Updated December 2025
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-known for its festival scene, art galleries, and eateries. The town, located on the Smoky Hill River, offers a range of 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 activities, 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, well-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, 13-mile limestone trail connecting McPherson 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.
To view a detailed summary of the trail, access TrailLink.
PRO TIP: Drive to Old Mill Campground to park for free, then walk to the Meadowlark Trail sign. The trailhead has only enough parking 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 the Smoky Hills. The site is where it is believed Francisco Vasquez de Coronado and his men explored in search of 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 and 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 helpful for stretching before workouts or cooling down after strenuous routines. 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 view 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 booking.
PRO TIP: Bring a camera with a telephoto lens to capture clear images of the bison from a distance.
6.) LINDSBORG GOLF COURSE
Discovering a hidden gem while road-tripping is the best. Lindsborg Golf Course (1541 Svensk Rd.) is a tucked-away 64-acre, 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 the temperature is 55 degrees or higher, 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 The 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 indulging in 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 for 30 mins or $ 24 for 1 hour. The 2-seater Junior (pictured below) rents for $ 9 for 30 mins and $ 15 for 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 pedal, 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 begins by gathering at the rune stone in Riverside Park (near the covered pavilion), then 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.
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 features tennis and basketball courts. 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 in the designated areas shown on this map.
Have you heard of geocaching? A treasure hunt using an app to locate a hidden container lets participants enjoy a free outdoor activity at various locations in Lindsborg. To start, visit geocaching.com to navigate 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.
I had the pleasure of staying overnight in Clay Center to make the most of my visit. With a population hovering at about 4,000 people, the tight-knit community rolls out the red carpet for visitors. I arrived in town just after sunrise and parked not far from the limestone courthouse in the town square.
I ordered The OG Acaí Bowl, a blend of acaí (berries of a South American palm tree) and banana topped with fresh fruit, locally sourced honey, coconut shreds, and granola.
Happy Hippie Studios is more than a place where wellness-driven people come for a tasty bite. A certified yoga instructor, Hammel encourages visitors and locals to join a yoga class or enjoy on-site massage therapy, sauna treatments, and esthetician services.
Hammel’s drive and determination are more impressive than the studios. An award-winning business owner under 30, she grew Happy Hippie from a one-blender farmers’ market stand to a flourishing business. In fact, she served 150 smoothies on opening day. No wonder her slogan is “Smoothies Make People Happy.”
The town’s espresso bar and artisan restaurant are centrally located near retail shops and local businesses. I talked with the owner, Mike Peerson, about his business while he made cold brew. Multi-tasking is a skill Java Junkies employees have to master since the coffee shop is seemingly always busy.
The smell of coffee permeates the air. I enjoyed the Latté of the Week selection while relaxing inside the cafe during my visit. The menu also features early-morning selections, including scones and pecan rolls, muffins, and breakfast burritos. You’ll also find heartier options like grilled PB&J or cheese sandwiches, as well as turkey wraps.
I returned on Day 2 of my stay in Clay Center for a hot coffee. The line reached from the counter almost to the door while employees hurriedly served patrons. They were busy for a good reason. The 4th Annual Java Junkies T-Rex Race for charity was about to start, and race fans wanted to fuel up before watching it.
The 299-seat theatre is a gem in the heart of the town. It’s where many locals have come for years, noting memorable moments. Director Reneé Langvardt and her employees work hard to provide an unforgettable experience.
When the lights are up, visitors can see the theatre’s stunning architecture, including ornate plaster made of horsehair. The modern seating provides a comfortable movie screening experience.
Newly restored bathrooms are adorned with framed images of Hollywood stars of the past. The original tile floor and entryway harken back to an earlier time.
The concession stand is fully stocked with movie popcorn, cotton candy, and candy selections you crave. Ask about combo deals. Adults can enjoy beer and wine.
As I drove up to The Schoolhouse Inn, I noted the bell in the tower and the oversized windows and doors. Inside, the interior was decorated in neutral tones. The restored hardwood floors creaked as I toured the accommodations. The open living room easily accommodated several guests. Original chalkboards carved with the initials of rambunctious students flanked two sides of the room.
Two bedrooms with plush queen-sized beds, end tables, and armoires welcomed me. Which one would I choose? The rooms were equally inviting. The full bathroom with a modern shower included the amenities of home, plus a basket of toiletries.
Although The Schoolhouse Inn did not have a kitchen, I had access to a small refrigerator and freezer, a Keurig coffeemaker, and a microwave. The refrigerator was filled with bottled water and soda products. Complimentary drinks and snacks made the stay unexpectedly comfortable.
Because The Schoolhouse Inn sits on the owner’s private property, I found it to be a peaceful and quiet setting.
I had the opportunity to meet various animals during a guided tour led by facility employees. I watched black bears dine on snacks. A lemur ate raisins from my hand. And beautiful birds like those pictured above chatted excitedly as we observed them.
Ginger has operated the business for 36 years, providing locals and visitors with a place to shop for gifts for themselves or others.
I challenge you to try leaving the store without buying something. I couldn’t do it. Home cooks will appreciate the specialty foods corner that includes fill-a-bottle olive oils.
Known for its wedding registry services, the store caters to those who need to pick up a gift for the bride and groom. Rumor has it that they’re on almost every local wedding registry.
The Uptown Girls host Thursday Coffee Talk sessions on Facebook live showcasing the newest inventory. Events like All That Glitters Christmas Showcase always draw big crowds, so signing up in advance for one of the sessions is key.
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PRO TIP: If you accompany a country club member, you can golf the course or enjoy a meal in the dining room as their guest.
After a fire destroyed their old facility, the owners drew design plans for the current building on butcher paper. The converted Dollar General Store is the town’s meat locker keeping locals’ refrigerators stocked with Kansas beer and pork products. It’s also a one-stop shop for grab-and-go shopping. They carry a large selection of beer and road-ready snacks.
PRO TIP: Pack a large, iced-down cooler for your trip to Clay Center and fill it with frozen meat. Oh, and don’t miss the back shelves stocked with private-label pickled vegetables and salsa.
Piotique Celebration takes place on the last Saturday of September every year. A tradition since 1936, hundreds of people turn out to watch parades, shop for food and craft vendors, play games, watch Cruise Night, and listen to live music.
The 4th Annual Java Junkies T-Rex Race for charity drew hundreds of spectators. Sponsored participants donning inflatable costumes sprinted down a city block to earn their way into the final heat. The winner earned $1,000 to donate to a charity of choice. It’s an event that is not to be missed.
Milford Lake is a 30-minute drive southeast of Clay Center. It’s an exceptional location for birdwatching, hiking, water sports, and overnight lodging in cabins or via campgrounds.
I’m not going to lie. I felt a little tug on my heartstrings as I pulled out of town, leaving my new friends behind. The town’s people are welcoming, and with so much to do and see in Clay Center, it made it hard to leave.
Go for the murals. Drop into town to dine at the restaurants. Plan a trip around the town’s many events and festivals. No matter the time of year, Clay Center is a wonderful place to explore.
