How to Spend a Summer Day in Lindström, Minnesota, with Kids
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Looking for a fun summer day trip from Minneapolis with kids? Lindström, Minnesota, is the perfect spot. And, it's just under an hour away! Known for its rich Scandinavian heritage, this charming small town comes alive in the summer with lakeside views, friendly vibes, and plenty of family-friendly adventures. My husband, daughter, and I love spending time here when the weather warms up, whether we're exploring parks, enjoying time on the water, or grabbing a sweet treat in town. There are so many fun summer things to do in Lindström with kids! If you're searching for how to spend the day in Lindström with kids, this guide will help you plan the perfect outing. I've included my favorite summer day trip ideas for Lindström-let's dive in!
Start Your Day at the Lindström Bakery
Start your day in the sweetest way at the Lindström Bakery, a charming downtown staple for decades. This cozy, recently remodeled bakery has a welcoming, small-town feel. And, it offers an absolutely irresistible pastry case filled with fresh donuts and classic baked goods-including traditional Swedish treats (a nod to the town's Scandinavian roots).
While they keep it simple with drip coffee only, the real stars here are the pastries. Be sure to try a cardamom bun-fluffy, fragrant, and perfectly sweet. It's my go-to!
Kids will love picking out their own donut or treat. And, of course, parents will appreciate the relaxed, no-fuss vibe. If you're looking for places to eat breakfast in Lindström with kids, this is an easy and delicious way to kick off your day of exploring.
If you need a coffee that isn't drip coffee, head over to Northwoods Roasterie. It's just a few minutes on foot from the bakery.
Watch the Coffee Pot Water Tower Steam at 10
Happens daily in the summer at 10 and 3.
Next, step outside to catch one of the most unique summer things to do in Lindström with kids. Watch the iconic Coffee Pot Water Tower steam! You can even watch it from outside the bakery!
Originally built in 1908, this historic tower was transformed into a giant Swedish coffee pot. It's even complete with a spout and handle! The tower features the Swedish phrase "Välkommen till Lindström" ("Welcome to Lindström"), adding to its storybook feel. It's now a beloved landmark and a true symbol of Lindström's charm, creativity, and Swedish heritage.
Each day, the tower "brews" at 10 a.m. and again at 3 p.m., releasing a short burst of steam for about five minutes. It's a fun, memorable moment that kids will love watching (and honestly, adults do too!).
Explore the Franconia Sculpture Park
Now that your tummies are full and you've had your coffee fix, it's time to head just a few minutes down the road to Franconia Sculpture Park (technically, located in Shafer). This unique sculpture park is undoubtedly one of the best summer things to do with kids near Lindström.
This massive outdoor museum is a must-see on summer day trips to Lindström. Filled with towering sculptures, whimsical installations, and interactive art pieces, it's the kind of place where curiosity and imagination take center stage. Kids love running from piece to piece, getting up close, and discovering art they can touch, climb around, and experience in a hands-on way. (Note, not all pieces are hands-on. Watch for signs.)
Wide walking paths make it easy to explore the park at your own pace. And, there's always something new to see around each corner. Franconia Sculpture Park is also a fun opportunity to get creative together. Challenge your kids to pick their favorite sculpture. Bring a sketch pad to recreate them on paper. Or, make up stories about what the art represents. We love turning it into a game and letting my daughter's imagination lead the way!
Best of all, it's free to visit (donations are welcome). And, you'll find on-site parking, restrooms, and a small gift shop. On a warm summer day, it's an easy and memorable stop when thinking about how to spend the day in Lindström with kids.
Grab Lunch at Gustaf’s On Main Eatery
For a delicious lunch after the sculpture park, head to Gustaf's on Main Eatery. This charming, historic house-turned-café is located back in downtown Lindström. Genuinely, this is my favorite restaurant in town. Any time I visit Lindström, this is where I'm eating! I've brought so many friends and family members here. They've all loved it too!
The menu at Gustaf's is full of comforting favorites. Select from hearty panini and homemade soups to their famous Swedish pancakes topped with lingonberries. If you've never had Swedish pancakes before, I highly recommend ordering them here!
Kids have their own menu, with options like sandwiches and smaller portions of those delicious Swedish pancakes. It's easy to find something everyone will enjoy here.
And if you're looking for something sweet, their ice cream scoops are generous. Not in the mood for ice cream? A slice of homemade pie is just as tempting. (Trust me on this one!)
To top it off, the owners are so sweet and kind! Gustaf's is undoubtedly one of the best places to eat lunch in Lindström with kids, offering a cozy, welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel right at home.
Support Local in Downtown Lindström
After lunch, browsing downtown shops is a highlight amongst the best summer things to do in Lindström with kids. You can start right from Gustaf’s On Main Eatery. Next door to the cafe, you'll find Picket Fence Gals and Glädje, two of my favorites!
Picket Fence Gals offers a cozy mix of antiques and upcycled gems spread across two inviting buildings (it's perfect for treasure hunting!). You never know what you'll find here! For Scandinavian-inspired art and local creativity, Glädje is the place to be! The shop even offers a fun scavenger hunt to keep kids engaged while you shop (my daughter loves doing it!).
Then, head further into downtown for more boutiques, antiques, and fun finds. For even more whimsy, visit Ghosts in the Attic. Browse gifts, décor, and an impressive selection of stickers. Then, don't miss The Oven Mitt. It's a local favorite for kitchen gadgets. As one of my personal favorite kitchen stores in Minnesota, I promise, it's one of those shops you'll be glad you didn't skip. To round things out, swing by the Swedish Gift Store for traditional sweets, souvenirs, and beautifully made Swedish gifts.
Shopping downtown is a fun, relaxed way to browse and stroll after lunch. And, a fun way for anyone wondering how to support local while spending the day in Lindström with kids. No matter which shops you pop into, I'm sure you'll find a special reminder of your Lindström adventure to bring hope with you!
Take a Hike at Allemansrätt Park
Now that you've had a chance to explore downtown, it's time to explore a different side of Lindström. Take a hike at Allemansrätt Park! This is one of our favorite summer things to do in Lindström with kids. And, I promise, the trails are gorgeous! I can be unbelievably green here in the summer.
This beautiful, family-friendly park is perfect for a quick outdoor adventure (just minutes from downtown). The 1.3-mile loop is ideal for families. It's long enough to feel like a real adventure for your kids, but short enough to keep little legs happy.
In the summer, the trails are perfect for spotting wildlife. We even saw a muskrat once! Trails wind through towering trees and along the lakeshore. The charming bridge is perfect for family photos!
With its scenic views and quiet, tucked-away feel, this park is a lovely reminder of the natural beauty that makes summer day trips to Lindström so special. Plus, with convenient parking at the trailhead, it's an easy and rewarding stop to add to your day.
A Few More Summer Things to Do near Lindström with Kids
If you have extra room in your day, want to make a few swaps, or plan to spend a whole weekend in Lindström, you may be looking for even more kid-friendly summer activities in the Chisago Lakes area. Consider adding one of these ideas to your itinerary as you plan how your family will spend the day in Lindström:
- Wild River State Park (near Almelund) offers 30+ miles of hiking, skate-skiing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing trails.
- Interstate State Park (Taylors Falls) has stunning glacial potholes, scenic river views, and several miles of hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. This is another spot that is lovely in all seasons!
- The Swedish Immigrant Regional Trail is another great option for families looking for hiking trails in the area.
- Moberg Park in Center City and Beach Park in Lindström offer playgrounds and space to run around.
- Ki Chi Saga County Park has a playground and a historic home you can tour on Sundays.
- The Lindstrom farmers’ market is a great option if you're visiting on Wednesdays or Saturdays.
- Picnic with alpaca at Evergreen Oasis Farm & Market in Center City (on Saturdays)
Have Fun Exploring Lindström, Minnesota, this Summer with Your Kids!
From charming downtown shops to lakeside views, unique local treats, and memorable stops along the way, there are so many fun summer things to do in Lindström with kids. I hope this guide helps you feel confident about how to spend the day in Lindström with kids and inspires you to plan your own fun-filled outing. As you can see, summer day trips to Lindström are all about enjoying simple, meaningful moments together. Have fun exploring Lindström, Minnesota, this summer with your kids!
