This Small Kansas Town Has The Best Downtown
The last thing you expect in a small Kansas town is midsummer festivals, community smörgåsbords, traditional Swedish dancing, and European folk art but those offbeat experiences, and more, are waiting for you in downtown Lindsborg. Settled by Swedish immigrants in 1869, this unique town in central Kansas blends Midwest charm with Scandinavian hospitality to offer a one-of-a-kind stay. Whether you’re planning a weekend away or just passing through, take some time to explore this ‘Little Sweden’ in the heartland of the Sunflower State.
To get you started, we share some suggestions on the best places to visit, shop, eat and explore the outdoors in downtown Lindsborg. While you’re strolling the streets, keep an eye out for one of the town’s most beloved traditions, the Dala horse. These small, colorful ponies are dotted around town. They originate from the Dalarna region of Sweden and symbolize strength, courage, loyalty, and luck.
Things To Do In Downtown Lindsborg
You can pick up your own Dala horse to take home at Hemslojd, a quirky Swedish-themed gift shop which carries original, handcrafted woodworks, Swedish holiday decor, clothing, jewellery, homeware, and more. Another great place to buy a unique gift for the little ones in your life is across the street at Trollslända Toy Store. This cute boutique has a large selection of Scandinavian-inspired toys, books, dolls, games, puzzles, and more for all ages.
After shopping for the family, take some time to treat yourself at the Smoky Valley Bakery, which has a mouth-watering selection of muffins, cakes, cookies, sticky buns, and cinnamon rolls baked fresh daily. The family-owned store also has a full lunch menu if you need a heartier bite
Next door to the bakery, you’ll find the Smoky Valley Arts and Folklife Center. A creative community space, the center is designed as a haven for local artists, craftsmen and scholars to exhibit their work, lead workshops and host presentations. In the summer, the center holds a month-long community exhibition, but visitors can stop by any time to browse current galleries or attend a workshop.
South of Main Street, where downtown meets the Smoky Hill River, there’s an iconic Lindsborg heritage site. The Old Mill and Swedish Heritage Museum brings to life the stories of the pioneers who settled the Smoky Valley, focusing on the period from 1870 to 1910. The property includes a 1898 historic flour mill, the 1904 World’s Fair Swedish Pavilion, and a homestead cabin from 1870. Visit in May to see Millfest, a spring festival on the grounds of the museum which includes guided tours of the mill as it’s operated by professional millers, a traditional arts fair, live music and food vendors.
Downtown Recreation
Located at the south end of town, Riverside Park is a beautiful spot on a sunny day. Relax in the picnic areas, wander the memorial gardens, have a game of pickleball or simply stroll by the waterside to enjoy views of the Smoky Hill River. You can join the Valkommen Trail here, a 4km out-and-back pathway with interpretative signs that share some of the area’s local history.
Lucia Park, in the heart of downtown, is a tranquil urban green space decorated with local art. It’s tucked beside City Hall and is Lindsborg’s smallest park but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in ambience. This tiny treasure boasts shady trees, colorful blooms, and works from the town’s ‘Art in Public Places’ initiative.
Staying Downtown
You’re sure to have a restful night at the Dröm Sött Inn, whose name translates to ‘Sweet Dreams’. An 18-room boutique hotel a block from Main Street, the inn is over a century old and underwent significant remodelling and refurbishing in 2018. Guestrooms are modelled in Scandinavian style and offer queen and king beds as well as a six-person VIP suite.
Another option in the downtown core is the Rosberg House, a historic Bed and Breakfast in a Queen Anne Victorian home. The property was built in 1885 for its first residents, the Rosberg family who lived there until 1925. Choose from five comfortable rooms, each with a private bathroom, and enjoy the other amenities onsite, including an outdoor pool which is open seasonally, a front porch, and a gazebo.
Downtown Events And Festivals
Every year, Lindsborg keeps its Scandinavian heritage alive with unique events and traditions you won’t find anywhere else in the United States. If you’re visiting in June, you may catch the annual Midsummer’s Festival, which celebrates the summer solstice with Swedish dancing around the Midsummer Pole, craft demonstrations, food vendors, and more. The festival closes with a Midsummer tradition of an evening swim.
Another Swedish party, the Svensk Hyllningsfest, is the biggest event in town. Held in October, this is a biannual event that takes place in odd-numbered years and honours the Swedish immigrants who settled in the Smoky Valley in 1869. The two-day festival has been running for over 50 years and features arts, crafts, Swedish music and folk dancing, a colorful parade, and a traditional smörgåsbord.
A Taste Of Europe In Kansas
Lindsborg is a town that’s proud of its roots and fiercely protective of the legacy of its pioneering founders. In each of the locally-owned stores, boutiques and cozy cafes lining its pretty downtown, you’ll find a warm welcome that speaks to the traditional values at the heart of this hidden gem. Whether you’re attending the Svensk Hyllningsfest parade, shopping for your own Dala horse, touring an 1880s heritage site, or just relaxing by the river, Lindsborg offers unforgettable experiences and a little piece of Europe in the Midwest.
