![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.](/sites/ku_new_homepage/files/styles/16_9_placeholder_/public/images/2024/Lawrence-parade-downtown-Clinton-lake.png?h=f54bfa0f&itok=aMgWYDv7)
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.
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![A group of students smile and converse during a walk along Massachusetts Street in downtown Lawrence.](/sites/ku_new_homepage/files/styles/7_5_placeholder_/public/images/2024/Lawrence-downtown-walk.jpg?h=74328444&itok=OqH1Ks2f)
![The community gathers for a live music event in downtown Lawrence.](/sites/ku_new_homepage/files/styles/7_5_placeholder_/public/images/2024/Music-Live-On-Mass.jpg?h=01d39518&itok=4rruZK1J)
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.
![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.](/sites/ku_new_homepage/files/styles/16_9_placeholder_/public/images/2024/Culture-around-Lawrence.png?h=f54bfa0f&itok=28WvfsoK)
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.](/sites/ku_new_homepage/files/styles/7_5_placeholder_/public/images/2024/Lawrence-Clinton-Lake.jpg?h=b11ddda9&itok=0p82w8An)
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.](/sites/ku_new_homepage/files/styles/7_5_placeholder_/public/images/2024/Bus-Lawrence-transit-Fall-Campus.jpg?h=2ebb12ce&itok=8MbNnDSU)
![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.](/sites/ku_new_homepage/files/styles/16_9_placeholder_/public/images/2024/Innovation_Park_BTBC_0.png?h=f54bfa0f&itok=IigIhgtc)
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.