South Lawrence

Connect with nature in South Lawrence

South Lawrence is home to residential neighborhoods and its two main thoroughfares, Iowa Street and 23rd Street offer lots of dining and shopping options.  It also offers some great options for getting outdoors and discovering nature.


Clinton State Park, 1500-acres on the northeast shore of Clinton Reservoir.  Four miles from the City of Lawrence, it offers a nice balance between recreational areas and natural areas.  Native wildlife, wildflowers and prairie grasses are abundant.  There’s fishing, boating and water sports, biking/walking and horseback riding trails, campgrounds and cabins.  Learn more at Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism.


One of the most diverse habitats in Kansas, the Baker Wetlands encompasses 927 acres of rich, natural wildlife. Students, faculty, and nature lovers have identified 278 species of birds, 98 other vertebrate species, and 487 plant species at the Wetlands — and these counts grow with each adventure. The Baker Wetlands Discovery Center is a large space with panoramic views out over the boardwalk. The center has exhibits on the importance of the wetlands, how they were restored and how they’re being taken care of now. The center also includes spotting scopes, an observatory tower, a research lab, and a classroom space. The Discovery Center is open 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday – Saturday, and 1 – 4 p.m. on Sunday. 1365 N. 1250 ROAD.


You can find  educational and outdoor fun at the Prairie Park Nature Center at 2730 Harper Street. The nature center features prairie, woodlands and wetlands and the five acre Mary’s Lake, just a short walk from the Nature Center. There are walking trails for bird watchers, wildlife enthusiasts and those just looking for a quiet stroll outdoors. You may a wide variety of Kansas native wildlife, including beavers, deer, bobcats and birds of prey.


The Nature Center preserve and education building features natural habitat dioramas, displays and an area designated for butterfly habitat. There you can see live animals and birds of prey, including owls, hawks, falcons and Kansa, the Bald Eagle.


With rescue animals, educational programs, hands on access to animals, and passionate employees, Pet World in Lawrence is truly unique. Visit Pet World see for yourself everything a pet store can be! 711 W 23rd Street