Best Small Towns in America: Highlights of Lindsborg Kansas
Lindsborg, Kansas is the best small town in America. Okay, I might be biased, because I grew up there. We have delicious food, art galleries, and Swedish dancing in the streets. What more can you want? There is something special about Little Sweden USA. Spend just a couple days with me and my family and you will see. Please enjoy Best Small Towns in America: Highlights of Lindsborg Kansas.
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1. Old Mill Museum & Heritage Square
If you are a history buff or love to learn, this is the perfect place to begin your tour of Lindsborg. The Old Mill museum preserves the early heritage of McPherson County with special emphasis on the period from 1870 to 1910. The Swedish Pavilion building in the photo above was actually brought over from Sweden for the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis. Every summer Lindsborg celebrates Midsommer’s and raises the maypole right here in the square.
2. Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery
Whether you are an art lover or not, the Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery is a stunning stop in Lindsborg Kansas. During his lifetime, Sandzén completed more than 2600 oil paintings and 500 watercolors as well as lithographs, block prints, and drypoints. Throughout his career he exhibited his work throughout the United States and in Sweden. To learn more about Sandzén check out the gallery website or stop by on your way through town. I promise you will not regret a moment.
3. Connected
Connected is a fair trade store in Lindsborg Kansas. They have a large collection of goods from all over the world, including jewelry, clothing and home decor. If you are looking for a birthday or Christmas gift, the products from Connected are not only well-made, but unique and responsible.
What is fair trade? My favorite definition is one by the Metro: “Fairtrade is trading between companies in developed countries and producers in developing countries. Fair prices are paid to the producers, and companies are able to provide workers with a stable income that can improve their lives.” Love it.
4. Blacksmith Coffee Shop & Roastery
Built on the original blacksmith forge of early Swedish homesteaders, the Blacksmith Coffee Shop is home to the best cup of coffee in Kansas. This family owned establishment is one of the oldest structures in town, but it sure doesn’t feel that way. The relaxing ambiance of the Blacksmith Coffee Shop is perfect for a lunch date with friends or a quiet afternoon date with yourself. It’s also an ideal instagramable moment with this classic telephone booth just outside.
Bonus tips: When they roast coffee beans at Blacksmith, the entire town smells delicious. Also, if you are a true coffee connoisseur be sure to check out their list of ultra-prepium flavored coffees here.
5. Small World Gallery
The Small World Gallery is home to National Geographic Photographer Jim Richardson. His wife Kathy Richardson is also featured in the Small World with her hand crafted jewelry line called IBISwoman. I’m not gonna lie, one of my favorite places in Lindsborg is the Small World Gallery. Jim and Kathy are the most joy-filled people, and everyone who enters the Gallery feels welcome. They also have a unique and well-curated selection of children’s books that I frequent. A trip to Lindsborg Kansas is simply not complete without stopping at the Small World Art Gallery.
6. The Good Merchant
The Good Merchant feels like home. Truly. I’ve been sitting here trying to find a way to describe this extraordinary store, and that is the only word that came close. This family-owned storefront on the main street of Lindsborg Kansas is a blend of vintage and modern home goods, gifts, and gourmet food. If you are someone who struggles not spending money in Target you will have the same issue in this store. Every nook and cranny is full of the best stuff for any style of home. They even have a baby section as well as an area just for men!
Bonus tip: The Good Merchant recently did a remodel of their bathroom. It might seem strange, but I highly recommend you take a look at their stunning sink hand built from a used piano. The photo above does not do it enough justice.
7. Coronado Heights Castle
Coronado Heights is a state park and scenic overlook a few miles northwest of Lindsborg Kansas and is now known as one of the Eight Geography Wonders of Kansas. The sandstone castle was given its name in honor of Francisco Vasquez de Coronado. He is believed to have visited what is now the Kansas wilderness in the 1540s in his hunt for the mythical “Seven Cities of Gold.” Coronado Heights is the perfect place for an afternoon picnic, stargazing, or a hike with friends. If you love nature as well as a good old fashion view of the Kansas prairie, this highlight is for you!
8. Scott’s Hometown Foods
I bet you are thinking, why are you including the local grocery store in this Lindsborg Kansas highlights list? The first reason is simple. Rye Bread. There is nothing better than a fresh loaf of rye bread from Scott’s (that is, unless it is made from scratch by my great aunt). Secondly, there is just something special about a hometown grocery store. Locals shop at Scott’s because they love the community, trust the products and service always comes with a smile. Scotts: where everybody knows your name… sing it with me!
9. Trollslända Toy Store
Trollslända, which means dragonfly in Swedish is an absolutely adorable family run toy store. This shop features European as well as classic American toys for kids of all ages. The staff is very knowledgeable with the products they carry and love what they do. In Trollslända, children are encouraged to take time to play. There are several play areas set up throughout the store. I recently brought my nephews into the store, and their eyes just lit up with the possibilities. If you have children in your family, Trollslända is an ideal stop
10. Courtyard Gallery
The Courtyard Gallery is part bakery part art gallery. The ambiance of this Lindsborg Kansas shop is what I love most. It’s such a hygge spot. There is often a Coffee Club meeting in the cafe portion, which speaks to the hometown feel of this iconic Lindsborg stop. The staff is very helpful and kind and will help you find unique gifts for loved ones in the gallery, as well as traditional Kansas-themed decor for your own home. If you are looking for good old fashioned Kansas Hospitality, look no further than the Courtyard Gallery.
11. Hemslojd
Hemslojd is a cornerstone of downtown Lindsborg. Fun fact, I worked at this very store for approximately six years with my mother, uncle, and sister. Hemslojd was like a second home to me in those years, and although ownership and staff have changed those years remain a fond memory I will always cherish.
The name hemslojd means handicraft in Swedish, which is very appropriate as the Swedish gift store is home of the dala horse signs you will see throughout the town and around the nation. To learn all about the dala or to shop various Swedish merchandise, stop by this Lindsborg Kansas staple.
Oh, and be sure to say hi to Shirley. She is the master artist behind so many Hemslojd designs. If you’re lucky, you can watch her paint in the traditional Sandinavian style of rosemaling.
12. The ‘Ol Stuga
Speaking of Lindsborg Kansas staples, the ‘Ol Stuga is a must-see when traveling to the midwest. The Stuga is known as the home of the Brent Nelson Sandwich (Polish sausage on a submarine bun with barbecue sauce, onions, cheddar cheese and hot pepper cheese). It was also featured on Good Morning America as one of four classic college hangouts. Every storefront, museum and restaurant in Lindsborg feels like home and the ‘Ol Stuga is no exception.
13. Anderson Butik
The Anderson Butik is a family operated Swedish goods store on main street in Lindsborg Kansas. They have everything from knick-nacks to antiques to clothing to authentic Swedish foods. My family loves stopping by this classic Lindsborg establishment, especially around the holidays. You can even find a tiny model town of Lindsborg at Anderson’s! This shop is well worth the stop.
14. White Peacock
The White Peacock is a calm, quirky coffee shop tucked into the southern half of main street. What I love about the White Peacock is their mission to bring sustainable products to the community. Their products are all fair trade, and the environment of the store is so soothing. If you need a place to relax and read or chat with friends this is the perfect location. They even have an outdoor seating area in the back yard!
I hope you enjoyed the Best Small Towns in America: Highlights of Lindsborg Kansas. To further plan your next trip, check out these popular posts:
Swedish Christmas Traditions and Decorations
The Ultimate Kansas State University Bucket List
10 of the Best Hikes in Kansas
7 Beautiful Places to Visit in Topeka, KS
As always, if you have any questions feel free to send me an email or message me on Instagram. Follow @bestillandhygge on Pinterest for more travel tips and tricks and subscribe below for new content every week.
Love Always,
