If you've ever felt the desire to travel to Europe but don't have the money, look no further. We've got our own personal taste of Sweden here in small town Kansas. Ever wanted to go back in time to the 1800s to see what life was like for some of our European ancestors? Lindsborg, Kansas has exactly what you're looking for. Year round, Lindsborg, or "Little Sweden," has festivals, celebrations, and activities planned for it's citizens. Some take you back a few generations, while others give you a more modern taste of the Midwestern lifestyle. There is never a dull moment here in our town of 3,500, so hop in your car and head on over!
Lindsborg is probably most famous for it's bienniel Svensk Hyllningsfest. Over the three days of festivities, Lindsborgians dress in traditional Swedish clothing, enjoy ethnic music and food, and are known to folk dance a bit. Visitors can walk downtown to enjoy many of the amazing options this small town has to offer, giving them a look into what life may have been like when their great, great grandparents came over from Sweden. If asked what you must try before you go, many locals will tell you a "viking on a stick" is the way to go. The experience truly is magical, and there is nothing like it anywhere else in the U.S.
Aside from Hyllningsfest, Lindsborg also offers many other options to celebrate throughout the year. There is the Midsummer's Festival, where you'll see school children and locals enjoying music, the raising of the Midsummer Pole, and more. A fun event to be a part of is Lindsborg's "Våffeldagen," or Waffle Day. All of the local eateries serve their renditions of the best waffle meals, and if you're lucky, you may get a picture with the life size waffles walking around town!
Lindsborg definitely knows how to throw a good party, but that's not all they do right. The town has various attractions located within city limits to keep you busy during your visit. If you're feeling adventurous, you could drive over to Coronado Heights, a small caste located just northwest of town, or you can grab a map and walk around to see if you can find all of the "Wild Dalas" located throughout town. Dalecarlian (Dala) horses are traditional carved wooden horses that are hand painted within Lindsborg. They originate from the Swedish province Dalarna, but the Hemslöjd in Lindsborg is where people from all over the world go to order their beautiful, handmade horses. You can also visit the Karpov Chess School, The Old Mill, Swedish Pavilion, and more. Downtown Lindsborg offers many different shops and attractions to give you a little taste of Sweden, and an hour walk around the town will guarantee you an experience unlike any other you will get in the Midwest.
While you're in town, don't forget to check out the local public schools and Bethany College. Lindsborg takes great pride in it's students and their extracurriculars. Between the Vikings and Swedes, there is always a concert, art show, or game to go see. Bethany College may be a small school, but there are some interesting facts about this little Lutheran college! Presser Hall contains the largest pipe organ in the area with over 4,000 pipes. Like The Walking Dead? Norman Reedus, the actor who portrays Daryl Dixon in the series actually attended Bethany College!
No article could do Lindsborg justice; you just have to experience it. There is a lot that makes this town special, but the atmosphere and the people are what make it truly great. There is nothing quite like the feeling you get when a whole community comes together like we do. Whether you're from Swedish descent or not, Lindsborg is welcoming to all. If you're looking for a trip to Europe without ever touching an airport, here is your answer. Lindsborg welcomes you with open arms as we celebrate each other and those who came before us to make this city great. Välkommen till Lindsborg!
