Though Alexandria is conveniently located along Interstate 94 between Minneapolis and Fargo, it remains one of Minnesota’s best kept secrets. Perhaps most famously known for being the home of Big Ole and the controversial and mysterious Kensington Rune Stone—on display at the Runestone Museum in the heart of downtown—Alexandria is a small town with a fascinating history and a huge heart. Experience true “Minnesota nice” and learn why Alexandria is known for being easy to get to but hard to leave.
When the sun is out, the lakes are calling! The Alexandria lakes area is the perfect place for fishing. Whether taking the kids to one of many public piers to fish for the first time or spending the afternoon boating on the Chain of Lakes, Alexandria is a prime fishing destination featuring walleye, perch, sunfish, crappie, bass, muskie, and many other species. The lakes are also home to the Big Ole Paddlefest and Alexandria Triathlon in July, showcasing the versatility of Alexandria’s lakes.
Throughout the summer, historic downtown Alexandria is the place to be on Thursday nights. Most downtown shops and boutiques remain open until 7 p.m. all summer long, allowing visitors to stroll and shop before grabbing a lawn chair or blanket and heading over to the Douglas County Courthouse Lawn for free outdoor concerts featuring a variety of music genres, from surf rock to country. Other can’t-miss outdoor concert events include Music in the Gardens at the Legacy of the Lakes Museum & Gardens and Summer Sounds by Brophy, a free concert series held on the scenic shores of beautiful Lake Brophy.
While farmer’s markets are Saturday morning staples in many communities, area farmers share Big Ole Park with local artisans during Alexandria’s Farmer’s Market and Saturday Art Market. Stroll through tents featuring a variety of locally grown, produced, and handcrafted goods, from meats and vegetables to breads and pottery, while listening to live music each Saturday morning throughout the summer. Conveniently located along the Central Lakes Trail, market visitors can bike, walk, or drive to and from the market.
One of Alexandria unique summer-only experiences is Theatre L’Homme Dieu, Minnesota’s oldest operating summer stock theatre. Theatre L’Homme Dieu presents professional theatre from throughout the country as well as a popular concert series. This summer is the theatre’s 65th season and will feature four concerts, ranging from the music of Taylor Swift to the music of Frank Sinatra, and four theatrical productions from a comedy written by Minnesota’s own Kevin Kling to David Auburn’s Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winning play “Proof.”
Alexandria truly has something for everyone and summer is the perfect time to visit. Plan your adventure at ExploreAlex.com.
