Coronado Heights
Lindsborg, KS
A hilltop with a small stone castle and a wide view over the Smoky Valley, a short drive from Lindsborg. Come near sunset for the light, and pack a picnic for the tables on the hill.
Coronado Heights rises about 90 meters (300 feet) above the floor of the Smoky Valley, roughly 5 km (3 miles) northwest of Lindsborg. The hill is made of Dakota Formation sandstone and offers a panoramic view over the river valley and rolling hills. The stone "castle" with its observation deck and turrets was built in 1936 as a WPA project; the name recalls the Spanish explorer Francisco Vázquez de Coronado, who is said to have been in the area around 1541, though there is no firm evidence of this.
The park is looked after by the Smoky Valley Historical Association and is open daily from dawn into the evening. There are picnic areas, a road leads to the top, and a mountain bike loop of about 5 km (3 miles) circles the hill. Allow one to two hours; the light is best in the late afternoon. The site combines well with a visit to Lindsborg.
- Nearest town
- Lindsborg, KS
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 38.5940, -97.7960
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. Hot in July–August. Cold, short days in January–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- McPherson County Old Mill Picnic/CampCampsite7 mi from Coronado Heights
- Kanopolis State Park Mulberry CampgroundCampsite9 mi from Coronado Heights
- Kanopolis State Park Sumac CampgroundCampsite9 mi from Coronado Heights
- Love's RV StopMotorhome stopover18 mi from Coronado HeightsMotorhomes
- Battle Hill RV ParkMotorhome stopover19 mi from Coronado HeightsMotorhomesWi-Fi
- Sundown RV ParkMotorhome stopover20 mi from Coronado HeightsMotorhomes
All campsites in Kansas · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Coronado Heights?
Coronado Heights is in Lindsborg, KS, at GPS 38.5940, -97.7960. It is about 38 mi from Hutchinson.
Can you camp near Coronado Heights?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is McPherson County Old Mill Picnic/Camp, about 7 mi away; within 25 mi there are 20 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Coronado Heights?
Places worth a stop nearby: Lindsborg (7 mi), Mushroom Rock State Park (16 mi), Cosmosphere (37 mi) and Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum (38 mi).
When is the best time to visit Coronado Heights?
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)