20 Unique Things To Do In Lawrence Kansas

1. Shop At Massachusetts Street

Massachusetts Street is the main social entity of Lawrence, Kansas, and is known as Mass Street due to the convenience of the locals. This street is in the downtown area of the city, and it runs from the northern end of the area, famous for the historic buildings, to the southern side.

However, it is more of a destination where people can visit, and there is much more than just shopping attractiveness. There are numerous original shops, various small cafes, and several exclusively unique shops.

However, it is recommended to drop by the place during the various occasions and celebrations that are celebrated across the year.

2. Take Part In Lawrence Locomotion Scavenger Hunt

This Scavenger Hunt is fun and full of spirit, which provides an exciting tour of the lovely city of Lawrence. The hunt challenges participants to search for memorable features, as well as new information about the city’s aspects, archived landmarks, and historical facts of significance.

Using various codes, numerical sequences, and puzzles, you will get the key to points of interest such as Massachusetts Street, historical landmarks, and various local shops and boutiques. The scavenger hunt is being organized at the Lawrence Visitor Center, which is at 827 Massachusetts St., Lawrence, KS 66044.

This activity stands out as one of the fun things to do in Lawrence.

3. Discover Exhibits At Biodiversity Institute and Natural History Museum

This museum is indeed a heaven where one can experience a multitude of sights and sounds of the natural world. It also has all kinds of exhibits, from the history of the earth to dinosaur fossils and ancient plants and animals.

Overall, it is an interesting place for anyone who has an interest in the topic. Among the attractions of the museum, it is possible to note the exposition of dinosaur remains, which gives an idea about the life of these creatures.

The museum also includes touch tanks and screen displays to engage and learn about different species of certain ecosystems.

4. Learn About The Final Fridays

It is a colorful social event celebrating art that happens every last Friday of the month. It turns Main Lawrence into an art fair, where one can view artwork, listen to music, and watch performances by local artists.

Many of the streets are filled with numerous exhibitions, live performances, and a great, joyful atmosphere. Final Fridays occur in the central business district, mostly around Massachusetts Street and neighboring regions. Museumgoers are free to walk between one gallery and another.

Here, visitors can watch street theatre and engage the artists as one of the best things to do in Lawrence KS.

5. Try Chinese And Vietnamese Food At Jade Garden

This restaurant is situated at 2312 Iowa Street, and the interior is designed for people to feel comfortable for family dinner or any friendly meal. The menu offers some of the best dishes of Chinese food, including General Tso’s chicken and crispy spring rolls, and those of Vietnamese food, including pho and the delicious Banh Mi sandwiches.

The distinctive feature that makes Jade Garden different from many other restaurants is the focus on the traditional flavors and selection of ingredients. The pho at the restaurant is ric with aromatic broth, and the Vietnamese spring rolls are famous for their fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors.

6. Enjoy A Glass of Wine At Crescent Moon Winery

This place stands at 2102 E 23rd St. and is a rather discreet establishment where guests can sample well-made wines that are made from locally grown grapes. The winery’s serene setting, surrounded by picturesque vineyards, provides the perfect backdrop for a peaceful afternoon.

It has a home-like appeal and when you pull into the parking lot of crescent Moon Winery, you are welcomed in a friendly manner. The staff is relaxed and professional, and they are more than happy to show you their range of white wines, red wines, etc. Every visit is an expectation of a good experience.

7. Explore The Sand Volleyball Courts And Beach At Clinton State Park

The park is approximately 10 miles west of Lawrence, Kansas. The signposts to the park are well placed, and one can locate the beach and volleyball court within the recreation area of the park.

The soft-sand courts are ideal for a variety of volleyball games. The beach has a wide sandy shore lined with golden sand, ideal for sunbathing, sandcastling with the children, and other recreations.

Clinton Lake’s waters are somewhat pristine, and it is quite appropriate to swim, paddle, or just take a dip here during the hot months. It is a great place for several things to do in Lawrence.

8. Browse Fresh Produce From Lawrence Farmers Market

The market includes all fresh and regional products, such as fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers. You will also be able to buy specialty foods such as home-baked cookies, cakes, farm-fresh cheeses, and even nice-looking handcrafted ornaments.

This is a perfect opportunity to contribute to the growth of farmers and get unique and fresh products at the same time. When you are strolling through the market, you will encounter smiling faces who are ready to tell their stories.

Visit the place on Sunday morning, stroll, relax, and take in the environment.

9. Explore The Museum of Odd

This is a unique tourist spot that is perfect for a peculiar and entertaining outing for the whole family. The museum displays paintings and sculptures of items that go against the norm and are considered bizarre or odd.

Located at 717 New Hampshire St., the Museum of Odd offers an exhibition of rather peculiar items. It may take a bit of exploring, but there are strange medical instruments and strange artifacts from the past.

The exhibits placed in the museum are rather peculiar and will definitely make visitors eager to know more, and that is why this place is more suitable for people with an egregious sense of humor.

10. See The Spencer Museum of Art

Tucked inside the scenic University of Kansas is the scenic and artistic institution known as the Spencer Museum of Art. Some of its collections include more than 45,000 objects for art lovers from many different periods, types of art, and techniques.

Everyone can find marvelous pieces of art ranging from the very ancient times up to the present day and beyond. The museum has a variety of items, hence, it guarantees that everyone will find something that they fancy.

This is a kind of visit that can be done countless times and is thus beneficial to everyone. Situated at 1301 Mississippi St., entry is free to all.

11. Explore The Haskell Indian Nations University Campus

Haskell was established in 1884 and is a reputed school that focuses on educating Native American students from different parts of the United States of America. Upon visiting the campus, one can initially obtain a strong sense of tradition and history, which is the main characteristic of this place.

The campus is very clean, and there are buildings with historical backgrounds mixed with contemporary structures. Among them, the most obvious one is the Haskell Cultural Center and Museum, where cultural items, art, and curations are featured.

Some typical cultural activities that take place include powwows, traditional dancing, art festivities, and others.

12. Wander Through Sunflower Fields At Grinter Farms

Grinter Farms is one of the adorable venues that can be recommended for a family visit or day trip. Sitting at 2496 N 1300 Rd, this farm is the go-to place for a nature tour due to the beautiful sunflower fields, more so during the summer and early fall.

People go to Grinter Farms to walk through the amazing rows of blossoming sunflowers, which is a great place to take stunning pictures, as well as beautiful nature.

The farm is not exclusive to sunflowers, as it only gains recognition through it. Grinter Farms also has additional attractions, such as pumpkin patches in the fall and Christmas markets with décor and crafts.

13. Visit The Castle Tea Room

This beautiful facility is situated at 1307 Massachusetts Street. The building has a castle-like structure with towers and carved stone that take patrons down memory lane. One should go to the castle tea room to enjoy the set up and history of the place.

Originally, it was a residential home, but it has been very beautifully renovated and turned into a place for occasions, tea parties, and more. Patrons are easily able to appreciate the luxurious décor of the previous era while at the same time getting a warm and homey sensation.

Thus, the Castle Tea Room can be used for any purpose, starting with a romantic dinner and ending with a wedding celebration.

14. Hunt For Unique Antiques At Lawrence Antique Mall

Lawrence Antique Mall is one of those gem shops where you feel like a genuine detective looking for a precious piece. Who knows what you may be able to discover? Maybe it’s a unique piece of furniture or a beautiful piece of antique that you exactly need for your home, or it may be some piece of history that reminds you of your past.

This mall is lined with small shops owned by warm-hearted vendors who are most willing to let you know the details about the products they are selling, thus making your shopping fun.

This particular mall resides at 830 Massachusetts Street, in the middle of the city center.

15. Stroll By The Lawrence Arts Center Sculpture Garden

The garden is at 940 New Hampshire Street and is open to the public, and its layout makes for a perfect walking trail. Its canopies of trees and artistic statues are installed at intervals, adding beauty to the environment and tranquility.

The place is suitable for artists, families, and anyone with little intention of enjoying nature. It is situated in the Lawrence Arts Center, which is a multi-arts organization focusing on the art education of the community and offering galleries, performances, and art classes.

This is a year-round museum for the public, and is one of the best things to do in Lawrence Kansas.

16. Check Out The Phoenix Gallery

This welcoming gallery features a wide range of amazing artwork created by local artists. Beautiful paintings, delicate jewelry, unique pottery, and glasswork products that are crafted by artists reflect the best of creativity and hard work. 

Phoenix Gallery is so much more than just viewing art; it’s the friendly environment that the gallery offers. The personnel are warm and professional, willing to explain the significance of a work or how you can display the item of your choice.

In case you are wondering what is there to do in Lawrence KS, visiting this place will escalate your visit.

17. A Round of Golf At The Jayhawk Club

This wonderful and luxurious clubhouse is not just for golf; it is for the creation of wonderful memories. The large, green, and abundant carpet of grass is ideal for a fun-filled and enjoyable day.

There is a beautiful golf course at the Jayhawk Club, which is one of the main attractions. Characterized by the extensive and complicated yard and its almost new look, it is a great place dedicated to lovers of golf.

It presents a challenging yet fulfilling experience to play. Apart from golf, this club also has other outdoor options such as swimming and tennis.

18. Relax At Lawrence Nature Park

This beautiful park is situated in the western part of the city, covering 100+ acres of land with diverse trails, woodland, prairie, and wetland. For bird lovers, there are so many to be sighted, and for those interested in nature and wildlife, this park is perfect.

That is why one of the greatest characteristics of Lawrence Nature Park is the opportunity to have a bird's-eye view of the park and a chance to have a lovely family picnic or a lovely solitary stroll to get away from the noises of the modern world.

Among various Lawrence Kansas attractions, the trails of this park is well maintained for hiking and give hikers a direct way to the natural view at the park.

19. Grab Your Breakfast From The Big Biscuit

The Big Biscuit in Lawrence, Kansas, is filled with the breakfast niche and other comfort food enthusiasts longing to taste traditional American dishes. Primarily, this diner is situated at 4720 W 6th St., and due to the significantly large biscuits, this eatery is famous.

Every biscuit is from the ground up—it is a warm, buttery biscuit that pulls people, both locals and tourists, in. The breakfast restaurant offers a variety of food options, ranging from breakfast and lunch specials to tasty omelets, delicious hash browns, and creamy gravy.

If you are in search of what to do in Lawrence KS, have a heartfelt breakfast at this place.

20. Discover The Lawrence Public Library

One of the great treasures for book lovers is the Lawrence Public Library, situated at 707 Vermont Street, Lawrence, Kansas. Unlike your traditional fused dust library, this one is more than a place to find books and borrow them. It is a center with something for everyone.

Upon getting into the premises, you get a warm feeling that it is well-lit and spacious, with fixtures that include comfortable reading sections. The collection of books, magazines, and digital resources is significantly large, and there is always an option to find something interesting.