About Lawrence
![People holding instruments walk in front of a downtown Lawrence building during a parade.](/sites/hospitality/files/styles/16_9_placeholder_/public/images/2023/Mardi-Gras-Mass.jpg?h=05586b66&itok=3rzhLi33)
![KU's Marching Jayhawks and cheer teams perform in front of a large crowd in the middle of Massachusetts Street in downtown Lawrence, Kansas.](/sites/hospitality/files/images/2023/Live_On_Mass.jpg)
Massachusetts Street
Boutique shops and world-class restaurants line our historic downtown strip, which locals affectionately refer to as “Mass.” After dark, tap into Mass Street’s eclectic nighttime spirit — whether that’s venturing into an underground speakeasy or checking out one of the city’s 30 music venues. And you never know: A well-timed visit could even land you on the sidelines of a downtown championship parade.
![Customers smile as they look at bouquets of flowers prepared by a vendor at the downtown Lawrence farmer's market.](/sites/hospitality/files/styles/5_7_placeholder_/public/images/2023/Farmers-market.jpg?h=bd758d29&itok=YVel7Hsz)
![Two bicyclists with helmets on cruise on a paved path with trees on each side.](/sites/hospitality/files/styles/1_1_placeholder_/public/images/2023/Lawrence-Bike-Path.jpg?h=67f87e6e&itok=MnTqH0G5)
Warehouse Arts District
Lawrence is a widely recognized crossroads of art and culture. That spirit is concentrated in East Lawrence, where you’ll find galleries, studios, and workshops nestled in historic buildings along cobblestone streets. If you work up a thirst, local coffee and brews are just around the corner.
Outdoors exploration
Need some fresh air? We have plenty of it — along with 54 city parks, extensive bike lanes, and more than 100 miles of surrounding trails. Just minutes outside city limits, Clinton Lake and nearby wildlife preserves await.
![A view of the Kansas City downtown skyline at night with a central focus on Union Station in the foreground.](/sites/hospitality/files/images/2023/Kansas-City-Union-Station.jpg)
Kansas City and Topeka
Metropolitan Kansas City — and its international airport — are just a 45-minute drive from Lawrence. KC’s diverse neighborhoods and districts offer delights for foodies, shoppers, and museum-goers.
State capital Topeka is just 20 minutes west of Lawrence. There, you’ll find distinctive Kansas landmarks and history-making sites.