With the football program seeing a significant increase in attendance over the last couple of years, there may be some folks new to the experience in and around Memorial Stadium and/or Lawrence in general.
If you find yourself spending a fall weekend in Lawrence, here are some things to keep you busy.
WHERE TO EAT
Lawrence has an amazing collection of restaurants as evidenced by RCT’s own food bracket that ran ten years ago. The Roost took the championship in that one. Just a couple of years ago, Louise’s took home the “Best Bar” competition here at Rock Chalk Talk. What else might be out there? While Johnny’s Tavern (the original), The Big Mill, and Bigg’s BBQ are all deserving of a mention, let’s dive into some must-haves.
The Wheel and/or The Hawk
The Wheel is a popular spot, particularly on game days due to its location close to campus. Known for its pizza, burgers, bubbly beverages, The Wheel is a pregame must have for many. While The Hawk (aka Jayhawk Cafe) is just a few doors down from The Wheel, it shares a similar legacy with one notable exception – a visit from Taylor Swift back in 2009.
23rd Street Brewery
This is one of my favorite stops when I come to town. On gamedays, there’s a free shuttle to and from the football stadium, and I’ve never been disappointed in my food or drink options before (or after!) a game.
Burger Stand
I still recommend this to anyone who has never been there. The burgers are incredible no matter what you get, but do yourself a favor and go crazy with your fries. My favorite is still the Poutine.You can park for free at the Vermont Street parking garage, grab a burger and fries, then take a free shuttle (from the garage) to the football stadium (and back).
WHAT TO SEE
If you’re around for the day or a whole weekend, there are some good sightseeing options around Lawrence.
Allen Fieldhouse
I mean, duh. Go check out the Fieldhouse, even if you aren’t in town for basketball. You can see the original copy of the first rules of basketball in the DeBruce Center, and you can check out the national championship trophies and other basketball memorabilia in Booth Hall, which is typically open to the public during weekdays. For a fee, you can also take a guided tour of the facility.
Museums
The KU Natural History Museum on campus is a good way to spend a few hours. There is also Constitution Hall, The Spencer Museum of Art, and the Territorial Capitol Museum.
Campanile
Just south of the football stadium is the Campanile, a belltower that was constructed as a memorial to KU alumni, students, faculty, and staff who died in World War II. It’s within easy walking distance of the Spencer Museum of Art, the KU Natural History Museum, and the football stadium.
WHAT TO DO
If you need to get your steps in, Lawrence has plenty of options.
Mass Street
Lawrence is probably most well-known for “Mass Street” which is the main drag through downtown. Lined with shops, bars, and restaurants, you just can’t go wrong with a stroll down Mass Street no matter the day of the week. Just know that if you happen to be in town on a game day, it is the go-to place to celebrate a huge Jayhawk win.
Concerts and Live Music
Lawrence has many options for entertainment, with some of the most popular options The Granada, The Bottleneck, Liberty Hall, and the Lied Center. Lawrence has hosted artists from Nirvana to Green Day to George Clinton to Joshua Bell.
Clinton Lake
If you’re more of the outdoorsy type, there is Clinton Lake on the southwest side of town. They’ve got everything from your typical hiking and biking to horseback riding, canoeing/kayaking, archery, and of course, disc golf. Eagle Bend golf course is located on the east side of the lake as well.
What I tell people about Lawrence
Lawrence is your quintessential college town with a beautiful campus, vibrant downtown, and a collective history that dates back nearly 200 years. The town absolutely booms on gamedays in the fall. The tailgating atmosphere during football season is solid, with plenty of activity around the stadium prior to kickoff, including a free kids area with bouncy houses, facepainting, and other activities. If you look lost enough, you may even find yourself invited in on a tailgate, where you’ll learn all about everything KU, from Gale Sayers to Todd Reesing to that school to the east that we don’t tolerate around these parts.
Whether you’re eating, drinking, or just Rock Chalking your way through a KU game, Lawrence is a fun town that’s hard to top.
