Lindsborg lives up to "Little Sweden" legacy

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Lindsborg, Kansas—often called “Little Sweden, USA”—was founded in 1869 by a group of Swedish immigrants led by Pastor Olof Olsson. Drawn by the promise of fertile farmland and a desire to build a community grounded in faith, education, and Swedish traditions, these settlers left behind their homeland in Värmland, Sweden for the Smoky Valley of central Kansas.

Upon arrival, they established their first homes, laid out a main street, and built a Lutheran church that served as both a house of worship and social center. Under the leadership of Olsson and, later, the dynamic Pastor Carl Aaron Swensson, Lindsborg developed steadily. In 1881, Swensson founded Bethany Academy—later Bethany College—in the sacristy of the church, solidifying Lindsborg’s reputation as an educational hub. Fittingly, the school’s colors were chosen to mirror the Swedish flag: blue and yellow.

By the early 1900s, Lindsborg was home to multiple churches, a thriving Main Street, and about 2,000 residents. The surrounding farmland yielded wheat, while the town’s businesses—from flour mills to newspapers—catered to both Swedish-speaking newcomers and the wider Kansas economy. People traveled from nearby communities to attend church services, shop, and learn the Swedish language, which was taught in local schools and spoken in many homes for decades.

Over time, Lindsborg earned its nickname as Little Sweden by preserving traditions that evoke the old country. Strolling through its downtown, visitors still spot the colorful Dala horse—a symbol of Swedish folk culture—on sidewalks and storefront signs. Local shops celebrate Scandinavian craftsmanship, offering everything from hand-carved figurines to imported textiles.

Though Lindsborg has grown and modernized alongside the rest of the state, it has remained devoted to its roots. Residents uphold Swedish folkways with pride, seeing them as a bridge between past and present. Many can still trace their ancestry to the original founders. Even those without Swedish heritage often join in the town’s customs, recognizing the value of a shared history that sets Lindsborg apart. Publications often list Lindsborg among America’s most attractive small towns, citing its blend of Midwest friendliness and European flavor.

Lindsborg punches above its weight in culinary offerings. Last fall, I had friends visit from grad school out East. None had ever been to Kansas before and they were used to Big City things. We started at Blacksmith Coffee on Main Street, had lunch at Bella Sol Bistro (citizen journal 3-star restaurant), and ended with a homemade vodka at ÖL STUGA, where they are still coasting from former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev's visit 20 year ago. My friends loved it.

With a legacy woven into every business sign, festival, and neighborhood gathering, Lindsborg stands as a testament to how communities can maintain their culture, even thousands of miles from home.

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