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Lindsborg Kansas for All Things Swedish! Nestled in the Smoky Valley of central Kansas, Lindsborg is a charming town that offers visitors a unique blend of Swedish heritage and Midwestern hospitality. Known affectionately as “Little Sweden USA,” this quaint community of around 3,500 residents is a hidden gem worth exploring. (If you want to visit the overview post for the rest of my trip, click here. Don’t worry; you can easily get back here!)
Founded by Swedish immigrants in 1869, Lindsborg has maintained a solid connection to its roots. As you stroll down Main Street, you’ll be greeted by colorful Dala horses – traditional Swedish wooden horses painted in bright folk art designs. These iconic symbols of Swedish culture can be found throughout the town, from life-sized statues to miniature souvenirs in local shops. Want to know more about these unique horses? Check out this link.
Lindsborg, Kansas – All things Swedish!
One of the town’s main attractions is the Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery. Housed in a beautiful limestone building, the gallery showcases the works of Birger Sandzén, a Swedish-American artist known for his vibrant landscapes of the American West. The gallery also features rotating exhibits of contemporary art, making it a must-visit for art enthusiasts. Visit the website here.
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For history buffs, the Old Mill Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into pioneer life on the Kansas prairie. The museum complex includes a fully restored 1898 flour mill, a blacksmith shop, and a one-room schoolhouse. During special events, you can even see the mill in operation!
Here’s the link to the Lindsborg Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Pictures from Lindsborg and more
Lindsborg’s Swedish heritage comes alive during its festivals. The biennial Svensk Hyllningsfest, held in odd-numbered years, is a two-day celebration of the town’s Swedish pioneers. Featuring traditional music, dance, food, and crafts, it’s a fantastic time to experience the full flavor of Little Sweden USA. Here’s the link to next year’s festival.
For history buffs, the Old Mill Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into pioneer life on the Kansas prairie. The museum complex includes a fully restored 1898 flour mill, a blacksmith shop, and a one-room schoolhouse. During special events, you can even see the mill in operation! (Sorry, I didn’t see that, but here’s the link!)
Food lovers won’t be disappointed in Lindsborg. The town boasts several restaurants serving authentic Swedish cuisine. Don’t miss the chance to try traditional dishes like Swedish meatballs, lingonberries, and the delicious cardamom-spiced coffee bread called “Vetebröd.” (We didn’t have those either, but read about it.)
Want to see a shop for my road trip photos? You can have them printed as wall art or puzzles. They also work on coffee mugs, t-shirts and more! So, take a look. Maybe you'll see something you will like!
For outdoor enthusiasts, Coronado Heights Park, just outside town, offers hiking trails and panoramic views of the Smoky Valley. Legend has it that Spanish explorer Francisco Vásquez de Coronado stood on this hill in 1541, looking for the fabled Cities of Gold. Here’s a link to another post (coming soon) about Coronado Heights Park.
Summing up Lindsborg
Whether you are interested in art, history, culture, or simply enjoying small-town charm, Lindsborg offers a delightful escape. Its unique blend of Swedish heritage and Kansas hospitality creates an experience unlike any other in the Midwest.
So, next time you plan a road trip through Kansas, add Lindsborg to your itinerary. From its friendly locals to its rich cultural offerings, this little slice of Sweden in the heart of America will leave you with warm memories and a desire to return. Välkommen to Lindsborg! 🌾🏡
Do you want to go back to the overview post? – Here’s why you could love S. Central Kansas.
#LittleSwedenUSA #ExploreKansas #LindsborgKS #TravelKansas #SwedishAmerica
Classic Rock Recollection
“Dancing Queen” by ABBA (They are Swedish!)
You can dance, you can jive, having the time of your life
See that girl, watch that scene, diggin’ the dancing queen
Written by: Benny Andersson, Bjorn Ulvaeus, Stig Anderson
#thedrivebytourist #the-driveby-tourist
