It’s a great time of year to get out and safely experience something new or see something familiar with a new perspective. Pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready—you’re about to take a staycation.
That’s right, you won’t need plane tickets for this trip—no long lines or security checks. You don’t even have to worry about your itinerary! That’s because Arrowwood Resort has created an insider’s guide for planning a getaway to Alexandria, Minnesota. Who said adventure can’t be close to home?
Below are some of Arrowwood Resort staff’s favorite local attractions. Food and drink, art and music, shopping, unwinding, and exploring with the family—there’s something for travelers of all sorts.
Eddy’s Interlachen Inn (restaurant)
Why Arrowwood loves it: It’s the local favorite! Great people, great atmosphere, great food.
Why you’ll love it: Try the pasta Le Homme Dieu.
Skal Crawl (wine, liquor, and beer trail)
Why Arrowwood loves it: A fun way to taste local beers and wines with your friends.
Why you’ll love it: Visit Carlos Creek Winery, Copper Trail Brewery, and Panther Distillery for starters.
Inspiration Peak (looking for adventure)
Why Arrowwood loves it: This photo-worthy park rises 400 feet above the surrounding countryside, one of the highest points in all of Minnesota.
Why you’ll love it: Truly—it’s inspiring!
Lake Brophy Park (nearby park)
Why we love it: This park has it all—a fully-accessible playground, fire pit, dock, overlook benches, primitive trails for hiking and mountain biking, a public beach, and direct access to the Central Lakes Trail.
Why you’ll love it: Something for everyone! In the winter, enjoy a groomed sledding hill, fat tire biking, and cross-country ski trails.
More Winter Fun
There’s also plenty to do at Arrowwood without ever needing to leave the resort! Guests can enjoy a winter paradise with rentals for sledding, ice skating, and broomball. Schedule time to unwind with a massage, manicure, or other spa treatments at Arrowwood’s Darling Reflections Spa. In between activities, order take out for breakfast or dinner at the on-site Lake Café.
Find even more winter recreation around town. Skiers, snowboarders, and tubers can reach top speeds at Andes Tower Hills. Ice fishers can take advantage of some 300 lakes. Snowmobilers have their choice of more than 350 miles of groomed trails. And fat-tire bikers can crunch over the terrain of Kensington Runestone Park and Lake Carlos State Park.
No matter what the day brings, it’s easy to recharge for the next day’s adventures at Arrowwood’s comfortable guest rooms, townhouses, and cottages. For more ideas for activities in Alexandria, check out Explore Alexandria’s winter guide.