STORY IDEAS

For more information about these or any other stories about Lawrence, contact the Lawrence Convention & Visitors Bureau at 785-856-5284.

Art Abounds
It seems that art is everywhere in Lawrence. This bustling college town of 80,000, situated in northeast Kansas, is as arts-friendly as a community comes. In fact, Lawrence was recently named one of the "100 Best Small Art Towns in America," by author John Villani. Art is in the restaurants, public buildings, galleries and literally on the street corners of Lawrence.
Historic Preservation
The Lawrence Visitor Information Center, housed in Lawrence's historic Union Pacific Depot, should be every visitor's first stop in town.
A Much-Needed Getaway
Lawrence is an escape. Though only 30 minutes from Kansas City, there is something remarkably different about this small town with city flavor. Lawrence is the perfect getaway for anyone in need of a few days of romance and culture.
Environmentally Friendly Shopping & Outdoor Recreation
Those looking for environmentally friendly shopping alternatives need look no further then Lawrence, Kansas.
Visitors Experience Lawrence's Turbulent Past Through Sites of Today
Although Lawrence has changed dramatically since its days as an abolitionist-dominated frontier town, visitors today can experience and learn about Lawrence's fiery past in a variety of ways.
It's Child's Play!
Although Lawrence has a long history, this community is young at heart. Proof is in the many activities available for children throughout the area.
Historic Cemeteries
Founded in 1854 by the New England Emigrant Aid Society in an effort to keep the territory free from slavery, Lawrence is said to be one of the only U.S. cities founded strictly for political reasons.
The 21st Century Main Street
by Primo Ventello Years ago, my introduction to Lawrence was at a lunch counter downtown. I sat atop a spinning, vinyl-upholstered stool drinking a cup of coffee while the waitress, swaddled in polyester, engaged me in friendly conversation. I was reminded of Sinclair Lewis’ novel Main Street. "Ahh, quaint, small-town America," I thought. In walked a dude with a Mohawk sailing a foot off his head. He ordered a hot dog fresh off the heated metal rollers and handed me a flyer. That night, his band was headlining at the Bottleneck. Today, the lunch menus have expanded well beyond weenies and the coffee is much improved, but downtown Lawrence is still a crossroads for this kind of cultural contrast. Dualities abound. It is simultaneously regional and cosmopolitan, insular and eclectic, inveterate and changing.
Self-Guided Tours Enable Visitors to Retrace History
Several self-guided tours are available to help visitors experience segments of Lawrence's history.
Film Brings the History to Life
"Lawrence: Free State Fortress" is a 27-minute docu-drama now showing at the Lawrence Visitor Information Center.