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

Coronado Heights, Lindsborg

4.4

#14 of 50 in Parks in Kansas

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 Traveler Rating

105 reviews

Google

4.8

ThomasTCat

This is well worth the drive to see the spectacular views of the Kansas countryside. Climbing the steps can be tricky because they are different heights and not uniform, so you have to pay attention w... more »
Corey P

Only a couple of miles outside of Lindsborg and off I-135, this free attraction is worth a stop. A winding road will take you to the top of Coronado Heights, where a sandstone castle and panoramic vie... more »
linda h

A bit off the beaten path but well worth the visit. A few miles outside of Lindsborg. Climb up top for a stunning 360 vista of KS. Stairs are a little old and steep but a short distance up. We were th... 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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Devin Gorman

Based on the history, very cool place to visit. Not a whole lot to do, but it's unique and provides a fantastic view of the surrounding area. We watched the sunset and it was beautiful.

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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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Debarshi Saha

Amazing place for a day picnic. Wonderful views of the surroundings!

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Daniel Asher

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

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