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From some of the best hiking in Horsethief Canyon, located at Kanopolis State Reservoir to Swedish Festivals and Events, you will find plenty to do year-round.
Get a taste of Swedish heritage and traditions at Svensk Hyllningsfest, the biennial celebration of honoring the Swedish immigrants who settled in the Smoky Valley in 1869. Started in 1941, the festival features art, crafts, special foods, ethnic music, folk dancing, parade, smörgåsbord and special entertainment. The festival coincides with the Bethany College Football Homecoming. Or, don your blomkran for the annual Midsummer's Festival, a national Swedish holiday celebrated with Swedish food, music, dancing, art, games and the raising of the Midsommarstång (Midsummer Pole). Enjoy the the Christmas season with a horse drawn wagon ride during Lucia festivities. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the fully restored 1898 Smoky Valley Roller Mills,put into operation once a year for the annual Millfest hosted by the McPherson County Old Mill Museum. Lively harmonies of Americana folk music are provided by regional musicians. A quilt show in the 1904 Swedish Pavilion is sponsored by the McPherson Quilt Guild. Vintage motorcycle demonstrations (weather permitting), wood carvers, wheat and fiber art weaving exhibitors will be ready and willing to take you back in time. Experience a one-room schoolhouse and booming Civil War cannons. Challenge your dexterity with old fashioned hoops and stilts. These are just some of the sights and sounds to retrace the steps of a bygone era.
Like hunting, fishing or bird watching? Smoky Valley Shooting Sports offers one of the best selections of firearms in Kansas, along with training and services for the avid outdoorsman. They also can recommend local guide services.
A short drive away, Kanopolis Reservoir offers plenty of water for fishing, boating, water skiing and some of the best bird watching around. Every spring brings the hatching of new bald eagles. In the winter, the lake offers a perfect habitat for a winter food source for the eagles.
Horsthief Canyon hosts great views and incredible history for the avid hiker. Named one of the top places to hike in the Midwest by Midwest Living.
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