Location: Lawrence
Top Things to do in Lawrence
What to do and see in Lawrence, Kansas (KS): The Best Nature & Parks
Lawrence is the county seat of Douglas County and sixth largest city in Kansas. It is located in the northeastern sector of the state, next to Interstate 70, between the Kansas and Wakarusa Rivers. As of the 2010 census, the city's population was 87,643. Lawrence is a college town and the home to the University of Kansas and Haskell Indian Nations University.
Restaurants in Lawrence
1. Potter Lake
2. Riverfront Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By Toyota1994 - Chicago, United States
Lawrence Riverfront Park is a nature park in the beautiful outdoors on the bank of Kansas River. It is located in the flood plains (on the river side of the levy), so some areas could be water-logged under rainy conditions. The entrance road is attractively bordered with large boulders. Recreational opportunities include: Disc golf course, Hiking trail, Dog park, and Boat launch access to the river. My visit was mainly for hiking, but unfortunately there was no trail map posted anywhere. But a trail was quite visible from the parking lot, and I hiked may be about a mile and a half before the trail became covered with overgrown vegetation and spider webs. It is a nice shady trail under pretty large trees. The trail basically follows the river bank. Sadly, I saw some uncivil people letting their dogs roam free on the trail. I saw a few birds also; one of the birders I came across said the timing was not right due to the hot day. Lawrence Riverfront Park is pretty good for a short visit unless you are getting on the river. The levy trail is also accessible from the park.
3. Prairie Park Nature Center
4. Burroughs Creek Park
5. Kansas River Levee Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By JDD800 - Lawrence, United States
This is a great trail to either ride bike, walk or jog. It is peaceful and relaxing no matter whcih option you use. I have done them all. It is great workout and can do alone with a group.
6. South Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By Toyota1994 - Chicago, United States
South Park in Lawrence is a beautiful community park with a variety of recreational opportunities. The large park is located south of downtown (hence the name) and is split into two parts by Massachusetts Avenue. A large network of paved paths make it convenient for walking to enjoy the various attractions in the park. There is shade throughout provided by the large and numerous trees. The centerpiece of the park is the gazebo and the Roosevelt Fountain and garden in front of the gazebo. The Lawrence Parks & Recreational Admin office is also located in the park. Do not miss the historical information board located at the south end of the park. The park is a prime location for summer festivals, concerts, and movies during the summer. A large number of picnic benches are spread throughout the park. South Park is a very enjoyable park.
7. Clinton State Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 66 reviews
Reviewed By LOUISS535
My son was a student at KU. As a family we visited several times. I think the most enjoyable part of th park is the walk to and from the overlook hill. I liked to walk on the paved pathe and then on through a bit more rugged terain to reacy the top. the way back took me down the other side and to the shore. Following the shore is a bit difficult but never the less greatly diverse...overall this place earns a "10".
8. Baker Wetlands Discovery Center
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By F7449PBtimothyb - Lawrence, United States
This is just outside Lawrence on the south side and is bounded on the south by the Wakarusa River. The center is an expansive earth-contact building with educational contents in classrooms and a nice mid-sized meeting/educational room. The real draw is outside in the hundreds of acres of wetlands. There are several marked trails, the longest being over two miles. There is a one hundred yard boardwalk between some ponds near the center. The hiking paths are chat base or plain dirt and all are level, easy walking. There is a concrete walk along the north side next to the highway (K-10 bypass) that is connected to the walk/ride-around-Lawrence sidewalk, so you can bike there from almost anywhere in town. There are many varieties of birds and plants to be viewed and land to explore. There is also a parking lot next to the Wakarusa River south of the Discovery Center. An interesting fact that they may not tell you is that the Wakarusa River was created by the furthest southern progression of the glaciers during the Ice Age (the Pleistocene Era geologically; the Paleolithic Era archaeologically). The Wakarusa was created around 12,000 years ago by the melting of the southernmost expanse of the glaciers, as was the larger Kansas River a few miles to the north.
