Lindstrom's lakeside character in "America's Little Sweden"
Nicknamed “America’s Little Sweden,” Lindstrom showcases its Scandinavian history in its businesses, festivals and even signage. In 2015, the Minnesota governor issued an executive order requiring the state transportation department to add umlauts to highway signs featuring Lindstrom’s name. Locals with deep roots feel connected to the area’s heritage, but newer homebuyers are often attracted by the lakes that nearly surround downtown Lindstrom. The community offers plenty of lakefront properties and Swedish culture, 40 miles away from the Twin Cities.
Modest waterfront homes and inland ranch-style properties
Homes sit along much of Lindstrom’s lakefront, with piers jutting out over the water for boat access. Architecture varies from cabins to bilevel and New Traditional styles, with these smaller homes selling for $350,000 to $650,000. “It’s a little bit less expensive,” says John Clay, a Realtor with Associated Realty who has worked in the area for nearly 40 years. He notes that Lindstrom’s waterfront homes tend to be more modest than some lakes closer to the Twin Cities. While less common in the community, upscale New Traditional lakeside houses can cost $850,000 to $1.2 million. Inland, ranch-style and split-level homes are more common, generally going between $150,000 and $350,000. Lindstrom’s CAP Index Crime Score is 2 out of 10, lower than the national figure of 4.
Karl Oskar Days and Polka Party celebrate area's cultural backgrounds
Lindstrom’s community events often celebrate the cultural backgrounds of the area’s residents. The most prominent is the annual Karl Oskar Days festival held in July, named for the fictional Swedish protagonist of Vilhelm Moberg’s book, "The Emigrants." Festivities include live Swedish music, a parade and fireworks. Meanwhile, the area’s German heritage is highlighted at the winter Polka Party, which has dance lessons and German food and drinks. The twice-weekly Lindstrom Farmers Market sets up between July and October.
Year-round fishing and waterside recreation at Chisago Lakes
Recreation in Lindstrom revolves around the community’s many lakes. Both South Center Lake and South Lindstrom Lake have public boat launches. Fishing is a year-round activity, with traditional rod-and-reel angling over the summer and ice fishing in winter. Several city parks also border the water, including Allemansratt Park, which provides trails and camping near North Center Lake. Beach Park has a sand beach and a playground. Sports facilities include the Chisago Lakes Golf Course, open to the public, and the Chisago Lakes Ice Arena.
Local businesses showcasing the area's Swedish heritage
Lake Boulevard is Lindstrom’s main commercial area, with restaurants and local shops lining the one-way street. Some businesses reflect the city’s heritage, including the Swedish Inn Family Restaurant and Swedish Gift Store. Other popular spots include Lindstrom Bakery, featuring Scandinavian-style doughnuts, and Do It Best hardware store. Nick & Drew’s Discount Foods is a small market, but more grocery options are available in the adjacent Chisago City, alongside additional fast-food spots.
Education at the Chisago Lakes School District
The Chisago Lakes School District serves Lindstrom and receives a B-plus overall grade from Niche. Students may start at A-minus-rated Chisago Lakes Primary Elementary for kindergarten and first grade, followed by B-plus-rated Lakeside Elementary for second through fifth grade. Chisago Lakes Middle receives a B, as does Chisago Lakes High. The high school offers several college-level courses for students to earn credit through Lake Superior College.
Twin Cities are roughly 40 miles from Lindstrom
Arrowhead Transit operates buses in Chisago County, including several routes through Lindstrom. But most commuters drive, rather than taking public transit. U.S. Highway 8 runs through the center of the community, leading roughly 11 miles to Forest Lake, where it connects with Interstate 35. The interstate heads south to the Twin Cities, roughly 40 miles away. “Forest Lake would probably be as far out as people like to go in the suburbs. And then Lindstrom is even a little farther,” Clay says. “But you’re probably heading into the Saint Paul side of town for commutes.” Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, the closest major airport, is a 45-mile drive. The M Health Fairview Lakes Medical Center is the closest hospital, 10 miles to the southwest.
