- The unique Swedish heritage of Lindsborg is evident in architecture, cuisine, and traditions.
- Hunts for whitetail deer, bison, turkey, and other species are offered at Kansas Trophy Whitetails, near Hudson, KS.
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Megan Hilbish calling turkeys. Jon Blumb photo Year-round hunting and fishing abound with much public land and water.
- Birders, hikers, bikers, paddlers and beachgoers will find top-notch fun here.
by David Zumbaugh
The Outdoor Communicators of Kansas discovered Lindsborg as the home base for the spring conference on May 4- 6, 2025. “Välkommen till Lindsborg” is the city motto and welcome us they did! The unique Swedish heritage of the small town, evident in its architecture, cuisine, and traditions, was a delightful surprise. This tight-knit community promotes the art scene with small and large galleries, including the Birger Sandzén Memorial Art Gallery.
Lindsborg hosts several large festivals that celebrate its culture, art, and local businesses. The city’s website and Facebook page provide detailed descriptions of events, along with the dates for planning a visit. OCK was hosted for dinner by Holly Lofton, Director of the Convention and Visitors Bureau, at the wonderful Sundstrom Conference Center (https://www.lindsborgcity.org/visitor-information).
A craft improvement seminar inspired the group to focus on taking enhanced pictures with cell phones. Jim Richardson, a National Geographic photographer, detailed settings on the camera mode on Apple and Android devices to get creative, professional results. He displayed images side by side on a big screen, comparing phone pictures with photos taken with the most expensive cameras. Differences could hardly be noticed! Jim and his wife, Kathy, run the Small World Gallery at 127 North Main Street, which features his work (www.smallworldgallery.net).
The magnificent Birger Sandzén Memorial Art Gallery is worth a visit. Sandzén was born in Sweden in 1871 and studied art in Stockholm. He came to the USA in 1894 to teach at Bethany College in Lindsborg as the principal art instructor. He produced more than 3,000 paintings and 33,000 prints. His works are on display at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, Missouri; the Brooklyn Museum of Art; the Museum of Fine Arts in Santa Fe; the Library of Congress; the Chicago Art Institute; the Denver Art Museum; the Philadelphia Museum of Art; and the National Museum of Stockholm.
Mike Hartung is currently an active artist of Lindsborg known for his provocative and pointed satirical pieces. He creates giant-format paintings, produced in vivid colors with distorted figures to convey not-so-subtle government tributes. No politician, global or local, is safe from his commentary. Mike has established the Smoky Valley Arts & Folklife Center, a gallery and workshop at 114-1/2 South Main Street. Current exhibition and workshop information can be viewed on their website (www.smokyvalleyartsandfolklifecenter.org).
The next several days found members fishing in the area waters, such as Kanapolis Lake. Unfortunately, even the liars couldn’t get many fish to the net. Others spent time trying to outsmart wily prairie turkeys, with only one put in the bag (by yours truly, with the help of guide Cody Waite). Calling from a high blind, other hunters observed many turkeys and deer, but were unable to get a close enough shot on a gobbler.
Highlighting the get-together was the lodging and hospitality offered by Stan Christiansen and his Kansas Trophy Whitetails operation, near Hudson, Kansas. Stan himself is an accomplished hunter and fisherman, having numerous world record animals from Africa and around the globe. Hunts for whitetail deer, bison, turkey, and other species are offered. Many Pope and Young, as well as Boone and Crockett-class, deer have been harvested on the lodge property (www.kansas-trophy-whitetails.com).
Central Kansas offers amenities that are attractive to all outdoor enthusiasts. Year-round hunting and fishing opportunities abound with much public land and water to explore. But birders, hikers, bikers, and paddlers can also find top-notch offers.
From birding hotspots like Cheyenne Bottoms and Quivira National Wildlife Refuge to the miles of mountain bike and hiking trails at Wilson Lake, Kansas is a paradise for outdoor adventurers. Kanapolis and Wilson Lakes have great waters for paddleboarders, kayakers, and beachgoers.
Plan a visit to Kansas to satisfy your outdoor passions.
You will be glad you made the trip.
For more information, visit: https://www.lindsborgcity.org/visitor-information; https://ksoutdoors.com/; https://travelkansas.com; www.kansas-trophy-whitetails.com; www.smokyvalleyartsandfolklifecenter.org; www.smallworldgallery.net.
