Lawrence Visitor Guide - KC Mobility Scooter Rentals

Welcome to Lawrence, a vibrant destination blending rich history, unique culture, and endless exploration opportunities. Home to the University of Kansas and a thriving arts scene, Lawrence offers a lively mix of college-town energy and Midwestern charm. This guide covers everything you need to plan your visit. For travelers with mobility needs, we’ve got you covered—see our recommendation below!

History

Lawrence was founded in 1854 by New England abolitionists, named after Amos Adams Lawrence, a key supporter of the anti-slavery movement, making it a focal point during the Bleeding Kansas era.
It endured Quantrill’s Raid in 1863, a Civil War massacre by Confederate guerrillas, which shaped its resilient spirit, preserved in sites like the Watkins Museum of History.
The University of Kansas, established in 1865, has driven growth, with notable alumni like author Langston Hughes and basketball legend Wilt Chamberlain shaping its cultural legacy.

Interesting Facts

Lawrence’s population is 95,256 (2023), with a diverse demographic (77.3% White, 8.1% Hispanic, 6.4% Asian per 2020 census) and a median household income of $59,834, reflecting its vibrant college-town economy.
The city is a hub for live music, earning the nickname “Music City of Kansas,” with venues like the Granada Theater hosting acts since the 1930s.
Lawrence is home to the oldest continuously operating bookstore west of the Mississippi, The Raven Book Store, opened in 1987.
Massachusetts Street, or “Mass Street,” is the heart of downtown, lined with historic buildings from the 1860s and voted one of America’s best main streets.

Local Attractions

Watkins Museum of History: Explore Lawrence’s abolitionist roots and Civil War history with interactive exhibits. Open Tue-Sat, 10 AM-4 PM; free admission (donations appreciated). Accessibility: Wheelchair ramps, elevators. Address: 1047 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS 66044. Phone: (785) 841-4109. Website: watkinsmuseum.org.
Spencer Museum of Art: On the KU campus, featuring 45,000 works from ancient to contemporary art. Open Tue-Sun, 10 AM-4 PM; free entry. Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly, accessible restrooms. Address: 1301 Mississippi St, Lawrence, KS 66045. Phone: (785) 864-4710. Website: spencerart.ku.edu.
Clinton Lake State Park: A 7,000-acre park with hiking trails, fishing, and boating. Open daily; $5 vehicle fee. Accessibility: Paved trails, some uneven terrain. Address: 798 N 1415 Rd, Lawrence, KS 66049. Phone: (785) 842-8562. Website: ksoutdoors.com/clinton-state-park.
Massachusetts Street: Stroll this historic downtown strip with shops, galleries, and live music venues. Open daily; free. Accessibility: Flat sidewalks, wheelchair-friendly. Address: 700-900 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS 66044. Phone: (785) 842-3883. Website: downtownlawrence.com.
Pro Tip: Download the Visit Lawrence app for real-time maps and event updates.

Local Restaurants

Savor Lawrence’s culinary scene with these independent, locally-owned restaurants (no fast food chains or franchises):

The Mad Greek: Known for authentic Greek dishes like souvlaki and baklava. Expect $12-22 per person. Accessibility: Step-free entry, accessible restrooms. Address: 907 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS 66044. Phone: (785) 843-2441. Website: themadgreek.com.
715 Restaurant: Specializing in farm-to-table Italian-American fare like wood-fired pizzas and fresh pastas. Prices range from $15-25. Accessibility: Wide seating areas, wheelchair-friendly. Address: 715 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS 66044. Phone: (785) 856-7150. Website: 715mass.com.
Culinaria: Offers Mediterranean-inspired dishes with local ingredients, like lamb kebabs. Budget: $18-30. Accessibility: Ground-floor dining, wide doorways. Address: 512 E 9th St, Lawrence, KS 66044. Phone: (785) 856-5555. Website: culinariakc.com.
The Burger Stand: Famous for gourmet burgers and truffle fries, with vegetarian options. Average cost: $10-18. Accessibility: Ground-floor dining, braille menus available. Address: 803 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS 66044. Phone: (785) 856-0543. Website: burgerstandlawrence.com.
Reservation Tip: Book ahead, especially for 715 Restaurant, via restaurant websites or OpenTable.

Local Hotels

The Eldridge Hotel: Priced at $130-180/night. Offers historic charm, free Wi-Fi, on-site dining. Accessibility: Roll-in showers, elevator access. Address: 701 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS 66044. Phone: (785) 749-5011. Website: eldridgehotel.com.
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Lawrence Downtown: Priced at $110-150/night. Features free breakfast, indoor pool, gym. Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly rooms available. Address: 1 Riverfront Plaza, Lawrence, KS 66044. Phone: (785) 841-2700. Website: marriott.com/hotels/travel/lwcks-springhill-suites-lawrence-downtown.
TownePlace Suites by Marriott Lawrence Downtown: Priced at $100-140/night. Includes full kitchens, free Wi-Fi, pet-friendly. Accessibility: Ground-floor options, wide doorways. Address: 900 New Hampshire St, Lawrence, KS 66044. Phone: (785) 838-9100. Website: marriott.com/hotels/travel/lwcts-towneplace-suites-lawrence-downtown.
Hampton Inn Lawrence: Priced at $95-135/night. Provides free breakfast, indoor pool, fitness center. Accessibility: Adapted bathrooms on request. Address: 2300 W 6th St, Lawrence, KS 66049. Phone: (785) 841-1910. Website: hilton.com/en/hotels/lwckkhx-hampton-lawrence.
Booking Tip: Reserve via Booking.com or Hotels.com for the best rates.

Other Information for Tourists

Getting Around: Navigate with Lawrence Transit buses (Address: 933 New Hampshire St, Lawrence, KS 66044. Phone: (785) 864-4644. Website: lawrencetransit.org) or rideshares like Uber. Taxis at Lawrence Regional Airport (Address: 1930 Airport Rd, Lawrence, KS 66044. Phone: (785) 842-5525. Website: lawrenceregionalairport.com). Car rentals at Kansas City International Airport (Address: 1 Kansas City Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64153. Phone: (816) 243-5237. Website: flykci.com) are ideal for exploring.
Best Time to Visit: Plan for spring (April-June) for mild weather and blooming parks or fall (September-November) for KU football games and festivals; avoid peak summer heat in July-August.
Dining Highlights: Beyond our picks, try souvlaki at The Mad Greek or burgers at The Burger Stand. For dietary needs, Culinaria offers gluten-free and vegetarian options.
Events Calendar: Don’t miss the Lawrence Busker Festival in May (Address: 700-900 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS 66044. Phone: (785) 842-3883. Website: lawrencebuskerfest.com) or the Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade in December (Address: Downtown Lawrence, KS 66044. Phone: (785) 865-2879. Website: lawrencechristmasparade.com).
Safety & Health: Lawrence is generally safe, but stay cautious in busy downtown areas. Clinics at LMH Health (Address: 325 Maine St, Lawrence, KS 66044. Phone: (785) 505-5000. Website: lmh.org). Download the Kansas Emergency app for alerts.
Sustainable Travel: Shop at the Lawrence Farmers’ Market on Saturdays (Apr-Oct) (Address: 824 New Hampshire St, Lawrence, KS 66044. Phone: (785) 505-0188. Website: lawrencefarmersmarket.org) and use reusable items—Lawrence supports eco-friendly initiatives.

Mobility Made Easy with KC Mobility Scooter Rentals

Exploring Lawrence is a breeze with KC Mobility Scooter Rentals, delivering top-quality mobility equipment to your hotel or rental in Lawrence and nearby areas. Choose from:

Mobility Scooters: Lightweight and easy to navigate on city streets and attractions.
Wheelchairs: Manual or powered for all-day comfort.
Rollators: Stable walkers with seats for shorter outings.
Transport Chairs: Compact and foldable for travel ease.
Knee Scooters: Perfect for temporary injuries, with adjustable heights.

Our rentals are affordable, sanitized, and delivered with setup instructions. Book at kcmobilityscooterrentals.com or call (816) 200-2342 for same-day service. Roll through Lawrence’s wonders worry-free—your adventure starts here!

Updated as of September 24, 2025. Visit visitlawrence.com or travelks.com for the latest info. Happy travels!