You might not have heard of Lindsborg, Kansas, but it’s a small town with plenty of charm.
Lindsborg is a small town in McPherson County in Kansas, with roughly 3,500.
It’s often called “Little Sweden” because of its sizeable Swedish population and Scandinavian architecture.
Lindsborg is well-known for its Swedish heritage; many of its current residents descended from immigrants who came to America from Sweden in the 19th century.
To this day, you can find plenty of businesses that offer Swedish food and goods and places to explore the history and culture of Swedish life in Lindsborg.
It’s a town rich in history and culture, with friendly people and a breathtaking landscape that offers something for everyone.
If you’re planning on visiting this historical city with your family or friends, here are the 20 best things to do in Lindsborg, KS:
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If you’re going to be spending some time in Lindsborg, Kansas, it’s a good idea to take some time out of your day to explore the beautiful Coronado Heights Park.
Nestled in a valley with gently rolling hills and surrounded by trees, it’s a place of simple beauty that you can’t help but admire.
The park’s history began in 1930 when the Works and Progress Administration started to build a campground or picnic area and a castle-like structure.
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The park has many features to be explored, including several miles of hiking and biking trails that cut through it and offer a chance for some peaceful contemplation.
You’ll find the ruins of an old stone building at one end of the park.
There’s not much left to see from the outside, but you can still make out where several walls used to stand inside.
This park might become your favorite because it has everything you could want from public green space: exercise options, exploration opportunities, and plenty of things to look at.
Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum is just one piece of history in this town.
Once a flour mill, the building was constructed in 1898 and was initially powered by a steam engine.
The museum has exhibits detailing the mill’s history, including information about its original purpose: processing wheat into flour.
There are plenty of trails to explore just beyond the park’s borders, making it easy to spend an entire day here with your family or friends.
You can also enjoy a picnic lunch or dinner at the restaurants within walking distance of the museum.
It’s a great place to visit if you want to learn about Swedish culture and heritage while getting some exercise outside.
If you’re a fan of the dramatic and expressive work of painter Birger Sandzen (1871-1954), or if you’re simply a fan of art, then Birger Sandzen Memorial Art Gallery is a must-visit.
Built in 1957, the building is still one of the most stunning works of architecture in the area.
With thousands of works of art on display, this gallery is huge and worth every one of those square feet.
Besides a permanent collection of paintings from Sandzen, special yearly exhibits also show works from other artists.
The gallery has a fantastic variety of works in different styles, exciting and unique.
It’s not just the artwork that makes this place worth visiting – the building itself is beautiful with its modern architecture, glass windows and white walls.
The museum’s grounds are also beautiful.
It features a sculpture garden and outdoor art pieces that are fun to walk between while sightseeing or visiting with friends or family.
No matter what type of art you enjoy, make the Red Barn Studio Museum your next stop on your Midwest trip.
Red Barn Studio Museum is not the typical kind of museum with dusty artifacts and old uniforms from years past.
Here, you can learn more about the town’s former status as an arts community.
See some of the most well-known art made by a prolific artist, Lester Raymer, who once lived in Lindsborg.
The museum is home to a collection of Raymer’s paintings and sculptures and his studio.
It’s also open year-round, so you can always drop in if you’re driving through.
You can join a tour around the museum for free and have an excellent educational experience.
You can also browse the gift shop inside to see what you can bring home as memorabilia from the Red Barn Studio Museum.
Red Barn Studio is a unique attraction in Lindsborg that’s certainly worth a visit if you’re in the area.
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The further away you are from a city, the more likely you will find quirky, exciting spots that most people never visit.
Hoglund Dugout, located near Lindsborg, Kansas, is one of those places.
In the late 1800s, Gustaf and Maria Hoglund built a dugout in the soft, clay soil of Lindsborg, Kansas.
Its name comes from the fact that it was dug into the ground, making it one of the few still-standing dugouts in America.
Now it’s a museum that gives visitors an idea of life for those early settlers.
Climb down into the dugout to look at how people lived so long ago.
Valkommen Trail is the best place in Lindsborg to commune with nature without traveling far from town.
The Valkommen Trail is a 2.5-mile hiking trail in Lindsborg, Kansas, that offers a variety of activity options for all ages and skill levels.
The trail’s name, “Valkommen,” comes from the Swedish word for “welcome.”
It is a free walking path that runs through Lindsborg, and it is one of the most popular attractions in all of Kansas.
You’ll pass by the Erickson Brothers Workshop along the trail, a historic landmark dedicated to the brothers who created the telephone.
Likewise, you’ll find the Swedish Pavilion from the 1904 World’s Fair and a skate area at the trail’s northern end.
The trails are perfect for walking or biking and pas, through wooded areas, wetlands, prairie grasses, and landscapes.
The whole trail only takes about an hour or two, depending on how many times you stop to take pictures, but you could easily spend an entire day on the Valkommen Trail.
Nestled in a valley next to a creek, this playground is over 30 acres large and has something for everyone.
Don’t let the name fool you.
Viking Valley isn’t just for Vikings; anyone—young or old—can enjoy this playground.
Around 1,500 volunteers helped build the Viking Valley Playground in 2004.
During construction, the builders consulted local children on the playground’s design.
The Viking Valley playground covers a lot of areas.
It provides a broad, grassy expanse for kids to run around while including multiple playsets ideal for children of all ages and interests.
Besides its beauty, this park has a lot of fun things to do!
There are three major play structures: the Tree House, a rocket ship, a castle, and a climbing wall.
A visit to Viking Valley is an exciting way to spend a day with your family.
It’s free, outdoors, and will help kids get some exercise and expend some energy—all without worrying about traffic or crowds.
If you’re in Lindsborg, Kansas, and looking for a meal, a drink, and a local ambiance, Ol Stuga Restaurant is one of the best places to go.
Ol Stuga Restaurant, located on the corner of 2nd and Main, is a fantastic spot to grab some authentic Swedish food and drinks.
This local treasure has four dining options—a deli counter, a full-service restaurant, a drive-thru, and a bait shop that serves the best sandwiches you’ll ever have.
They have all the classic sandwiches you would expect from a deli and specialties that make Ol Stuga stand out.
It’s not just the food that makes Ol Stuga Restaurant so charming; it’s the atmosphere of the town of Lindsborg, Kansas, that makes it a must-visit.
The atmosphere is everything you’d expect from a family-run establishment: warm and welcoming, with art adorning every wall and friendly conversation filling every table.
It’s easy to see why this restaurant is so popular with locals.
The food is delicious, and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming; you’ll feel right at home here.
Golf is a fun activity for the whole family and a great way to get some exercise.
It’s also a great way to relax, bond with friends, or meet new people.
Lindsborg Golf Course is one of the best golf courses in all Kansas.
Some golfers say it’s among the best in the Midwest.
The Lindsborg Golf Course first opened its doors to the public in 1969, and since then, it has become a popular venue for golf players and enthusiasts.
This classic nine-hole, par-34 course has a vintage feel, and it’s the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
You couldn’t ask for a better location to get in some suitable old-fashioned American golfing.
The course is open to the public all year round and affordable.
You will feel like you’re playing on a well-tended course with all its beautiful landscaping.
Still, it’s not overly pretentious or expensive, perfect for every golfer, from beginners to serious players.
If you’re ever in Lindsborg, Kansas, visit the Smoky Hill Winery.
It’s got an impressive selection of wines and ciders, which you can sample while enjoying the view from a patio overlooking the vineyard.
The winery has operated since 1991, and in 2009, the winery became Kansas’s largest grape-growing farm winery.
The winery also has an impressive selection of local beers that pair nicely with their appetizers.
You can also try some lighter wines, like their rosé, if you’re looking for something fruity but not too sweet.
You don’t have to be a connoisseur to enjoy the quality selection here.
The staff is knowledgeable about their products and happy to help you find something that satisfies your tastes.
Besides samples of their current offerings, you can also purchase bottles for yourself or as gifts for friends back home.
The winery even has a small selection of wine-themed t-shirts and glassware that you might want to pick up while you’re there.
The scenic setting and wide variety of wines make it a favorite for locals and tourists.
What if you could live in one of Lindsborg’s most charming homes?
Settle in with your loved ones and get acquainted with the town by staying in Stenhuset, a restored nineteenth-century log cabin and now a bed-and-breakfast.
This is an opportunity for you to stay in an actual home, fully updated with modern conveniences.
Get a more genuine feel for the city you’ve visited.
Grab the chance to bond with family over a shared experience instead of being separated from them in different hotel rooms.
Many things make staying at Stenhuset a wonderful experience; it’s a beautiful home built in 1877, made out of logs from trees on the property.
This historic inn features beautiful views and cozy rooms.
It contains modern amenities and a fantastic kitchen for cooking, a comfortable sleeping area, relaxing living room, which are all worth checking out.
The architecture is distinctly Swedish, with beautiful textiles and displays on every wall throughout the home.
When you rent Stenhuset, you’ll be able to explore this historic site and enjoy its exciting features first-hand.
Blacksmith Coffeeshop & Roastery is a charming place to enjoy a coffee or tea and some conversation.
The shop is in a former blacksmith’s shop from the late 1800s, and it’s meant to be a place for people who live in the area to enjoy some great coffee and a relaxing atmosphere.
Whether you’re staying for a few minutes or want to settle in for a while, you’ll find that Blacksmith has plenty to offer.
Two things draw them: the quality of its coffee and the incredible atmosphere.
The atmosphere is well-suited for studying or hanging out with friends, and the service is top-notch.
The menu is also quite extensive.
They have all your standard coffee drinks, matcha lattes, cappuccinos, hot chocolate and other hot and cold beverages.
It’s a great place to go if you’re looking to get out of the house, find some good coffee, and have fun.
If you’re planning on visiting Lindsborg, stop by Presser Hall to experience the magic of this fantastic building and the fantastic music it holds.
Presser Hall, the musical performance space of Lindsborg’s Bethany College, is an attractive building that first opened its doors in 1929.
A 4 Manual, 80-Rank Reuter Pipe Organ with 4,329 pipes and a 9′ 6′′ Bosendorfer Imperial 290 concert grand piano are inside the Presser Hall Auditorium.
Students could come together here to study music and dance.
Traveling performers could also hold concerts and shows at Presser Hall.
Presser Hall has seen its fair share of visitors, from tourists to world-renowned performers to political figures.
The next time you’re in Lindsborg and have extra time before your next scheduled stop, head to Presser Hall for an unforgettable experience.
Hemslojd Swedish Gifts is where you’ll find a gift for your mom even if you don’t know what she’d like.
If you haven’t heard of it or are unsure what it is, Hemslojd Swedish Gifts is the lovably kitschy gift shop in downtown Lindsborg.
Their selection is both broad and deep.
It’s the best place in Kansas to find gifts for people who have everything.
It’s also one of the best places to find creative, unique gifts for people who already have everything.
You could spend hours browsing the selections, but they also have plenty of accessories like jewelry, scarves, and hats that would fit well with any of the pieces in your wardrobe.
The store transports you to another time as soon as you walk through the door.
You can’t find that kind of magic at any shopping mall or big box store!
It’s not every day that a quaint, old-fashioned Swedish phone booth pops up in the middle of Kansas.
Installed in 1963, the phone booth has stood in Lindsborg ever since.
The talented Lindsborg artist Carla Wilson painted the phone booth.
Named “Tala Dala,” the Swedish Phone Booth showcases the traditional Swedish colors: light blue and golden yellow.
When you’re visiting Lindsborg, stop by the Swedish Phone Booth.
This unique attraction is a replica of a phone booth found in Sweden.
This quaint structure has become a destination for people worldwide, but mainly as a photo-op rather than an actual place to make calls.
Swedish Phone Booth is a charming attraction that honors Lindsborg’s unique past.
It’s a curiosity worth checking out on your next visit to this town.
If you want to experience the historic grounds of Lindsborg, there’s no better place to do it than the Old Mill Campground.
Located by the Smoky Hill River along Old Mill Road, this campground is found right across the Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum.
The campground is rustic and rugged, so don’t expect a lot of convenience to it.
While that may sound troublesome, it’s a great feature for avid campers who like the raw experience of being one with nature.
Old Mill Campground has amazing wilderness, and since it’s right along the river, you have tons of activities to do here.
Appreciating the beautiful, countryside lands of Lindsborg can be also done by playing at Bethany College Disc Golf Course.
One of the best free things to do in Lindsborg, this is a 9-hole course that offers a lot of fun for all skill levels.
The disc golf course can be challenging due to the abundance of trees in the area, but overall it’s a smooth sailing experience.
If you have some spare time, this is a great way to burn time and get some exercise and sunlight.
You can play at this course by finding Bethany College along East Swensson Avenue.
Found along North Main Street lies Swensson Park, one of the best recreational spaces in Lindsborg.
The playgrounds at Swensson Park isn’t your run-on-the-mill facility, as there’s lots of interactive things children can do.
It’s well-known among locals to be a place that nurtures creativity, as the park also has a lot of interesting installations and events year-round geared towards families with young children.
Even if there are no interesting events happening during your visit, Swensson Park is a great place to simply relax.
They have amazing picnic grounds thanks to their well-maintained greenery and landscaping that features tons of trees for shade.
Anderson Butik Scandinavian Shop is one of the best attractions that doubles as a gift shop in Lindsborg.
There’s something charming about exploring all the knick knacks of a boutique shop, and that’s further accentuated by its Scandinavian theme.
Whether you’re out here to splurge or not, this is a must-see place because it’s also Instagram-worthy for its aesthetic.
Still, with so much to offer at varying price ranges, you’d be hard-pressed to not buy at least one souvenir from Anderston Butik Scandinavian Shop.
Find this awesome store along North Main Street.
Trollsanda Toy Store is another gift shop similar to Anderson Butik Scandinavian Shop—this time with more of a niche geared towards children.
While toys are its specialty, even adults can enjoy many of their items because it makes for great displays or souvenirs.
Also Scandinavian in theme, Trollsanda Toy Store features a lot of Christmas or winter-themed decor and toys—perfect additions for your Christmas home setup.
Beautifully laid out, this is also a great place to take photos for your Instagram or photo album.
Also found along North Main Street, don’t miss out on Trollsanda Toy Store.
What are you waiting for if you haven’t been to Lindsborg yet?
There are plenty of things to see and do there!
With its quaint downtown area, friendly atmosphere and natural beauty, Lindsborg is the perfect holiday getaway location.
There’s more to do in Lindsborg, Kansas, than you might expect for a town with about 3,500 residents.
The city is best known for the Swedish Heritage Center and its annual Swedish Festival.
Likewise, it’s home to one of the world’s largest free outdoor sculpture museums, a vibrant downtown lined with locally owned shops and restaurants, and one of the most beautiful campuses you’ll ever see.
It’s safe to say that this town has something for everyone.
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