Need a charming cultural escape in the heart of Kansas? Head to Lindsborg! Known as "Little Sweden USA," Lindsborg blends Swedish heritage, vibrant art, and small-town warmth. Whether you're exploring colorful festivals, art galleries, or historic sites, Lindsborg promises a unique and memorable getaway.
Lindsborg, KS Highlights:
- Downtown Lindsborg: Stroll brick-lined streets filled with galleries, gift shops, and Swedish-themed murals and sculptures.
- Coronado Heights: Visit a historic stone castle on a hill with panoramic views and picnic spots.
- Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery: Admire works by the famed Swedish-American artist and other regional artists.
- Old Mill Museum: Explore local history, Swedish heritage, and exhibits in a preserved 1898 flour mill complex.
- Välkommen Trail: Bike or walk this scenic trail connecting historic and natural sites around Lindsborg.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Lindsborg is during the spring and fall (April–June and September–October) for pleasant weather and major cultural events like the Midsummer's Festival and Svensk Hyllningsfest (every other October).
How to Get There
- If you are traveling by car: Lindsborg is located along I-135, about 1 hour north of Wichita and 15 minutes south of Salina.
- By Air: Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT) is the closest major airport, about 1 hour away by car.
Where to Stay
- Viking Motel – Retro-style, budget-friendly motel close to downtown and main attractions.
- Dröm Sött Inn – Boutique inn featuring charming, Scandinavian-inspired rooms right in the heart of downtown.
- Coronado Motel & RV Park – Simple accommodations offering easy access to the Välkommen Trail and surrounding countryside.
Best Things to Do
1. Climb to Sweeping Views at Coronado Heights
Coronado Heights just outside of Lindsborg, Kansas is a hill that is supposedly the site where Francisco Vásquez de Coronado ended his search for the fabled “seven cities of gold” and decided to return back to Mexico. Now a park and scenic overlook, Coronado Heights is situated on a three-hundred-foot promontory and features a castle-like building and picnic area. The view from here is rather spectacular and the drive up to the site is beautiful itself, featuring several trees, sumac, and yucca. There is also a three-mile trail for mountain biking with two loops that travel around the park’s base.
Lindsborg, KS, Phone: 888-227-2227
2. If You Love Local Art and Photography, Visit Small World Gallery
Located on the iconic red brick Main Street, the Small World Gallery in Lindsborg is the working artist studio of Kathy Richardson, a jewelry designer, and Jim Richardson, a National Geographic photographer. All of Kim’s worldwide explorations of landscapes and issues stand and end at the gallery, from thinking of and researching ideas for stories to displaying his large scale prints after his works are published. Kathy’s exploration has the same path as well, from contemporary cuts of crystals to antique trade beads, gathering the rare and unusual to add to her extensive collection of materials for design.
127 N Main St, Lindsborg, KS 67456, Phone: 785-227-4442
3. Celebrate Artistic Mastery at the Birger Sandzen Memorial Gallery
The works of Birger Sandzen are the main focal point of the Birger Sandzen Memorial Gallery’s collection of art. Sandzen was raised in Vastergotland, Sweden and studied art in Paris and Stockholm before moving to Kansas in 1894 at 23 years of age. The gallery is home to the world’s most extensive and largest collection of the artist’s watercolors, drawings, prints, and paintings. Other artists featured in the art collections at the Lindsborg art gallery include John Stuart Curry, Raymond Jonson, Lester Raymer, John Bashor, B.J.O. Nordfelt, Marsden Hartley, Carl Milles, Doel Reed, and Henry Varnum Poor.
401 N 1st St, Lindsborg, KS 67456, Phone: 785-227-2220
4. Discover Creativity in Action at Red Barn Studio
The Red Barn Studio provides visitors and locals alike with an opportunity to see the handiwork and art of Lester Raymer, from prints and paintings to metalwork and ceramics, to stitchery and woodcarving, jewelry, and furniture. Raymer’s work is often influenced by the love he has for the great painters of the world, particularly Spanish masters, Mexico and the Southwest, folk art, and religious symbolism. Visitors can view the wide variety of work at the Red Barn Studio Tuesday to Friday from 10:00am to 5:00pm and from 1:00pm to 5:00pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
212 S Main St, Lindsborg, KS 67456, Phone: 785-227-2217
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
5. Step Into Pioneer Life at Hoglund Dugout
The Hoglund Dugout was created by Gustaf Hoglund during the autumn of 1868 after arriving in the Lindsborg area to provide some sort of protection for his family. This dugout acted as his family’s home up until the year 1874. The Hoglund Dugout is now maintained by the Smoky Valley Historical Association and is now a historic site that serves as an example of the early Scandinavian home in the area. To visit the dugout, visitors should look for the opening in the treeline at the corner of Swensson and 12th Avenue. There’s a parking area with a path leading from it.
6. Read, Learn, and Explore at Lindsborg Community Library
The Lindsborg Community Library was established by a group of women wanting a place in the community for kids to have a reading program during the summer. The library opened for three months in 1964 with two hundred books. The Lindsborg Community Library today is open year-round and is home to a collection of over 30,000 books, magazines, movies, and more, along with a Used Book Store. The library is open to the general public Mondays from 10:00am until 7:00pm, Tuesday to Friday from 10:00am until 6:00pm, and Saturdays from 10:00am until 2:00pm.
111 S Main St, Lindsborg, KS 67456, Phone: 785-227-2710
7. If You’re Ready to Sip and Savor, Visit Smoky Hill Winery - Under the Cork
The Smoky Hill Winery and Vineyards is a family owned and operated winery based in Salina, Kansas. While the wine is produced and also bottled at the Salina winery, Smoky Hill Winery also has a tasting room location in the smaller city of Lindsborg by the name of Under the Cork. The Smoky Hill Vineyards first started in 1991 with Kay Bloom and Steve Jennings hand planting grape vines in Salina on one acre of land. By 2009, this family-owned and operated winery had become the state’s largest grape producing farm winery. Wines include reds, whites, rose, and fruit wines.
110 N Main St, Lindsborg, KS 67456, Phone: 785-825-8466
Where to Eat
- Öst Café – Cozy Swedish-American café offering sandwiches, pastries, and strong coffee.
- Jalisco Mexican Restaurant – Friendly local favorite for casual Mexican dishes and margaritas.
- The Swedish Crown Restaurant – Dine on classic Swedish fare like Swedish meatballs, lingonberry sauce, and herring platters.
- Farley’s Bar & Grill – Relaxed spot for burgers, steaks, and pub favorites right downtown.
If you are interested in local events:
- Svensk Hyllningsfest (October, every other year) – Celebrate Swedish culture with parades, folk dancing, arts, and food.
- Midsummer’s Festival (June) – Traditional Scandinavian celebration with maypole dancing, crafts, and music.
- Viking on the Smoky River Festival (various dates) – Community events highlighting local culture, arts, and river activities.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Lindsborg, Kansas:
- Maxwell Wildlife Refuge (20–25 min) – Tour native prairie lands and see herds of bison and elk.
- McPherson (20–25 min) – Visit McPherson Water Park, browse downtown shops, or explore local history museums.
- Marquette (20 min) – Explore a tiny town with vintage charm and visit the Kansas Motorcycle Museum.
- Kanopolis State Park (30 min) – Hike trails, fish, or boat among rolling hills and sandstone canyons.
- Smoky Valley Scenic Byway (starting near Lindsborg) – Drive or bike through peaceful prairie landscapes and historic sites.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Where is Lindsborg, Kansas located?
- Lindsborg is a small city in McPherson County, Kansas.
- It is well known for its Swedish heritage and is located just a few miles from Salina.
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Why is Lindsborg called "Little Sweden"?
- Lindsborg is often referred to as "Little Sweden" due to its deep Swedish heritage.
- It is a sister city to the Swedish city of Munkors.
- The town offers visitors a unique experience through its history, events, festivals, and welcoming community.
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What can visitors explore in downtown Lindsborg?
- The picturesque downtown area is lined with Scandinavian import shops, boutiques, galleries, and working artist studios.
- There are also several restaurants along the charming red brick street.
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What are some must-visit spots in Lindsborg?
- In addition to the vibrant downtown, visitors can explore sites like Coronado Heights, a scenic historical landmark.
Plan Your Trip