Historical Origins: Why Chisago County?
Chisago County earned its nickname “America’s Little Sweden” for good reason. In the mid-1800s, waves of Swedish immigrants arrived in Minnesota, drawn by the promise of fertile farmland, religious freedom, and opportunity. Many settled in the Chisago Lakes region, where the landscape reminded them of their homeland—dense forests, shimmering lakes, and rolling hills.
- The 1837 Indian Treaty opened land for settlement, making the area accessible to immigrants.
- By 1920, Lindström had 92% Swedish-born residents.
Vilhelm Moberg, Sweden’s celebrated author, chose Chisago County as the setting for his Emigrant novels, further cementing the region’s cultural significance.
Trail Development: Honoring the Past, Connecting the Present
The Swedish Immigrant Regional Trail is a 20-mile multi-use path that links the cities of Wyoming, Chisago City, Lindström, Center City, Shafer, and Taylors Falls. It follows a former rail corridor that once carried Swedish settlers westward.
- Developed by the Chisago County Parks and Trails Foundation in partnership with local cities.
- Designed for walking, biking, skating, and accessibility.
- Connects to other regional trails like the Sunrise Prairie Trail and Gateway State Trail.
- Features interpretive signage, scenic overlooks, and cultural landmarks.
The trail is more than a recreational route—it’s a living tribute to the immigrant experience, blending natural beauty with historical storytelling.
Swedish Immigration & Settlement
Between 1850 and 1930, over 250,000 Swedes settled in Minnesota—more than any other U.S. state. Chisago County became a magnet for these settlers due to:
- Agricultural opportunity via the Homestead Act.
- Letters from early settlers describing Minnesota as a “paradise”.
- Religious freedom, especially for Baptists and other minority groups.
- Familiar geography resembling Småland, Sweden.
Swedes established churches, schools, and businesses, many of which still stand today. Their legacy lives on in festivals, architecture, and community traditions.
Modern Connections to Sweden
Chisago County continues to celebrate its Swedish roots:
- Lindström is sister cities with Tingsryd, Sweden.
- Annual events like Karl Oskar Days and Midsommar celebrations draw visitors from Sweden and beyond.
- The Gammelgården Museum in Scandia preserves Swedish immigrant life through historic buildings and cultural programming.
- Swedish signage, barn quilt trails, and statues of Moberg’s characters Karl Oskar and Kristina dot the landscape.
In 1996, King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden visited the area, recognizing its importance in Swedish-American history.
