Known as Little Sweden USA, Lindsborg, Kansas, is a small town filled with creative spirit. Here are the best art-focused things to do in Lindsborg, Kansas. 

Founded by Swedish immigrants in 1869, Lindsborg, Kansas, is also known as ‘Little Sweden USA.’ Mikhail Gorbachev dined at Öl Stuga in  2005, and international chess champion, Anatoly Karpov, founded the International School of Chess of the Midwest (Anatoly Karpov International School of Chess) here. Also, at Coronado Heights Park, a stone monument honors Francisco Vasquez de Coronado’s 1500s visit to this valley. But Lindsborg’s longstanding creative spirit draws me back again and again. Approximately half an hour from I-70, exploring this small town’s artistic side is among my favorite things to do in Lindsborg.

Art-full Destinations

Last summer was the perfect time to explore this vibrant little town. Brightly painted Swedish Wild Dala horses, the size of small ponies, greeted me along Main Street. Covered in historic images, Legacy commemorated the 150th anniversary of Swedish immigrants who settled here in the spring of 1869. A blue Dala featured hand-painted farm scenes, while a gold Dala with white intersecting lines depicted Unexpected Visitors.

Another Main Street Dala. Photo by Lisa Waterman Gray

These are among 30+ Wild Dalas that Lindsborg visitors can view with the help of Visit Lindsborg’s online map. Perhaps my favorite Dala was a bright red horse accentuated with sky blue, deep green, sunny yellow, and brilliant white designs. One of these delightful statues decorated the sidewalk in front of a Main Street store.

Among dozens of Wild Dala horses in Lindsborg, this was a favorite. Photo by Lisa Waterman Gray

Local Home of Swedish Dala Horses

Another red Dala flanked the entrance at Hemslöjd Swedish Gifts.  This shop’s decidedly Swedish design influence extends from blankets and pillows to decorative candle holders. There are also Swedish-inspired puzzles, ornaments, and etched glassware. Dalas of many sizes and colors fill the shop.

I loved watching house artists as they crafted more whimsical Dalas. In the back room, a bearded craftsman wore a dust-filled apron as he cut each creature’s body on a table saw. Then Julie Holk painstakingly painted bright designs on a 12-inch-long Dala. Dozens more Dalas on adjacent walls awaited her expertise.

Julie Holk paints Dala horses at Hemslöjd Gift Shop. Photo by Lisa Waterman Gray

Nat Geo Photography Plus Silver Jewelry

Less than a five-minute walk from Hemslöjd, Small World Gallery beckoned. Stunning large-scale prints of landscape and social issue-focused photographs lined one wall of this bright, airy space. They’re the work of longtime National Geographic photographer, and co-owner, Jim Richardson.

Jim’s wife, Kathy, also displays IBISwoman jewelry crafted by in-house silversmith Briana Zimmerling. In addition, customers can peruse handmade scarves, whimsical journals, children’s books, and much more.

Children’s books occupy one large bookshelf at Small World Gallery. Photo by Lisa Waterman Gray

Legendary Local Art, One of the Things to Do in Lindsborg, Kansas

The Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery is another favorite Lindsborg spot. Born in Sweden, Sandzén initially taught languages, art, and vocal music at local Bethany College. He was then the college’s principal art instructor for several decades. Sandzén once wrote, “ A work of art is a personal message from soul to soul and cannot be made into formulas.”

His artistry encompassed 2,600 oil paintings and 500 watercolors plus 207 lithographs, 94 block prints, and 27 drypoints (a printmaking process). And his prolific draftsmanship filled more than 80 sketchbooks. Sandzén was a guest instructor at the Kansas City Art Institute and at Stephens College in Columbia, MO. Sandzén also taught summer classes in Colorado, Michigan, and Utah.

Groups can schedule visits to Birger Sandzén’s nearby studio. Photo by Lisa Waterman Gray

Showcasing Contemporary Artists in the Gallery is One of the Things to Do in Lindsborg

The Gallery opened in 1957, featuring a retrospective of the artist’s work. Many Sandzén works remain on display, but rotating exhibits include work by additional creatives.

Multi-Faceted Art Fills this Vintage Home

But it’s Lester Raymer’s endless array of artistry that most attracts me to Lindsborg. Three-dimensional art—of which he was a master—truly captivates me. I could easily spend hours at the Red Barn Studio Museum. 

From the moment I entered this cozy house on a tree-filled lot, art was everywhere. Even the vintage wood front door displayed metalwork birds, a sun face, and other animals.

Even the front door at the Red Barn Studio Museum is full of art. Photo by Lisa Waterman Gray

Inside, an intricate, multi-colored quilt hung near a black metal, candle-holding chandelier. In an adjacent room, Raymer had hand-carved figures into the fireplace surround and crafted intricate wrought iron fireplace utensils. A glass case displayed Raymer’s carved wood Noah’s Ark with dozens of waiting animals. A plaster eagle decorated a table lamp base, and a cymbal-playing clown wore hand-sewn clothing.

Raymer’s creativity extended to fabric and metal art. Photo by Lisa Waterman Gray

Recycled materials in Raymer’s art, such as tin cans that became intricate hanging ornaments or crosses, also appealed to me. In fact, many of his art materials came from the dump and salvage yards or tag sales and auctions.

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Discovering Art-Focused Things to Do in Lindsborg, Kansas

Wild Dalas along Main Street or inside Hemslojd, Jim Richardson’s stunning images, and gorgeous IBISwoman Jewelry are several art-focused things to do in Lindsborg, KS. To truly taste the town’s artistic legacy, visit the Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery and The Red Barn Studio Museum. Let Wander With Wonder be your guide when planning your next art excursion to Kansas or elsewhere around the world or across the street.

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