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Lawrence, Indiana is located just a few miles northeast of downtown Indianapolis and is one of only four “excluded cities” in Marion County, Indiana.  This essentially means that the town maintains its own governing bodies.  With 40,795 residents on 20 square miles of land, the city of Lawrence offers eleven Lawrence parks and various fun Lawrence attractions to visitors, only about five miles northeast of greater Indianapolis.

Fort Benjamin Harrison, located within the Fort Harrison State Park, was once the largest employer in Lawrence until the end of the Cold War.  The park still remains one of the largest Indiana parks and draws visitors from all over the Hoosier State. Currently, DFAS is the largest Lawrence business; it provides the largest job base in the area.

Lawrence, Indiana is famous as the local home of the large Lawrence Soccer Complex, a Lawrence sports fixture which contains 21 soccer fields in addition to concession areas.  The Pete Dye golf course, the Fort Golf Course, Lawrence Government Center and State Park grounds offer plenty of Lawrence things to do.  Outdoorsmen will find part of the Indy Greenways project near 79^th Street and Fall Creek Road.  The Upper Fall Creek Loop Trail is located there, boasting a newly-constructed hiking, biking and jogging trail dotted with multiple fishing docks.

In 1823, the land that is now Lawrence was part of the Native American Indian trails.  First named Lanesville and later Jamestown, the current name was settled upon in 1866.  At that point in time, the Marion County Commissioners named Lawrence after the great naval hero of the War of 1812, Captain James Lawrence.  Captain Lawrence was most notably remembered for the famous exclamation, “Don’t give up the ship!”

Lawrence, Indiana is also home to a number of fun events for residents and visitors. Lawrence events encapsulate the best things about small town festivals and fairs and place them in Lawrence Community Park. The Lawrence 4th Fest is a celebration of the United States‘ independence, replete with fireworks, a parade, and carnival games; Lawrence Community Day fills Lawrence Community Park with a rock wall, food vendors from Lawrence restaurants, a dunk tank, and special guest appearances; and the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce’s Health, Wellness, and Fitness Fair promotes Lawrence health, both fiscal and physical.

More information about local history and features may be found at the homepage for the city of Lawrence.