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Lawrence, Kansas

Since its opening in 1866, the University of Kansas has had a major influence on the city of Lawrence. With an enrollment of more than 25,000 students on its Lawrence campus, KU is a focal point for numerous academic, cultural and recreational activities. Its beloved mascot, the Jayhawk, is a familiar image all over the city. Its campus, situated high on Mount Oread, is acclaimed as one of the most beautiful in the country.

The University of Kansas stands high on a hill overlooking Lawrence. Early traders, explorers and families climbed the ridge that is now Jayhawk Boulevard to head west along the Oregon Trail. Erosion and construction have worn away the wagon wheel ruts but as the University grew, Jayhawk Boulevard emerged running parallel to the Oregon Trail. Sixteen buildings in styles from collegiate Gothic to modern brick stand along its tree-lined, half-mile arc, five of which are named on the National Register of Historic Places. These buildings contain world-class museums, classrooms, laboratories, auditoriums, cafeterias, a library and a chapel, reflecting more that 125 years of campus history.

KU is known for high-quality education at a low cost. U.S. News and World Report ranks KU among the top national universities for price and quality of education, and Barron's Best Buys in College Education highly recommends KU. The 2002 Fiske Guide to Colleges (and pervious editions since 1982) gives KU four stars in academics, social life and quality of living.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Kenneth Spencer Research Library

Designed for the preservation and use of rare materials, the Kenneth Spencer Research Library, on the University of Kansas campus, provides a home to some of the finest collections in North America. The library houses three major units:


Opera House/Liberty Hall

Liberty Hall was rebuilt in 1911 as Bowersock Opera House after fire destroyed the original Liberty Hall. Renovated in the 1980

Lawrence, KS Historic Buildings

Stan Herd Earth Art

The Medicine Wheel earth art was designed by a Haskell art instructor and Haskell students and built by internationally known crop-artist, Stan Herd (also a Lawrencian). Crop art is a way of planting and growing crops to create a visual image, in this case the medicine wheel. Although a bird'

Lawrence, KS Arts

Lied Center at the University of Kansas

The University of Kansas' $14.3 million performing arts center will enthrall you with Broadway favorites, magical family entertainment, breathtaking dance and elegant music. Ranked by International Arts Manager Magazine as one of "The Top U.S. University Presenters,"

Lawrence, KS Arts

Historic Homes Tour

Architectural variety characterizes Old West Lawrence. From the beginning, the neighbor hood was home to Lawrence's elite. Homes were built not only to accommodate basic shelter needs, but also to make statements of wealth, prestige and fashion. The oldest houses were built in 1860 and 1861

Lawrence, KS Tours

Things to do near Lawrence, KS

Pomona Nature Trails

For the casual hiker there are two nature trails at Pomona Lake. The Deer Creek Nature Trail is located in Outlet Park on the...