Visit

Visit the Watkins Museum of History:

Visit the Watkins Museum! Housed in a beautiful, historic building on the corner of 11th and Massachusetts Streets, the Watkins showcases unique and fascinating stories from Douglas County’s past.  Admission is free to the public.

Hours:

Tuesday-Saturday: 10am-4pm
Monday-Sunday: CLOSED

What You’ll Experience:

The museum’s core exhibits tell stories of the people and events that shaped the areas we know today as Lawrence and Douglas County, Kansas. The second floor explores struggles for equality, from the founding of Lawrence through the early 21st century. Prominently featured are artifacts and interactives related to Bleeding Kansas, Quantrill’s Raid during the Civil War, and the fight against slavery. Third floor exhibits chronicle different themes in Douglas County life, including business, leisure, activism, sports, and more. The museum also has four temporary exhibit spaces that change every 3-6 months.

Parking:

Metered street parking is available directly in front of the museum on Massachusetts Street and beside the facility on 11th Street. Free two-hour parking is also available at a public lot on Vermont Street.

Location:

Watkins Museum Code of Conduct