9 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Lindsborg, Kansas

Lindsborg, also known as Little Sweden, is situated in McPherson County, Kansas, and is well known for its rich Swedish, Scandinavian, and Nordic heritage. Founded by Swedish immigrants in the 1860s, visiting Lindsborg feels like stepping into a place where the customs of the Atlantic beautifully mix with Midwestern warmth. The city attracts over 50,000 visitors annually with its charming cultural attractions. You can visit Dala Town, filled with vibrant Dala horses; explore the Red Barn Studio Museum, featuring famous artworks by Lester Raymer; check out Stenhuset, the oldest home in Lindsborg; or head to the famous Coronado Heights, where hilltop views and a stone castle captivate every visitor.

This ultimate Lindsborg guide contains 9 cool and unusual things to do that will make your trip unforgettable. Let’s get started!

Coronado Heights is a historical landmark northwest of Lindsborg, rising about 300 feet as part of the Dakota Formation bluffs. Established in 1936, it is named after Spanish explorer Francisco Vásquez de Coronado, who ended his quest for the Seven Cities of Gold in this region during the 1540s. Coronado Heights offers panoramic views of the Smoky Valley, along with opportunities for hiking, picnicking, and watching stunning sunrises and sunsets. A stone castle built by the Works Progress Administration adds historical charm and makes this spot a favorite for photographers and history enthusiasts.

Small World Gallery, located on Main Street, is both an art gallery and a boutique showcasing local and international artwork. Founded in 1983 by Kathy and Jim Richardson (Jim is a notable National Geographic photographer), the gallery displays paintings, photographs, sculptures, and handcrafted jewelry. It also hosts rotating exhibitions, seminars, and community events that highlight regional artists. Visitors can purchase unique souvenirs and collectibles, making it a perfect stop for art lovers looking for something truly special.

The Red Barn Studio Museum, established in 2002, preserves the legacy of local artist Lester Raymer. The museum displays Raymer’s paintings, sculptures, folk art, and whimsical Christmas toys that he designed for his wife, Romana. Housed in the red barn where he created much of his work, visitors can also explore his original studio to see the artist’s creative process firsthand. The museum hosts art classes and rotating exhibitions, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in the Lindsborg art scene.

Stenhuset, also known as The Stone House, is one of the oldest homes in Lindsborg, built in 1877 by Swedish watchmaker Nils Magnus with the help of immigrant stonemasons. Constructed from massive Dakota sandstone blocks, the house features two floors, 20-inch-thick walls, and ten tall windows with carved stone lintels. Magnus also carved an old Swedish Bible passage and a floral pattern, including the year 1877, into the windows and front door. Today, Stenhuset operates as an accommodation, offering historic charm alongside modern amenities for visitors.

Founded in 1957, the Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery celebrates the work of Swedish-born artist Birger Sandzén. Known for his bold brushstrokes and vibrant colors, Sandzén painted landscapes of the Kansas prairie, the Rockies, the Smoky Hills, Yellowstone, Bryce Canyon, and the Garden of the Gods. The gallery also features oils, watercolors, prints, and rotating exhibitions of other notable artists. Visitors can explore the stories behind Sandzén’s works and purchase prints or souvenirs to remember their visit.

Dala Town, founded in 1950, honors Lindsborg’s Swedish heritage. The town features replicas of Swedish buildings, monuments, a water tower, and several colorful Dala horses representing traditional Swedish designs. Thirty larger-than-life fiberglass Dala horses are scattered throughout the city, each uniquely painted by local artists and marked with the artist's and donor’s information. This open-air exhibit provides a fun and interactive way to experience Swedish culture and photography opportunities.

The Hoglund Dugout is a historic six-by-twelve-foot pit near Lindsborg, built in 1868. It served as the temporary home of Swedish settlers Gustaf and Maria Hoglund while they built their permanent house. The family lived in the stone-walled dugout for over two years, during which two of their children were born. Visitors can tour the site, take photos, and learn about the hardships and ingenuity of early Lindsborg settlers.

The Old Mill Museum is located in a 1898 flour mill originally used by the Smoky Valley Roller Mills. The museum preserves Lindsborg’s local history, including its Swedish heritage, the stories of early settlers, and artifacts from the milling industry. Highlights include Gustav Soderstrom’s log home, old mill equipment, a one-room schoolhouse, and a blacksmith shop. The museum also offers workshops, demonstrations, and seasonal festivals, providing an immersive cultural experience.

The Swedish phone booth, Tala Dala, is a charming, decorative replica located on Main Street in downtown Lindsborg. Painted in soft light blue and golden yellow — Sweden’s traditional colors — the booth features exquisite rosemaling (folk-style painting) both inside and out, done by local artist Carla Wilson. Though it’s not a working phone anymore, it’s a beloved photo spot where you can pretend to call Sweden — especially fitting as it's surrounded by other cultural highlights, like the nearby herd of Dala horses and the town’s frequent Swedish-heritage festivals and folk-dancing performances.

Book Your Stay at Viking Motel — Explore Lindsborg’s Swedish Charm!