The One Kansas Town Everyone Should Visit At Least Once
Often hailed as Little Sweden USA, Lindsborg, Kansas, certainly lives up to its title and embraces the Swedish heritage through its people, festivals, events, and history. And embracing their heritage means sharing it with others. Whether you're just passing through or looking for a vacation destination filled with cultural significance, Lindsborg offers just that. From the festivals, to the food, to the clothing, to the shops, experience what makes this town so memorable, and why it’s definitely a Kansas town everyone should visit at least once.
Inspired Food and Drinks
Start your trip with a full belly by indulging in traditional Swedish fare at Crown and Rye. Cultivating unforgettable moments and timeless food staples, let your dining experience take you away. Entice your taste buds while enjoying a traditional Swedish dinner, brunch, pastry, or beverage. The modern twists on classic dishes allow guests to indulge in contemporary flavors of Varmlandskorv, Kaldolmar, and Smörgås, while still experiencing the nostalgia of the traditional meals.
To enjoy more customary staple meals and beverages, make a stop at Ol Stuga. The local tavern, established in 1977, specializes in deli sandwiches, beer, wine, and cocktails. The bar is a favorite for residents and college students alike, where everyone comes together to embrace the rich history of the community. Handcrafted in Kansas, from Kansas corn, Stuga vodka is naturally a staple here. The proprietors of Stuga left Sweden in 1869 to pursue the American dream, and have been doing so ever since with their vodka production.
Unforgettable Festivals
Experience the full Swedish culture and see if the town lives up to its nickname's hype by participating in one of its numerous annual festivals. Every second Saturday in December, guests can attend The Lindsborg Saint Lucia Festival. The legend tells the story of a young girl who appeared to bring hope, warmth, and food during a time of famine, when residents of Sweden needed her most. Saint Lucia is honored during the festival through Swedish folk dancing performances, a church service, a Swedish bake sale, and many other events. Enjoy one of the refreshments being offered by Saint Lucia and her Star Boys, including ginger cookies and coffee.
Another Swedish Festival that is celebrated worldwide is Midsummer's Festival, a time-honored tradition that welcomes the arrival of the summer solstice. Hosted annually in June, the festival pays homage to some common traditions. Performances around the Midsummer pole, traditional dances from the Lindsborg Swedish Folk Dancers, Folkdanslag, and the Scandinavian Folk Dancers of Kansas City, and Viking on a Stick are just a few activities for guests to enjoy. Rest assured, no actual Vikings are harmed in the making of the Viking on a Stick! In reality, it’s a deep-fried Swedish meatball on a skewer, often served with lingonberry sauce, a true delicacy in the Swedish community.
Visitors are invited to partake in even more dancing, outfits, and food at the Svensk Hyllningsfest. For over 84 years, this festival has been the traditional Swedish honoring festival. Residents don traditional attire, celebrate their heritage, eat potato sausage at the smorgasbord, and take photos with a massive Dala horse. This biennial event happens every odd-numbered year to honor the Swedish pioneers who settled in the Smoky Valley. Take part in the tradition while enjoying art and crafts, distinct foods, cultural music, and other unique forms of entertainment by Swedish folk dancers and musicians.
Amazing Architecture
Food and festivals are not the only thing that defines Lindsborg as a Swedish town; the architecture and history provide accurate and alluring details representative of traditional Swedish construction. One defining structure in town actually hails from Sweden. The Lindsborg Old Mill and Swedish Heritage Museum feature a Swedish Pavilion that was brought over from Sweden to St Louis, Missouri, for the 1904 World’s Fair. Today, that pavilion can be found at the north end of the square. Other historic buildings and exhibits that are part of the museum include Santa Fe Locomotive #735, a wooden windmill, a Heritage Center, a livery stable, and farm machinery. Kansas’s history and genealogy are also on display through exhibits within the museum.
Another thick-walled structure that was once a dwelling, albeit a slightly less inviting one, is the Höglund Dugout. In 1868, Gustaf Höglund dug the abode for safety, and it remained the family home until 1874. To this day, it is maintained by the Smoky Valley Historical Association, and a historical site marker indicates the entrance to the former dwelling. Found along the Prairie Trail Scenic Byway, which was also traversed by Native Americans, explorers, and pioneers in earlier days, you can take the trail to the dugout and get a small glimpse into what life was like in the past.
Unique Accommodations
A piece of history invites weary travelers to spend the night at Stenhuset. The stone house, built in 1877 by a Swedish stonemason, embraces the heritage and culture of Swedish design. The 24-inch thick stone walls have Bible verses inscribed in Old Swedish, just above the front door, welcoming its guests. The exterior has maintained its history and attention to detail, while the inside provides all the modern amenities travelers may need. A full kitchen, running water, and Wi-Fi are just a few of the updated amenities to accommodate visitors. History buffs will want to book a stay at this modern “castle” and enjoy traditional architecture with up-to-date comfort.
Another exciting Swedish-themed accommodation for visitors is the Dröm Sött Inn. The 18-room boutique found in the heart of downtown offers modern conveniences with traditional design. Originally built in 1920, the inn has been serving the community and its visitors for over 100 years. Formerly a Seed & Implement Store and then a car and buggy dealership, it was converted into the establishment it is today in 2018.
Finally, Rosberg House is a charming bed & breakfast set in a historic Queen Anne Victorian home offering comfortable rooms with private bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, and Wi-Fi, along with beautifully maintained gardens and off-street parking. Guests can enjoy a freshly prepared breakfast each morning and relax in the peaceful surroundings just steps from downtown Lindsborg’s shops and attractions. The property also offers the entire house as a fully equipped vacation rental option for larger groups, making it ideal for romantic getaways, family gatherings, or business travel.
Taste, experience, feel, and explore Sweden from this small town in the heart of the Midwest. Lindsborg welcomes its visitors with open arms and provides plenty of cultural activities to spectate or participate in. For anyone wanting to visit Sweden but on a smaller scale (or budget), this town is the perfect kick starter for a long weekend, or one activity-filled day. Attend a festival, eat local food, be amazed by the folk dancers, or spend the night in an ancient dwelling. Enjoy your time at Little Sweden USA in this one Kansas town that everyone should visit at least once.
