Wow! Visiting Coronado Heights was one of the highlights of my trip to south central Kansas. Kansas isn't known for its elevation, but this is one place in the area where you can feel like you're up high. In reality, it's just a hill, sitting in front of a plain, asking you to love it. But it's a pretty neat hill, Coronado Heights is. And on the top of the hill is a castle! Yes, there's a real castle here, which you can explore. It's believed that Spanish explorer Francisco Vasquez de Coronado and his soldiers used this area as a lookout point because it sits about 300 feet above the prairie. All kinds of historical items have been found in this area that back up this idea, including bits of chain mail and Spanish coins. I visited around sunset, which is a beautiful time to visit. There are a few picnic areas that you can use, with fire pits, grills and tables. The people I was with had the foresight to bring some marshmallows, chocolate and graham crackers, so we made some s'mores and enjoyed them in the twilight near the castle. It was a beautiful time. One thing to note: The restrooms are primitive (aka port-a-potties). read more

This place is advertised as the "best view in kansas", i wouldn't say that, but It's a good view! We really wanted to see the history behind this place but there were limited signs. You gotta look it up yourself. With that being said, this is a great place to visit. There are cool structures, lots of tables for picnics, and a bathroom. The castle has stairs you can walk up which allows you to look over the edge. In the fall this would be beautiful!! read more

Coronado Heights - Parks Near Me - Lindsborg, Kansas

Created as part of a WPA project this historic spot is a must visit when in the area. You drive up the winding hill and at the top you'll find a really cool "castle" built by the WPA for enjoyment by the public. It's surrounded by the regional folklore that Coronado made it this far north before turning around and subsequently returning to Spain. There's a lot to love here, from the spectacular views, to the surrounding nature, to the history of the building itself. Below are my tips for optimal enjoyment: 1. Use the restroom before you get here. I think there are some on site, but they don't look great, and while the local municipalities try to keep this place up to snuff it's frequently vandalized by teens so I have very little confidence in the restrooms being super clean. 2. Wear good shoes! There are a few great little trails up top and it's fun to explore. 3. Bring your camera. The views from up top are really spectacular. 4. Keep your eyes peeled for native plants and wildlife. Last time I was here I saw a horn toad! 5. Have fun! Keep small kiddos close by as the top of this structure does not have great barriers, and I bet there are snakes about. read more

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Coronado is a great spot for pictures or a midday walk. The view is incredible. Please relieve yourself before you go! (Theres one "bathroom" and its not for the faint) read more

Coronado Heights - Top of Coronado - Parks Near Me - Lindsborg, Kansas

This place is a must see if haven't seen. There's a potty for bathroom, but it was to dirty, so use the bathroom beforehand. Great place to stop and relax for a while. They have tables for picnic. Bring food and drinks. There's a fireplace if needed to set a fire going. Great place for parties or dates. Last 3 miles of gravel road to get here, but I seen Tesla's drive through. Great place for sunsets and sunrises. read more

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My husband and I stopped by this roadside attraction during our short getaway to Lindsborg. We went to the top of the castle and you can see the countryside for miles! There are hiking trails for you to go in which we plan to do next time when I'm wearing appropriate shoes! There are a dozen or more picnic table areas set up and each also have a fire pit area. It's pretty neat. The bathrooms there are pretty rough though. Lol. Can't wait to go back and show our kids. read more

Coronado Heights - Coronado Heights, my husband and I stopped to check it out - Parks Near Me - Lindsborg, Kansas

Apparently this spot got its name after a Spanish dubloon was found up on the hill. It was supposed this was the farthest north Coronado ventured. I came here with my boyfriend and we had to dodge a busload of tots who were jumping through the little castle, but it was well worth the adventure. The lichen-covered rocks that were laid down with such purpose by the Work Progess Administration in the 1930s... The ridiculously cute matching BBQ pit across the site... The view of giant Kansas sky... The fact that you're in the middle of nowhere (pardon the exaggeration, folks) on top of a miniature castle and you've just climbed through a hole in the ceiling to get to where you're at. If you don't enjoy the legend, you've got to enjoy that. If you're coming through the Salina/Lindsborg area you should check it out-- weather permitting, of course. There are some steep hills so rain and ice could make this place tricky. Great place to stop and picnic, rest from the road or bring the kids. Even a whole busload of them. read more

Coronado Heights - Parks Near Me - Lindsborg, Kansas

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Definitely a place to take the kids for a fun filled day. Wander around, it's worth it! read more

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Great views of the countryside, and nice trails you can walk or ride bikes on. Has a few tables for picnicking.

My husband and I escape to Coronado Heights for beautiful scenery - preferably at sunset- while visiting family in the Salina area. I came here as a kid on many a school field trip, and I still enjoy walking around the Heights. This place gets 5 stars for being all the tallest natural site in the area and for the views! It's not too hard to get to. Just look for the "castle" on top the hill outside Lindsborg. Directions from Lindsborg: Drive to the north end of Main St, turn left on W Swenson Ave, right on 13th Ave, left on W Coronado Heights Road (a dirt road). Caution: you might not want to up there after heavy rains or when there's a lot of snow on the ground! (I risked my neck and a visiting Chinese friend's neck one snowy December day when it was snow-packed, ice-covered road. I chugged the car up, but we had to gracefully slide our way down.) Info from the Internet: It is a dominant geological feature of the Smoky Valley in central Kansas, three miles northwest of Lindsborg. It rises 300 feet above the surrounding plains. It is one of seven bluffs along the west side of the seven mile wide valley of the Smoky Hill River. It is southernmost of the seven low hills which are sometimes referred to as the Spanish Buttes. The park was crowned with the "Spanish Castle," built with federal WPA funds, in 1936. read more

This was a great find. My son and I was on a drive and wandered on this place. The view was fantastic. If your in the area this is a must see. No not mistake it read more

Really dug this. It was a neat place to stop off on our road trip New Year's Day 2016. It's not very well marked at all. Another reviewer did an excellent job with the details so I won't be long winded with this one. But it's a neat place with a lovely view and some space to stretch your legs and take a short walk or hike. Plenty of picnic tables, a few inside the castle and several more outside. There are a few different spots where guests can build a small fire as well. Very crude restroom facilities with no stalls or door, but better than having to go behind a bush at least! Almost no signage here as I mentioned earlier. There is a circular winding, narrow, but well cared for road leading up to the park and castle. We had a very windy picnic and enjoyed a bit of exploring. I'd come back! read more

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It is a fun stop and you can see for miles. It is a must see! It's a good place for a picnic.

Closed for renovations. You can go to the top of the hill, which is a great view of the area, but the main structure is closed & fenced off, so cannot enter or see inside. There is a bunker type building on top of the hill as well, but the area was not cared for, so brush & grasses were very tall around it. Kind of creepy & uninviting. Lots of graffiti on picnic tables & whole area needs to be mowed/brush hogged. read more

It was plain awesome! I loved it, though the castle was cool I liked the different paths the best. Never go into the path that goes into the forest,you'll get stuck on all of the thorns.But the forest is cool to explore. I think if you live close you have to see it! read more