Things to Do in Alexandria
Just two hours from Minneapolis, Alexandria is one of the state’s most popular lake destinations, and for good reason. With several museums, breweries, a winery and distillery, parks for cross-country skiing and hiking, plus cozy coffee shops, an adorable downtown, and great shopping, it has lots to offer year-round.
Where to Stay
Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center
Experience lake life at Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center, where you can make a splash in the outdoor pools and indoor waterpark, treat yourself at the spa, or play a round of golf at Atikwa Championship Course.
Cedar Rose Inn
A historic bed-and-breakfast just a few blocks from downtown Alexandria, Cedar Rose Inn is a home run from husband-and-wife duo Dave and Brenda Baumtrog. Built in the early 1900s, the stunning home features five bedrooms, seven bathrooms, two fireplaces, and a wraparound porch.
Other options in the area include popular chains such as Holiday Inn, Best Western, and Fairfield Inn.
Where to Eat & Drink
22 Northmen Brewing
Carlos Creek Winery
22 Northmen Brewing is named for 22 Northmen who traveled from Scandinavia to Alexandria in 1362, arriving "with a powerful thirst." Next door to 22 Northmen, Carlos Creek Winery has a large indoor space as well as a big patio with beautiful gardens in the warmer months. Check their website to plan your visit around tastings, live music and special events. Dine on delicious wood-fired pizzas and stroll the beautiful grounds or attend their popular fall grape stomp.
Boulder Tap House
This popular local chain serves craft burgers and beers, wings, tacos, bowls, soups, salads, and Minnesota favorites like Midwest sushi (ham and cream cheese rolls), cheese curds, and pickle-flavored wings.
Copper Trail Brewing Co.
Located downtown, just steps away from the Big Ole statue, this local brewery has a modern industrial space with a lot of natural light. Try the Hopper Trail IPA, Oktoberfest or Cabin Retreat. Get a six-pack or a growler to-go for a brew to sip by the campfire.
La Ferme
This popular bistro is named after the French word for "farmhouse." It serves fresh soups, salads, sandwiches and bakery items using locally sourced and locally grown ingredients. Swing by the market to buy bulk meat, breads, salad dressings and sauces, fresh eggs, flours, or cookies for your cabin stay.
Panther Distillery
Founded in 2010 in nearby Osakis, Panther makes its spirits with grain that comes from 30 miles from the distillery. Tastings and free tours are offered daily.
Pike & Pint Grill
This laid-back spot serves burgers, sandwiches, salads, pasta, seafood, chops, and more. Find Minnesota favorites like smoked walleye dip, walleye sandwiches, and walleye fillets served two ways.
Travelers Inn Restaurant
This downtown Alexandira staple has been serving old-school American fare since 1925. Fuel up for your day with buttermilk pancakes, Belgian waffles, cinnamon swirl French toast (made from their own homemade cinnamon rolls), omelets, and biscuits and gravy.
At lunch or dinner, find sandwiches, wraps, burgers, homemade soups, and an extra-large salad bar. They also serve diner classics like meatloaf, hot beef or turkey sandwiches, and more. For a Scandinavian classic, don’t miss their Swedish meatballs.
Zorbaz
This supper staple serves up local brews, cocktails, pizza, nachos, pasta, tacos, and more. You won’t find any “s” on the menu, a gimmick of this popular chain in Minnesota lake towns. Don’t miss the “macho nachoz”, Jose Zorba, or Zorbaz Zuper pizza for a true taste of Minnesota summer. Wash it all down with a “Minnezota Margarita” complete with a floating bobber.
Things to See
Big Ole
Don’t forget to snap a photo with Big Ole, the 28-foot-tall Viking statue who serves as the starting point to the Central Lakes Trail on the south shore of Lake Agnes.
Legacy of the Lakes Museum
Admire beautiful wooden boats and canoes at the Legacy of the Lakes Museum and learn more about Minnesota’s iconic lake life.
Redhead Creamery
Redhead Creamery is about 40 minutes south of Alexandria. This family-owned creamery offers tours to highlight their cheese-making process, or you can walk around the property at your own pace and meet the cows. Then head into the shop to order cheese curds, paninis, locally brewed beer, or wine.
Runestone Museum
First opened in 1958, the Runestone Museum is most known for the Kensington Runestone, discovered in Alexandria by a farmer and his two sons in 1898. The museum has more than 40 items, all found around Minnesota, some dating back to Middle-Age Nordic explorers.
Where to Shop
Cherry Street Books
This independent bookstore opened in 2007 and has been serving the Alexandria community ever since. With a curated selection of books and gifts, Cherry Street Books’ friendly staff are happy to help you find your next read.
Creative Touch Boutique
Voted one of the “Best Boutiques” in the Minnesota Lakes Area, Creative Touch Boutique sells jeans, dresses, sweaters, athleisure, accessories, kids’ clothing, home goods, and more.
The Edge Co.
This women-owned boutique and coffee shop serves espresso drinks, wine, beer, sandwiches, pastries, and a curated collection of women’s clothing, home décor, and gifts.
Kindred People
This popular downtown shop sells high-quality denim, small-batch jewelry, handbags, graphic tees, shoes, and other lifestyle items curated from around the country by its mother-and-daughter co-owners, Marceia Andreasen and Kelly Falk.
Scandinavian Gift Shop
Since 1983, the Scandinavian Gift Shop has been a charming downtown spot selling Scandinavian clothing, home goods, food, jewelry, health and beauty items, children’s toys, and more. Don’t miss their holiday décor, kitchen items, adorable stuffed animals, and cozy sweaters.
Things to Do Outside
Andes Tower Hills
Featuring 16 downhill runs and nine miles of groomed cross-country trails from beginner to expert, Andes Tower Hills is a popular spot in the winter. There’s also snowshoeing and snow tubing. Find equipment rentals, lessons, and a restaurant on site.
Bike Trails
The Central Lakes State Trail is a former railroad turned paved bike trail that runs 55 miles through three counties and 10 communities, spanning from Fergus Falls through Alexandria to the end of nearby Osakis. Bikers can cruise by nine lakes within a four-mile radius of Alexandria’s downtown trailhead. Central Lakes Trikes offers recumbent trikes and a shuttle service for the trail.
Named for the fictitious Lake Wobegon town in “A Prairie Home Companion,” the Lake Wobegon Trail is a 62-mile trail on an abandoned railroad corridor that runs from Avon to Sauk Centre and connects to the Central Lakes Trail in Osakis, just 10 miles east of Alexandria.
Find bike rentals, service, repairs, and accessories — including traditional and electric bikes — at Alex Bike Shop or Jake’s Bikes.
Casey’s Amusement Park
This popular amusement park has bumper boats, go-karts, mini golf, an arcade, snacks, and more.
Golf
With nine golf courses in the Alexandria area, there are plenty of places to play. Plan a tee time at the Atikwa Golf Course, Geneva Golf Club, Hardwood Hills Golf Course, Lake Miltona Golf Club, Nordic Trails Golf Course, and more.
Lake Carlos State Park
Alexandria has plenty of ways to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. Lake Carlos State Park is just 10 miles north of Alexandria and Glacial Lakes State Park. Sculpted by ancient glaciers, this park provides a beautiful setting for hiking, kayaking, swimming, camping, biking, and fishing during the summer months.
In the winter you can go snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling on groomed trails. It’s also home to the Minnesota state park system’s popular track chair for visitors who need extra mobility assistance.
Lake Life
Alexandria is known for its many lakes, with over 350 in the area — including the popular Alexandria Chain of Lakes, which features Lake Carlos, Lake Victoria, and Lake Darling. They are fun year-round, whether you’re into water skiing, fishing, and tubing in the summer or ice fishing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing in the winter.
Festivals & Events
There’s always something happening in Alexandria from farmers markets, art markets, live music, and more. Some of the area’s most popular events are the Douglas County Fair in August, Grape Stomp Festival at Carlos Creek Winery in September, the Big Ole PaddleFest, and live music at Copper Trail Brewing, 22 Northmen, or Carlos Creek Winery.
Find more things to do in the Central Lakes region.