A Unique Getaway That is Unmistakably Lawrence Kansas

These days, more and more travelers are planning “local” getaways. This type of travel allows for the most flexibility in uncertain times. It also grants them to explore without having to get on a plane or risk losing money due to cancellations. And we totally get it! Over the last year, we’ve spent alot of time exploring destinations within a couple hours drive. If you are centrally located in the US, and looking to do some local travel , Lawrence Kansas is for you.

Lawrence is located less than an hour west of Kansas City, Missouri, and 20 minutes east of Topeka, Kansas. Lawrence has a population of less than 100,000 people which makes it a good getaway from a big city. Looking for a destination that will allow you to get some fresh air, intake delicious food and drink, or take in some local history,? Lawrence Kansas has a little something for everyone!

Miles and Miles of Trails

For those looking to stretch their legs , there is a waterfront trail on the city perimeter, Lawrence Levee Trail. And on the outskirts of town, you can fully emerse yourself in nature at Baker Wetlands.. Spread over more than 900 acres, the Baker Wetlands is a natural preserve. It is home to dozens of species of birds, including the bald eagle. as well as plenty of native plants.

The University of Kansas also offers a vast green space to become one with nature in the inner city. There’s also Rockefeller Prairie Trail and Clinton Lake if you venture out of the city a little. And if disc golf is your thing (it’s definitely ours) they have a course here too!

Mass Street

The historic downtown area is a collection of streets names after states, but the most happening street is Massachusetts Street. Locally known as Mass St., this street was long ago deemed the “Main Street” as an ode to the many Massachusetts donors that contributed to the city during slavery abolition. Here you’ll find all the hippest restaurants, bars and shops that make Lawrence so unique.

Unique small businesses associated with the Mass St. hub include Waxman Candles Inc., Bodytruth Soap Apothecary, Mass Street Soda and RPG, Lawrence’s First Game Bar. This woman owned, small business sources alot of their menu items from local farmers, while providing a fun venue to connect. They have over 1,000 board games available to rent and have a full bar. That said, there is no shortage of restaurants in this town.

If beer is more your focus on a getaway, there are a few breweries in Lawrence, two of which are located on Mass St. One of these is Free State Brewing Company, makers of brewing history in Kansas, leading the way as Kansas’ first legal brewery in 1989.

Looking for some entertainment while you’re in town? If you’re one for excitiement, you’ll love Breakout Lawrence, the local escape room. If you’re R&R is more your style, the outdoor soaking tub and sauna at Mud & Lotus should do the trick!

The National Trust for Historic Preservation ranked Lawrence among its “Dozen Most Distinctive Destinations” outing it as one of the best-preserved and unique communities in America.

Unmistakably Lawrence

Take in Some Local History

Lawrence is also well known for a handful of history making moments, including Quantrill’s Raid and the Civil War. At the southern end of Mass St., you’ll find the Watkins Museum of History. This is the central destination to find all things Lawrence Kansas’ history, with over a dozen permanent and rotating exhibits. And the best part? Admission is free!

If there’s a sports fan in your party, there’s something here for them too! They’ll be thrilled with the deep roots Lawrence holds in the world of basketball. This is where James Naismith wrote the original basketball rule book!

Explore the Art and Music Scenes

If visual arts are more your cup of tea, you won’t find a shortage of it here! The Lawrence Arts Center, and Spencer Museum of Art have lots to offer and are located ‘a stone’s throw’ from Mass St. And depending what time of year you’ll be visiting, there are year round festivites to attend. The Theater Lawrence offers outdoor performances and movies in the summer months.

Lawrence is also home to some excellent musical talent, including early jazz talents Stump Evans and Lawrence Brown. For more infomation on live events, head over to the Unmistakably Lawrence event calendar.

Things to know About Lawrence

Like many of the larger cities these days, Lawrence offers a bike share program throughout town. They also have a transit system if you want to take a break from driving and walking. The weather in Lawrence varies seasonally. If you visit in winter, you can expect temperatures in the 20s/30s. And in summer, they boast beautiful temps in the 70s and 80s.

If you are thinking that Lawrence Kansas could be your next getaway destination, check out their self-guided tours. Unmistakably Lawrence has lots of resources to assist you with planning your visit. Additionally, you’ll want to make a stop at theire Visitors Center once you get into town.

Looking for accomodations? There are plenty of hotels in Lawrence to choose from.

We hope to get out to Lawrence and explore it in person someday! To generate this post, we attended a Virtual Press Trip. This remote experience introduced us to all of the great things Lawrence has to offer. After a one hour virtual tour of the city, we highlighted some of it’s wonderful businesses above. As we continue to research destinations for future road trips, stay tuned for more posts of “local” destinations.

Does Lawrence Kansas look like a place you might like to explore?