Trip Planner: USA / Kansas / Lindsborg / Parks / Coronado Heights

Coronado Heights, Lindsborg

(95+ reviews on the web)

Nature / Park

Coronado Heights is a hill northwest of Lindsborg, Kansas. It is alleged to be near the place where Francisco Vásquez de Coronado gave up his search for the seven cities of gold and turned around to return to Mexico.Coronado Heights is one of a chain of seven sandstone bluffs in the Dakota Formation and rises approximately 300 feet.In 1915 a professor at Bethany College in Lindsborg found chain mail from Spanish armor at an Indian village excavation site a few miles southwest of the hill, and another Bethany College professor promoted the name of Coronado Heights for the hill. In 1920 the first road was built up the hill, known as Swensson Drive, with a footpath known as Olsson Trail. In 1936, a stone shelter resembling a castle was built on top of the hill as a project of the Works Progress Administration. In 1988 a sculpture by John Whitfield was placed half-way up the hill with the inscription "Coronado Heights 'A Place to Share'".The hill is now Coronado Heights Park, owned by the Smoky Valley Historical Association. Many visitors have carved their names or initials in the soft sandstone at the summit. It is possible to see for miles from the summit, and wildflowers bloom on the hill in spring and summer. In summer, there are many Cnemidophorus sexlineatus viridis lizards around the castle.

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Reviews

TripAdvisor

Ann A

They have restored the castle and bathrooms. It's a great view and offers plenty of opportunities for amazing photos. I would recommend timing your outing to include sunset and don't forget your picni... more »
Louetta S

If you want a quick trip out of town Coronado Heights is your destination. It is a cool castle that has recently been renovated. There are several picnic areas on the grounds. You can enjoy the view o... more »
Joyce C

I was surprised by this castle. I could imagine it being an actual castle. You walk into the tower to enter and come to the steps up to the second level. The steps are steep and narrow and since I hav... more »

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Google

Charlotte Garrett Art

I love this place because it's off the beaten path. It's old and historic. It's recently been renovated. Basically it's a miniature castle on the hill with a place to picnic. When the wind isn't blowing so crazy it's also a great place to picnic on the hillside. There are at least half a dozen stone picnic benches that are placed hillside. It's definitely a cool place to see. Old bathrooms onsite, but I'd use bathroom before I got her.

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Eve Welcome

Visited this place often as a child. Still try and stop here when visiting my home state. It offers an amazing view of the prairie. Make sure you dress warmly. Even in the summer time there's a constant breeze.

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Daniel Asher

Nice place to have a picnic and some decent views but not much else.

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Brianna E

The beautiful "castle" shelter in Coronado Heights Park overlooks the Smoky Hill River Valley, offering an unparalleled 360° view from 300ft up. It was built in the 1930's as a WPA project and remains one of the most unique attractions in Kansas, as well as one of my top 10 favorite spots in the state.

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Ken Wilson

Interesting place, the state could do a lot with it. Will go back when warmer and bring a lunch.

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