The Best College Town In Kansas
Located in Northeast Kansas along the Kansas River, Lawrence is a spirited college town famous for its strong sense of community, vibrant downtown, and ties to the abolitionist movement. Today, the University of Kansas (KU) anchors the community with its academics, local traditions, and basketball culture. Coupled with its affordable housing, the city has a youthful population as a result, with an overall median age of 28.8 in 2022.
However, people of all ages and backgrounds thrive in Lawrence. The city boasts an eclectic mix of attractions and locales, with its historic main street lined with shops, restaurants, and museums for every taste. Since its first days as a bastion against the expansion of slavery, inclusivity has also been one of Lawrence’s driving values—a principle that the city and college both maintain to this day. Whether you are visiting Lawrence, attending KU, or considering a move here, you can expect a warm welcome that will have you feeling right at home.
A Brief History of Lawrence
Over a decade before KU began shaping Lawrence into the college town it is today, the city made history with its origins and participation in the Free-State movement. Under this movement, the New England Emigrant Aid Society founded Lawrence in 1854 with the goal of preventing the westward expansion of slavery. This reputation spurred countless raids and attacks on the community, which escalated to violence during the period of “Bleeding Kansas,” preceding the American Civil War.
In the years that followed, Lawrence faced additional violence during the Civil War, including pivotal events like the Quantrill's Raid, also known as the Lawrence Massacre. Despite this tremendous tragedy, Lawrence’s role in the fight for abolishing slavery was significant, shaping the city’s values of resilience and inclusivity.
A Journey Toward Equality at the University of Kansas
Like all historic colleges, the University of Kansas has a history of ups and downs in its journey toward equality for students. However, it is also marked by some significant historic triumphs. KU first opened its classrooms to 55 students in 1866, with 26 women and 29 men, establishing itself as one of the early champions of gender equality in education. Comparatively, in the fall semester of 2024, 52.6% of students at KU were female, while 47.2% were male with a student population of a small city, 28,000.
Despite Lawrence’s involvement in the abolitionist movement, Black students were not admitted to KU until 1876. Even then, these students faced inequality and prejudice at the college, with Black students like Edward Vernon Williams being rejected from completing their medical degrees. Williams’ advocacy and tenacity eventually allowed him to break this barrier, establishing his legacy as the first Black graduate of KU’s School of Medicine in 1941. This feat paved the way for additional barriers to be broken.
Today, by remembering all sides of its history, the University of Kansas promotes a sense of inclusion and respect for all. Under their Inclusion and Belonging Initiative, education goes hand in hand with a culture of respect and support, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, ability, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or socioeconomic background. KU also offers nearly 275 undergraduate fields, providing diverse opportunities for students to pursue their passions.
The Jayhawk Spirit: Students and Community Unite
At KU, basketball is more than just a sport; it serves as a vibrant link between the university and its surrounding community. This passion for basketball unites students, alumni, and local residents alike, creating a shared sense of pride, belonging, and connection. Lawrence is also frequently dubbed the “Cradle of Basketball” since the game’s inventor, James Naismith, was the first to coach the sport at KU. This legacy lives on to this day, with Lawrence named one of the “Best Cities for College Basketball Fans” by WalletHub in 2025.
The KU Jayhawk basketball program is famously one of the best in the country, with home games played at the iconic Allen Fieldhouse. Originally opened in 1955, with several court renovations throughout the years, the arena is famous for its significant history and epic atmosphere. Additionally, the college's mascot, the mythical Jayhawk bird, not only represents KU’s basketball teams but also embodies the college’s core values. The name has historical significance, originating from the abolitionist movement, when "jayhawkers" were associated with the Free-Stater cause. According to KU, the Jayhawk also symbolizes the community's principles of dreaming big and striving for greatness, inspired by the ideals of “creativity, determination, and might.”
Life Beyond the KU Campus
Massachusetts Street, or Mass Street, is Lawrence’s iconic main street, steeped in history and lined with the city’s best retail and restaurants. While mainly known as the city’s busiest center, the tree-lined strip is also a symbol of Lawrence’s resilience. Before the Civil War, Lawrence’s main street was burned during a raid in 1863 by pro-slavery raiders, forcing the community to rebuild it from the ground up.
Set on a gradual slope with views of the University of Kansas, this charming stretch is as much a commercial district as it is a social one. Its sidewalks are almost always dotted with students and locals window shopping, grabbing a bite, or going for drinks. In terms of shopping, Mass Street has something for every need or want, from furniture stores to stationery shops and everything in between. For more laid-back browsing, there are countless thrift hotspots like Daisy Lee Vintage and the Lawrence Antique Mall, along with book nooks like the Dusty Bookshelf and The Raven Book Store.
Similar to other college towns, Mass Street boasts a great blend of American and international cuisines. Whether grabbing breakfast at the Ladybird Diner, lunch at the Encore Asian Bistro, or dinner at Genovese, there is something for everyone’s taste. Paired with dessert spots like Sylas and Maddy's Homemade Ice Cream and cozy coffee shops like the Espurresso Cat Cafe, Mass Street truly has it all.
Experience Lawrence’s Nightlife
When day turns to night, Massachusetts Street transforms into a vibrant hub for a night out, no matter what the vibe may be. Looking for a more upscale date night? Consider venues like Merchants Pub & Plate or Wine Dive & Kitchen. If a classic college bar is more your style, there are plenty of those as well. Popular spots include gems like the Black Stag Brewery & Pub, the Red Lyon Tavern, and Louise's Downtown, “A Staple of Downtown Lawrence Since 1957.” Live music venues like the Replay Lounge are also popular on the weekends, with others like The Bottleneck just off Mass Street.
River Adventures: From Parks to Paddling
One of the best parts of living in Lawrence is its blend of big-city attractions and nature, with the Kansas River as its spotlight feature. The scenic waterway offers the perfect break from the city without having to go far, especially at local spots like Riverfront Park. A sweet and simple green space, the park is great for birding, picnics, and hiking to its river overlooks. Additional waterfront trails in town include the Lawrence Riverfront Loop or Burcham Park Trail, while other outdoor enthusiasts may prefer paddling the Wakarusa, a tributary of the Kansas River.
Explore the City’s Best Museums
For a college town with a history as colorful as Lawrence's, it is only natural to find a range of incredible museums here. In addition to more traditional institutions like the Watkins Community Museum of History, you can find quirky spots like the Museum of Odd, whose bizarre collection features everything from hundreds of sock monkeys to Elvis' underwear. The University of Kansas also plays a significant role in enriching the local cultural scene, operating museums like the Spencer Museum of Art and the KU Natural History Museum.
Join the Fun: Upcoming Festivals and Events in Lawrence
In addition to Lawrence’s year-round attractions, the city hosts tons of exciting community events to look forward to. Art-themed festivals are especially popular in the city, with several planned for 2025: a Spring Artisan Fair in May, a SummerFest Artisan Fair in July, an Autumn Harvest Festival in September, and a Holiday Extravaganza Artisan Fair in December.
South Park on Massachusetts Street is also a popular event space, hosting events like the Kansas State Fiddling and Picking Championships, as well as free summer concerts. In May of 2025, Lawrence will also reprise its iconic Lawrence Busker Festival, described as a “circus on the streets.” The whimsical event celebrates street performers with a range of unconventional and exciting entertainers, attracting those who love all things weird and wonderful.
Whether you are visiting, living here, or making Lawrence your temporary home as a student, life in this college town is never dull. The University of Kansas may influence the city’s vigor and spirit, but the two are ultimately intertwined. Its students bring a lively youthfulness to the local atmosphere, keeping Lawrence’s coffee shops and college bars in full swing. However, the city’s fabulous main street, basketball culture, waterways, and festivals are a joy for everyone, creating a unified community of people of all ages and backgrounds. All in all, Lawrence may be the best college town in Kansas, but it is by no means just for students.
