Let’s go together.
Are you thinking about the future?
Let Midco help you embrace tomorrow with confidence. Get multi-gig speeds and ultra-reliable service to keep you connected and ready for what comes next.1
EDITOR
Gina DeBacker
ART DIRECTOR
Alex Tatro
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Fally Afani
Jason Dailey
Bill Stephens
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Bill Stephens
CONTRIBUTING ILLUSTRATOR
Kassidee Quaranta
COPY EDITOR
Leslie Clugston Andres
ADVERTISING
Joanne Morgan (785) 832-7264 jmorgan@sunflowerpub.com
DIRECTOR
Bob Cucciniello
PUBLISHER
Bill Uhler
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, numerous 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.
on the cover
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.
The Baker University Wetlands is always bustling with activity, from families hiking to biologists conducting research. Decades of restoration efforts have transformed the land into a thriving habitat for diverse wildlife, migratory birds and native plants. Illustration by Kassidee Quaranta.
Residents of Douglas County enjoy food trucks, vendors and warm weather at the annual Lawrence Busker Festival in downtown Lawrence. Photo by Fally Afani
The streets of downtown Lawrence become stages for street performers, including the gravitydefying World Break Dancers, at the city’s annual Lawrence Busker Festival. Photo by Fally Afani.
Douglas County
The case for douglas county
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.
By the Numbers
DOUGLAS COUNTY Population 118,785
Median household income
$66,997
Owner-occupied housing units 24,942
Percentage of home ownership 48.9%
Median value of owner-occupied housing $281,600
Renter-occupied housing units 25,455
Median gross rent $1,066
Mean travel time to work 20.6 minutes
*Source U.S. Census Bureau
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 jayhawkaaa.org (785) 832-0754
Electrical Power—Evergy evergy.com (800) 383-1183
Gas—Black Hills Energy blackhillsenergy.com (888) 890-5554
Douglas County Extension Office douglas.k-state.edu (785) 843-7058
Where do people live in Douglas County?
OPPOSITE: Street Circus wows audiences in downtown Lawrence. Photo by Fally Afani.
TOP: Lawrence Mardi Gras Parade attendees were not deterred by the rain as they sang, danced and played music along downtown Lawrence. Photo by Fally Afani.
ABOVE: St. John’s Mexican Fiesta has a long-standing history in Lawrence. Photo by Jason Dailey.
Lawrence
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 sacked by proslavery 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 is also home to Haskell Indian Nations University. Established nearly 120 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.
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 million-dollar luxury homes. Home to several distinctive neighborhoods, the city’s residential and commercial areas connect by short drives, bicycle routes and a municipal bus 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 Festival, a top-tier lineup of national acts at the Lied Center and much more.
There is always something to look forward to in downtown Lawrence. Here, residents revel in October’s Zombie Walk (left), September’s Rock Chalk Block Party (right) and May’s Lawrence Busker Festival (opposite). Photos by Fally Afani.
City Offices lawrenceks.org (785) 832-3000
Fire & Medical Department lawrenceks.org/fire_medical (785) 830-7000
Department of Utilities lawrenceks.org/utilities (785) 832-7800
Lawrence Parks and Recreation lawrenceks.org/lprd (785) 832-3450
Lawrence Public Library lplks.org (785) 843-3833
Lawrence Public Schools – USD 497 usd497.org (785) 832-5000
Lawrence Transit System lawrencetransit.org (785) 864-4644
Lawrence Chamber of Commerce lawrencechamber.com (785) 865-4411
Lawrence Journal-World ljworld.com (785) 843-1000
LAWRENCE, EXPLAINED
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
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 sand 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 is one of the region’s greatest natural attractions for sport and relaxation.
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 three 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 grown 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 vibrant 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.
Baldwin City Hall baldwincity.org (785) 594-6427
Baldwin City Fire Department (785) 594-3678
Baldwin City Recreation Commission baldwinrec.org (785) 594-3670
Baldwin City USD 348 usd348.com (785) 594-2721
Baldwin City Chamber of Commerce baldwincitychamber.com (785) 594-3200
ABOVE: This year marked the first annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration in downtown Baldwin City. Photo by Fally Afani OPPOSITE: The Maple Leaf Festival has been a fall tradition in Baldwin City since 1958 and attracts thousands of visitors. Photo by Kayla Kohn
BALDWIN CITY, EXPLAINED
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
IF IT DOESN’T BECOME YOUR HOME, VISIT BALDWIN CITY FOR…
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.
The Lumberyard Arts Center
A thriving gallery and gathering spot showcasing community music, artistic talent and more.
Whether you need a question answered, a problem solved, or a claim reported, my job is to make it happen. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.® CALL ME TODAY!
Kurt Goeser, Agent 1811 Wakarusa Drive, Ste 100 Bus: 785-843-0003 Fax: 785-843-0066 kurt@kurtinsures.com www.kurtinsures.com
Eudora
about Eudora
Eudora sits on the eastern edge of Douglas County, between Lawrence and the Kansas City area, and less than four miles from the new Panasonic electric 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.
Eudora City Hall cityofeudoraks.gov (785) 542-2153
Eudora Township Fire Department (785) 542-2800
City of Eudora Fire Department cityofeudoraks.gov/67/fire (785) 690-7066
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 www.eudoraschools.org (785) 542-4910
Eudora Chamber of Commerce eudorakansaschamber.com
Eudora CVB domoreineudora.com
September 19 - 28, 2025
October 23 - 25, 2025
December 5 - 21, 2025
January 30 - February 8, 2026
March 13 - 22, 2026
April 17 - 26, 2026
June 5 - 21, 2026
Lecompton
Chosen by readers of KANSAS! magazine as one of the state’s top five 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 though 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 views of the Kaw (or Kansas) river, with a beautiful access point and a scenic road winding along the river bluffs to Topeka.
Lecompton City Hall lecompton.org (785) 887-6407 Lecompton Volunteer Fire/EMS 911
Public Schools – USD 343 usd343.net (785) 597-5138
Lecompton is a small city with a big history. Its first outdoor mural (above) highlights the city’s historical significance as “the birthplace of the Civil War, where slavery began to die.” Its community building (opposite) first opened in 1906 as a Radical United Brethren Church. Photos by Gina DeBacker
Territorial Days A
Territorial Capital Museum
The
MAP lawrence
Post Office/Libraries Hospitals
City Government Museums
Schools/Universities
Golf
Hiking Points of Interest
Info Transportation
Old
Lawrence East Lawrence Oread West Lawrence
KANSAS RIVER
Old West Lawrence East Lawrence Oread
West Lawrence
North Lawrence Pinkney
Sunset Hills
Quail Run
Indian Hills
Prairie Park
douglas county RESOURCES
a guide to organizations and places to help you discover and enjoy your new hometown
education
Baker University (785) 594-6451
bakeru.edu
Baldwin City Public Schools
USD 348 (785) 594-2721 usd348.com
Eudora Public Schools
USD 491 (785) 542-4910 www.eudoraschools.org
Lawrence Public Schools
USD 497 (785) 832-5000 usd497.org
Perry-Lecompton Public Schools USD 343 (785) 597-5138 usd343.net
transportation
Lawrence Transit System (785) 864-4644 www.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
Senior Wheels
(785) 727-7876
University of Kansas (785) 864-2700 ku.edu
Haskell Indian Nations University (785) 749-8404 haskell.edu
Dwayne Peaslee Technical Training Center (785) 856-1801 peasleetech.org
dgcoks.gov/senior-resource-center/ senior-wheels-and-transportation County-wide, low-cost senior transport program
Independence, Inc.
2001 Haskell Ave., Lawrence (785) 841-0333
independenceinc.org
Wheelchair accessible door-to-door weekday transport
recreation
Lawrence Parks & Recreation 1141 Massachusetts St., Lawrence (785) 832-3450 lawrenceks.org/lprd
Baldwin City Recreation Commission 712 Chapel St., Baldwin City (785) 594-3670 baldwinrec.org
Eudora Parks & Recreation 1630 Elm St., Eudora (785) 542-3434 eudoraparksandrec.org
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
Guests are wowed by street performers in downtown Lawrence. Photo by Fally Afani
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
South Iowa Street, Lawrence Big-box national chain stores
23rd Street, Lawrence
Variety of national chains and locally owned stores from Massachusetts to Iowa Street
arts
Cider Gallery cidergallery.com Fine art gallery
Lawrence Arts Center lawrenceartscenter.org Galleries, classes and performances
Final Fridays explorelawrence.com/final-fridays
Monthly exhibits and activities in galleries and art venues
Lumberyard Arts Center lumberyardartscenter.org
Baldwin’s home for traveling/local exhibits
Phoenix Gallery phoenixgalleryart.com
Downtown Lawrence art gallery
SeedCo Studios seedcostudios.com
Working art studios/gallery
Spencer Museum of Art spencerart.ku.edu
University of Kansas art collection/galleries
Wonder Fair wonderfair.com
Experimental art gallery
theater performance
KU Theatre kutheatre.com
University and professional actors’ theater troupe
Lied Center of Kansas lied.ku.edu
National/World musicians and performers on stage
Theatre Lawrence theatrelawrence.com Community theater venue
events
Event listings in Baldwin City baldwincitychamber.com/events
Event listings in Eudora domoreineudora.com
Event listings in Lawrence explorelawrence.com
Lawrence Journal-World datebook ljworld.com/public-record/datebook
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
University of Kansas public radio station
Eudora Times eudoratimes.com
University of Kansas nonprofit seasonal news coverage of Eudora
Lawrence Times lawrencekstimes.com
Independent online news
Kansas Reflector kansasreflector.com
Independent statewide news
ABOVE: The University of Kansas, the state’s largest public university, draws many visitors and locals to Lawrence for sporting events, concerts and guest speakers.
TOP: Eudora hosts its annual CPA Picnic every June, which features carnival rides and games. Photo by Jason Dailey.
Photo by Fally Afani.
health
Lawrence Memorial Hospital (LMH Health)
325 Maine St., Lawrence (785) 505-5000
lmh.org
County’s health and emergency services hospital
Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center
200 Maine St., Suite A, Lawrence (785) 843-9192
bertnash.org
Mental health services
Community Developmental Disability Organization—Cottonwood Inc.
2801 W. 31st St., Lawrence (785) 842-0550 cwood.org
Connecting people of all ages with developmental disabilities to area services
DCCCA Inc.
3312 Clinton Parkway, Lawrence (785) 841-4138
dccca.org
Prevention/Treatment of alcohol and drug problems
Visiting Nurses
200 Maine St., Suite C, Lawrence (785) 843-3738
kansasvna.org
Home health care and hospice
Senior Resource Center for Douglas County
745 Vermont St., Lawrence (785) 842-0543
dgcoks.gov/senior-resource-center
Senior health, social and resource information
Haskell Health Center
2415 Massachusetts St., Lawrence (785) 843-3750
ihs.gov
Outpatient health services for Native community
HeadQuarters Kansas— Suicide Prevention 2110 Delaware St., Lawrence (785) 841-2345
hqkansas.org
Trained crisis counseling
Independence, Inc.
2001 Haskell Ave., Lawrence (785) 841-0333
independenceinc.org
Independent living resources for disabled
Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging
2001 Haskell Ave., Lawrence (785) 832-0754
jhawkaaa.org
Tri-county resource center for seniors and senior programs
KU Child & Family Services Clinic
2021 Dole Human Development Center
1000 Sunnyside Ave., 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
Members of the Lawrence Mardi Gras parade band perform in downtown Lawrence, outside Terrebonne Po’ Boys, a quaint restaurant that serves classic New Orleans grub. Photo by Fally Afani
douglas county EVENTS
a guide to organizations and places to help you discover and enjoy your new hometown
Downtown Lawrence becomes apocalyptic as residents of all ages shuffle through the streets during the city’s annual Zombie Walk. Photo by Fally Afani.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March
LAWRENCESTPATRICKSDAYPARADE.COM
This parade through Downtown Lawrence has gone on for nearly 40 years and continues to grow bigger, better and greener with each celebration.
KU Powwow & Indigenous Cultures Festival
April
POWWOW.KU.EDU
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
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 out in April, the farmers market seasons include regular venues in Eudora and Lawrence, where the state’s oldest continually running market expands into a three-times weekly event as the season reaches full bloom.
Lawrence Busker Festival
May
LAWRENCEBUSKERFEST.COM
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.
Free State Festival
June
FREESTATEFESTIVAL.ORG
Lawrence’s cinema festival brings a week of screenings, art installations and musical performances.
Lawrence Pride
June
LAWRENCEKSPRIDE.COM
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.
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
June
EUDORACPA.ORG
A citywide street party with games, carnival rides, music and more celebrating the heritage and community of Eudora.
St. John’s Mexican Fiesta
June
STJOHNSFIESTA.COM
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
A celebration honoring the heritage and perseverance of the Black community in Lawrence and Douglas County.
Douglas County Fair
July–August
Running late July to early August, this is the place for funnel cakes, tribute bands, whirly rides, bright lights and one cool county.
Civil War on the Border
August
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 attended historythemed events.
Haskell Indian Art Market
October
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–November
The University of Kansas celebrates fall with its annual homecoming football game along with parades through campus and downtown Lawrence. KUALUMNI.ORG
Maple Leaf Festival
October
MAPLELEAFFESTIVAL.COM
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.
Zombie Walk
October
LAWRENCEZOMBIEWALK.COM
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
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.
Step into Adventure
THE LAWRENCE TRAIL HAWKS—WHERE COMMUNITY, CONSERVATION AND TRAIL RUNNING CONVERGE
STORY & PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL STEPHENS
There’s a rhythm to running—the crunch of gravel under your feet, the wisps of wind against your face, the occasional birdcall in the distance. As the mind quiets, memories surface and tangled thoughts begin to untangle. Runners of all kinds enjoy this meditative practice; members of the Lawrence Trail Hawks enjoy it along the beautiful, winding trails of Douglas County.
“I am not one of the speedy folks—I enjoy the trails as a mix of a run and a hike,” says Megan Moriarty, current president and board member of the Trail Hawks. “For me, it’s about getting out and enjoying nature at whatever pace is good for you.”
Formed in 2009, the Lawrence Trail Hawks is a prominent trail and ultrarunning club based in Lawrence. (Ultramarathons are more than 26.2 miles long.) With 75 to 100 active members, the club hosts weekly group runs and several trail races throughout the year, providing members with opportunities to stay active and connect with others. The current board includes Moriarty (president), Mary Ann Frevert (vice president), Todd Chandler (secretary) and Josh McVey (treasurer).
The Trail Hawks host two weekly group runs along the Kansas River Trail, often called the Sandrat Trail. Located across the river, north of downtown Lawrence, this 9-mile single-track trail has a few gravel sections but is mostly paved. Their beginner, no-drop run takes place on Monday nights, and their women-only “Gal Gallop” run is held on Thursday nights.
The group also occasionally has more technical runs—meaning trail runs with tripping hazards and uneven, hilly terrain—along Clinton North Shore Trails. This course is the site of their January race, “Cactus Roulette”; their
summer nighttime race, “The Night Hawk”; the longest trail race they offer, “The Hawk Hundred”; and their charity runs, including the “Shoreline Shuffle” and “Sanders Saunter.” This course offers a more challenging 25-mile loop with fantastic lake views. “You need to watch your footing,” Moriarty explains. “There are many rocks and roots … it’s not as fast as running on a smooth surface.”
Stewards of the Trail
Apart from organized runs, the Trail Hawks’ goal has always been to give back to the trails by assuming responsibility for cleanup and maintenance. “Trail maintenance is very important to us,” Moriarty says. “We want to make sure they stay in good shape for the community. We work with the Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks and the Kansas Trails Council to keep the trails groomed and free of trash.”
Several of their annual events involve running and trash pickup. “You shuffle along at your own pace, alternating running with picking up ground clutter. When your trash bag gets full, your run becomes a hike and you drop off the bag at the nearest dumpster,” Moriarty explains. “We might not do as much as we’d like, but we do what we can.”
Since the Trail Hawks is one of several groups who frequently use these trails, the local parks department keeps the club apprised of maintenance needs. In spring, these needs typically include clearing winter growth and removing honeysuckle and other invasive plants.
“Our club motto is ‘kindness to life and land,’” Moriarty adds. “We like to foster the idea of being out in nature—we clear the trails because we enjoy using them.”
Lawrence Trail Hawks members Justin Douglas (left), Thomas Becker (middle) and Josh Milota run along the Levee Trail during one of their regular Monday evening runs.
Best Trails Around Douglas County
Whether you’re craving an easygoing jog, a scenic route, or a challenging wooded path, Douglas County offers trails that suit every need. Longtime runner Gary Henry and Lawrence Trail Hawk president Megan Moriarty share their favorites.
Baker Wetlands and Rock Chalk Park offer great trails with big-sky vistas, which are limited on the jungle-like Clinton Lake North Shore and Kansas River trails.
Clinton Lake North Shore Trail
is a popular 25-mile loop known for its unrelenting technicality. “It has more trip hazards per square inch than anywhere I’ve run,” Henry says. “The up-and-down isn’t too bad for short distances of a few miles, but it never stops. And with the rocks and roots, it seldom gives runners a chance to develop a symmetrical stride.” But those challenges can be good, he adds, because they provide a much harder workout if that’s what you’re seeking.
Lawrence Nature Park Trails is a smaller version of Clinton Lake North Shore, with its trailhead located just off Folks Road in Lawrence. It offers plenty of rocks and roots once you get a little way in, and some respectable inclines and descents that add up over multiple laps. “If you like woods, this trail is terrific,” Henry says. “When there’s snow, I can sometimes imagine I’m back in the mountains on an extended hike. Of course, I never get tired of seeing wildlife, especially the deer.”
Kansas River Trail offers 9 miles of wooded beauty, and its relatively flat terrain is less challenging. “This can make the trail dangerous because runners can get complacent,” Henry says. “I know a woman who broke her leg running out there when she hooked a small stump in the middle of an otherwise smooth route.”
Levee Trail, located along the Kansas River, is about 20 miles of packed gravel. “It has the added advantage of mile markers, so it’s easy to track your distance if you don’t have a fancy sports watch,” Henry adds.
Signal Oak, overlooking the Vinland Valley just 2 miles north of Baldwin City, provides steep inclines. “Local runners consider it a good spot to train for races with lots of hills,” Moriarty adds.
Haskell Indian Nations University’s cross-country course is adjacent to the Haskell campus. Also referred to as the Billy Mills Trail, it is located just east of Broken Arrow Park, running through the adjacent neighborhood and Baker Wetlands. “There aren’t any significant hills, and its cross-country surface makes it softer to run on than some of the more technical trails in the area,” Moriarty says.
care provider before starting a strenuous regimen,” Henry advises. “That said, start slow and easy. Running should be fun and enjoyable. If it gets to be unpleasant—at least in the beginning—you’re probably going at it too hard or too long.”
To start trail-running, especially along technical trails
such as Clinton Lake North Shore, Henry recommends going with experienced runners who can accommodate a slower pace. Joining the Trail Hawks is a great place to start, he adds, because they can answer questions and
differences between running on roads and sidewalks and eyes, it can also prevent you from seeing a low-hanging branch on a trail. Standard footwear may also lack many of the features needed for trails, including toe protection,
up after that first dispiriting fall. Just one moment of absentmindedness can end in a face-plant—and the faster you’re going, the more catastrophic it will be.
To sum up his decades of experience, Henry adds, “‘Train on the trails, kick butt on the road.’ That’s experience speaking.”
Starting fresh? Let’s make banking the easiest part of your move. We are here to help you settle in. From hassle-free checking to personalized service, we’ll help you feel right at home. Visit our two convenient Douglas County locations: 1555 Wakarusa Drive, Lawrence KS 3045 Iowa Street, Lawrence KS
GET PAID TO BANK HERE.
Because when you’re building your new home here, every little reward counts. Choose Kasasa checking, with rewards that keep coming month after month, year after year.
