The Höglund Dugout

The Höglund Dugout kmorr182 (Atlas Obscura User)

The Höglund Dugout is an interesting site to visit if you happen to be traveling near Lindsborg, Kansas. A bit off the trail, but not far from the Coronado Heights Castle, is a 6-foot-by-12-foot pit dug into the ground, complete with reinforced stone walls.

This dugout was once the hand-built home of Gustaf and Maria Höglund, where they lived while constructing their larger home and homestead. Their permanent home took around two years to complete. During the late 1880s, a small shanty was constructed around the hole. The Höglunds children were both delivered inside the dugout.

The Höglunds along with their children remained busy throughout the day developing their homestead and future home. It’s believed their property covered around 80 acres. This type of dwelling was not uncommon along the frontier as scarce materials made them viable living situations. It’s still difficult to imagine how a family could live in such confined quarters.

Know Before You Go

The Höglund Dugout does not have an address, however, it isn't too difficult to spot. Heading North on 12th Avenue, from K-4, there will be a small, dirt lot on your right. If you reach West Swensson Avenue, you've gone too far. Once you are in the lot, walk east.