Whether you’re a history buff, artist, foodie, beverage connoisseur, or sports enthusiast, Lawrence has something to offer you.

The History

Lawrence got its origins for political reasons as a center for free-state politics. Since it’s political founding, the city has been a leader in political movements and freedom rights. The main street in Lawrence’s downtown district is named “Massachusetts” to commemorate the New England Aid Company’s home state, who founded the town. Today, the street is bustling with local shops, boutiques, and eateries.

Watkins Museum of History, lawrence — *Watkins Museum of History, Photo credit: Unmistakably Lawrence*

For a deep dive into the turbulent history of Lawrence, visit the Watkins Museum of History to learn about Douglas County’s past. The building itself is worth seeing as it’s housed in the 1888 Watkins Land Mortgage and National Bank Building, an architectural icon.

Also, fun fact, did you know that the founder of basketball (James Naismith) was the first basketball coach at the University of Kansas? That essentially made him the first basketball coach in the world! The game of basketball was officially born in 1891 when Naismith wrote up 13 rules and named it “basket ball”. Even though the rules and the game have since evolved, basketball fandom runs deep in Lawrence. Personally, I’m not a superfan of basketball but that’s still a pretty interesting fact and claim to fame...I had never even thought about the origins of basketball before learning about Lawrence!

The Art

The Lawrence Arts Center, Lawrence, KS — *The Lawrence Arts Center, Photo credit: Unmistakably Lawrence*

Lawrence has no shortage of art outlets whether it’s visual art, performing art, theatrical art, or live music. The Lawrence Arts Center features 20-25 exhibitions per year as well as a full schedule of educational classes. Adult classes include: ceramics, drawing and painting, print and paper arts, fiber arts, writing, photography, and jewelry creation.

Spencer Art Museum, Lawrence, KS — *Spencer Art Museum, Photo credit: Unmistakably Lawrence*

Another impressive spot to appreciate changing and permanent exhibitions is the Spencer Art Museum, located on the KU campus. There are more than 45,000 objects to admire in the Spencer Art Museum collection, so you could easily spend the whole day exploring this cultural center.

Theatre Lawrence, Lawrence, KS — *Theatre Lawrence, Photo credit: Unmistakably Lawrence*

If performing arts is more your thing, you’ll want to check out what’s going on at the Lied Center of Kansas, which offers everything from Broadway classics to dance recitals and musical performances. For theatrical comedies, dramas, musicals, and more, check the event calendar at Theatre Lawrence.

The Food

Lawrence loves their food! Which puts me in good company because I do too! There are a TON of delicious places to try but some highlights include:

Culinaria, Lawrence, KS — *Culinaria, Photo credit: Unmistakably Lawrence*

Ramen Bowls - Offering soups, noodles, and small Asian bites like dumplings and wontons, Ramen Bowls is a Lawrence favorite.
The Bourgeois Pig - Want to be transported to Europe? The Bourgeois Pig is a full bar and coffee shop offering patrons specialty martinis, espresso drinks, wines, and spirits.
Burrito King - A town staple, Burrito King has provided Lawrence with quick, quality, authentic Mexican food for over 20 years.
Wheatfields Bakery & Cafe - Bread lovers rejoice! Wheatfields bakes artisan bread, fine pastries, and lunch favorites every day.
Culinaria - Located in one of east Lawrence’s most historic buildings, Culinaria prepares Mediterranean-inspired cuisine including a variety of mezze, hummus, and grilled entrees.

custom travel planning - the jet set blonde - brittany ryan

custom travel planning with brittany

The Beer (& Soda)

In addition to good food, Lawrence locals have an affinity for good craft beer (and soda). In 1989, Lawrence’s Free State Brewing Company became the first legal brewery in Kansas in over 100 years. Since its inception, Free State Brewing Company has provided fresh brews to people in Kansas, Nebraska, and Missouri for the past 25+ years.

23rd Street Brewery, Lawrence, KS — *23rd Street Brewery, Photo credit:* *brew23.com*

After Free State paved the way for micro-breweries, four more followed:

23rd Street Brewery - This small, locally owned brewpub offers approximately 1000 BBLs a year.
Black Stag Brewery & Pub - Black Stag is Lawrence’s newest brewery located in the downtown district, and they source all ingredients for their beer from the country of origin for that style (when possible).
Fields & Ivy - This farm-to-table brewery proudly features 5,000 square feet of production brewery, producing 15,600 local suds a year.
Lawrence Beer Company - If you’re in the warehouse arts district, check out Lawrence Beer Company, located in a 100+ year old building. The owners have tried to keep as much original construction as possible.

Mass Street Soda, Lawrence, KS — *Mass Street Soda, Photo credit: Unmistakably Lawrence*

Finally, if beer is not your thing, you’ll have to check out Mass Street Soda. This pop shop features over 1,300 varieties of craft soda from all over the world. Try a root beer float or rent a root beer keg to go!

The Wellness Experiences

And the final reason you should visit Lawrence, Kansas is for the wellness experiences, which just may be my favorite reason of them all.

Mud & Lotus - Get a relaxing facial mud mask followed by an hour of bliss in Mud & Lotus’ private outdoor soaking tub and sauna.
Washington Creek Lavender - Take in the beauty and scent of 6,000+ lavender plants on this family-run farm located in east Lawrence.
BODYTRUTH Soap Apothecary - Try a small group workshop at BODYTRUTH and learn about the handmade soapmaking process. Don’t leave without trying some of their other wellness products, including bath bombs, shea butter, natural deodorant, facial oil, facial masks, facial moisturizers, body scrubs, and more.
Waxman Candles - Try a candle making class and take the “scent of Lawrence” home with you from Waxman Candles, a Lawrence staple for 47+ years. This popular fragrance has notes Lilac, Pine, and Hemp.
Want to get outdoors? Explore the 100+ miles of trails and paths or walk one of the 54 city parks.

lawrence, ks — *Photo credit: Unmistakably Lawrence*

A city characterized by freedom and creativity, Lawrence, Kansas embraces individualism and eccentricity. A blend of deep history and rich modern culture, Lawrence has an unmistakable identity that will appeal to travelers of all kinds, from sports lovers to beverage enthusiasts and more.

Want to learn more? Visit UnmistakablyLawrence.com for travel itineraries, recommendations, and more.