Lindsborg, Kansas: Where Swedish Heritage and Enchanting Adventures Converge!

Lindsborg, Kansas, is also known as Little Sweden USA. This quaint city in McPherson County has all the Swedish roots you are looking for. With a population of less than 4,000, Lindsborg is listed as number five for the 14 Best Small Towns to Visit in the U.S. You can find beautiful roadside attractions, Swedish heritage and new foods you can’t find anywhere else. Take a trip down the Prairie Trial Scenic Byway to hit all the Lindsborg attractions.

A person in a blue shirt looks out from a window in a stone castle tower against a blue sky outside of Lindsborg, Kansas.

Travel the Prairie Trail Scenic Byway

The Prairie Trail Scenic Byway is a 56-mile-long historical route that crosses through Lindsborg. Native Americans, pioneers and explorers traveled this path searching for a better life. Along the way, stop at some of the best roadside attractions. Coronado Heights known as the smoky hills, is a must-see site. Spanish Explorer Francisco Vasquez de Coronado, stopped at this location in the 1500s. Check out the Coronado Heights Castle made of sandstone. In October, you can swing by the Svensk Hyllningsfest Festival to celebrate Swedish pioneers. Listen to folk music and watch the Swedish Folk Dancers perform.

A light purple painted Dala horse statue sits outside a shop with yellow flowers and a flag in Lindsborg, Kansas.

Tour attractions and learn history

Hunting wild dala horses is a tradition for Lindsborg. The Herd of Wild Dala Horses is one of The 8 Wonders of Kansas Customs. Each horse has been painted and named by local artists. You can pick up a map to locate each dala horse at the Lindsborg Convention and Visitors Bureau. You can find one of the dala horses outside a gift shop called Hemslöjd. You will learn not only Swedish heritage, but Swedish language in Lindsborg. Hemslöjd means handicraft in Swedish.

A yellow historic train depot with a wooden ramp, next to a large white windmill and a vintage steam locomotive.

More history and culture can be found at the Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum. Explore exhibits about the pioneer life, visit a flour mill from 1898 and learn the history of the Homestead Cabin from 1870. Want to know if you have Swedish roots? The research library can help with that. Another historical landmark is the Höglund Dugout. It was an early Scandinavian home in 1868. You can find the dugout near Coronado Heights.

A red, hand-painted wooden Dala horse sign hangs from an ornate metal bracket against a clear blue sky.

Try Swedish foods

After visiting byways, dala horses and museums, you are sure to be hungry. Lindsborg has plenty of restaurants to hit the spot. Churned ice cream can be found at Indigo Moo’d, the homemade ice cream shop. Enjoy ice cream flavors like raspberry, honey lavender and death by chocolate. You can indulge in pitchers of tap beer and specialty sandwiches at Öl Stuga . Öl Stuga is known for its Brent Nelson sandwich. On a submarine bun, try sausage, smoky-sharp cheese, hot pepper cheese, onions and BBQ sauce. Three amazing Swedish dishes at Crown and Rye include Swedish meatballs, a cabbage roll with ground lamb and a potato sausage.

Four people in traditional folk clothing dance in a circle on a brick street during an outdoor public event.

End your night with a stay at the bed and breakfast Rosberg House, The Respite vacation home or the Viking Motel.

Now you see why Lindsborg is in the Top Five for Best Small Towns to Visit in the U.S. Lindsborg is filled with plenty of activities, history and delicious food. Get some pictures at the Coronado Heights, scavenger to find wild dala horses and load up on Swedish gifts and treats at Anderson Butik. The perfect day awaits. For more information about Lindsborg, visit here.

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