A collage of photos showcases a variety of Jayhawk spirit. Included are visuals of students cheering during a KU parade, celebrating at Allen Fieldhouse while tossing confetti, enjoying a gathering in downtown Lawrence, and camping at Clinton Lake.

About Lawrence

Our hometown began as an abolitionist haven. Today, Lawrence is an epicenter of culture for the Midwest, showcasing artists and innovators who embody KU’s unmistakable legacy of creating a better world for all.

Stat 1

Top 25
Best College Towns and Cities in the U.S.
Travel + Leisure
Top 10
Most Historic Small Towns to Visit in Kansas
WorldAtlas

Stats

95,000
Lawrence population
100+
miles of trails and paths
54
city parks
30+
music venues
A group of students smile and converse during a walk along Massachusetts Street in downtown Lawrence.
The community gathers for a live music event in downtown Lawrence.

Historic downtown adventures

Massachusetts Street consistently ranks as a top downtown strip. Among the surrounding blocks, you’ll find music venues, world-class dining, eclectic shopping, and all kinds of art spaces.

Visit Lawrence
Lawrence Public Library
Arts Center
A collage showcasing a variety of events at KU, including the KU Powwow at the Lied Center, a class at the Spencer Museum of Art, and a Spencer Museum of Art curator speaking to students.

Culture on the Hill

Like crimson and blue, Lawrence and KU belong together. Many campus spaces host local artists and performers, bridging the local community with Jayhawks seeking the diverse cultural experiences offered by our city.
Lied Center of Kansas Lied Center of Kansas
Spencer Museum of Art Spencer Museum of Art
Natural History Museum Natural History Museum

Get out and explore

Climb hills, travel trails, and gaze across our big Kansas vistas. Lawrence is a favorite among cyclists and other outdoor adventurers looking to get out and get active.

Two students sit on a dock at Clinton Lake, enjoying a break from studying and taking in the natural beauty.

Getting around

Lawrencians are never far from their next destination. Our bus system can get you almost anywhere in town, and we’re just a 45-minute drive to the Kansas City International Airport.

A KU bus, decorated brightly with school colors, passes by Dyche Hall on Jayhawk Boulevard at the Lawrence campus. The bus system is free and connects KU with the rest of the city.
A collection of visuals feature aspects of KU Innovation Park, including research labs, sleek conference rooms, and an inventive architectural design to illustrate KU’s leadership in invention and discovery.

Bolstering our community

KU Innovation Park connects Lawrence and established companies with KU resources and skills. In collaboration with more than 70 companies, it has created over 675 private sector jobs and $45.1 million in annual payroll. More than 4,000 direct jobs are expected by 2036.

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Beyond Lawrence

The University of Kansas is much more than just one glorious campus on Mount Oread in Lawrence. Jayhawks innovate, create, and collaborate on campuses and locations across Kansas, including in Overland Park, Kansas City, Wichita, Salina, and Leavenworth.

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