Learn about the city’s history in Lawrence

Learn about the city’s history in Lawrence

If you’re looking for a destination with rich history and culture, Lawrence, Kansas, is an excellent choice. This charming city is home to a variety of attractions that offer a glimpse into the region’s past and present. Here are some of the best things to do in Lawrence, including exploring the city’s fascinating history.

Explore the Watkins Museum of History

The Watkins Museum of History is the perfect starting point for exploring the city’s past. This museum tells the story of Lawrence from its founding in 1854 through the present day. Exhibits cover a wide range of topics, from the city’s role in the Civil War to its thriving arts scene. The museum is located in the heart of downtown Lawrence and is free to the public.

Visit the Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics

Located on the University of Kansas campus, the Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics is a museum and research center that honors the life and career of former senator Bob Dole. The institute features exhibits on American politics and government, as well as an extensive research library. The museum is open to the public and admission is free.

Take a Walking Tour of Downtown Lawrence

Downtown Lawrence is filled with historic buildings, many of which have been beautifully preserved. Take a self-guided walking tour to see some of the city’s most beautiful architecture, including the Douglas County Courthouse, the Eldridge Hotel, and the Free State Brewing Company. Brochures and maps are available at the Lawrence Visitors Center.

Visit the Spencer Museum of Art

Located on the University of Kansas campus, the Spencer Museum of Art is home to more than 45,000 works of art from around the world. The museum’s collection includes everything from ancient artifacts to contemporary paintings, and is particularly strong in the areas of East Asian art and European art from the medieval period through the 19th century. Admission to the museum is free.

Explore the Clinton Lake Historical Society

The Clinton Lake Historical Society is dedicated to preserving the history of the Clinton Lake area, including the town of Bloomington, which was flooded when the lake was created. The society operates a museum that showcases artifacts and documents from the area’s past, including items related to the Kaw Indian tribe, which once inhabited the region.

Visit the Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area

Lawrence is part of the Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area, which tells the story of the struggle for freedom in the border region of Kansas and Missouri. The area includes dozens of historic sites and museums, including the Quindaro Underground Railroad Museum in nearby Kansas City, Kansas, and the John Brown Museum in Osawatomie, Kansas.

Conclusion

From museums to walking tours, there are plenty of ways to explore the fascinating history of Lawrence, Kansas. Whether you’re a history buff or simply curious about the region’s past, there’s something for everyone in this charming Midwestern city. So plan your visit today and discover all that Lawrence has to offer.