Surrounded by lakes and parks, Alexandria is an ideal getaway for year-round outdoor adventures. Activities range from fishing, hiking and biking to skiing and skating. Alexandria is also a city of history and culture. Discover an interesting Norse heritage, browse local art galleries and enjoy free summer concerts. The city is in the centre of Minnesota, the “Land of 10,000 Lakes.”
A major highlight of Alexandria is its incredible lakes, about 300 in and around the city. Most of these lakes have resorts, beaches and opportunities for watersports such as kayaking, Jet-Skiing and wakeboarding. Find hotels and lodges, great fishing, swimming and golf at Lake Miltona. Watch musical and theatre productions at Theatre L’Homme Dieu on the shores of Lake Le Homme Dieu. Visit Lake Carlos State Park to traverse nature trails in summer and try cross-country skiing in winter.
Take a break from the lakes and explore Alexandria’s easygoing downtown district. Browse for antiques, arts and crafts at the boutiques stores and independent dealers. Check out exhibitions by regional artists at the Ruby Hill Gallery. Attend the free summer concerts held on the lawns of the Douglas County Courthouse. See displays of old boats at the Minnesota Lakes Maritime Museum. Learn about Alexandria’s wildlife and Norse history at the Runestone Museum.
Alexandria has numerous family-friendly attractions. Play miniature golf or race around a go-kart track at Casey’s Amusement Park. Ride waterslides and swim down a lazy river at the Big Splash Indoor Waterpark. When the winter snow arrives, plan a trip to Andes Tower Hills for skiing, snowboarding and tubing.
Wine lovers can take a guided tour of Carlos Creek Winery. Visit the winery in September for the Grape Stomp, an annual food and drink festival accompanied by live music. Alternatively, make the short drive to Osakis to learn about the distillation of whisky at Panther Distillery.
Alexandria is about a 2-hour drive northwest from Minneapolis. Getting to and around Alexandra is easiest via car. The city is a gateway to the Central Lakes Trail. This 55-mile (88-kilometre) trail passes scenic lakes and woodland between Fergus Falls and Osakis.
