Disclosure: Visit Lindsborg sponsored this post. However, all opinions are mine. I took the majority of the photos.
Lindsborg, Kansas, known as Little Sweden USA, is well-revered for its festival scene, art galleries, and eateries. The town, located on the Smoky Hill River, has various outdoor activities that make it unique. If you’re an outdoor adventurer, you need to visit Lindsborg.
Established more than 150 years ago, the town keeps me coming back for its long list of entertaining things to do, unlike any other town in the Sunflower State.
10 Outdoor Activities That Make Lindsborg Unique
1.) TRAILS
When the Kansas sun is shining, there is no better place to be than outside exploring. Lindsborg has free, ell-maintained trails perfect for getting one’s steps, biking, or dog walking (leash required!). Välkommen Trail is a converted rail bed that runs 4.25 miles. With various points of interest, I enjoyed reading about the town’s early history from the historical markers along the trail.
To view the route, download a colorful map with trail rules here.
Not every small Kansas town can boast more than one trail, which makes Lindsborg unique. Meadowlark Trail, accessible at the southern endpoint of the Välkommen Trail, is a wide, 12.6-mile limestone trail with promising scenic views from what was once a Union Pacific railroad corridor. I appreciated the tree-covered shade at the onset of the route.
The trail will fully connect to McPherson by the end of Summer 2023. To learn a detailed summary of the trail, access TrailLink.
PRO TIP: Drive to the Old Mill Campground to park for free and walk to the Meadowlark Trail sign. The trailhead only offers enough parking space for two cars.
2.) CORONADO HEIGHTS KITE FLY
Open fields and windy conditions make Kansas the ideal place to fly a kite, and Coronado Heights (4200 W. Coronado Heights), northeast of Lindsborg, is an incurably scenic spot with views of Smoky Hills. The area is the site where it is believed Francisco Vasquez de Coronado and his men explored the area in a quest for riches, which they didn’t find.
The town hosts the Coronado Heights Kite Fly! event every May, drawing kite lovers to test their skills. Wings of the World Kites & Toys sells demonstrates how to fly kites, and participants can also purchase kite kits at the toy store in town, Trollslända (135 N. Main St.)
3.) FREDRICKSON OUTDOOR FITNESS PARK
When you’re ready for a cardiovascular workout, Frederickson Outdoor Fitness Park is the place to do it. The fitness station adjacent to Völkammen Trail’s south trailhead is designed with equipment so adults can target workouts to improve their strength, flexibility, and agility.
The outdoor gym includes a shaded area that I found useful for stretching pre-workout or cooling down after a strenuous routine. I liked that the rubber surface was easy on the knees, a park feature adults will appreciate.
PRO TIP: Bring bottled water and a towel.
4.) PUBLIC ART WALK
Participating in an art walk is one of my favorite ways to increase my step count. One of the best places to do it is along Lindsborg’s downtown area, where murals, Dala horses, and framed outdoor artwork dot the corridor. I discover a new artistic creation during every visit to Main Street, and I find the framed tiled mosaics stunning.
But the art doesn’t need to be limited to only the downtown area. Everywhere you look, it seems like the community celebrates the arts. Look up, check around the corner, walk through a courtyard, and keep your eyes peeled when visiting a park. From wrought iron arches and wood carvings to painted Dala horses and stained glass windows, you’ll find more than one reason to walk the town on foot.
PRO TIP: Lindsborg Art Council hosts Makers Street twice per year. The interactive art walk highlights local artists’ work in shops and galleries and often features music, live performances, and delicious food.
5.) MAXWELL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Considered one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas Geography, Maxwell Wildlife Refuge (2565 Pueblo Rd.) offers guided tours where nature lovers can admire views of native prairie and wildlife. To locate the park from Lindsborg, drive to Roxbury, north of Maxwell Wildlife Refuge, by 6 miles. Then drive south to Pueblo Road on 27th Avenue (Roxbury intersection, red blinking light) you will then see the park’s signs.
During the 45-minute covered tram tour, visitors view elk, birds, bison (look for baby calves from March through May!), native prairie grasses, and wildflowers. The area is located on the Prairie Trail Scenic Byway, the same area Native Americans and Kansas settlers traveled. Reservations are required three days in advance, and you should review the Tour Calendar before reserving your spot.
PRO TIP: Bring a camera with a telephoto lens to capture clear images of the bison from a distance.
6.) LINDSBORG GOLF COURSE
Discover a hidden gem while road-tripping is the best. Lindsborg Golf Course (1541 Svensk Rd.) is a tucked-away 64 acres, 9-hole municipal course you need to play. Featuring one water hazard and some hilly fairways, the course is easy to moderate in difficulty with tee boxes for men and women. If it’s 55 degrees or warmer, the course is open from 9 am-7 pm.
Taking to the links is a delightful way to enjoy the outdoors while getting exercise at an affordable price. The manicured tee boxes and fairways are in good shape, and the golf cart paths are easy to maneuver. Golfers can purchase balls, tees, snacks, adult-only beverages, or bottled water to fill a cooler inside the clubhouse.
PRO TIP: Check the Weekly Specials calendar to take advantage of discount fees. For example, you can play 18 holes and get a golf cart for $16. Wear soft spike golf shoes or tennis shoes.
7.) BROADWAY RFD
Imagine watching actors and singers perform at the park while you relax in a lawn chair, enjoying a summer breeze on a starry night. Broadway RFD (located at Swensson Park’s band shell) is the longest-running outdoor theatre in Kansas. Offering guests quality performances, it’s a special opportunity to appreciate live community theater.
Past productions date back to 1959 and include many well-revered shows, including Oklahoma, The King and I, South Pacific, and Music Man. Ticket sales start in early June and can be purchased online. The ticket prices are affordable, and kids ages 4 or younger get in free.
PRO TIP: Don’t expect a paper ticket. Your name will appear on a guest list at the gate.
8.) HEMSLOJD QUADRICYCLES
Why not cruise through town on a quadricycle to see the sights while burning calories? After inducing a delicious ice cream cone from Indigo Moo’d Ice Cream, I needed an easy workout. I found renting the two-seat quadricycle simple at Hemslojd Swedish Gifts (201 N. Main St.). A 4-seater Limo rents for $15/30 mins or $24/1 hour. The 2-seater Junior (pictured below) rents for $9/30 mins, $15/1 hour.
You can stroll the downtown area and surrounding paved roads like a car. The quadricycle provides a leisurely way to explore the town without breaking a sweat since both passengers peddle, and only one person steers.
PRO TIP: Consider using hand signals to indicate your intended turns.
9.) LINDSBORG SWIMMING POOL
Need a place to cool off? The Lindsborg Swimming Pool (520 S. 1st St.) allows families to splash-splash starting June 1. A kiddie pool provides zero-depth entry and water spouts for children ages 6 and under. Diving boards, lap lanes, and open swim areas guarantee fun for the entire family. Don’t miss the 153′ waterslide, Thor’s Revenge.
A nearby sand volleyball court is ideal for adults to combine physical fitness and fun.
PRO TIP: View the admission prices here.
10.) YOGA ON THE BRIDGE
I can’t think of a better way to practice mindfulness while exercising than performing yoga. Lindsborg resident Tricia Clark hosts Yoga On the Bridge for people of all experience levels. The Runic Yoga session starts by gathering at the rune stone at Riverside Park (near the covered pavilion) and walking together to the Völkammen Trail bridge. The views of the Smoky Hill River are breathtaking, and the sound of chirping native birds relaxes you. With each guided move, your flexibility, energy, and balance improve.
The $5 session takes place on Mondays at 7 pm. To join a session, contact Tricia by email at [email protected].
PRO TIP: Wear comfortable workout clothes or yoga attire.
BONUS ACTIVITIES
The town’s parks offer explorers a multitude of opportunities to get some exercise. Swede Sk8 Park is designed for daredevils who want to skateboard, trick bike, rollerblade, or use their scooter. It is located adjacent to the Välkommen Trail and adjacent to Kansas Street.
Swensson Park is home to tennis courts and a basketball court. You’ll find athletic courts, horseshoe pits, and playground equipment at Riverside Park.
Disc golf is a popular sport for outdoor enthusiasts in Kansas, and Bethany Lutheran College’s 9-hole course (340 E. Swensson Ave.) is a no-cost way to play a round. Over 2,000 feet of course, golfers can catch glimpses of gorgeous sculptures on campus. Each hole is a par 3; grass tees and open spaces make the course approachable for beginners. To find Hole 1, walk to the Northwest corner of Gregory Hall.
Another highlight of the course? After the game, you’re within walking distance of Birger Sandzén Memorial Art Gallery (401 N. First St.). Visitor parking is available at designated areas on this map.
Have you heard of geocaching? A treasure hunt using an app to locate a hidden container, participants can enjoy the free outdoor activity at various places in Lindsborg. To start, visit geocaching.com to route your path using coordinates and clues.
Considering staying overnight to take in the rest of the town? Check out my additional post, The Best Way to Spend a Day in Lindsborg, Kansas, aka “Little Sweden, for plenty of things to do, from dining to exploring art galleries to shopping.
The 
This hotel offers guests breakfast choices in the morning at The Bistro, which also serves dinner and cocktails in the evening. On-site fitness facilities and an indoor pool make it easy for guests wanting to get in a workout.
Breakfast burritos, flavorful skillets, and stacked pancakes – oh my! When everything looks delicious, what should I order? I opted for the corned beef hash, eggs, and hashbrowns. It was an indulgence worth every bite. My friend enjoyed the fruit and yogurt bowl, which looked divine.
No matter what you order at Pegah’s, you’ll be thankful for the fresh ingredients and oversized portions. Plan accordingly. The restaurant is also known for delectable pies and once you see them, you’ll want to order dessert. Cruise by the refrigerator case in the front of the restaurant before asking for your check. You’ll thank me later.
Thanks to the vision and hard work of three partners, the Aztec Theatre is fully restored and open to the public. It hosts live acts from bands to comedians and open-mic performances to special events. Looking at it from the street, it’s an eye-catching showpiece with a massive marque.
Inside, every detail of the building’s design from the tin tile ceiling to the illuminated flooring screams Art Deco design. The theatre’s lighting is worthy of an Academy Award. Neon lights and backlit sconces give it a retro vibe.
During live shows Thursday-Saturday, a food truck is often parked outside in front of the theatre. To view the upcoming line-up of food trucks, check the 
I had the pleasure of getting a behind-the-scenes tour of the theatre’s balcony and green room, a space used by touring musicians. Before and after performances, band members can kick back and relax in the upstairs lounge. Do you recognize any of the signatures below scribbled across the wall?
For more event information or to see the theatre’s latest announcements, follow them on 
Old Shawnee Pizza has a long history of serving slices. They got their start making pies and selling them out of a house in 1969. Since then, they’ve had their pizza recognized in Pizza Magazine, the industry’s authority on pies.
Between shopping downtown and touring breweries, 
Think of your favorite TV show. They have a hoodie or hat with your favorite actor on it. I mean, who doesn’t need a candle that reads, “Besties: Smells like petty gossip and a lot of venting. So drink up buttercup. ‘Cuz we’re not doing this sober.”? Ha!
During my private tour, I learned that the owners always wanted to serve a variety of beer. Nearly a dozen taps line the wall behind the bar consisting of flagship beers and collaborations with other breweries. I enjoyed a flight featuring five beers ranging in flavors and ABV strengths. Top Traveler, a New Zealand IPA, took the award for the best beer in the line-up.
I noticed a chalkboard near the bar with tally marks scribbled on it. Each mark represented a beer bought for an active military service person or veteran. You can buy them a beer to be redeemed later.
To check the brewery’s hours and view the upcoming food truck schedule, head over to their 
Saevaes Brewing Company is the first Kansas brewery owned and operated by a female head brewer. They earned my respect for the process, unapologetic beer flavors, and inviting tasting room.
Open Tuesday-Sunday, the brewery hosts pop-up shop events, trivia nights, and the like. Visit on Wednesday nights to build a mixed four-pack or to enjoy a $5 full pour during Music Bingo. Check the 
The building has been a number of businesses over the years but has always remained a memorable landmark on the edge of downtown Shawnee. Today, it’s owned by Kansas City residents who have enlisted the expertise of an executive chef and sommelier to celebrate food and drink. One step inside the castle and you are transported to an exceptionally beautiful setting.
Reservations are highly recommended, however, I stopped by the castle for a wine flight during the late afternoon between meal times and was served swiftly in the bar area. I chose Reds of the World, a flight that included three pours from Portugal, Washington, and Spain ($16). Premium wine flights are $26. I loved them all.
During my chat with the owner, I discovered that Wandering Vine at the Castle is known for collaborating with and serving wine from 
Additionally, the castle hosts numerous events during the year that pair wine tasting with thoughtfully crafted meals. For example, the New Year’s celebration includes a five-course meal perfect for couples wanting to welcome the year in style.
During other times of the year, they serve lunch until 4pm, small plates, dinner, and brunch on Sundays. Take a look at the menus 
People lived to be in their mid-50s, the town’s speed limit was 12 mph, and a man’s suit cost $15. Experiencing the museum and the buildings at Shawnee town 1929 bring to life what it was like to live in the area. Clothes hang from the line to dry outdoors. The six-room farmhouse replica resembles one found in Kansas.
Whether you visit with family for the day, as a part of a school field trip, or simply want to watch a demo or take a class, Shawnee Town 1929 offers visitors an immersive experience unlike what they’ll find anywhere else in the region.
Themed trees adorn the showroom floor nestled closely to gift displays and baskets of holiday ornaments. Better still, 
I look forward to returning to the store when they host the Fall Festival Event that includes live music, bites to eat, and activities for all ages. I think you’ll enjoy the visit any time of the year. View Family Tree Nursery’s hours and upcoming events schedule 
The Hereford’s House steaks are beyond delicious. I’ve enjoyed them on more than one occasion while in Kansas City. Now, I can vouch for the grilled salmon flavored to perfection with a crispy crust. They have perfected surf and turf entrees.
The town touts the phrase “good starts here,” and now I understand why. From its incredible attractions to exquisite dining options, it is worthy of an overnight visit when in the Kansas City area. Shawnee deserves the accolades.
The residents have always treated me kindly. Their welcoming spirit is genuine. I’m one of the town’s biggest fans for its progressiveness, focus on the arts, and plethora of entertainment options.
LODGING
I had the pleasure of staying in the 
The new hotel features Hilton’s expected amenities and then some. The beautifully decorated hotel is designed in a modern style with references to the region from the lobby’s opulent, gas-powered fireplace to the private library with the finest furnishings.
Guests also have access to complimentary free nearby parking, a hot breakfast, free WiFi, evening socials Monday-Wednesday. The impressive evening socials give guests a chance to unwind with an alcoholic beverage and a light dinner – and it’s all included in your stay.
The fitness room was the largest I’d ever seen in a hotel and it featured top-of-the-line exercise equipment. For swimmers looking to do laps, the pool is definitely large enough. Lounge chairs also make it an ideal place to sit back and close your eyes in relaxation. The facilities were clean and spacious. 
Homewood Suites by Hilton has thought of EVERYTHING. For travelers who have an extended stay, they’ve provided a laundry room for guests to use, a delightful discovery. Imagine arriving home with a suitcase of clean clothes!
And it gets better! Upon check-in, you’ll be asked what kind of complimentary coupon you would like to use at the hotel’s Starbucks cafe. Buy One, Get One specialty coffee beverages? Don’t mind if I do. Homewood Suites by Hilton rolls out the red carpet. After getting settled into your room, you’ll want to extend your stay. I highly recommend 
The 90-minute dramedy, set in 1912, told the story of scientist Marie Curie who spent two months at her friend Hertha Ayrton’s seaside home recovering from the emotional scars from public scrutiny. The two-person cast performed in a black box theatre where the audience sat only feet from them. It was a moving experience.
I love a museum that tells a story well. Did you know that Salina was once the third-largest producer of flour in the world? The newest exhibit, “
Eventually, the town became a crossroads for industry that included the railroad, Schilling Air Force Base (closed in 1966), technology companies, trucking, and healthcare.
The museum includes an abundance of hands-on activities for visitors of all ages. From examining parts of a buffalo to building a city and starting a tornado to playing with old-fashioned toys, Smoky Hill Museum is an entertaining experience. Make sure to walk upstairs to 
Before you exit the museum, purchase Kansas-made products and keepsakes in the gift shop. They have a wide selection of travel guides and non-fiction books about Kansas.
There is no charge to visit the Smoky Hill Museum. They are closed on Sundays, Mondays, and major holidays. Plan your visit 
Opened as the Fox-Watson Theatre in 1931, it was the idea of a wealthy grocer and banker in Salina. W.W. Watson, with help from others, opened the doors to the movie palace considered “one of the most beautiful in Kansas.” (Source: Stiefel Theatre). It was later renamed after Milton Stiefel who was a major contributor to its renovation.
Fast forward decades later after a major renovation in 2003. The theatre’s state-of-the-art sound system, backstage accommodations, and stunning interior make it a must-stop venue for performers.
Later, I met up with the executive director of the 
If you also appreciate listening to orchestral music or perhaps have always wanted to hear it, you can purchase tickets to one or all of the six concerts performed each year. The holiday show is so well attended that it was expanded to two days.
My first priority when touring Rolling Hills Zoo was to visit the giraffe exhibit. I approached the area slowly as to not startle them. To my surprise, Zuri, Billie, and the youngest, Korey, were as interested in me as I was in them. Korey, who was born in December 2020, is 10 feet tall and growing. The other giraffes are 11 years old.
I visited the zoo in the early afternoon hours when most of the animals were napping, including a bear in a hammock. However, a tiger rose from his slumber to yawn in acknowledgment of passersby. Capybaras and flamingos explored. Barnyard animals greeted children.
The zoo has an 
A visit to Rolling Hills Zoo should be at the top of your list of things to do when in Salina. To experience the upcoming events, view gate admission prices and the zoo’s hours, visit the 
BOUTIQUE SHOPPING
Known for carrying antiques, market finds, and locally-made jewelry, 
In search of new clothes to add to your closet? 
I came home with a pair of earrings from 
Also a place for families, the youngest visitors will appreciate the children’s book section and inviting gumball machine. I recommend asking about the specialty coffee of the month. Proceeds from my purchase of a Bee Kind Latté went to a local non-profit. You’ll find it difficult to leave without buying a book, t-shirt, or Kansas-themed gift.
DAGNEY’S ICE CREAM
MARTINELLI’S LITTLE ITALY
Leave room for homemade tiramisu or creme brûlée. Ask for the drink and dessert menus before ordering your meal to plan ahead. The family-style portions are HUGE. A quarter-size pasta dish is prepared with a half-pound of pasta. The spaghetti comes with a one-pound meatball. You’ll need a to-go box.
DAIMARU STEAKHOUSE & SUSHI BAR
Daimaru is popular with locals. The sushi chefs never stood still. I watched as they prepared enormous sushi platters. Artfully designed, the sushi tasted as good as it looked.
