We want to thank Visit Lindsborg and all of the local businesses for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own.

Our First Taste of Lindsborg

With Lindsborg being so close to our hometown, we decided to start our visit on a Friday evening. Crystal had the car all packed for a hasty departure after work. After a pleasant drive through the Flint Hills, we arrived just in time for dinner. Located in the heart of downtown, we stopped in Farley’s Bar & Grill. As soon as we walked through the door, we knew we were in a local hot spot. The place was packed with people socializing over dinner and drinks. Even with a wait, there was no way we were going to pass this place up. It ended up being a perfect “first taste’ of Lindsborg.

A Real Home Away From Home

With our bellies full, we were ready to unwind for the night. Our lodging was arranged at a local AirBnB called Lavendel House. Our host, Mark Galloway, happened to be there when we arrived. He showed us around our “home away from home”, which is a four-bedroom farm-style house. It certainly was much larger than we would need, but we appreciated the hospitality. This place even has a tree-house loft, which Mark was in the process of completing. When finished, it will make for a cute little couple’s escape destination on the edge of Little Sweden USA.

Decisions, Decisions!

With a full day of exploring on the horizon, it was time to crash for the night. The Lavendel House had plenty of sleeping options and would be perfect for a big family. With a full kitchen and even a large family room to watch TV, it made for a good home base. By the way, we opted not to sleep in the bunk beds. After a refreshing night’s sleep, it was time to get our Saturday started. Our itinerary was packed with sights all through the town. Lindsborg is home to around 3500 residents, but the number swells significantly during the school season, with the arrival of Bethany College students.

Re-purposed Restaurant

During the summer, you may find the numbers larger from an influx of tourists. When we arrived downtown, we found a car show set up on the main drag. We took a quick peek at a few, before heading into Blacksmith Coffee for breakfast. We love exploring spaces that have had a new breath of life brought to them. This building once served as one of the town’s blacksmith shops. To this day, you can still find signs of the previous use scattered around the space. With our coffee fix taken care of, it was time to move along. (Read more about Blacksmith Coffee here.)

Swedish Tradition

What would a visit to Little Sweden be without a stop at Hemlöjd? This cute shop has been a staple of Main Street since 1984. Once inside, we found it filled with colorful items that can be immediately associated with the Scandinavian culture. Their name means handicraft, which is appropriate when you see all of the interesting pieces. The ones that caught our eye were the Dala horses. It is a well-known Swedish souvenir, and we just couldn’t leave the store without picking one up for our home office. (Read more about Hemslöjd here.)

Take a Walk

Lindsborg is a perfect place for pedestrian visitors. The landscape is relatively flat, so it’s also popular with bicyclists. Our friends at the Visitors Bureau clued us in on the Välkommen Trail. (The word means welcome.) This 3.25-mile trail was developed from an abandoned railway path. It cuts right through the middle of town and has a collection of informational boards scattered along the way. It gave us a chance to learn more about the history and culture of the people of Little Sweden USA.

Milling Around

After a delightful stroll on the trail, we ended up near the southern end. From here, we could see our next stop, at the Old Mill Museum. Wherever we travel, we love immersing ourselves in the history of the destination. At the Old Mill Museum complex, we were able to see a broad spectrum of historical artifacts. The namesake mill is open to visitors but only runs for special events. There is also a historical museum, as well as a grouping of buildings across the street. This portion of the complex is called Heritage Square and includes the Swedish Pavilion built for the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis. So much to see here, that you will want to set aside plenty of time for exploring. (Read more about the Museum Complex here.)

Russian Connection

Another pleasant walk led us back into the downtown portion of Little Sweden USA. Since we were visiting in late July, we were ready to quench our thirsts, as well as our growing hunger. What better place than Ol Stuga, which translates to the alehouse. Stepping through the door, we were greeted by a gathering of locals. This bar and grill are not just known for their ice-cold drinks, they also serve up a historic dish. While we waited for our meals, I did a little exploring around the space. You can imagine my surprise when I found out that Mikhail Gorbachev had visited this place.(Read more about Ol’ Stuga here.)

A Little Retail Therapy

With our late lunch complete, we were ready to check out some more of the downtown shops. Little Sweden USA draws quite a few visitors from around the world. While we were there, we saw a busload of tourists wandering around the downtown. This has helped maintain a good variety of boutique-style shops in Lindsborg. We wandered through stores that offer apparel, handbags, toys, and home furnishings. We even dropped by a fair trade shop that features items made by artisans from around the world.

A Stitch in Time

Stepping through the door of The Ivory Thimble, we found an interesting mix of apparel and accessories. We also discovered that this is the shop of the lady who produces many of the costumes for the local theater productions. As we looked around, we saw hints of what was to come during our evening entertainment. We knew the name of the show, but really very little else. For now, we were getting clues of what it may involve.

An Evening Under the Stars

Dinnertime was drawing nigh, so we ran over to The Brickhouse Grill for one of their delectable pizza pies. The visitor’s bureau had arranged for us a wonderful “date night”, which included dinner and live performance. As we were leaving our dinner destination, we noticed a local grocer next door. Inside, we found some Swedish sweet treats to share later in the evening. Now it was time to head to the park. Lindsborg has an active theater troupe, which puts on a live performance each year. We joined our host, and her daughters, for an evening of frivolity. (Read more about our date night here.)

Coffee for the Road

Our evening’s show had kept us out late, but it was well worth it. The next morning, we packed up our car in preparation for more travel. Before we departed Little Sweden USA, there was still one more stop. Breakfast and coffee are imperative for a good start, so we stopped in The White Peacock. This coffee shop serves some interesting dishes for breakfast and lunch. I sampled their Swedish Pancakes, which include lingonberries. This tangy Swedish berry adds a layer of flavor to the crepe-like cakes.

Little Sweden USA

Our time in Lindsborg was short, but we packed it full of entertaining attractions. This central Kansas city is a great destination for Kansas explorers and is perfect for a weekend excursion. You will want to visit their tourism site for more places to check out. (Find it here.) You may also want to consider visiting one of their many annual events. You will find something for just about everybody in the culturally rich destination. Who knows, you might just come home with your own Dala horse. (You can read our Travel Kansas article about this trip here.)

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We want to thank Visit Lindsborg and The Brickhouse Grill for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own.

Puffy Pizza

With an evening of outdoor entertainment on our schedule, we knew we needed a meal that would stick with you. For us, pizza is one of those types of dishes. Asking around town, many of the locals pointed us toward The Brickhouse Grill. The restaurant is located inside a remodeled filling station, which is something we are used to in Kansas City. (Here’s a gas station turned BBQ restaurant in Lee’s Summit.) The hand-tossed pie came with a fluffy crust and delectable flavor. We devoured every bite and knew we would be satisfied for quite a while. Our dinner and a show had started right.

Local Life

After dinner, we popped into the local grocery store to pick up some Swedish treats. (Think Swedish fish, Nordic chocolate mints, salty licorice, and ginger cookies) A member of the local tourism bureau had arranged to bring a couple of lawn chairs for us to use, so we wanted to bring the snacks. When we arrived at the local city park, we found the crowd was already assembling. It was obvious that this was mostly made up of locals, so it gave us a great chance to mingle. We found our hostess, and her daughters and all settled in for the evening’s entertainment. While the orchestra warmed up, we broke out the Swedish treats. Dinner and a show are even better with a steady supply of sweet treats.

Familiar Cast of Characters

The evening’s show was titled Into The Woods. It’s a delightful tale that includes a familiar cast of storybook characters. The main focus is the Baker and his wife, who are desperate to have a child. Making a questionable arrangement, with a local witch, leads to a string of interesting, and sometimes hilarious adventures. Soon the couple was interacting with Jack and his cow, Cinderella, and her step-sisters, and Red Riding Hood and an evil wolf. A few other recognizable characters helped round out the show’s cast.

Dramatic Twists

With a witch’s curse to break, the couple faces a series of challenges but learns many valuable lessons along the way. They also bond with their new friends and find camaraderie in the most unexpected places. Just when it seems that everyone’s wishes had come true, an unexpected twist rises up to bring disastrous consequences. The story was well written, and the entire cast gave professional performances. By the end of the show, they had the crowd on their feet for a rousing standing ovation.

Dinner and a Show

Our day in Lindsborg had been jammed packed with activities, and the Broadway RFD show had been a great ending. During the intermission, we had a chance to speak with some of the locals, who were very welcoming. It was clear that they knew why we were visiting and just wanted to make sure we had a pleasant experience. Obviously, they are proud of their community, and for good reason. Little Sweden USA has so much to offer visitors, and our dinner and a show was a special treat. We thanked our hostess, and her daughters, for their hospitality. The starry sky lit up our path to our lodging and reminded us of the enchanting show we had just witnessed. Now it was time for bed, and a chance to recharge for another day of exploration.

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We want to thank Visit Lindsborg and Öl Stuga for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own.

1) Stable Ownership

Having the same owner, for over 40 years, has been a large part of the recipe for success at this hometown hangout. When 27-year old Mark Lysell purchased the bar, he didn’t realize what all was required to run this type of business. Learning on the fly, he embraced the local college as a resource for employees, as well as customers. He still helps raise money for an annual cookout for the college’s senior class. Even this is done in an unusual way. People are encouraged to put a thumbtack through a dollar bill, and then wrap it around their wallet. When they toss it at the ceiling, it will stick, and the wallet will fall back to the ground. It may take a few tries, but that just makes it more entertaining for the rest of the customers.

2) Celebrity Guests

How many times have you walked into an establishment and seen a picture of a local celebrity? You may have even seen a photo of a national celebrity hamming it up with the owner and staff. As we were looking around Ol Stuga, we found evidence of a visit from former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev. This all stems from a decision by 7-time World Chess Champion, Anatoly Karpov’s decision to set up his first U.S. chess school in Lindsborg. The story goes that he was looking for a peaceful place to train for a match, and this Kansas town was suggested by a friend. Fast forward a few years, and we find that Gorbachev was in town to promote Chess for Peace. After a day filled with public events, the former leader wanted to head out on the town for a drink, which led him to this location. As they say, the rest is history.

3) Creative Recipes

When Mark Lysell purchased the bar, it was customary for most establishments to serve up one or two brands of beer. These days, with all of the craft beers and micro-breweries, it’s not unusual to see a long line of taps. Ol Stuga has embraced this a little, by offering up a half dozen varieties of brews, as well as a fully stocked liquor list. Not being beer fans, we opted to sample one of their creative cocktails. At the suggestion of our server, we ordered up a Lindsborg Lemonade. This citrus-based drink had a deliciously refreshing flavor and an appealing presence. The addition of Swedish vodka gives it a hometown connection.

4) National Recognition

Sometimes a simple action can blow up, in a good way. Brent Nelson was a regular customer at Ol Stuga. One day he was uncertain about what he wanted for lunch, so Lysell made him a sandwich that would rise to national recognition. It starts simply enough, with a Polish sausage on a bun. The addition of smoky cheddar and hot pepper cheeses, onions, and barbecue sauce takes this basic dish to a new level. How did Brent feel about this new creation? He began ordering it every day. When it gained national recognition, on Good Morning America’s Best Bite Challenge: College Edition, it was time to give it a name. What would be more appropriate than “The Brent Nelson’, in honor of the inspiration for its creation?

4 Steps for Success in Action

Wow! Little did we know that we would be walking into such a memorable stop. This was another reminder that you can never judge a book by its cover or business by its exterior. To truly “Visit Like a Local” you have to go where the locals go. Don’t be afraid to explore the small stops, as you may be pleasantly surprised at the stories you will find inside. (Check out the unique coffee shop we found in Lindsborg.)Where are some of the best places you have uncovered while exploring our big blue marble?

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We want to thank Visit Lindsborg and the McPherson County Museum for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own. 

Old Mill Museum

We love that Lindsborg is such a walkable city. Settled in the heart of Kansas, the plains are the perfect place for growing crops. As we approached the McPherson County Old Mill Museum, the three-story brick structure rose up to meet us. We entered the museum, and the staff gave us a quick recap of the facilities. We decided to start in the Old Mill since the air-conditioned museum would be a nice relief on a hot July day. Inside the mill, we explored all three floors. The mill is still operated for special events but has earned a well-deserved rest since it’s a start-up in 1898.

Traveling to America

The mid-day heat grew with each floor we climbed, so our visit inside the mill was curtailed sooner than we wished. Back inside the museum, we slowed our pace to soak up the cool air. The museum portion is not overly large but is designed to give visitors a feel for the immigrant’s journey. The various placards filled our minds with pictures of these early travelers crossing the Atlantic, on their way to the new world. Coming to America would have been a life-changing adventure that held no promise for success.

Delving Into the History

Once they arrived on the east coast, there was still the long path halfway across the continent. Can you imagine trying to transport your precious items across such an unforgiving terrain? Once they made it to Lindsborg, there was still the task of building a home. Over time, the railroad would move into the town, and access to products from other cities became easier to find. As we were delving into the history at the museum, we learned that they maintain a genealogy archive, where guests can research their family roots.

Keeping Their Culture Alive

The immigration of Swedish-born people, to Kansas, had its highest point in the late 1800s. A census showed around 200 Swedes living in the territory when it became a state, in 1865. Just 25 years later, that number would swell to over 17,000. The number would drop after the turn of the century, but these original immigrants would create an ever-increasing family lineage. Even with the change in demographics, Lindsborg still embraces its Swedish heritage. Various celebrations occur throughout the year that recognizes important parts of Swedish culture. We even found that a Swedish icon is still produced in Lindsborg (You can read more about Dala horses here.)

Heritage Square

Once we wrapped up our visit to the Old Mill Museum, we made our way across the street to Heritage Square. This is another good place for delving into the history of Lindsborg. Filled with seven historic structures, as well as a locomotive, it is open for self-guided tours.

Forgotten Crafts

We walked along the boardwalk, which runs in front of each building. Stepping through the doors, we were greeted by rooms filled with the parts and tools used for various occupations. One that we both found intriguing, was a broom makers shop. It was obvious to us that someone had to have been creating this vital tool, but we never imagined how it was done. This visit gave us a better understanding of the steps required to create straw brooms.

On the World’s Stage

The star of Heritage Square is the Swedish Pavilion that occupies one entire side of the space. This beautiful structure was built for the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis, Missouri. (We learned more about that event during a St. Louis visit here.) Once the fair finished, the pavilion was donated to Bethany College and moved to Lindsborg. In 1969, it would be moved once again, but a much shorter distance this time.

Home Away From Home

Inside the Swedish Pavilion, we found ourselves delving into the history of the Swedish people. They have collected an array of items that represent the culture and heritage of their forefathers from the Old World. This space is open to exploring, and we were enjoying all of the artifacts. Please note that the museum operates Monday through Saturday from 9-5 each day. With all of this newfound knowledge of the city’s ancestors, we were ready to enjoy more Swedish culture. How many of you have visited a World’s Fair site?

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We want to thank Visit Lindsborg and Hemslojd for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

Taste of Sweden

Stepping through the door at Hemslöjd, we were transported to the fjords of Sweden. Okay, maybe that was a little too flamboyant, but it was apparent that northern Europe was the theme in this shop. As we perused the shelves, we found tons of collectibles and souvenirs that we usually don’t see. The shop was seeing a regular stream of shoppers, which is evidently the case most every day. As we made our way through space, we came to a back room, where much of the artistic work takes place.

An Artist at Work

Dala horse history began back in the homeland of Sweden. While no one is sure of the exact date, references to these carved figures date back to at least 1623. In those days, carving Dalecarlian horses was done during the cold winter nights. These were made as toys for children, and reminded them of the importance of the connection with this valuable animal. In the 19th century, the art of carving and painting became an important revenue source for many Swedish residents. This unique art was handed down from generation to generation. At the New York World’s Fair of 1939, Dala horses were introduced to the public. The sudden desire, for this intriguing character, created a need for mass production.

A Break in the Action

The Dala horse history is all about homegrown art, and there are still artists plying this trade. In the backroom of Hemslöjd, we had an opportunity to meet one. Shirley Malm spends many days painting the intricate designs on a variety of items. She welcomed us in and explained how each artist has their own unique style. We are sure that those in the business could tell them apart. For us, they all look so beautiful. We watched as Shirley’s steady hands applied one color after another on a decorative plate. Nearby, many of the custom items were ready for pick up. We had seen other versions of these, at many of the houses around town. Before we left the shop, we picked up one of the brightly colored Dala horses to add to our growing art collection.

They’re Everywhere!

The city of Lindsborg is happy to embrace its Swedish roots and the Dala horse history. One way of doing so is by arranging the placement of the Wild Dala Horse Herd. Throughout town, they have placed 31 fiberglass horses. Each is creatively decorated, as part of a community art project. Many have a theme, that replicates a nearby business. As we explored the city, it was fun uncovering new horses. We even decided which were our favorites. (Mine is pictured above.)

Learning Dala Horse History at Hemslöjd

I will admit that I wasn’t surprised when Crystal chose a coffee themed Dala horse as her favorite. With Lindsborg being such a pedestrian-friendly place to explore, we are confident that you will find your own favorite, as well. Make your plans to visit this uniquely Swedish city, and see the wild herd for yourself. It’s a great place to unwind from the hectic life of the rat race and just enjoy some relaxed time. One question for all of you, how many have seen a Dala horse?

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We want to thank Visit Lindsborg and Blacksmith Coffee for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

Breaking the Mold

Lindsborg is a city of around 3,500 residents. This number swells during the school season, as it is home to Bethany College. While the city has remained steadfast in its Swedish roots, the faces of business have learned to adapt to the changing times. The way that they are forging the future at Blacksmith Coffee, is a perfect example. We started our visit with a couple of cups of their delightful lattes. The relaxed atmosphere of the shop is perfect for easing into the day. Toss in some energy sparking drinks, and we found our explorer spirits awakening.

Forging the Future

The addition of a coffee house on the main drag has certainly brought another layer of amenities to downtown Lindsborg. Blacksmith Coffee has a micro-roaster, so they can offer the freshest taste. An assortment of seating options offers customers a variety of comfort levels. A long community table sits in the middle of the space, while tables line the edge. The conversation area has some comfy armchairs for lounging. It quickly became apparent that the majority of the customers were locals, but they made us feel welcome.

Light Start

After a heavy meal on the previous evening, we were looking for something light to start our day. We decided to add a slice of quiche and a breakfast croissant to our morning. Both were freshly assembled and offered plenty of protein to keep us running. Since our blog is heavily populated with dining articles, it happens that sometimes we are just too full to eat much more. We knew this day would hold more dining options, so we were more interested in sampling the caffeinated drinks at Blacksmith Coffee.

Remembering the Past

While coffee houses are a common business these days, it’s special when you find one housed in a historic building. Inside Blacksmith Coffee, we found that they embrace the past by showcasing the original purpose for the structure. A few billboards tell the story of these early pioneers. The old forge still resides along one wall. We were able to see the marks, left in the brick, from where those early craftsmen created the metal hoops used for wagon wheels. As we explored the space, we wondered if those old-timers realized that they were forging the future of Lindsborg.

Ready to Explore

Now that we had our coffee fix, we were ready to head out exploring. The quaint downtown street was now teeming with activity. A group of local car owners had assembled nearby, showing off their mighty muscle cars and vintage vehicles. Shopkeepers were unlocking their doors and preparing for the day’s business. The sun was rising in the sky and daylight was burning. Time for us to get to work and start our research. After all, lunchtime would be coming sooner than expected.

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