Liberal KS

Liberal, Kansas – A welcoming heartland town where small-town charm meets wide-open skies. Known for its rich history, friendly faces, and a strong sense of community, Liberal offers a slower pace of life without sacrificing the warmth and diversity that define the American Midwest. Whether you're exploring its quirky landmarks, enjoying a slice of hometown cooking, or joining in on the annual Pancake Day race, Liberal invites you to experience a blend of tradition and togetherness that makes this city truly feel like home.

• Population: ~18,700
• Weather: Four distinct seasons; hot summers (85–100°F), chilly winters (15–40°F), with crisp springs and colorful falls.
• Places To Visit: Dorothy’s House & the Land of Oz, Mid-America Air Museum, Light Park, Coronado Museum, Adventure Bay Water Park.
• Top Activities: Taking photos along the Yellow Brick Road, exploring exhibits at the air museum, cooling off at the water park, enjoying community events, and walking through historic downtown.
• Famous Food: Authentic Mexican cuisine from local taquerias, classic American diner breakfasts, and sizzling Kansas-style BBQ platters.

Liberal, Kansas, nestled in the southwest corner of the state, may be a small city, but its economy plays a vital role in regional agriculture, energy, transportation, and education. As part of Kansas’s High Plains area, Liberal is known for its meatpacking facilities, strong logistics operations, and expansive farmlands. If you're considering a move or a new job opportunity in this hardworking Midwestern community, here are the top 5 jobs offering growth, stability, and long-term prospects.

Top 5 Jobs in Liberal, KS

Liberal, Kansas might be a small city, but it still has a charm all its own—especially for students looking to kick back, unwind, and have a little fun. Whether you’re hitting pause on a study session or looking for weekend plans with friends, there are plenty of local hangouts that can help you relax and recharge.

Light Park at Light Park Trail – This beautiful walking trail and community park is the perfect place to take a breather. Whether you're going for a jog, walking your dog, or laying out on the grass with a good book or podcast, Light Park offers a peaceful spot to escape the pressure of classes during the day or catch a gorgeous Kansas sunset in the evening.

Dorothy's House & the Land of Oz – It’s quirky, it’s colorful, and it’s 100% unique to Liberal. This fun Wizard of Oz-themed attraction is a hit with out-of-towners but even more lovable for locals. You can take friends there for a nostalgic afternoon or just stroll the grounds if you're in need of a light-hearted break.

Southgate Cinema 6 – Catch the latest movies in a chill, no-frills theater with affordable snacks and cozy vibes. It’s a go-to spot for a midweek break or a low-key weekend date. The theater often shows new releases and the occasional fan favorite, making it easy to find something fun to watch.

The Pancake House – Breakfast for dinner? Always a good idea here. The Pancake House is a local favorite for comfort food and casual hangouts. Grab a booth with friends, enjoy a stack of fluffy pancakes, and take a break from campus life.

Adventure Bay Family Water Park – When the weather warms up, hit the water! This spot is perfect for cooling off and letting loose during summer break or long weekends. With water slides, a lazy river, and plenty of lounge chairs, it's a fun way to soak in the sun and spend time with your crew.

Liberal Memorial Library – Yes, a library can be a hangout spot—especially this one. It offers more than just books. Students often gather for study groups, catch movie nights, or join community events and game nights. Plus, the comfy chairs and quiet vibe make it great for a chill solo day.

Willow Tree Golf Course – Even if you're not aiming to go pro, this golf course is a peaceful place to try a round with friends or enjoy the open air. With reasonable green fees and walking paths, it's a great excuse to get outside and switch up your daily routine.

Campus life doesn’t have to be all work and no play—especially not in Liberal. These local gems offer a mix of fun, food, and fresh air to help students stay balanced and enjoy the ride. When it comes to relaxing, you don't need a big city—just the right spot and the right people.

Lawrence, Kansas is a vibrant city celebrated for its progressive spirit, rich arts scene, and a strong sense of community. The city is also a hub for higher education, hosting some of the top public and private colleges in the state. Whether you're interested in research-driven universities or personalized liberal arts colleges, Lawrence offers a range of exceptional institutions to fit your academic goals.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Lawrence

University of Kansas (KU) – As the flagship public research university of Kansas, KU is known nationally for its outstanding programs in pharmacy, engineering, education, journalism, and law. Its beautiful hilltop campus and diverse student body create an inspiring academic environment.

Haskell Indian Nations University – Renowned for serving Native American students, Haskell offers affordable degrees in indigenous studies, business, environmental science, and more. It plays a vital role in supporting Native American heritage and leadership development.

Kansas City Kansas Community College – Lawrence Campus – Though based in Kansas City, this community college offers extension programs in Lawrence. It’s a wonderful option for students seeking accessible associate degrees or transfer pathways to four-year universities.

Peaslee Tech – Focused on career and technical education, Peaslee Tech offers hands-on training programs in skilled trades such as advanced manufacturing, electrical technology, HVAC, and more. It’s ideal for students looking to quickly enter the workforce with practical skills.

Johnson County Community College (Satellite Programs in Lawrence) – JCCC is highly regarded for its academic excellence and student-centered approach. While the main campus is in Overland Park, Lawrence residents can access many flexible courses and professional certificate programs locally.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Lawrence

Baker University – Lawrence Campus – Although the main campus is in nearby Baldwin City, Baker offers graduate and professional programs in Lawrence, including education, business, and nursing. Their personalized instruction and emphasis on leadership make it a popular choice among working adults.

Central Christian College of Kansas – Lawrence Learning Site – Central Christian provides faith-based degrees and flexible learning options for adult students at its Lawrence outpost. Programs focus on business, healthcare administration, and ministry, fostering both career development and personal growth.

Ottawa University – Lawrence Campus – Ottawa is known for its commitment to adult education and career-focused degrees. Its Lawrence campus provides flexible undergraduate and graduate programs tailored for working professionals and non-traditional students.

MidAmerica Nazarene University – Lawrence Location – With extension courses offered in Lawrence, this Christian university offers degrees in education, nursing, counseling, and business, helping students grow both personally and professionally.

Concorde Career College – Lawrence Programs – While the main campus is in Kansas City, Concorde offers allied health and vocational training programs in Lawrence that are perfect for those looking to quickly start careers in healthcare fields such as dental assisting or medical billing.

From world-class research at KU to specialized career training at Peaslee Tech and promising opportunities at private colleges, Lawrence provides educational paths for all types of learners. No matter your interests, you’ll find a welcoming academic community ready to support your dreams.

Liberal, Kansas, may be a relatively small city, but it’s packed with hardworking students and schools that aim to bring out the best in them. Whether you're a parent looking for a strong academic environment or a student interested in preparing for college, Liberal provides options that combine outstanding academics, supportive communities, and extracurricular opportunities. Here's a closer look at the top public and private high schools in the area, designed to help students thrive both in and beyond the classroom.

Top Public High Schools in Liberal, Kansas

• Liberal High School – The main public high school in the area, Liberal High School offers a broad curriculum including AP courses, dual-credit options, and strong programs in arts and athletics. The school is committed to helping students succeed academically while also nurturing their individual talents.
• Southwest Heights High School – Located nearby in Kismet, KS, this school combines strong academics with personalized attention in a smaller setting. It’s known for close-knit teacher-student relationships and active community involvement.
• Tyrone High School – Just across the Oklahoma border but serving many students from nearby Liberal, Tyrone High provides a supportive learning environment with a focus on both academic achievement and character development.
• Plains High School (formerly Southwestern Heights Middle/High School) – A part of USD 483, this school is known for solid teaching in core subjects and a welcoming school culture that encourages involvement through clubs, sports, and arts.
• Hugoton High School – Around 35 miles from Liberal and drawing students from the wider region, Hugoton High ranks well for its vocational training, athletic programs, and commitment to preparing students for life after graduation.

Top Private High Schools near Liberal, Kansas

• Faith Christian Academy – A small but dedicated private Christian school in Liberal, it provides individual attention, strong values-based education, and a solid academic curriculum. Parents appreciate the nurturing environment and focus on spiritual growth.
• Southlawn School – While mainly offering education through the eighth grade, Southlawn School sets foundational academic standards that often transition students into top-performing high schools in the area.
• Heritage Christian School (Ulysses, KS) – Roughly an hour from Liberal, this school blends strong academics with faith-based teaching and small class sizes, making it a popular private option for families willing to travel a bit.
• St. Mary Catholic School (Garden City, KS) – Though slightly out of town, many families from Liberal look to St. Mary for its structured, faith-centered education known for academic rigor and community involvement.
• Pleasant Valley Mennonite School – Located near Copeland, KS, and about an hour's drive from Liberal, this school provides a unique, values-focused education with small class sizes and a strong sense of community.

Choosing the right high school is about more than just test scores—it’s about finding a place where students can feel supported, challenged, and hopeful about their future. Whether you opt for a public school offering rich academic and extracurricular experiences or a private school with a strong moral foundation, Liberal and its surrounding areas have options to suit a variety of needs. Take the time to visit, ask questions, and choose the one that feels right for your family’s values and goals.

While Liberal, Kansas, may not be a hub for professional sports franchises like Los Angeles or New York, the town boasts an undeniable passion for athletics and community pride. Located in the southwestern corner of the state, Liberal embraces regional professional teams, college sports, and local athletic programs with enthusiasm. Fans here proudly support major professional teams from nearby cities and states, while also nurturing homegrown talents and traditions.

Let’s explore the professional sports landscape that people in Liberal, Kansas typically follow and rally behind.

Football – Kansas City Chiefs (NFL)

• Kansas City Chiefs – Based just a few hours away in Kansas City, Missouri, the Chiefs are the most passionately followed NFL team in the state of Kansas. With three Super Bowl titles (1969, 2019, and 2023), the Chiefs have built a dynasty led by superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes and legendary coach Andy Reid. Fans in Liberal often wear the red and gold with pride, packing local sports bars and living rooms on game day.

Baseball – Kansas City Royals (MLB)

• Kansas City Royals – The Royals captured the hearts of baseball fans across Kansas with their underdog victory in the 2015 World Series. With roots going back to 1969, the franchise has seen greats like George Brett, Bo Jackson, and Salvador Pérez shine on the field. Residents of Liberal proudly cheer for the Royals and often make trips to Kauffman Stadium during the summer months.

Basketball – Oklahoma City Thunder (NBA)

• Oklahoma City Thunder – Just across the state line, Oklahoma City is home to the Thunder, the closest NBA team to Liberal. Founded in 2008 after the Seattle SuperSonics relocated, the Thunder gained a massive fanbase thanks to explosive stars like Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Many in Liberal love following the team and its exciting style of play.

Soccer – Sporting Kansas City (MLS)

• Sporting Kansas City – Representing the region in Major League Soccer, Sporting KC has two MLS Cup championships (2000, 2013) and continues to be a competitive franchise. Their focus on youth development and energetic style of play make them a fan favorite, even in towns like Liberal. Soccer continues to grow in popularity, especially with younger fans and families.

Hockey – Colorado Avalanche & Dallas Stars (NHL)

• Colorado Avalanche – While Kansas doesn’t have its own NHL team, many hockey fans in Liberal support the Avalanche from Denver. With three Stanley Cup wins (1996, 2001, 2022), the team has enjoyed success and features stars like Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar.
• Dallas Stars – Another popular NHL team for Kansas fans is the Dallas Stars, who won the Stanley Cup in 1999 and continue to be playoff contenders. Liberal’s proximity to Texas makes the Stars an accessible and exciting team to root for.

Though Liberal, KS, may not host a major league team of its own, the town is deeply connected to the professional sports world. From the roaring success of the Chiefs and Royals to the fast-paced NBA action of the Thunder, the people of Liberal proudly embrace regional teams. With sports being a shared source of excitement and pride, every game is a chance for the community to unite, cheer, and celebrate – Kansas style!

Lawrence, Kansas might be small in size, but it’s big on personality, history, and progressive vibes. Known for its vibrant arts scene, quirky culture, and inclusive spirit, this liberal college town has more happening than you’d expect. Here are 10 fun facts about Lawrence, KS that might just surprise you:

1. Jayhawk Territory – Home to the University of Kansas, Lawrence proudly bleeds crimson and blue. The Jayhawks' basketball team is one of the most storied and successful in NCAA history.
2. Liberal Legacy – Lawrence was founded by abolitionists in the 1850s. It played a key role in the anti-slavery movement and was once called the “Free State Fortress.”
3. Mass Street Magic – Massachusetts Street, the epicenter of downtown Lawrence, is filled with cozy bookstores, coffee shops, live music venues, and indie boutiques. It’s been named one of the best main streets in the U.S.
4. The Burning of Lawrence – In 1863, William Quantrill's raiders burned down much of Lawrence in one of the Civil War’s most brutal attacks. The city rebuilt, stronger and more united than ever.
5. Underground Music Scene – Lawrence has a fierce indie music culture. Legends like Nirvana, Radiohead, and Green Day have all played small shows here. The Granada Theater is a must-visit for live tunes.
6. Civil Rights Trailblazer – Long before civil rights laws were passed nationwide, Lawrence was already advocating for equality. It’s been a welcoming place for LGBTQ+ residents and diverse communities for decades.
7. Art is Everywhere – Public art murals brighten nearly every corner of downtown. Lawrence also hosts the annual “Free State Festival” celebrating film, art, music, and ideas.
8. Library Goals – The Lawrence Public Library isn’t just a place for books. With modern architecture, community spaces, and thoughtful programming, it’s consistently ranked one of the coolest libraries in the country.
9. Local Bites – From fresh farm-to-table fare to the best vegan donuts around, Lawrence’s food scene is as progressive as its politics. Don’t miss the local farmer’s market—it’s one of Kansas’s best.
10. Nature Within Reach – The Clinton Lake trails and Kansas River offer peaceful escapes minutes from downtown. Whether you love kayaking, hiking, or birdwatching, Lawrence has a little something for outdoor lovers too.