Lindsborg Named Kansas' Best Small Town in 2026 Best of the Midwest Awards

The south-central Kansas town draws visitors with Dala horses, folk art and traditional festivals year-round

Lindsborg Named Kansas' Best Small Town in 2026 Best of the Midwest Awards
Painted Dala horses—traditional Swedish art forms—are found throughout Lindsborg, Kansas. C2 Photography

LINDSBORG, Kan. — Lindsborg has been named Kansas' representative in the 2026 Best of the Midwest Awards, a list recognizing one standout small town from each of the region's 12 states. The selection, based on editors' reporting trips and visitor experiences, highlights communities known for walkable streets, historic architecture and authentic local culture. Colorfully painted Dala horses — a traditional Swedish art form — line Lindsborg's streets, and ornamental tiles decorate the bright two-story buildings downtown. Shops like Hemslöjd offer folk art and Swedish imports, reflecting a maker culture rooted in the community's Scandinavian heritage.

The town's festival calendar reinforces that identity throughout the year. The annual Midsummer's Festival marks the June solstice with traditional Swedish music, food and celebration, and the holiday season draws visitors to a downtown known for its small-town charm. Lindsborg sits in McPherson County, about three hours west of Kansas City, and is a regular destination for day-trippers and tourists exploring the region.


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