Step into this little town in Polk County and you may just feel like you’ve been transported to Sweden. Stromsburg’s lovely buildings, brick streets, and Swedish signs are all delightfully Swedish features that you can’t help but love.
The town was founded by Swedish immigrants in the 1860s, and those early residents made their new town feel like home by imbuing it with plenty of Swedish features. Stromsburg currently has a population of just over 1100.
Google Maps
When you arrive you’ll no doubt notice the signs saying “Välkommen till Stromsburg” - that’s “Welcome to Stromsburg,” if it wasn’t clear.
By Rockford1963 (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
The cute town is charming in so many ways. You can feel the town’s pride in its heritage everywhere you look.
By Rockford1963 (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Many of the buildings were modeled after Swedish-style structures and give the impression of being in a little European village.
flickr/Ali Eminov
The Charles H. Morrill Homestead is a historic home built in 1872 that’s been perfectly preserved over the years and today gives a look into the area’s early days.
Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=12106348
The Victor E. Wilson House is another historic building that has been preserved for more than a century. These homes are just a few of the buildings that are still in wonderful shape - many of the shops and public buildings are also original, as are the brick streets.
By Ammodramus (Own work) [CC0], via Wikimedia Commons
The town was declared the “Swede Capital of Nebraska” in 1966 by then-Governor Frank Morrison. The town holds that title proudly and uses their wholesome, hardworking reputation to draw visitors from all over the state.
By Rockford1963 (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
By far the biggest event in Stromsburg is the Swedish Midsommar Festival, a celebration of the town’s heritage that brings in visitors from far and wide. The weekend-long festival features dancing, food, Viking demonstrations, parades, carnival rides, and lots more. The town goes all out for the event, and it’s a favorite festival in this region of Nebraska.
Stromsburg Swedish Midsommar Festival
The Midsommar Swedish Festival takes place every June. Get more information about this unforgettable party here.
Google Maps
By Rockford1963 (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
flickr/Ali Eminov
Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=12106348
By Ammodramus (Own work) [CC0], via Wikimedia Commons
Stromsburg Swedish Midsommar Festival
Stromsburg is one of those unique Nebraskan towns that not enough people know about. Have you ever visited? Tell us about your favorite part of Stromsburg in the comments!
Want to visit another town that’s like visiting another country? Wilber is like a little island of the Czech Republic here in Nebraska.
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