Living Here
Culture & Lifestyle
There’s no place like home — and that’s especially true when your home is Lawrence, Kansas.
Lawrence is young, diverse, rich in both culture and history. The town exists because of education, boasts a highly intelligent population, with a passionate emphasis on the arts.
The city of Lawrence embraces that image and exudes a unique brand of small town atmosphere mixed in with a hip vibe, plus a cultural richness unheard of it a town its size.
An eclectic collection of dining options in Lawrence’s historic downtown indulges appetites of both locals and visitors alike. Shopping is a delightful adventure of perusing locally-owned stores, shops, and boutiques to fit a variety of needs and tastes. You’ll always find what you’re looking for in Lawrence.
Recreation (and Basketball!)
Lawrence is home to over 50 parks, trails for miles, and numerous rec centers all around town. We’ve got lakes, a river, swimming pools (both indoor and out!), and groups focused on running, biking, tennis, golf, or any other activity you want to get into. Plus, Lawrence is home to Dr. James Naismith’s original rules of basketball, housed in the DeBruce Center on the campus of the University of Kansas, where Dr. Naismith coached. It’s right next door to historic Allen Fieldhouse, consistently rated as one of the best places to catch a college game with a student section that can’t be beat.
Food
Lawrence is a food destination, featuring everything from locally sourced produce to global cuisine. Whether you want to hit up a bakery or a brewery, need fine dining or food fast, our restaurants cater to every palette of every age for every meal. We’ve got early morning breakfast spots and late-night drinks and snacks. Recently rated as a low key wine destination by Wine Enthusiast, and with multiple restaurants on a list of best places to eat in Kansas, we’ll take care of your cravings.
Arts & Culture
Lawrence is a hub of arts and culture opportunities and experiences. We’ve got galleries, live music venues, theaters, and makerspaces galore. Take a walk through the Lawrence Arts Center and the Spencer Art Museum. Catch a show at the Lied Center of Kansas or Theatre Lawrence. Maybe your favorite band is playing at The Granada or Liberty Hall. Every Final Friday is a vast array of exhibits, receptions, artwork, and experiences in different venues around town. And we’ve got something for everyone – performances, festivals, galleries, events, and live music.
Kids
Let’s not forget about the kids. Lawrence has plenty to keep kids on the go. Check out the KU Natural History Museum, home to 9 million plants, animals, and fossils, and famous for its Panorama display. Lawrence is home to over 50 parks. And don’t forget about Prairie Park Nature Center, a 100-acre nature preserve featuring wetlands, woodlands, trails, and a 5-acre lake. Or stop by the new Baker Wetlands Discovery Center, over 920 acres of rich wildlife and hundreds of species of animals and plants. It was also named the most beautiful place in Kansas by House Beautiful magazine.
Contact Us
785-865-4411 Email Us
EDC of Lawrence & Douglas County
718 New Hampshire St. Lawrence, KS 66044