Douglas County - 23 Attractions You Must Visit

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About Douglas County

Douglas County, nestled in northeast Kansas, is a diverse and vibrant destination offering a wide array of attractions and experiences for visitors. From the bustling college town of Lawrence to the scenic beauty of rural landscapes, Douglas County boasts a rich tapestry of culture, history, and natural beauty that appeals to travelers of all ages and interests.

Types of Attractions in Douglas County

Activities Around

List of Attractions in Douglas County

Beni Israel Cemetery

The Beni Israel Cemetery, located in Leavenworth, Kansas, is a historic burial ground with cultural significance to the local Jewish community. Established in the mid-19th century, the cemetery served as the final resting place for members of the Beni Israel congregation, which was one of the earliest Jewish congregations in the area.

Clinton Lake

Clinton Lake

Lake/ River/ Ponds

Clinton Lake, located near Lawrence, Kansas, is a reservoir and recreational area that serves as a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Created by the construction of the Clinton Dam on the Wakarusa River, the lake covers approximately 7,000 acres and offers a variety of recreational activities for visitors of all ages.

Clinton State Park

Clinton State Park, situated near Lawrence, Kansas, is a popular recreational area known for its scenic beauty and abundant outdoor activities. Covering over 1,500 acres, the park encompasses Clinton Lake, a large reservoir formed by the construction of Clinton Dam on the Wakarusa River.

Constitution Hall State Historic Site

Constitution Hall State Historic Site

Iconic Buildings

Old Ruins

Constitution Hall, located in Lecompton, Kansas, is a historic building with significant importance in American history. Constructed in 1855, Constitution Hall served as the meeting place for the territorial legislature during the tumultuous period known as "Bleeding Kansas," when the territory was embroiled in conflict over the issue of slavery.

Eldridge Hotel

Eldridge Hotel

Luxury Stays

Iconic Buildings

The Eldridge Hotel, located in Lawrence, Kansas, is a historic landmark with a rich and storied past dating back to its establishment in 1855. Originally built by settlers from the New England Emigrant Aid Company, the hotel quickly became a focal point of Lawrence's social and cultural scene during the tumultuous years of Bleeding Kansas and the Civil War.

First English Lutheran Church

The English Lutheran Church in Lawrence, Kansas is a historic church that has played a significant role in the religious and social fabric of the community. Originally founded in [year], the church has served as a place of worship, community engagement, and social support for its members and the broader Lawrence community.

Granada Theater (Lawrence, Kansas)

The Granada Theater, located in Lawrence, Kansas, is a historic entertainment venue that has been an integral part of the city's cultural scene for over a century. Originally opened in [year], the theater has undergone several transformations throughout its history, evolving from a movie palace to a live music venue and community space.

Haskell Indian Nations University

Haskell Indian Nations University, located in Lawrence, Kansas, is a federally operated tribal university that has served Native American students since its establishment in 1884 as the Haskell Institute. Originally founded as a boarding school for Native American children, Haskell has evolved into a higher education institution offering both associate and bachelor's degrees.

Haskell-Baker Wetlands

The Haskell-Baker Wetlands, located in Douglas County, Kansas, near Lawrence, is a significant natural area known for its ecological diversity and environmental importance. Covering over 900 acres, the wetlands are comprised of diverse habitats, including marshes, wet prairies, and riparian woodlands, making it a haven for a wide variety of plant and animal species.

KU Natural History Museum

The University of Kansas Natural History Museum, located in Lawrence, Kansas, is a renowned institution dedicated to the study and preservation of the natural world. Established in [year], the museum boasts a diverse collection of over 9 million specimens spanning a wide range of scientific disciplines, including paleontology, geology, botany, entomology, and vertebrate and invertebrate zoology.

Lane University

Lane University

Educational institutions.

Lane University, located in Lecompton, Kansas, was a historic institution of higher learning founded in 1865. Named after James H. Lane, a prominent figure in Kansas history and an advocate for the abolition of slavery, Lane University played a significant role in the educational landscape of the region during the post-Civil War era.

Lawrence Arts Center

The Lawrence Arts Center, located in Lawrence, Kansas, is a vibrant cultural hub dedicated to fostering creativity, education, and community engagement through the arts. Established in1975, the Arts Center offers a wide range of programs and resources for people of all ages and backgrounds, making it a cornerstone of the local arts scene.

Lawrence Public Library

The Lawrence Public Library, located in Lawrence, Kansas, is a vital community resource that provides access to information, education, and cultural enrichment for residents of all ages. Established in [year], the library serves as a welcoming space where people can gather, learn, and connect with one another.

Lied Center of Kansas

The Lied Center of Kansas, located in Lawrence, is a premier performing arts venue dedicated to showcasing world-class entertainment and enriching the cultural life of the community. Established in 1993 through a generous gift from the Lied Foundation Trust, the center has since become a beacon of artistic excellence, hosting a diverse array of performances across various genres including music, theater, dance, and more.

Midland Railway (Kansas)

The Midland Railway, located in Baldwin City, Kansas, is a historic railway line that offers scenic train rides and preserves the heritage of rail travel in the region. Originally established in the late 19th century as part of the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway, the Midland Railway now operates as a heritage railway, providing visitors with an opportunity to experience the nostalgia and romance of steam and diesel-era trains.

Old Castle Museum

Old Castle Hall, located in Manhattan, Kansas, is a historic building with a rich and varied history. Originally constructed in1857–58, it served as a meeting place for various social, cultural, and civic organizations in the Manhattan area.

Plymouth Congregational Church

Plymouth Congregational Church, located in Lawrence, Kansas, is a prominent and historic church with deep roots in the community. Founded in 1854, Plymouth Congregational Church has played a significant role in the religious, social, and cultural life of Lawrence for over a century and a half.

Spencer Museum of Art

The Spencer Museum of Art, located on the University of Kansas campus in Lawrence, is a distinguished institution dedicated to collecting, preserving, and exhibiting works of art from diverse cultures and time periods. Established in 1928, the museum's collection encompasses over 45,000 artworks spanning a wide range of mediums, including painting, sculpture, prints, photography, ceramics, textiles, and more.

St Luke Ame Church

St. Luke African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in Kansas is a historic institution with a significant impact on both the African American community and the broader religious landscape. Established in 1889, St. Luke AME Church has served as a spiritual and social center for its congregation and has played a pivotal role in advancing civil rights and social justice causes.

Stony Point Evangelical Lutheran Church

Stony Point Evangelical Lutheran Church, located in Kansas, is a community-focused religious institution dedicated to serving its congregation and surrounding area. Founded with a rich history dating back to its establishment in [year], the church has remained steadfast in its commitment to Lutheran teachings and principles while actively engaging with the needs of its members and community.

Map of attractions in Douglas County

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For more information about Douglas County, visit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Douglas_County,_Kansas