Lindsborg, Kansas: Coronado Heights WPA Castle

The Spanish explorer Coronado supposedly passed near Lindsborg in the 16th century, so in the 20th century a pseudo-Spanish "castle" picnic shelter was built on the highest hill in the area.

Coronado Heights WPA Castle

This place is absolutely gorgeous! Numerous picnic tables overlooking all of Kansas. Take the kids inside the structure and they'll be thrown into the past. Bring something sharp to carve your name into the rocks! Roads leading to this are dirt and unpaved. Entrance is actually just to the west of the cemetery.

[Mike, 05/09/2011]

Coronado Heights WPA Castle

Definitely worth the time it takes to get here. Amazing views!

[Rob, 07/06/2010]

Coronado Heights WPA Castle

The castle and grounds were a WPA project in the 1930s, as I understand it. It's meant to commemorate the northernmost point of Coronado's travels. I'm not sure what the castle has to do with that, but it's a neat place to spend an afternoon. The views are spectacular, and the little hiking trails are a delight. The picnic terraces offer some protection from the winds, and most offer a great view of the surrounding farm/ranch/prairie land. I moved away from Kansas a number of years ago, but this was a fun destination when I was a kid.

I'm not sure I'd want to be out there after dark, and some of the drop offs are rather steep, but sundown from the roof of the castle is a sight to behold. Pack a cooler, and bring some TP... the kids will love it. Keep in mind this attraction is down a gravel road, and the path up to the top of the hill switches back on itself rather sharply. Leave the church car at home and take the truck.

[Libby Melugin, 09/01/2007]