16 Hidden Gems in Lawrence, Kansas That You Shouldn’t Miss

Lawrence, a well-known city in the state of Kansas, and is generally known for its universities and other places like Massachusetts Streets and is also considered a college town that deserves a visit.

Not only that, there are many other museums, galleries, and neighborhoods that also deserve much more recognition but are underrated and haven’t caught the eyes of tourists. In this blog, I shared the top 16 hidden gems in Lawrence, Kansas, which also includes restaurants to make your trip even better.

1. Booth Family Hall of Athletics 

Address: 1651 Naismith Dr, Lawrence, KS 66045

Located in the University of Kansas, Booth Family Hall of Athletics is one of the most underrated hidden gems you’ll see in Lawrence. This place is an ideal visit for you if you are a sports fan.

As you went inside the museum, you’ll witness state-of-the-art interactive displays regarding KU’s sports teams, history, players, and coaches. At the same time, in different permanent exhibits, you’ll see trophies, jerseys, and artifacts that were used and won in different championships.

Here, you will also learn about the legendary figures of this sport, especially Dr. James Naismith, who is considered the inventor of basketball and is KU’s first coach. Not only that, you will also learn about different athletes from Lawrence in basketball and different sports.

Overall, it’s going to be a very fun learning tour, and whether you are alone or with family, everyone will have a nice time here.

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2. Spencer Museum of Art

Address: 1301 Mississippi St, Lawrence, KS 66045

Spencer Museum of Art is for art lovers. Whether you like local art, classics, or art from different parts of the world, this art museum has got you covered.

In this art museum, you’ll find more than 48,000 artworks in different forms, most of which gave us a lot to learn about different countries and cultures. African, Asian, American, contemporary, European, Latin American, Caribbean, Native American, this museum has a lot to offer.

And these art pieces are not only paintings and photographs, but you’ll also see various wood work, sculpture work, fiber art, and many more, which makes this place even more unique for visitors.

Lastly, on this campus of the University of Kansas, you’ll see sculptures and murals outdoors while different changing exhibits keep the artifacts in the museum moving.

3. South Park

Address: 1141 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS 66044

South Park in Lawrence is another underrated gem that only locals know, and they mostly spend time in this park with their family, especially in the evening, for relaxation.

This park is neat and clean, with walking trails between the lush green grass, which makes it even more beautiful. It’s like a little upgrade on an average neighborhood park in every neighborhood. Arriving at this place in the morning for jogging is ideal.

At the same time, there is a playground for kids, a gazebo, benches, and a bunch of different flowers that are so refreshing. Indeed, it is a place where spending some time is worth it when you are in Lawrence.

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4. Old West Lawrence

Old West Lawrence is a historic neighborhood in Lawrence, which is massively underrated considering the quality of time you can spend here.

As you come here, the first thing that’ll impress you is the architectural beauty of the homes in this place. The architecture of these houses is like that of classic 1800s and 1900s homes. Spend some time walking through the street.

This place provides a whole different experience than downtown, which is just a short walk away. Not to forget, you will also see tennis and basketball courts in this neighborhood.

5. Phoenix Gallery

Address: 825 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS 66044

Phoenix Gallery is one of the most unique art galleries in Lawernce and is definitely worth a visit. Here, you will find the work of many local and regional artists. Not only that, you will see a wide range of art forms in this gallery.

As you enter, you will see different paintings and photographs hanging on the wall, with different pottery works on pedestals. The collection on display in this gallery is unique, and it includes a wide range of art glass, pottery work, woodwork, jewelry, show pieces, ceramics, and much more.

The price of these art pieces varies differently, with pieces that can be used on a daily basis to showpieces that can enhance the look of your house’s interior.

6. Potter Lake

Address: Lawrence, KS 66045

Lies between a green grassy space of the University of Kansas, Potter Lake is one of the hidden gems of Lawrence. This is also one of the picturesque spot of the city.

It is a small lake and a small gathering spot for KU students, as it is peaceful and beautiful. With trees in the surroundings, you’ll also see different birds. And all these factors combine to make this place worth a visit.

7.  Baker Wetlands Discovery Center

Address: 1365 N 1250 Rd, Lawrence, KS 66046

Spans over 927 acres of natural greenery, ponds, and lakes, Baker Wetlands Discovery Center is a lesser-known tourist spot for those who like to visit naturally gifted areas.

This vast land is home to more than 500 species of native plants and animals. Regardless of the time of the year, this place is best to spend some time in nature. Moreover, if you are an adventure seeker and like to hike, then this place also has a 1.1-mile hiking trail, which is not difficult for anyone. And don’t forget to click the pictures, as this place is just too stunning and will definitely provide some Instagram-worthy posts.

Lastly, because this place is part of Baker University, you have to follow specific rules like you can’t come here with any motor vehicle, fishing and hunting are not allowed, and others.

8. Wakarusa River Valley Heritage Museum

Address: 716 N 1190 Rd, Lawrence, KS 66047

If you are interested in learning about the local history, then visit the Wakarusa River Valley Heritage Museum. It’s not a very big museum, but here you’ll get to know about this place from the very beginning, like how people settled here, the challenges they faced, and much more.

The location of this museum is also very special, with greenery all around and Clinton Lake in front providing stunning views. If we talk about the museum, you will find various documents, printed photographs, and stories about the early settlers of this region.

In addition to that, they also have a small collection of photographs and historical artifacts that tell us a lot about the history and culture of this region.

9. Haskell Cultural Center and Museum

Address: 2411 Barker Ave, Lawrence, KS 66046

In Haskell Indian Nations University, the Haskell Cultural Center and Museum offers various exhibits and artifacts regarding the native American culture and history. So, if you are someone who likes to learn more about history, this hidden gem museum should be on your list.

Here, you will see native American Art, which includes ceremonial regalia, tools, and other artwork that span various tribes and time periods. At the same time, you’ll see various pictures, documents, books, textiles, and other artifacts that make this museum unique.

10. Lawrence Percolator

Address: Lawrence, KS 66044

If you like to visit local art galleries, then Lawrence Percolator should be on your list. It is one of the most underrated art galleries in Lawrence.

Because this is a local art gallery, you’ll see kids and amateur artists showcasing their work, whether in paintings, photographs, or any other form. It’s not a very big place, but it is a hub for the local community.

Not only that, but they also host various events and showcase work outdoors, including small sculptures.

11. Muddy Waters Studio

Address: 925 Iowa St, Lawrence, KS 66044

If you like clay art in general, then do not forget to visit the Muddy Waters Studio, which is one of the finest clay art galleries in Lawrence, Kansas.

Inside the gallery, you’ll see a range of clay artwork like pottery and earthenware that are still made in the old-fashioned, authentic way by the artists. This gallery also offers art classes as well, so if you are interested, you can learn how to make clay art. Overall, this is a very simple gallery but is a must-visit if you like clay art.

Hidden Gem Restaurants in Lawrence, Kansas

12. Big Mill

Address: 900 Mississippi St, Lawrence, KS 66044

Big Mill is the first restaurant on the list of underrated restaurants in Lawrence, Kansas. It’s a very fine place to eat with a modern interior, ambiance, well-decorated walls, and a seating area. Big windows from top to bottom made this place look even better.

The menu isn’t like a typical restaurant with a wide variety, but they have a balanced mix of fast and day-to-day food. You are going to have options like hummus, fries, chicken wings, meatballs, a wide range of salads and burgers, cheesesteaks, and vegetarian options. Lastly, they have a separate menu for the pizza options which comes up with a variety of options.

13. Kobe Japanese Steakhouse

Address: 2907 W 6th St, Lawrence, KS 66049

If you ever crave for Japanese food, simply head to the Kobe Japanese Steakhouse, which offers authentic Japanese cuisine, and the experience of going there is truly amazing.

The ambiance inside is just like what a Japanese restaurant should look like, which is simple and aesthetic with brown tables and chairs. Not to forget, what makes this place even more special is that you have the option of the chef cooking your food on your table.

If we talk about the menu, you are going to have options like teriyaki chicken, sushi, fried rice, soups, a wide range of steak options, filet mignon,  chicken and lobster lollipops, and many others, which balances the food variety.

14. Genovese

Address: 712 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS 66044

For those who like to eat Italian food, head to the Genovese Italian Restaurant, which is one of the most underrated Italian restaurants in Lawrence. The ambiance inside the restaurant is warm and cozy. It is simply a place where we all like to eat our food.

If we talk about the menu, you’ll get tuna tartare, Bruschetta, meatballs, a wide range of salads and pasta, steaks, sandwiches, desserts, and a kids menu to balance things up. 

15. Lulu’s Latin Food

Address: 1410 Kasold Dr a17, Lawrence, KS 66049

As the name suggests, Lulu’s Latin Food is a place where you will get authentic Latin food. Starting with the interior: this restaurant has a very simple interior, but the colorful wall adds more style to it, which makes it look beautiful.

On the menu, you are going to have options like tacos, QuesaBirria, enchiladas, Mexican Pizza, tacos, Latin fries, burritos, quesadillas, seafood, and many other options that make this place a complete package for eating any kind of food. 

16. Pokéloha

Address: 937 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS 66044

The last hidden gem restaurant in Lawrence in this blog is Pokéloha, which is an Asian restaurant that offers a wide variety of food items. The ambiance inside the restaurant is very simple, with plastic and wood tables and chairs.

However, what makes this place unique is the amount of options you are going to have on the menu. Here, you’ll get food items like sesame chicken, dumplings, fried rice, a wide range of bowls, Aloha, broccoli beef, soups, and a wide variety of combo platters. The menu here is truly unique.

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