Douglas County Newcomers Guide | 2027

2026–2027

Your New Traditions Start Here A COM P LE TE GU ID E TO C O M M UNI T I E S , LOC A L E V E N TS , D E S TIN AT I O NS AN D RE S OU R C E S

Move in with a faster connection.

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T hank

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For inspiring us to provide comprehensive women’s care.

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lmh.org/Gratitude

EDITOR Gina DeBacker ART DIRECTOR Alex Tatro CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Fally Afani Carter Gaskins Jason Dailey Brandon Kelly CONTRIBUTING WRITER Amber Fraley COPY EDITOR Leslie Clugston Andres Each year, the south end of downtown Lawrence comes alive as crowds gather for Art in the Park, a two-day celebration of arts, crafts and community.

ADVERTISING Joanne Morgan (785) 832-7264 jmorgan@sunflowerpub.com DIRECTOR Bob Cucciniello

welcome Whether you have come from across the globe or from just beyond the county line, we are delighted to welcome you to Douglas County.

We are proud of our communities in Douglas County. We take pride in cultivating safe neighborhoods, exceptional schools, exciting entertainment venues, diverse outdoor opportunities, and a sense of inclusivity and affirmation.

This guide is dedicated to helping you explore and enjoy your new home region. Here, you will find essential numbers and contact information as well as a few recommendations for places to visit and events to attend in your first year.

Thank you for choosing this area of Kansas as your new home. We are honored to have you among us.

2026–2027

Your New Traditions Start Here A COMP LE TE GUIDE TO COMMUNITIES, LOCAL EVENTS , DESTINATIONS AND RESOURCES

4

on the cover Native American cultures come alive through song, dance and centuriesold traditions at the KU Powwow & Indigenous Cultures Festival on the Lied Center stage in Lawrence. Photograph

by Brandon Kelly

2026–2027 / Douglas County Newcomers Guide

PUBLISHER Bill Uhler

The Douglas County Newcomers Guide is released annually by Sunflower Publishing, publisher of Lawrence Magazine and Discover Eudora.

1035 N. Third St., Suite 101-B Lawrence, KS 66044 (888) 497-8668 www.sunflowerpub.com

REPRODUCTION IN WHOLE OR PART WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION IS PROHIBITED The Douglas County Newcomers Guide strives to help new residents adapt to and enjoy their new hometown. Our recommendations and listings are not comprehensive. This guide will refer you to outside publications and websites for additional information. All data and listings are subject to change. The Douglas County Newcomers Guide cannot assume responsibility for outside information, errors or omissions. Any inaccuracies, changes or additions can be directed to Sunflower Publishing.

See full 2026–27 season online

lied.ku.edu 785-864-2787

Terry Fator,

Thu • 7:30

NOV 5

ventriloquist

2026

Legendary Las Vegas headliner and America’s Got Talent winner

Chart-topping a cappella group

Wed • 7:30

SEP 23 2026

Fri • 7:30

Lyle Lovett

NOV 13 2026

and his

Acoustic Group Iconic singer-songwriter Thu • 7:30

NOV 12 2026

Thu • 7:30

JAN 28 2027

The 9x Tony Award-winning musical Mon • 7:30

FEB 8

2027

Tue • 7:00

FEB 9

Rhiannon Giddens

Contains explicit language

Mon • 7:30

MAR 1 2027

Grammy- and Pulitzer Prize-winning folk musician Tue • 7:30

FEB 16 2027

Harvard’s beloved blonde takes the Broadway stage

2026–27 TICKETS ON SALE NOW! Free on-site parking for performances.

Douglas County Newcomers Guide / 2026–2027

5

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table of

CONTENTS Communities 08

DOUGLAS COUNTY

10

LAWRENCE

An overview of the county’s population and essential information

This county’s capital and largest city, Lawrence is home to two universities and consistently rated one of the best towns to call home

Resources 18

LAWRENCE MAP

20

DOUGLAS COUNTY RESOURCES

An overview of the county capital

A guide to organizations and places to help you discover and enjoy your new hometown

24

DOUGLAS COUNTY EVENTS A seasonal guide to some of the annual favorites in your new home county

Feature 28

CUISINE, COMMUNITY AND LOTS OF COOKBOOKS

How a local cookbook club is breaking bread and building bonds

12

BALDWIN CITY

14

EUDORA

16

LECOMPTON

Baldwin City, home to Baker University, has a vibrant downtown

Great parks, great schools and a growing community make Eudora a great place to call home

Explore the county’s smallest town, rich in history and natural beauty

Douglas County Newcomers Guide / 2026–2027

7

c ommunit ies

By the Numbers DOUGLAS COUNTY Population

Douglas County

Where do people live in Douglas County?

79.74%

10.6%

$69,746 26,115

Residents of Douglas County enjoy clean air, good government, excellent public education, local foods, entertainment districts, Americana downtowns and natural recreation areas.

Affordable home and rental properties range from farmhouses with plenty of acreage for livestock and expansive gardens, to urban lofts at the heart of the downtown communities.

The region’s government institutions and services are proactive and progressive.

Douglas County schools are some of the best in the state, with support for educational values bolstered by the presence of major universities.

While the towns of Douglas County share many resources and work toward common goals, they do not sprawl into one another. Each has a distinct history, character, housing market, economic base, school system and municipal amenities. We hope this guide helps introduce them to you and allows you to begin your own explorations of Douglas County.

RURAL

Median household income

Owner-occupied housing units

What You Need to Know About Douglas County

LAWRENCE

120,920

EUDORA

5.02%

Renter-occupied housing units

25,192 Median value of owner-occupied housing

$309,400 Median gross rent

$1,099 Percentage of home ownership

50.1% Mean travel time to work

21.8 minutes Source U.S. Census Bureau

Essential Newcomer Information Douglas County Government douglascountyks.org (785) 832-5100 Lawrence-Douglas County Fire & Medical Services (785) 830-7000 All Douglas County Emergency Services 911 Daily Fire Burn Status for Douglas County (785) 832-5394 Weather Radio Frequencies for Douglas County Alerts Channel 2: 162.425 (Halls Summit) Channel 4: 162.475 (Topeka) Channel 7: 162.550 (Pleasant Hill) County Health Department ldchealth.org (785) 843-3060 Lawrence Memorial Hospital lmh.org (785) 505-5000 Senior Resource Center for Douglas County yoursrc.org (785) 842-0543 Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging jhawkaaa.org (785) 832-0754 Electrical Power—Evergy evergy.com (800) 383-1183 Gas—Black Hills Energy blackhillsenergy.com (888) 890-5554

8

BALDWIN CITY

LECOMPTON

4.03%

0.60%

2026–2027 / Douglas County Newcomers Guide

Douglas County Extension Office douglas.k-state.edu (785) 843-7058

Visit the

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It’s your future.

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c ommunit ies CHECK OUT OUR COMMUNITY MAGAZINE LAWRENCE MAGAZINE

Lawrence

Art in the Park (left) and the Lawrence Farmers Market draw people to downtown Lawrence for a vibrant mix of local art, fresh finds and weekend fun.

about lawrence Lawrence prides itself on being a little different. Perhaps the sense of singularity comes from the presence of two universities, the town’s founding ideals, or a unique blend of humble Midwestern affability and cosmopolitan savvy. Regardless, Lawrence is a city that continues to adapt and go its own way.

Founded in the 1850s as a center of resistance to slavery, Lawrence paid the price as it was raided by pro-slavery forces twice, and particularly in 1863, when raiders attacked before dawn, killing 200 people and burning much of the city. But the city rebuilt and thrived as a center of education, agriculture and commerce.

Today the city is home to the University of Kansas, a top-tier research university with an idyllic hilltop campus and an easily recognized Jayhawk mascot.

Lawrence also hosts Haskell Indian Nations University.

Established nearly 140 years ago, the institution had tragic beginnings as a forced assimilation school for Native children grades one through five. Now, Indigenous and Alaska Native people come from across the country for Native-led higher education and Native-centered scholarship.

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2026–2027 / Douglas County Newcomers Guide

Massachusetts Street, often called “Mass Street” for short, lies at the heart of the city. It spans the highly walkable downtown district and is dotted with locally owned shops, award-winning restaurants, breweries and numerous live music venues. Nearby sits the Lawrence Public Library, which serves all county residents.

Lawrence’s booming real estate market includes everything from studio apartments to milliondollar luxury homes. Home to several distinctive neighborhoods, the city’s residential and commercial areas connect by short drives, bicycle routes and a municipal bus transportation system jointly operated with the University of Kansas. The city has a municipal airport, a Greyhound bus stop and a historic rail station that serves as a stop on the Amtrak train route running from Los Angeles to Chicago.

There are festivals, parades and events throughout the year, including an annual hot rod gathering, a beloved Fiesta Mexicana, the Free State Film Festival, a top-tier lineup of national acts at the Lied Center and much more.

Essential Newcomer Information City Offices lawrenceks.org (785) 832-3000

THE CASE FOR LAWRENCE A thriving college town that strikes a balance between sophistication and quirkiness with exceptional schools, public services, green areas and entertainment venues; the home and heart of Jayhawk Nation

Fire & Medical Department lawrenceks.org/fire_medical (785) 830-7000 Department of Utilities lawrenceks.org/utilities (785) 832-7800 Lawrence Parks, Recreation and Culture lawrenceks.org/lprd (785) 832-3450 Lawrence Public Library lplks.org (785) 843-3833 Lawrence Transit System lawrencetransit.org (785) 864-4644 Lawrence Chamber lawrencechamber.com (785) 865-4411 Lawrence Journal-World ljworld.com (785) 843-1000 Lawrence Public Schools – USD 497 usd497.org (785) 832-5000 Haskell Indian Nations University haskell.edu (785) 749-8404 The University of Kansas ku.edu (785) 864-2700

By the Numbers LAWRENCE Population

97,265 Median Household Income

IF IT DOESN’T BECOME YOUR HOME, VISIT lawrence FOR… The Downtown Any time of year, this retail, restaurant and livemusic region offers a perfect day (or night) out for the family, couples and city explorers.

Clinton Lake With sandy beaches, hiking paths, biking skill loop trails, a marina, camping sites, state park cabins, an archery range and more, this reservoir and the land around it are among the region’s greatest natural attractions for sport and relaxation.

$67,129 Total Households

43,511 Source U.S. Census Bureau

Douglas County Newcomers Guide / 2026–2027

11

c ommunit ies

Essential Newcomer Information Baldwin City Hall baldwincity.org (785) 594-6427 Baldwin City Fire Department baldwincity.gov/department/ fire-department (785) 594-3678 Baldwin City Recreation Commission baldwinrec.org (785) 594-3670 Baldwin City Public Library baldwin.mykansaslibrary.org (785) 594-3411 Baldwin City Public Schools – USD 348 usd348.com (785) 594-2721

Baldwin City about baldwin city Beginning as a trail stop on the Santa Fe Trail, Baldwin City caught the nation’s attention in 1856 when staunch abolitionist John Brown led his militia against proslavery forces just 3 miles east of town. Known as the Battle of Black Jack, it is considered by many to be the first battle of the Civil War. The area began to grow in 1858 with the establishment of Baker University, the oldest liberal arts university in the state.

Baldwin’s real estate market represents a wide range of prices, from affordable starter homes around $170K, to older, more expensive homes neighboring the university, or up to $700K for some in the city’s numerous development projects that might overlook a lake or come with substantial amounts of land.

Baldwin’s traditional city square presents a small but thriving downtown scene with restaurants, coffee shops and a thriving art gallery, the Lumberyard Arts Center. Baldwin is known for its Maple Leaf Festival each October. Throughout the year, Baker University hosts lectures, theater performances and musical concerts open to the public.

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2026–2027 / Douglas County Newcomers Guide

Baldwin City Chamber of Commerce baldwincitychamber.com (785) 594-3200 Baker University bakeru.edu (785) 594-6451

By the Numbers BALDWIN CITY Population

4,911 Median Household Income

$72,941 Total Households

1,648 Source U.S. Census Bureau

The Maple Leaf Festival has been Baldwin City’s biggest fall tradition since 1958.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BALDWIN CITY With all the attractions of a college town, Baldwin also has the benefits of a small-town housing market and family-friendly pace of life

Serving Authentic Greek and Italian Food since 1988 Dine in • Carry-Out • Catering • Food Truck 907 Massachusetts St. • Lawrence, KS 66044 • 785-843-2441 email to book the truck or catering: madgreekfoods@gmail.com www.themadgreeklawrence.com

Tell Your Doctor... I Choose Criticare SAVE GAS • SAVE TIME • SHOP LOCAL

Why Leave Town for Your Sleep Apnea Equipment and Supplies?

IF IT DOESN’T BECOME YOUR HOME, VISIT BALDWIN CITY FOR…

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The Maple Leaf Festival Nearly the entire city (and thousands of visitors) spend the third full weekend in October celebrating with a community parade, crafts festival, quilt show and more.

• Saturday Service • We Bill Insurance

The Lumberyard Arts Center A thriving gallery and gathering spot showcasing community music, artistic talent and more. criticarehhs.com

Locally owned and operated for over 35 years

Douglas County Newcomers Guide / 2026–2027

13

c ommunit ies

CHECK OUT OUR COMMUNITY MAGAZINE DISCOVER EUDORA

Essential Newcomer Information Eudora City Hall cityofeudoraks.gov (785) 542-2153 Eudora Fire & EMS Department cityofeudoraks.gov/67/fire (785) 542-3653 Consolidated Fire District #1 – Station 131 (785) 542-2800 Eudora Parks and Recreation cityofeudoraks.gov/76/ parks-recreation (785) 542-3434 Eudora Community Library eudoralibrary.org (785) 542-2496 Eudora Public Schools – USD 491 eudoraschools.org (785) 542-4910

Eudora about Eudora Eudora sits on the eastern edge of Douglas County, between Lawrence and the Kansas City area, and less than 4 miles from the new Panasonic electric-vehicle battery plant.

Eudora’s strong public-school system; its historic downtown; its affordable housing market; its grocery, restaurant and retail venues; and its rich parks and recreation programs make the town a charming, selfcontained community.

Surrounded by rich farmland, Eudora has a farmers market and boasts nearby wineries, orchards and pumpkin patches. If you are considering making Eudora your home, you can dive into the real estate market where starter homes begin at around $200K, with more luxurious fivebedroom homes and generous property sizes also on the market.

14

2026–2027 / Douglas County Newcomers Guide

Eudora Chamber of Commerce eudorakansaschamber.com Eudora CVB domoreineudora.com

By the Numbers EUDORA Population

6,119 Median household income

$118,184 Total Households

2,335 Source U.S. Census Bureau

THIS SEASON AT

THEATRE LAWRENCE

the case for eudora Exceptional public school system and generous real estate market with easy access to larger metropolitan regions, and all within a self-sufficient community

PIRATES! THE PENZANCE MUSICAL September 11 - 20, 2026

TH E WIZARD OF OZ December 4 - 20, 2026

ON GOLDEN POND January 29 - February 4, 2027

CONSCIENCE

IF IT DOESN’T BECOME YOUR HOME, VISIT eudora FOR…

March 12 - 21, 2027

THE 39 STEPS

The CPA Picnic A June town festival with 125 years of tradition, this annual event includes a carnival, parades and family activities.

April 16 - 25, 2027

COME FROM AWAY

Main Street Market A good percentage of Eudora gathers downtown on the first Thursday of each month from May to October for food trucks, vendors, free concerts and children’s activities.

June 4 - 20, 2027

CELEBRATING

The CPA Picnic is a beloved three-day event that draws thousands of people to Eudora in June.

YEARS

WWW.THEATRELAWRENCE.COM 4660 BAUER FARM DRIVE Douglas County Newcomers Guide / 2026–2027

15

c ommunit ies

Vintage cars, live music and local beer come together at Lecompton’s annual Vintage Iron Revelry in historic downtown.

Lecompton about lecompton Chosen by readers of KANSAS! magazine as one of the state’s Top 5 small towns, Lecompton sits on the northwestern edge of Douglas County and is rich in history and nature.

The city was the capital of Kansas Territory in the years leading up to the Civil War. The town’s historic sites include Constitution Hall, the Territorial Capital Museum and the 1850s Democratic Headquarters.

Lecompton has a very affordable real estate market with homes starting below $150K, but its most tempting opportunities may be the chance to buy rural homes with plenty of land. Public school students in Lecompton attend elementary school in the city and an upper-grades school shared with the neighboring town of Perry. Lecompton also boasts some of the most scenic river views, with a beautiful access point and a picturesque road winding along the river bluffs to Topeka.

Essential Newcomer Information Lecompton City Hall lecompton.org (785) 887-6407 Lecompton Volunteer Fire/EMS 911 Consolidated Fire District #1 – Station 151 (785) 887-6221 Perry-Lecompton Public Schools – USD 343 usd343.net (785) 597-5138

By the Numbers LECOMPTON Population

736 Median household income

$68,977 Total Households

318

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2026–2027 / Douglas County Newcomers Guide

Source U.S. Census Bureau

COMPREHENSIVE PEDIATRIC CARE

THE CASE FOR LECOMPTON

Providing preventative care and healing for your child from birth to age twenty-one.

Beautiful rural settings, historic vibe, affordable living and convenient highway access to larger towns

Dr. Malani Kuiper M.D., F.A.A.P.

Dr. Kristen Jacobs M.D., F.A.A.P.

Dr. Ann Novosel, M.D., F.A.A.P.

OFFICE HOURS: Monday to Friday 8 AM to 5 PM

785-856-9090 | 3310 Clinton Parkway Court

Gretchen Wells

www.lawrencepeds.com

IF IT DOESN’T BECOME YOUR HOME, VISIT lecompton FOR… Territorial Days A September celebration of the town’s history, with historical reenactors, a parade and more.

Territorial Capital Museum The museum creates festive holiday displays and contains several items of local history, but is perhaps best known for its dedication to documenting Bleeding Kansas of the 1850s, and how these events played out in Douglas County.

208 W. 20th Street | Eudora, KS 66025 785-542-5152 Douglas County Newcomers Guide / 2026–2027

17

www.wolffauto.com

APRN

TO LECOMPTON

l awrence

KASOLD

MAP

LAWRENC CLUB & GO

INDOOR AQUATIC CENTER

EN

CE

AVE

DEERFIELD ELEMENTARY

LA WR

FREE STATE HIGH THEATRE LAWRENCE SIXTH STREET

DISC GOLF COURSE SUNSET HILL ELEMENTARY QUAIL RUN PARK

W A K A R U S A D RIVE

LAWRENCE MONTESSORI SCHOOL

CORPUS CHRISTI CATHOLIC SCHOOL

WEST MIDDLE SCH

DAD PERRY PARK

QUAIL RUN ELEMENTARY

D RIVE

LANGSTON HUGHES ELEMENTARY

ORCHARDS EXECUTIVE GOLF COURSE

C

BOB BILLINGS PARKWAY

LIED CEN DOLE INSTITU OF POLITI

THE JAYHAWK CLUB ALVAMAR LAKE

RAINTREE MONTESSORI SCHOOL

BISHOP SEABURY ACADEMY

C L I N T O N PA R K W AY

LAWRENCE MEMORIAL HOSPITAL SOUTH SOUTHWEST MIDDLE SCHOOL

YOUTH SPORTS COMPLEX

SUNFLOWER ELEMENTARY

HOLCO PARK

HOLCO RECREATIO EAGLE BEND GOLF COURSE

10 CLINTON STATE PARK

CLINTON LAKE

18

LAWRENCE VIRTUAL SCHOOL

2026–2027 / Douglas County Newcomers Guide

VERITAS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 31ST ST

PRAIRIE MOON SCHOOL LAWRENCE M U N I C I PA L AIRPORT

Post Office/Libraries Hospitals

MCDONALD DR

City Government Museums

CE COUNTRY OLF COURSE

LAWRENCE MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

Schools/Universities LAWRENCE M U N I C I PA L AIRPORT

Golf

N SECOND ST

BURCHAM PARK

Hiking Points of Interest Info

WOODLAWN ELEMENTARY

Transportation

KANSAS RIVER LEVEE TRAILS

CLINTON PARK

Old West Lawrence

CITY HALL L AW PRAIRIE MOON SCHOOL REN POST OFFICE East Lawrence CE R AMTRAK STATION IVER PUBLIC LIBRARY LAWRENCE FRO NT P Oread SKATE PARK SENIOR RESOURCE A M U N I C I PA L RK GREYHOUND CENTER DOUGLAS KA A I RCO. P O R T CENTURY F CENTENNIAL BUS LINES NS West Lawrence AS E PARK SCHOOL RIV LAWRENCE VISITOR ER HOBBS PARK CENTER NINTH STREET MEMORIAL Old West Lawrence NEW YORK WATKINS MUSEUM ELEMENTARY OF HISTORY East Lawrence HOBBS PARK HILLCREST Oread COURTHOUSE HOOL ELEMENTARY LAWRENCE ARTS West Lawrence ST. JOHN’S CENTER & SOUTH CATHOLIC PRESCHOOL PARK North Lawrence SCHOOL MONTESSORI CHILDREN’S HOUSE SPENCER MUSEUM Pinkney OF ART LIBERTY MEMORIAL NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM Sunset Hills CENTRAL MIDDLE SCHOOL WOODLAWN ELEMENTARY Quail Run 15TH ST EAST LAWRENCE REC CENTER Indian Hills KANSAS RIVER NTER LEVEE TRAILS BOOTH FAMILY Prairie Park UTE CITY HALL UNIVERSITY L AW HALL OF ATHLETICS ICS REN CE OF KANSAS CE R AMTRAK STATION Deerfield I V ARY ERFR ONT PA R K ELEMENTARY CORDLEY GREYHOUND KA BUS LINES NS 19TH ST LAWRENCE AS RIV LAWRENCE LAWRENCE VISITOR COMMUNITY ER HOBBS PARK HIGH CENTER SHELTER MEMORIAL NEW YORK

S E LE CT E D

MASSACHUSETTS ST

ST

ELEMENTARY

SCHWEGLER HOBBS PARK ELEMENTARY COURTHOUSE LAWRENCE ARTS CENTER & 23RD ST SOUTH PRESCHOOL PARK

EAST LAWRENCE REC CENTER

10 HASKELL CULTURAL CENTER & MUSEUM

15TH ST BILLY MILLS HASKELL INDIAN MIDDLE NATIONS SCHOOL UNIVERSITY

OM PARK ON CENTER

PRAIRIE PARK NATURE CENTER

PRAIRIE PARK ELEMENTARY

PRAIRIE PARK

BROKEN ARROW PARK

CORDLEY ELEMENTARY POST OFFICE

DOUGLAS COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS

H A S K E L L AV E

LIBERTY MEMORIALNAISMITH VALLEY CENTRAL MIDDLE SCHOOL HOLCOM SPORTS PARK COMPLEX

LOUISIANA ST

I

N SECOND ST

Neighborhoods

MASSACHUSETTS ST

OM

SIXTH STREET

19TH ST

LAWRENCE COMMUNITY SHELTER DOUGLAS COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS

TO EUDORA

TO BALDWIN CITY

10

BAKER WETLANDS DISCOVERY CENTER

LY MILLS HASKELL INDIAN MIDDLE NATIONS

K E L L AV E

HASKELL CULTURAL CENTER & MUSEUM

PRAIRIE PARK NATURE CENTER

Douglas County Newcomers Guide / 2026–2027 PRAIRIE PARK

19

re so ur ces

douglas county

RESOURCES

a g u i d e t o o r g a n i z at i o n s a n d places to help you discover and enjoy your new hometown

Clinton Marina has been a hub for Lawrence boating excursions since 1986.

education Baker University (785) 594-6451 bakeru.edu

Baldwin City Public Schools – USD 348 (785) 594-2721 usd348.com

Dwayne Peaslee Technical Training Center (785) 856-1801

Lawrence Public Schools – USD 497 (785) 832-5000

Eudora Public Schools – USD 491 (785) 542-4910

Perry-Lecompton Public Schools – USD 343 (785) 597-5138

eudoraschools.org

usd343.net

Haskell Indian Nations University (785) 749-8404

University of Kansas (785) 864-2700

peasleetech.org

usd497.org

ku.edu

haskell.edu

transportation Lawrence Transit System (785) 864-4644 lawrencetransit.org

City of Lawrence/University of Kansas transport services

Lawrence-Douglas County Bike Plan (785) 832-3155

lawrenceks.org/mpo/bicycle_planning

Resource guide, info and maps to commuter/ recreational cycling

recreation Lawrence Parks, Recreation and Culture 1141 Massachusetts St., Lawrence (785) 832-3450 lawrenceks.org/lprd

Baldwin City Recreation Commission 712 Chapel St., Baldwin City (785) 594-3670 baldwinrec.org

Senior Wheels (785) 727-7876 dgcoks.gov/senior-resource-center/ senior-wheels-and-transportation County-wide, low-cost senior transport program Independence, Inc. (785) 841-0333 independenceinc.org

Wheelchair-accessible door-to-door weekday transport

Eudora Parks & Recreation 1630 Elm St., Eudora (785) 542-3434

cityofeudoraks.gov/76/parks-recreation

Public pools/lap swimming in Lawrence (785) 832-7946 lawrenceks.org/lprd/aquatics

City of Lawrence operates an outdoor and indoor aquatic center

Eagle Bend Golf Course (785) 748-0600

lawrenceks.org/lprd/eaglebend

18-hole public golf course

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2026–2027 / Douglas County Newcomers Guide

resou r ces

dining Restaurant listings Review blogs and comprehensive listing of area restaurants explorelawrence.com/restaurants

shopping regions Downtown Lawrence downtownlawrence.com

Plethora of trendy, local and delightful shops and restaurants

North Lawrence Antiques and rare home goods centered on 500–800 blocks of Locust Street

theater performance KU Theatre kutheatre.com

University and professional actors’ theater troupe

Lied Center of Kansas lied.ku.edu

National and international musicians and performers on stage

Theatre Lawrence theatrelawrence.com

Community theater venue

events Event listings in Baldwin City baldwincitychamber.com/events

South Iowa Street, Lawrence Big-box national chain stores

Event listings in Eudora

23rd Street, Lawrence Variety of national chains and locally owned stores from Massachusetts to Iowa Street

Event listings in Lawrence

arts Cider Gallery cidergallery.com

domoreineudora.com

explorelawrence.com

Event listings in Lecompton lecomptonkansas.com/category/ upcoming-events

Lawrence Journal-World event listings ljworld.com/public-record/datebook

Fine art gallery

Haskell Cultural Center & Museum haskellhistory.com

Haskell Indian Nations University history museum

Lawrence Arts Center lawrenceartscenter.org

Galleries, classes and performances

Final Fridays

explorelawrence.com/final-fridays

Monthly exhibits and activities in galleries and art venues

news sources Lawrence Journal-World ljworld.com

Region’s oldest, largest local news source (newspaper and online) for Lawrence and Douglas County

Kansas Public Radio kansaspublicradio.org

Lumberyard Arts Center

University of Kansas public radio station

Baldwin’s home for traveling/local exhibits

Eudora Times

Phoenix Gallery

Downtown Lawrence art gallery

Seasonal, online news coverage of Eudora by University of Kansas student journalists

SeedCo Studios

Lawrence Times

lumberyardartscenter.org

phoenixgalleryart.com

eudoratimes.com

seedcostudios.com

lawrencekstimes.com

Working art studios/gallery

Independent online news

Spencer Museum of Art

Kansas Reflector

spencerart.ku.edu

University of Kansas art collection/galleries

The St. Patrick’s Day Parade (above) and Art in the Park have long histories and strong support in Lawrence.

kansasreflector.com

Independent statewide news

Wonder Fair wonderfair.com

Experimental art gallery Douglas County Newcomers Guide / 2026–2027

21

re so ur ces

The Lawrence Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade is one of the only completely horse-drawn parades in the United States.

health Lawrence Memorial Hospital (LMH Health) 325 Maine St., Lawrence (785) 505-5000

Senior Resource Center for Douglas County 745 Vermont St., Lawrence (785) 842-0543

County’s health and emergency services hospital

Senior health, social and resource information

lmh.org

Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center 200 Maine St., Suite A, Lawrence (785) 843-9192 bertnash.org

Mental health services

Haskell Health Center 2415 Massachusetts St., Lawrence (785) 843-3750 ihs.gov

Outpatient health services for Native community

cwood.org

HeadQuarters Kansas — Suicide Prevention 2110 Delaware St., Lawrence (785) 841-9900 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call 988 or text HELP to 988

Connecting people of all ages with developmental disabilities to area services

hqkansas.org

Trained crisis counseling

DCCCA Inc. 3312 Clinton Parkway, Lawrence (785) 841-4138

Independence, Inc. 2001 Haskell Ave., Lawrence (785) 841-0333

Prevention/Treatment of alcohol and drug problems

Independent living resources for disabled

Community Developmental Disability Organization — Cottonwood Inc. 2801 W. 31st St., Lawrence (785) 842-0550

dccca.org

Visiting Nurses 200 Maine St., Suite C, Lawrence (785) 843-3738 kansasvna.org

Home health care and hospice

22

yoursrc.org

independenceinc.org

Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging 2001 Haskell Ave., Lawrence (785) 832-0754 jhawkaaa.org

Tri-county resource center for seniors and senior programs

2026–2027 / Douglas County Newcomers Guide

KU Child & Family Services Clinic Dole Human Development Center 1000 Sunnyside Ave., Suite 2021, Lawrence (785) 864-4416 kuclinic.ku.edu

Affordable mental health care for children and families

KU Psychological Clinic 340 Fraser Hall 1415 Jayhawk Blvd., Lawrence (785) 864-4121 psychclinic.ku.edu

Affordable mental health care

Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department 200 Maine St., Lawrence (785) 843-3060 ldchealth.org

Community health program center

Willow Domestic Violence Center 1920 Moodie Rd., Lawrence (785) 843-3333 willowdvcenter.org

Domestic crisis; prevention and support

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douglas county

EVENTS

a seasonal guide to some o f t h e a n n u a l fav o r i t e s i n your new home county

21+ | Active | Animals | Charity | Competitive | Culinary | Cultural

Educational | Family Friendly | Historical | Indoor | Musical | Outdoor | Zombie-Approved

The KU Powwow & Indigenous Cultures Festival transforms the Lied Center into a space where intertribal celebrations meet educational outreach.

24

2026–2027 / Douglas County Newcomers Guide

Lawrence Restaurant Week

Free State Festival June

January

F R E E S TAT E F E S T I V A L . O R G

L AW R E N C E R E STAU R A N T W E E K . O R G

Restaurants across Lawrence create special prix fixe menus for this food-focused event.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Lawrence’s cinema festival brings a week of screenings, art installations and musical performances.

Lawrence Pride June

March

L A W R E N C E K S P R I D E . C O M

L AW R E N C E ST PAT R I C KS DAY PA R A D E . C O M

This parade through Downtown Lawrence has gone on for nearly 40 years and continues to grow bigger, better and greener with each celebration.

Lawrence’s celebration of the LGBTQ+ community with parades, drag performances, local vendors, food trucks and—most importantly—a safe and inclusive space for all.

KU Powwow & Indigenous Cultures Festival April POW W OW.K U .E D U

KU First Nations Student Association and community partners host a day of dances, performances and presentations to honor the numerous Native nations represented on campus. Events are free and open to the community.

Farmers Market April–November L A W R E N C E FA R M E R S M A R K E T. O R G

What’s the first sign of spring? Fierce, crack-of-dawn competition for that first good crop of kale and those freshly baked pies.

Starting in April, the farmers market season includes regular venues in Eudora and Lawrence, where the state’s oldest continually running market expands into a thrice-weekly event as the season reaches full bloom.

Lawrence Busker Festival May

Lake Season All Summer When the summer heat arrives, Douglas County heads for the water.

For some, that is Lone Star Lake in west-central Douglas County; for others, it is a canoeing or kayaking expedition on the Kaw River; and for many it is Clinton Lake with its beaches and marina that launches sailboat and pontoon boat adventures, as well as jet skis and other watercraft. You can rent from providers or join an expedition led by Friends of the Kaw if you don’t have your own.

CPA Picnic L A W R E N C E B U S K E R F E S T. C O M

In one of the most unusual festivals in the United States, each year Lawrence closes down several sections of downtown streets to host acrobats, daredevils, trapeze artists, pogo-stick prodigies and many more talented, athletic street performers. Shows are free and open to the public; donations go directly to the artists after each show.

June E U D O R A C PA . O R G

A citywide street party with games, carnival rides, music and more celebrating the heritage and community of Eudora.

Douglas County Newcomers Guide / 2026–2027

25

St. John’s Mexican Fiesta

Haskell Indian Art Market

June

October S TJ O H N S F I E S TA . C O M

A celebration of the city’s Mexican American community that centers around St. John’s Catholic Church in downtown Lawrence.

The two-day event features food tents along with musical and dance performances.

Juneteenth June

H A S K E L L . E D U / H I A M

Held annually during the second full weekend of October, this market is one of the region’s largest venues for authentic Native crafts, jewelry, artwork and more. Held on the grounds of the Haskell Indian Nations University, the market also treats guests to musical performances and Native dances in full regalia.

KU Homecoming October

L A W R E N C E K S J U N E T E E N T H . O R G

A celebration honoring the heritage and perseverance of the Black community in Lawrence and Douglas County.

K U A L U M N I . O R G

The University of Kansas celebrates fall with its annual homecoming football game along with parades through campus and downtown Lawrence.

Douglas County Fair

Maple Leaf Festival

July–August

October

D G C O U N TY FA I R .C O M

M A P LE LE A F F E ST I VA L. C O M

Running late July to early August, this is the place for funnel cakes, tribute bands, whirly rides, bright lights and one cool county.

Baldwin City’s generous canopy of trees takes center stage at this two-day festival, held on the second weekend of October. In addition to experiencing the natural beauty of the fall leaves, guests can enjoy musical performances, craft booths, food stalls, a quilt show, marching bands and a parade.

Civil War on the Border August WAT K I N S M U S E U M . O R G

The Watkins Museum of History hosts an annual series of lectures, tours and other events to commemorate the 1863 attack on Lawrence and Douglas County by Confederate guerrilla forces and the legacy of the Civil War on the region’s history and character.

This is one of the region’s most popular and best-attended historythemed events.

Territorial Days September L E C O M P T O N K A N S A S . C O M

To celebrate Lecompton’s pivotal role in the fight for Kansas’ entry into the Union, the city offers up some good old-fashioned parade fun. Enjoy a full day of carnival games, food trucks, bike races, pancake feeds, baseball games, lawn mower races, live music and even a parade.

26

2026–2027 / Douglas County Newcomers Guide

Zombie Walk October LAW R E N C E Z O M B I E WA LK . C O M

One of Lawrence’s growing holiday traditions. Zombie Walk invites anyone to come dressed up in zombie attire to parade (limp, moan, stagger) through downtown Lawrence. Interaction with spectators is part of the fun, as this is the most nonthreatening, considerate mob of zombies to ever shuffle down the street. Proof? Nobody is ever eaten, and participating zombies donate cash or canned goods to a designated charity.

Lawrence Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade December LAW R E N C E C H R I ST M AS PA R A D E . O R G

This event features dozens of authentic horse-drawn carriages parading down Massachusetts Street and greeting thousands of residents and guests who line the route for miles. Bring blankets, hot cocoa and a well-charged phone for all your holiday photos and videos.

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28

2026–2027 / Douglas County Newcomers Guide

Cuisine, Community and Lots of Cookbooks HOW A LOCAL COOKBOOK CLUB IS BREAKING BREAD AND BUILDING BONDS STORY BY AMBER FRALEY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JASON DAILEY

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When the Lawrence Cookbook Club gathers, members bring their dishes potluck-style for a shared feast. At a recent meeting, a potful of Greek meatballs and orzo stole the show.

atasha Olliso loves vintage cookbooks. Not to brag, but she owns 120 of them. She loves to sit down and flip through the pages to see how cooking trends have evolved over the years.

Even if she would never recreate the recipes, they’re interesting to read about. It helps that she grew up in a family of restaurateurs and has been cooking since childhood.

“I guess I was born into it,” she says.

A year and a half ago, she founded the Lawrence Cookbook Club, bringing together people who love to cook and eat for one common goal: making, trying and tasting new recipes.

To get the club started, Olliso created a Facebook group, posted on a local Lawrence Facebook page to recruit members, and asked for ideas on where the club could meet. She had seen other cookbook clubs pop up on her social media feeds and loved the idea.

“It sounded like something really fun to do,” she says.

Carolyn Kumpe was one of the first to respond. A chef herself, she not only wanted to join but also offered to host the monthly gathering at the cooking school she owns in downtown Lawrence: COOKshop on 8th.

The club has been there ever since and shows no signs of stopping.

Each month, the group selects a cookbook.

Olliso chose what the group would cook from at the very first meeting. Heartland: The Cookbook (Andrews McMeel, 2011) by Judith M. Fertig was the perfect choice, she says, because it focuses on farm-to-table meals that are simple to source locally.

At the end of each meeting, members

draw names to decide who will pick the next cookbook. That person then curates a selection of recipes from their chosen title— everything from appetizers and entrées to soups, desserts and sometimes cocktails.

They post photos of these recipes to the Facebook group, allowing members to look them over and claim what they want to cook for the next gathering.

When meeting night arrives, everyone brings their dishes potluck-style. The group prioritizes proper preparation and keeping dishes at the correct temperature. Thankfully, food safety is rarely an issue—the members of the Lawrence Cookbook Club take their cooking seriously.

“It’s a great thing to meet different people in the community,” Kumpe says. “It’s all about cooking, community, sharing food and making new friends.”

Over the past year, Kumpe grew so impressed with the Lawrence Cookbook Club’s members that she eventually hired some of them to teach at her shop. Olliso, whom she met through the club, now works as a manager, teaching classes and helping with day-to-day operations.

The club has attracted cooks and foodies of all ages.

“A lot of us own a lot of cookbooks we know we’ll never get through,” Olliso says.

“This is an opportunity to get a good look at one and decide if it’s good or not.”

Once everyone fills their plate, they take turns describing what they made and explaining any adjustments along the way—whether that be because they couldn’t find a certain ingredient and had to make a substitution or that they simply made a mistake.

Douglas County Newcomers Guide / 2026–2027

29

“It’s good to talk about it before [we eat],” Olliso says. “While we’re eating, we talk about if it’s good or not good or what we could’ve done differently.”

The member who chose the cookbook brings a copy that the other participants can peruse. Sometimes the results are fantastic, like the banana split cake that Olliso still dreams about. Other times, disappointing.

Olliso remembers the time she forgot to add the rest of the flour to a dish. She didn’t realize her mistake until it was already in the oven. And then there was the horror of the night they ate popcorn cookies.

“There is no reason to mix the two,” she laughs.

Success or mistake, it doesn’t matter.

Sharing what you’ve made is an adventure either way.

Most potlucks have a theme. The group has tried cookbooks from all parts of the globe, including food from South America, Taiwan, Mexico and the Middle East. One month, they even brewed recipes from a Harry Potterthemed cookbook.

“I have always enjoyed cooking,” says Donald Bronec, who has attended every meeting except the first. “I started with my mom as a kid, so I’ve been around cooking since I was really little. When I was on my own in college, I cooked for myself.”

Bronec also enjoyed cooking with his late wife, Carolyn. Recently, the club whipped up a batch of popular soup recipes that Carolyn developed while working at an Overland Park café in the 1980s.

The Lawrence Cookbook Club has given Bronec new friends and helped him keep that connection to his wife—all while letting him put his impressive cookbook collection to good use.

“I have over 100 cookbooks at home. We collected them for many years,” he says. “Every dish I’ve made for this club is one I’ve never made before.”

And that, perhaps, is the point. The Lawrence Cookbook Club doesn’t just cook what they know. They revel in the unknown, then share it around a table. Because what they serve best isn’t food.

It’s community.

Plates loaded, the Lawrence Cookbook Club takes turns sharing their dishes, and the occasional kitchen disaster. These peanut noodles and turkey skewers and the meatballs on page 28 come from Family Circle: Our Best Recipes (Meredith Corporation, 2007).

30

2026–2027 / Douglas County Newcomers Guide

3 Savory Soups The Lawrence Cookbook Club recently whipped up soups from Carolyn Bronec’s time at an Overland Park café in the 1980s.

Potato Dill Soup

Broccoli & Cheese Soup

Serves 4

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS • 1 to 2 carrots • 1 celery stalk • ½ small yellow onion • ¼ cup butter • ¼ cup flour • 3 medium potatoes, diced • 1 quart chicken broth • 1 cup milk • 1 teaspoon dried dill weed • Salt and white pepper, to taste • Optional: toasted slivered almonds or chopped pecans, for garnish

INGREDIENTS • 1 bunch fresh broccoli • 3 cups chicken broth • 2 tablespoons butter • ¼ cup flour • 2 cups milk • 1 pound grated cheddar cheese • Salt and pepper, to taste • Diced tomatoes, for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Finely chop carrots, celery and onion in food processor, then sauté in butter. Whisk in flour to form a roux and cook for 5 minutes. Set aside.

2. In a saucepan, cook potatoes in chicken broth until done. Remove potatoes from broth, then pour broth into the roux mixture, whisking constantly.

Whisk milk into the rouxbroth mixture until fully incorporated.

3. Add the potatoes and heat thoroughly; do not let it come to a boil.

4. Sprinkle in dill weed. Thin soup with more chicken broth if necessary. Season as desired with salt and white pepper.

5. Garnish with toasted slivered almonds or chopped pecans.

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Clean and cut broccoli florets from stalks. Set stalks aside.

2. In a saucepan, cook florets in chicken broth until tender.

Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.

3. Cook stalks in the same chicken broth until tender.

Remove with a slotted spoon, purée in a food processor and set aside.

4. In a separate saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the butter and flour to make a roux. Cook about 5 minutes.

5. Add milk to the broth, then slowly pour into the roux, whisking continuously. Cook until thickened.

6. Add puréed stalks and mix well. Add florets and heat thoroughly, making sure not to boil. With heat turned to low, slowly add the grated cheese, whisking after each addition.

Don’t overcook, as the cheese will separate.

7. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Garnish with a smattering of diced tomatoes.

Gazpacho Serves 4 INGREDIENTS • 4 fresh tomatoes, peeled • 2 fresh cucumbers, peeled • 1 small onion, chopped • 1 green pepper, chopped • 2 cups tomato juice • 3 tablespoons wine vinegar • ½ cup olive oil • ½ teaspoon crushed garlic • Optional garnishes: croutons, chopped chives, celery, green onions, lemon or lime slices, sour cream INSTRUCTIONS 1. In a blender or food processor, process all ingredients until smooth. Chill thoroughly before serving.

2. Garnish each serving with croutons and offer condiments such as sour cream, chopped chives, celery, green onions and slices of lemon or lime.

Douglas County Newcomers Guide / 2026–2027

31

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