How Locals Spend Free Time in Lawrence
Curious about what you'll do when you live in Lawrence? What's there to actually do in Lawrence? If you're into cheering at Allen Fieldhouse, browsing indie galleries on First Friday, and belting karaoke on Mass Street after a few beers, you'll fit right in. This list runs from sunrise trail runs to late-night music venues. Read on for a peek at Lawrence's college town energy and charm.
Jackie, Our Local Expert Guiding Your Move
Jackie has spent her entire life in Kansas, from KC suburbs to college apartments to the rural southeast where she planted her forever flag and refuses to move again. She followed the classic move-every-year rhythm through young adulthood, then abruptly settled into acres of land, a cottage home, a husband, two sons, a cat, and an unreasonable amount of love for the state. Kansas taught her to slow down, notice sunsets, and never underestimate BBQ sides, especially cheesy corn. By day she is an elementary art teacher. By night she is a writer juggling kids content, client work, and creative projects that spill everywhere. At Snappy Scout, Jackie edits Kansas guides with prairie level patience, local intuition, and the confidence of someone who knows the interstate does not tell the whole story.
Read moreWritten with local insight from Snappy Scout relocation experts
What Will You Do in Lawrence?
From weekend adventures to iconic road trips, here's how locals spend their time off.
On a Saturday with perfect weather
Farmer's Market on Massachusetts Street for produce, then Clinton Lake for kayaking or beach time
When the gals come to town for the weekend
Brunch crawl down Mass Street, then camp out on Free State Brewing's patio all afternoon
Dude hangout
Throw darts at The Jayhawk Cafe while arguing KU basketball over cheap beer and wings
Rainy dreary day
Spencer Museum of Art then cozy up at Replay Lounge
Intellectually stimulating
Robert J. Dole Institute exhibits covering political history with more drama than you'd expect
Artsy
Lawrence Arts Center offering drop-in classes, studio space, and galleries showcasing actual local artists
Outdoorsy
Haskell- Baker Wetlands for prairie views you have to see to believe
If you're a shopaholic
Mass Street boutiques will destroy your budget with zero regrets
With your dog
Mutt Run off-leash dog park at Clinton Lake where every dog is having their best life
You have to see this
Allen Fieldhouse on game day or you haven't lived here
On a budget
Free State Brewery happy hour- where grad school budgets actually work
For sports fans
Catch any KU game possible and bleed crimson and blue with 16,000+ fans
My Favorite Local Spot in Lawrence
I love Free State Brewery! The food is great! The beer is great! And they have the best swag! Grab a sweatshirt with the famous quote --"...because without beer, things do not seem to go as well..."
— Jackie Hostetler
Kansas Local Expert
Ready to See If Lawrence Fits You?
Compare cities, check the routes, or head back to the full Lawrence guide for the bigger picture.