Summer is a great time of year, but after all of that heat, it’s time for the cool, colorful fall. The Alexandria Lakes Area is home to 2400+ acres of scenic parks, complete with a wide variety of landscapes and vegetation. The many tree varieties equal a wider spectrum of leaf color, too. Driving or walking through the parks is a good way to get a dose of fall color.
Photo By: John Magnoski
Paddlers love the fall season as well. Seeing the full palette of oranges, reds and yellows reflecting off the water is a real treat. On bike is not a bad way to go either. Douglas County has a number of different parks that provide a slightly different experience, depending on what you want. Kensington Rune Stone Park has a wide variety of topography. Tight, wooded trails made for mountain biking or walking, along with a couple small lakes to paddle on are located on the west side. Lake Brophy has a large beach, large playground, sizeable covered picnic area and lots of open acreage for gravity-run mountain biking. The Central Lakes Trail runs through it and is only 4 miles west of Big Ole Park. Lake Carlos State Park is by far the largest park in the area. It features miles of trails for walking or horseback riding and ample scenic spots to take in the fall leaves.
Added to all of the natural beauty are the many fun festivals and venues in and around the area. The most famous event is Bold North Cellar’s Grape Stomp Festival (Sept. 15-17). One week earlier (Sept. 8-10), just a half-block south of Big Ole is the Coppertrail Brewing Company’s OLEtoberfest. If you are more into a place made for the entire family, Country Blossom Farm is perfect for fall activities. They have so many fun things for kids to experience. From the largest jumping pillow you’ll ever see to swings and slides, a pedal cart track, a 7-acre corn maze, wagon rides, a HUGE corn pit and more. For adults, you’ll love all the apples, pumpkins, bakery, home décor and gifts.
Fall fishing is difficult to beat in the Alexandria Lakes Area. The walleye bite picks up, and the many other varieties don’t stop.
Only a couple minutes away from the middle of more than 350 lakes is downtown Alexandria. It features amazing shopping and is home to a few of more than 40 local restaurants.
Fall in love with fall, then collapse for the night in one of the many great lodging options in the area after a fun day or two drinking it all in.
