A Weekend in Lindsborg, Kansas
Want to make your weekend memorable in Lindsborg? You are in the right place!
Many people have heard the saying, “There’s nothing in Kansas.” This phrase is repeated often, but it’s far from true. Kansas is full of wonderful surprises, and there are plenty of interesting places to discover, no matter where you live or travel. This charming town, located less than 30 minutes from Salina, Kansas, is especially known for its rich Swedish heritage and welcoming atmosphere.
To make exploring easier, here is your well-planned Lindsborg, Kansas travel guide to help you make the most of your trip. You can adjust the timing or add activities as you like, but this plan offers a balanced way to experience the town without feeling crowded or exhausted by the end of the day.
Saturday - Morning
Enjoy Breakfast on Main Street
Start your day with a drink or pastries from a local café on Main Street. There are many options to enjoy, including tea, coffee, smoothies, and baked goods.
- Blacksmith Coffee Shop & Roastery– Serves classic coffees, breakfast dishes, pastries, and a few Swedish flavors.
- The White Peacock– A cozy spot for tea, smoothies, and coffee.
- 350 Degrees Bakery– Offers a variety of pastries and baked goods.
Walk Along Main Street
Spend some time exploring Main Street’s clothing boutiques, shops, toy stores, and stores selling Swedish items. You can chat with friendly store owners, browse for souvenirs, and enjoy the relaxed small-town atmosphere. Some shops also offer free tastings or unique experiences, including the Anatoly Karpov International School of Chess and a local winery.
Afternoon
Lindsborg Old Mill and Swedish Heritage Museum
Visit the Old Mill and museum complex in the early afternoon. Start at the main museum, which features exhibits that explain the milling process and the story of the Swedish immigrants who founded Lindsborg in 1869.
Then explore the 1898 Smoky Valley Roller Mill, which has multiple floors of historic milling machinery. QR codes placed throughout the building provide audio explanations for each piece of equipment.
Once outside, walk to the log cabin, the Smoky Hill River, and the collection of historic buildings across the road. Highlights include a one-room schoolhouse, a steam engine, a chapel, and the Swedish Pavilion from the 1904 World’s Fair.
Lunch Break
Enjoy lunch at one of Lindsborg’s restaurants, which offer Mexican, American, Swedish, and Asian options. It is recommended to choose something light and save your Scandinavian dining for later.
Evening
Birger Sandzén Memorial Art Gallery
Visit the art gallery located on the Bethany College campus. This fascinating museum features landscape paintings and prints by Birger Sandzén, a Swedish-born artist who taught and lived in Lindsborg, along with works by other regional artists.
Visit the Wild Dala Horses
While on campus or walking through town, look for the painted Wild Dala Horses—more than 40 colorful sculptures located throughout Lindsborg. Each horse has its own design and theme.
Night
Enjoy Swedish-Inspired Dinner on Main Street
End your day with a Swedish-themed dinner. Meals often include hearty entrees and traditional flavors. Crown and Rye is a popular choice for evening dining, featuring dishes with Scandinavian influence.
Sunday - Morning
Coffee at Blacksmith (If Not Visited Day 1)
If you already visited Blacksmith Coffee on Day 1, choose The White Peacock or another spot for your morning drink. If not, enjoy a cup inside the historic blacksmith shop and try pastries such as buttercream cinnamon rolls or lingonberry applesauce.
Explore More Art Studios & Swedish Shops
For a wonderful experience, explore these popular spots:
- Red Barn Studio Museum– Former workspace of artist Lester Raymer, filled with his creative pieces.
- Small World Gallery– Showcases global landscape and cultural photography by Jim Richardson.
- Hemslöjd Swedish Crafts– A beloved store with folk art, imported Scandinavian goods, and an onsite workshop where wooden Dala Horses are carved and painted.
Afternoon
Scandinavian Lunch at Crown and Rye
Lunch is a great time to try traditional dishes such as Swedish meatballs, pan-seared potato sausage, or beets with capers. Drinks like Red Lingonberry Sangria or a Cosmo add a Scandinavian touch.
For Scandinavian groceries, White’s Foodliner carries items like pickled herring and rye bread.
Enjoy Dessert Stops Around Town
- Indigo Moo’d Ice Cream– Known for flavors like Blacksmith cold brew ice cream and occasional lingonberry twists.
- 350 Degrees Bakery– Offers Swedish Tea Rings, fruit tortes, and cardamom-spiced pastries.
Evening
Coronado Heights Park
Drive up the scenic dirt road to Coronado Heights for sweeping prairie views. This bluff is believed to be a stopping point for Spanish explorer Francisco Vásquez de Coronado. Walk the trails, climb the stone shelter built in the 1930s, and enjoy the 360-degree overlook of the Smoky Hills.
Drinks at Öl Stuga
Relax with an evening drink at Öl Stuga (“beer cellar” in Swedish). Try the signature Lindsborg Lemonade made with vodka and lingonberries, or choose another popular beverage.
Night
Stay the Night in Scandinavian-Style Lodging
For a comfortable and convenient stay in Lindsborg, check into the Viking Motel. This spot offers air-conditioned rooms, free Wi-Fi, on-site parking, and a 24-hour front desk — everything you need for an easy, no-stress weekend.
Other Popular Things to Do in Lindsborg
If you still have time after enjoying the activities above, check out these additional local favorites to enhance your Lindsborg weekend getaway.
Admire the Art Scene on Main Street
Main Street is lined with small galleries offering artwork that reflects the town’s creative history. If you enjoy art, check operating hours ahead of time and include one or two galleries in your schedule.
As you walk, look for outdoor murals—one standout shows Swedish dancers celebrating around a traditional maypole, beautifully blending history with creativity.
Check Out the Wild Dala Horses
One of Lindsborg’s most iconic attractions is the Wild Dala Horses scattered around town. There are around 36–40 sculptures, each sponsored by a local business or organization and decorated by local artists. Every horse has its own name and personality—such as a purple horse covered in grapevines cleverly named “Herd It Through the Grapevine.”
Make it a fun challenge by seeing how many you can find. For extra fun, each person in your group can pick a favorite and take a photo with it. A downloadable map is available online to help you locate them all.
Drink Some Mountain Clear Water
Another unique activity is trying the crystal-clear water from a small turquoise-mint shed on Main Street with a sign reading “40 cents per gallon – Mountain Clear Water.”
This filtered water goes through more than 20 stages of treatment, including:
- Carbon filtration
- High-pressure reverse osmosis
- UV sterilization
- Final polishing steps
It is suitable for tea, coffee, cooking, aquariums, car batteries, and even pets.
Bring an empty one-gallon container—the machine dispenses exactly one gallon at a time and cannot be stopped mid-pour, so smaller cups will overflow.
Famous Places to Eat in Lindsborg
350 Degrees LLC
A family-owned bakery known for fresh, homemade baked goods, including Swedish-inspired options. The display cases are filled with cinnamon rolls, kolaches, buns, breads, and more. Staff members are friendly and helpful with recommendations.
Address: 118 S Main St, Lindsborg, KS 67456, United States
Indigo Moo’d Ice Cream
A charming Scandinavian-inspired ice cream shop serving house-made ice cream using local ingredients. Flavors rotate regularly, and samples are often available. Seasonal and experimental flavors make each visit exciting.
Address: 125 N Main St, Lindsborg, KS 67456, United States
Blacksmith Coffee Shop & Roastery
Located in a restored 19th-century blacksmith building, this café serves espresso drinks, in-house roasted coffee, pastries, desserts, and light breakfast or lunch items. The historic setting adds to the cozy atmosphere.
Address: 122 N Main St, Lindsborg, KS 67456, United States
Crown and Rye
One of the best places to try Swedish-inspired dishes, clearly marked with a crown symbol on the menu. You’ll find both American classics and Scandinavian specialties. Swedish meatballs with beef cream sauce over egg noodles or mashed potatoes are especially popular. Great for groups too.
Address: 121 N Main St, Lindsborg, KS 67456, United States
The White Peacock Tea & Coffee Company
A bright and inviting café with large storefront windows. It serves coffee, tea, smoothies, and other drinks, perfect for reading, studying, or working. The shop focuses on sustainability and partners with local suppliers, including Hildebrand Farms.
Address: 124 S Main St, Lindsborg, KS 67456, United States
Jalisco Mexican Restaurant
A casual, budget-friendly spot offering a variety of combination plates and familiar favorites. Complimentary chips and salsa are served with every meal, making it a reliable choice for Mexican-American cuisine.
Address: 107 N Main St, Lindsborg, KS 67456, United States
Öl Stuga
Öl Stuga (“beer cellar” in Swedish) is the town’s main bar and pub. It offers hot and cold sandwiches, subs, and simple meals at affordable prices. Sports channels usually play on the TVs, adding to the lively atmosphere.
Address: 119 S Main St, Lindsborg, KS 67456, United States
About Author
Keirsten left her career in engineering to travel the world. She is a 28 years old girl with some tremendous girl power; she has been traveling for five years now and has been producing awesome content based on her experience.