Little Sweden USA
Slow down and spend a weekend immersing yourself in Swedish food and fun in Lindsborg, Kansas.
My husband and I were looking for a fun Midwestern getaway to spend a long weekend together and do some Christmas shopping. Since my great grandmother was Swedish, I’d been wanting to experience Lindsborg, Kansas. I was thrilled that when I reached out to Visit Lindsborg, they agreed to a paid partnership to share our experience.
Traditional Swedish Food in Lindsborg
The highlight of our visit was the great food and drinks. Lindsborg, KS is rich with Swedish food. For a traditional Swedish dinner, eat at Crown and Rye. I enjoyed the Ärtsoppa (Swedish yellow pea soup) and köttbullar (Swedish meatballs). My husband tried out the famous värmlandskorv (potato sausage) with Färskpotatis (creamy dill potatoes). We shared the Risgrynsgröt (vanilla rice pudding) for dessert. Sunday brunch at Crown and Rye includes $4 mimosas and massive chicken fried steak! We bought some traditional foods at White’s Foodliner grocery store including potato sausage to cook at home as well as Swedish cheese and desserts.
Start your Lindsborg Morning Right: Food and Drink Delights
We enjoyed breakfast at the White Peacock Coffee Shop. I made sure to get the Swedish pancakes which brought me back to the ones my mom made me growing up. My husband had the best hot drink of the trip there: the raspberry and white hot chocolate “white peacock” drink. Be sure to get one on your visit. They also have fair-trade, organic tea.
Step back in time and visit Blacksmith Coffee for your coffee/tea/cider fix and a quick breakfast. I had the Dala Toast featuring goat cheese and lingonberry spread.
My husband, Brad, was ecstatic to discover that Smoky Valley Bakery next to the White Peacock was selling bierocks (hamburger and cabbage filled rolls) and bought 2 immediately. Be sure to check Facebook for their current hours and when you can get bierocks. (Brad was bummed they weren’t open for him to buy more bierocks in Lindsborg on other days!)
More Ways to Whet your Whistle and Your Appetite
Visit Öl Stuga tavern for tasty sandwiches and drinks. I enjoyed some warm glögg (Swedish mulled wine) with our sandwiches. My dad and I make our own glögg each winter with Great Auntie Olga’s recipe, so it was fun to compare what we make with what they serve in Lindsborg.
Stop by Spelbok for absolutely delicious Sprecher Soda. My husband couldn’t get enough of the orange flavored version. (We also enjoyed cream soda and watermelon flavors). You can stock up on Dungeons and Dragons dice, while there. (We find the luckiest dice are bought on an adventure).
There are several homemade ice cream options in Lindsborg as well!
Art and Shopping in Lindsborg
The first Saturday in December in Lindsborg is the Christmas Artists’ Open Studio where you can tour artists’ studios and galleries. Take this opportunity to see artists at work, eat refreshments, listen to music, and shop for art and other goodies along charming Main Street. Be sure to stop by Hemslöjd where you can watch artists customize the iconic Dala Horses and buy fun Swedish souvenirs. Be sure to check out all of the creatively painted Dala Horses all around town.
A Castle with a View
See the amazing view from Coronado Heights Castle. This perfect photo opportunity looks especially good at sunset.
Experience the Plains
We saw two bison from the safety of our car at the Maxwell Wildlife Refuge a little drive outside Lindsborg. You can also hike through the plains at Buffalo Hill Hiking Trails nearby.
Rent a Quad Bike
We were able to affordably rent a 2 person quad bike with a covered awning from Hemslöjd for a quick cycle around town.
Where to Stay
We found a cute, cozy, affordable Air BNB, Lavendel Cottage, a short drive from downtown at the north end of Main Street. For a more traditional Bed and Breakfast, you can stay at the colorful Rosberg House or the Dröm Sött/Sweet Dreams Inn.
A great way to get a taste of Lindsborg in a weekend is to come in on a Friday, stay all day Saturday, and head home Sunday.
There’s Always Something Happening in Lindsborg
Check out Visit Lindsborg’s website for the dates of many fun festivals and events like Midsummer’s Festival and Saint Lucia Festival. We picked the first weekend in December to catch all the Christmas lights, decorations, artist open studio, snowflake parade, and holiday shopping.
Lindsborg Location
Lindsborg is located about 3 hours west of Kansas City and and 1 hour north of Wichita.
The quickest route has a small toll. If you do not have KTAG, you do not need cash, they will bill you using your plate or your can be proactive and go online to pay. Link below.
Read More
If you enjoyed this blog, check out my posts on Hermann, MO, Historic Weston, MO, and Omaha, Nebraska.
Links to learn more about Lindsborg
Visit Lindsborg, Visit Lindsborg Instagram, Visit Lindsborg Facebook
Blacksmith Coffee Shop and Roastery
Smoky Valley Arts and Folklife Society
Kansas Tourism “To the Stars”
