Honor Swedish Culture in Kansas's Own 'Little Sweden'

While Kansas might not be the first place you’d associate with Scandinavian culture, it holds a delightful secret: Lindsborg, a charming town known as “Little Sweden.” Nestled in the heart of the Sunflower State, this unique community offers a captivating blend of Midwest warmth and Swedish heritage. From its colorful Dala horses adorning the streets to lively festivals like Svensk Hyllningsfest, Lindsborg invites visitors to experience a slice of Europe in the American Midwest. Whether you’re sampling authentic Scandinavian cuisine, exploring its art galleries, or strolling along its quaint Main Street, this town promises a memorable journey into Swedish traditions. Add scenic trails and historic landmarks to the mix, and Lindsborg becomes a must-visit destination for all.

A Town with Deep Swedish Roots

Lindsborg’s history began in 1869 when a group of Swedish immigrants led by Pastor Olof Olsson settled along the Smoky Hill River. Drawn by the promise of fertile land and the chance to preserve their cultural identity, these settlers quickly established a thriving community. Pastor Olsson, a highly respected leader, played a key role in organizing the settlement and fostering its development.

The town was soon nicknamed “Little Sweden,” reflecting the settlers’ efforts to maintain their Scandinavian traditions. Churches, schools, and businesses flourished, creating a tight-knit, culturally rich environment. Swedish customs were woven into daily life, from language and music to architecture and festivals. By the late 19th century, Lindsborg had become a beacon of Swedish-American culture, a legacy that continues to thrive today.

Keeping Swedish Traditions Alive

In addition to the town’s aesthetic appeal, the spirit of Lindsborg's Swedish heritage is kept alive through a packed calendar of cultural events. Whether you're interested in music, food, or art, the town provides plenty of opportunities to connect with its European roots. One of the most anticipated is the biennial Svensk Hyllningsfest, or "Swedish Honoring Festival."

Dating back to 1941, this unique festival takes place each October in odd-numbered years, making the fall of 2025 a great time to visit. As popular for tourists as it is for locals, this fun event features folk music and a smorgasbord of Scandinavian cuisine, including the traditional Swedish smörgåsbord, an authentic buffet with foods like meatballs and lutefisk. Other highlights include watching local children and adults dressed in authentic Swedish costumes perform traditional dances like the polska, as well as shopping at local craft vendor stalls, wat ching parades, and witnessing historical reenactments.

Visit a little later in December, and you’ll see the town come alive with its “Lucia Fest” or Saint Lucia Festival. This traditional Swedish Christmas celebration is held at Bethany Lutheran Church and celebrates the legend of Saint Lucia, the bearer of light during Sweden’s long, dark winters. Girls wearing white gowns and candle-lit wreaths on their heads sing carols while attendees enjoy festive treats like saffron buns and glögg, a spiced mulled wine.

Other notable Swedish-inspired events include the Midsummer’s Festival. Held in June, this warm weather event greets summer with interesting traditions such as maypole dancing, music, and Swedish-inspired art displays.

The Best Things To Do in Lindsborg

Whether you’re planning to visit Lindsborg to join in the fun of its festivals or prefer a quieter time to drop in, there’s no end of fun things to do and see here. For history enthusiasts, the Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum provides a deep dive into the town's roots. Housed in the historic Smoky Valley Roller Mill dating from 1898, this fascinating museum features displays of tools, textiles, and photographs that tell the compelling story of the Swedish immigrants who settled in the area. Guided tours of the still-working mill are available.

Consider yourself an art lover? Then you’ll appreciate the Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery, dedicated to the works of Birger Sandzén, a Swedish-American artist known for his beautiful landscapes and impressionistic style who taught at Bethany College in Lindsborg for nearly four decades. This must-visit gallery showcases a rotating collection of his work along with exhibits from other regional and international artists.

Lindsborg Main Street is also well worth exploring. It’s lined with boutique shops like Hemslojd, which sells imported and local handcrafted goods from traditional Swedish décor to locally made pottery and jewelry. It's also a great place to pick up a painted Dala horse or a piece of Scandinavian glassware to take home as a souvenir. Visitors can also check out one of the many eateries in town, such as Crown and Rye and Indigo Moo’d Ice Cream. Further along and around Main Street, some hotels offer a great place to stay during a vacation. Rosberg House Bed & Breakfast is a well-connected spot, while the Drom Sott Inn offers a quaint and affordable alternative.

A Connection to the Country

Lindsborg’s cultural richness is complemented by its proximity to several natural attractions, particularly the Smoky Hill River, which runs through the town’s southern neighborhoods. This gently meandering river offers scenic spots for fishing, kayaking, and picnicking. Hikers also adore the Meadowlark Trail which starts just south of town following along the river and nearby forests for a relaxing retreat.

One of the most popular natural landmarks near Lindsborg is Coronado Heights Park. Located just a few miles northwest of town, this hilltop park is crowned by a castle-like structure built by the Works Progress Administration in the 1930s and provides breathtaking panoramic views of the Smoky Valley. The park is a favorite spot for hiking, with trails that wind through native prairie grasses and wildflowers. Coronado Heights is also steeped in history, as it’s believed to be one of the places where Spanish explorer Francisco Vásquez de Coronado may have camped during his 16th-century expedition.

For those who enjoy birdwatching, the region is home to a variety of native and migratory species, including meadowlarks, hawks, and a range of songbirds that like the rolling hills and open plains. Just a short drive from Lindsborg, you can explore several Amish communities where local businesses offer handmade furniture, baked goods, and quilts.

The Final Word

Lindsborg, Kansas, offers a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in Swedish culture without having to leave the United States. From its origins as a settlement for Swedish immigrants in 1869 to its current status as "Little Sweden," the town is a living museum of Scandinavian heritage. With its festivals like Svensk Hyllningsfest and Lucia Fest, rich historical sites such as the Old Mill Museum, and its artistic and commercial attractions, Lindsborg is a destination worth exploring as it feels so much like a small corner of Sweden that’s been transplanted to the Kansas plains.