Our guided walking tours unravel the stories of
yesteryear left behind in clues embedded in
Lawrence's historic artifacts, buildings and places.
Historic Walking Tours
"I learned more about Lawrence's history on the guided walking tour than I had from living here more than 20 years. The historic walking tours are a must for every Lawrencian interested in the cities history."
Downtown Vault Tour
Following the aftermath of Quantrill's Raid in 1863, Lawrence business owners lost faith in the banks to secure their valuable possessions. To protect these valuables, many businesses ordered elaborate vaults to be manufactured for their buildings. Installed during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, you'll discover these vaults not only secured valuables from days past, but still contain the rich stories of Lawrence's history as your guide unlocks the secrets tucked away in their chambers.
This guided walking tour covers stops along four blocks of historic downtown Massachusetts Street. Guests will enter and explore vaults ranging in size from small storage closets to larger walk-in bank vaults. Tours are guided by award winning KU Historian, Brenna Buchanan. Tours range from 2 to 5 hours in length and require light walking, some stairs, and standing.
(Guide can adapt tour to suit the needs abilities of each tour group.)
Commercial Buildings Tour
Explore the foundations of architectural design used in Downtown Lawrence on this 2 hour walking tour. Your guide will illuminate each buildings design elements and discuss how used together they define the buildings unique character. By exposing the purpose of each design element, guests will learn how the architectural elements combine to enhance the buildings function.
This guided walking tour covers commercial buildings along 5 blocks of historic downtown Massachusetts Street. Guests will enter and explore buildings designed in the late 19th through the late 20th century. Tours are guided by award winning KU Historian, Brenna Buchanan. Tours range from 2 to 5 hours in length and require light walking, some stairs, and standing.
(Guide can adapt tour to suit the needs abilities of each tour group.)
Emergence of Downtown
The rebuilding of Downtown Lawrence after Quantrill’s raid in 1864 changed how we see it today.
This guided walking tour explores Downtown Lawrence along Massachusetts Street. Your guide will discuss the emphasis on 'party wall' construction, infill, 2-part commercial block (commercial main floor/residential above). Guests will enter and explore buildings designed in the late 19th through the late 20th century. Tours are guided by award winning KU Historian, Brenna Buchanan. Tours range from 2 to 5 hours in length and require light walking, some stairs, and standing.
(Guide can adapt tour to suit the needs abilities of each tour group.)
Carnegie Library Tour
Explore the history of Carnegie through the meaning and symbolism of the architectural features and details.
This guided tour covers the interior and exterior of the Carnegie Library. Tours are guided by award winning KU Historian, Brenna Buchanan. Tours range from 2 to 5 hours in length and require light walking, some stairs, and standing.
(Guide can adapt tour to suit the needs abilities of each tour group.)
Watkins Museum Tour
Tour explores the Watkins Museum interior architectural details, their symbolism, meaning, and function (emphasis on materials and form). Your guide will also discuss Richardsonian Romanesque buildings, history of the style, why Watkins and DGCO courthouse choose this style, character defining elements.
This guided tour focuses on the Watkins Museum at 10th and Massachusetts Street. Guests will enter and explore the building designed in the late 19th century. Tours are guided by award winning KU Historian, Brenna Buchanan. Tours range from 2 to 5 hours in length and require light walking, some stairs, and standing.
(Guide can adapt tour to suit the needs abilities of each tour group.)
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