America's Little Sweden
Lindström, Minnesota
EVENT: Lindström Midsommar Välkommen Ånga (Welcome Steam)
Let’s celebrate our Swedish roots the best way we know how—Midsommar style!
Join us downtown Lindström for Välkommen Ånga (welcome steam), a joyful community gathering as our beloved Coffee Pot Water Tower gets its steam!
Välkommen til Lindström
Welcome to America's Little Sweden
Lindström, Minnesota, and the Chisago Lakes area are deeply rooted in Swedish and Scandinavian heritage, earning Lindström the nickname “America’s Little Sweden”. The region was settled by Swedish immigrants in the mid-1800s, drawn to its fertile land and abundant lakes, which reminded them of their homeland.
The area proudly embraces its Scandinavian identity through landmarks, traditions, and cultural events. Lindström’s iconic coffee pot water tower is a nod to Swedish culture, and the town features monuments honoring early Swedish settlers like Daniel Lindström, Per Andersson, and Erik Norelius. The Karl Oskar House, located in Ki-Chi-Saga County Park, is an original 19th-century Swedish immigrant home that inspired Swedish author Vilhelm Moberg’s famous Emigrant Novels.
Throughout the Chisago Lakes area, you’ll find Scandinavian-themed shops, restaurants serving Swedish cuisine, and annual festivals like Karl Oskar Days, which celebrate the region’s Swedish heritage. The Allemansrätt Park, named after the Swedish philosophy of public access to nature, reinforces the deep connection between the land and Swedish traditions.
It’s a place where history, culture, and natural beauty come together to keep the Scandinavian spirit alive.
Upcoming Community Events
Fantasy of the Lakes Renaissance Festival
Fantasy of the Lakes – The Mastery of Fantasy Skills
13292 Sylvan Ave, Lindstrom, MN 55045
The Mastery of Fantasy
25+ Vendors and your favorite entertainment and a few new ones to enjoy. The Entertainment: Shimmy & Spice Belly Dance, Aluma The Littlest Dragon, Gus The Bard, Courtesan and the Cabin Boy, Munchkin Players and Counter Song. As well as other entertainment with the Sidequest Player are full of riddles and fun, Geoffrey Trapper – he will be happy to give you direction, Pirate Mize Stang will be around to teach the life of pirates.
10am to 6pm
May 18, 2025
10am to 5pm
FREE
National Flag Day
Celebrate Sweden’s National Flag Day – June 6th in Lindström!
Lindström and the Chisago Lakes area proudly honor their Swedish roots while celebrating the American spirit that has shaped this vibrant community. On National Flag Day, we recognize the deep ties between Sweden and the United States, paying tribute to the pioneers who built Lindström and the generations who continue to uphold its traditions.
On June 6th, Swedish and American flags will wave side by side, symbolizing the shared values of freedom, perseverance, and cultural pride. The day is a time for reflection, celebration, and strengthening the bonds between Lindström and its Swedish sister cities, reinforcing the friendships and cultural exchanges that keep traditions alive across generations.
From the Karl Oskar House, inspired by Vilhelm Moberg’s Emigrant Novels, to the historic landmarks and community events, Lindström remains a living tribute to both Swedish heritage and American resilience. The celebration is not just about history—it’s about the present-day connections that unite Lindström with Sweden and the broader American story.
Join us in this joyful tribute to Swedish and American culture, where heritage meets modern-day connections, and experience the spirit of Lindström in full color!
June 6, 2025
FREE
Midsummer Days
Step into the heart of Swedish heritage as Lindström comes alive for Midsummer Days, one of the most cherished celebrations of the year!
Join us at the Karl Oskar House for the traditional maypole dance, where families and friends gather to weave flowers, raise the maypole, and dance in joyful circles to Swedish folk tunes. The air will be filled with live music, laughter, and the spirit of summer as we honor the traditions brought here by Swedish immigrants generations ago.
Throughout town, local businesses will embrace the festivities with special offerings, and the streets will be filled with the sounds of celebration. Whether you’re enjoying Scandinavian delicacies, exploring Lindström’s historic sites, or simply soaking in the festive atmosphere, Midsummer Days is a time to connect, celebrate, and embrace the magic of summer.
Come be part of this joyful tribute to Swedish culture, where tradition meets community, and experience the spirit of Lindström in full bloom!
TBA/TBD: June 2025
FREE
Lindstrom Midsommar Valkommen Anga (Welcome Steam)
Join us downtown Lindström for Välkommen Ånga (welcome steam), a joyful community gathering as our beloved Coffee Pot Water Tower gets its steam!
Traditional Scandinavian games like kubb
Live music & cultural performances
Delicious food trucks & treats
Kids’ zone packed with fun activities
Shopping, local organization booths and moreJune 21, 2025
12pm to 6pm
FREE
Karl Oskar Days
TBD/TBA: 2nd Weekend of July
FREE