12 Hours in Lindsborg, Kansas: Here’s Everything You Need to Do

All over the country, we have communities founded on a shared heritage. Little Italys and Chinatowns come to mind. Yet, you may be surprised to find a little slice of Scandinavian heaven in central Kansas by way of Lindsborg. This small town, lovingly referred to as Little Sweden USA, is nothing short of one of the cutest towns I've ever seen. Even with just a few short hours, you can get to know Lindsborg, whether you're checking out all the arts and culture or simply counting the Dala horses.

Find All the Dala Horses

Dala horses are likely to be the first thing you notice about Lindsborg. These adorable hand-painted horses are found throughout the town. Synonymous with Swedish culture, the Dala horse has come to be a representative of the heritage, so it's no wonder they've hit the streets of Little Sweden. For someone with only a few hours to get to know the town, these artsy horses are a terrific snapshot of both Lindsborg and Kansas. Each of the 30 horses is decorated with a different theme that showcases its home. For instance, the Blossom horse is covered in sunflowers, the state flower of Kansas. However, my favorite was Lullaby, the nighttime-themed horse that resides outside of the Dröm Sött Inn.

Admire the Artistry

From colorful homes to the picturesque downtown, Lindsborg is full of magnificent artistry. Despite its petite size, there are quite a few artistic adventures to be had here. You could venture to Hemslöjd to admire the handiwork of the local craftspeople or buy your own hand-painted Dala horse for home. You can even see more of the world at the aptly named Small World Gallery, which is owned by National Geographic photographer Jim Richardson. Between these spots and others like the Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery, the heritage museums, and the other gallery spaces, you'll wonder why you didn't plan a whole weekend here.

Spend the Night

I know this is cheating, but if you arrive in the evening and sleep, it'll feel like just a few hours. If you want a real taste of Lindsborg as a town and one of the most hospitable destinations you'll ever encounter, you must stay overnight. And there is no better place to do that than the Dröm Sött Inn, whose name translates to "sweet dreams," which sums up the experience of visiting this place.

Lovingly decorated with Scandinavian art, comforting colors, and an incredible breakfast in the morning, I still think of Dröm Sött Inn often. Even if you aren't a fan of bed and breakfast environments, this century-old hotel may very well change your mind. If it doesn't, perhaps the Dala horse cookie will.

Are you ready to see why Lindsborg is so special or explore the wilds of the Midwest? Try inputting your destination details and trip plans into the Only In Your State travel planner to get you started!

Amanda visited Lindsborg while on a press trip with Kansas Tourism. However, all opinions and thoughts shared here are their own.