Dr. Duane Fredrickson 1939-2020 Maintained Coronado Heights 45+ Years

Long before Coronado Heights became a park in 1919, groups of people still made it a picnic area. It is the best view in Kansas. 

Before there was a castle, there was Fernebo Lodge. It was built in the spring of 1920 and the park along with lodge and 80' flag pole with a 5'X10' American flag was dedicated that May. It even had a telephone ran up to it (phone number 1621). The chimney still stands as a picnic area.

The lodge provided shelter in bad weather, and a place to sit against when it was nice. A guest book was placed inside for visitors to sign. By August 1920, there were 1580 signers, 1146 were from out of town and 167 from other states. 

In 1920, Lindsborg businesses shut down for a couple of days so townspeople could cut through rock and shovel to make a road.

Lindsborg Historical Society, predecessor to SVHA, sold Coronado Heights to Saline County for $1 in order for the park to qualify for this nationwide beautification. This photo shows some of the local workers who built the castle and picnic areas.

After the castle was completed, large sandstone rocks were placed in front, those eventually were moved and natural grasses planted.

With the completion of the WPA Project, the stone castle became a popular photo spot.

The gateway to the best view in Kansas.

The driving road was named "Swensson Drive" after Bethany College founder Carl A. Swensson. A walk path was also laid out, named "Olsson Trail" after Paster Olof Olsson, who brought a large group of Swedes to Lindsborg to make a settlement.

Upon SVHA buying Coronado Heights Park back from Saline County in 1987, artist John Whitfield made this 14' tall sculpture to commemorate the transaction and honor the park's namesake, Francisco Vasquez de Coronado.

The simple phrase "A Place to Share" was etched into the back of the Coronado 1541 monument.

A dog's view from the upper deck of Coronado Heights castle

Underground springs provided fresh, cool water at the base of the buttes that would become Coronado Heights. That made for picnicking and walking up the trail more comfortable during the summer months. 

Coronado Heights has been captured in many art forms, from charcoal to photography. 

Early automobile on Swensson Drive with the first bridge 1920s.

This early 1920s photo was most likely one of the many celebrations held on Coronado Heights. Well organized 4th of July events were held there as well.

Elizabeth Jaderborg (1918-2016) is a founding member of the reformed Smoky Valley Historical Association, but this photo takes her back to a couple of years after she first arrived in the Smoky Valley as a newlywed to Einar Jaderborg. She is sitting on top of Coronado Heights Castle.

Elizabeth was the founder of the Swedish Folk Dance Group and wrote many articles and books under the Pseudonym, Selma Lind as well as her own name.

Classic cars, owned by the late Marvin Johnson and Landvis Ferm, were displayed on Coronado Heights in 2016 during a contract-signing event to start a major renovation on the castle. 

2018 acknowledgement. The award was presented January of 2019, which was the start of the 100th anniversary of the park.

Wichita Eagle Newspaper photographer, Travis Heying captured this super moon behind Coronado Heights castle. 

Dr. Fredrickson and Fred Briggs, along with many volunteers, kept the park clean for many years. Leland Nelson continues this work and welcomes any help.