Europe in America: Lindsborg, Kansas

Enjoy Swedish Culture in Little Sweden USA

Lindsborg, Kansas, known as Little Sweden USA, is a quaint small town between Wichita and Salina. The town was settled by Swedish immigrants in the late 1800s who imagined a community rich in culture and tradition. Today, they have succeeded in becoming a unique destination that draws visitors from around the world for their blend of authentic food, shopping and the arts. Scattered across downtown you will find the “herd” of Wild Dala horses, one of the national symbols of Sweden. On many Saturdays with good weather, open-air tours of the Dala statues are available. From its Swedish cuisine and unique shops to outdoor recreation and an active arts scene, Lindsborg offers something for everyone.

Courtesy of Visit Lindsborg

Events & Festivals

To experience more Swedish culture and traditions, we recommend visiting during one of the town’s major festivals.

– In June, celebrate Midsummer’s Festival, a traditional Swedish festival celebrated worldwide. Festivities include a maypole, folk dancing, traditional Swedish food, and games.

– Lindsborg’s Våffeldagen is a celebration of spring and the wonders of the waffle. Enjoy hot waffles, waffle games, and waffle photo ops around the town. Almost as popular as the food are Lindsborg’s distinctive Waffle People, local residents dressed in waffle costumes that parade through town.

– Svensk Hyllningsfest is a festival so big it only happens every other year! It honors the Swedish immigrants who settled in the Smoky Valley in 1869. The event features art, crafts, special foods, ethnic music, folk dancing, a parade, smörgåsbord and special entertainment.

Museums & Attractions

– The Old Mill Museum highlights the history of the region and its heritage. The museum provides access to several historic buildings, including the Swedish Pavilion that was Sweden’s exhibit in the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair and a rare, fully restored 1898 flour mill.

– There is a self-guided street / sidewalk tour of the Historic Homes of Lindsborg. Stroll the shaded neighborhoods and observe Italianate, Neoclassical, Queen Anne, and German medieval architectural influences spanning over 100 years. Pick up a brochure at the CVB office or Travel Information Center.

Outdoor Recreation

– Coronado Heights features a sandstone castle that is considered one of the Eight Geography Wonders of Kansas. The castle is named for explorer Francisco Vasquez de Coronado, said to have visited Kansas in 1541 during his hunt for the Seven Cities of Gold. Just don’t get the impression that the castle dates back that far, it was actually built in the 20th century as part of a public works project. The park is also great for hiking and biking or an afternoon picnic.

– Nearby Maxwell Wildlife Refuge is home to a herd of 200 bison as well as elk. You can take a tram tour through the refuge to get the best views of the wildlife. The tours are only offered in the morning, when the animals are most active.

– The Valkommen Trail is a paved 4.5-mile trail that runs along converted railroad tracks through town. Historical markers along the path point out important events and buildings. It’s a great place to stretch your legs on a jog or bike ride.

Local Arts

Lindsborg is creative community that is dedicated to the love of arts. The town hosts monthly “Maker Nights” offering a variety of hands-on art activities. It is also home to the longest running continual performance of Handel’s Messiah, and Broadway RFD is the longest running outdoor theater in the state of Kansas. With 60 working artists and nine public working studios and galleries, public art is a way of life in Lindsborg. The Visit Lindsborg website has a great online guide to finding the 47 outdoor works of art throughout downtown.