Alexandria Minnesota Travel Guide
MN Tourist Attractions from the Runestone to Big Ole to Lake Carlos
Jul 17, 2007
Where is Alexandria, Minnesota? Alexandria is in west central Minnesota, about 130 miles from Minneapolis and 65 miles from St. Cloud. It's the county seat of Douglas County. The locals call it Alex.
What's special about Alexandria, Minnesota? The home of over 200 tranquil lakes, Alex is the picture of small town Minnesota beauty with a rich pioneer history. For tourists, the area has an abundance of lakeside resorts. However, what Alexandria is most famous for is the Kensington Runestone and its surrounding controversy. In the late 1800s, a farmer unearthed a huge slab of rock covered in runes. After some questionable analysis, the runestone was declared to be proof that in the 1400s, Vikings settled the area. Years later, other archaeologists declared that the runestone was a hoax, and the debate rages on. Taking pride in the runestone, Alexandria calls itself "The Birthplace of Civilization," and proudly displays a 28 foot tall Viking statue named Big Ole.
What attractions are in Alexandria, Minnesota?
- Kensington Runestone Museum. 206 Broadway. The most famous exhibit in this museum is the Kensington Runestone, but there's plenty more for history buffs to see about pioneer life, Native Americans, and Main Street Alexandria over the years. There's also an accurate replica of historic Fort Alexandria, including a general store and a school. Tickets are $6 for adult and $3 for children. For more information, call 320-763-3160.
- Lake Carlos State Park. 2601 County Road 38 NE, Carlos, Minnesota. Located about ten miles north of Alex, this popular 1,236 acre park is known for the swimming beaches along Lake Carlos. The park is geologically diverse; it features rolling hills, meadows, hardwood forests, prairie, and a tamarack bog. For more information, call 320-852-7200.
- Arrowwood Resort and Conference Center. 2100 Arrowwood Lane NW. Alexandria has more than its share of small, quiet, lakeside resorts, but if you want a big resort with lots to do, come to Arrowwood. Located on Lake Darling and open year-round, the resort offers guests a 38,000 square foot indoor water park, a full-service spa, horseback riding, tennis, golf, and loads of activities for kids. Dining choices include the casually elegant Lake Cafe, which serves local specialties such as pecan crusted walleye and wild rice soup. Accommodations start at $119 a night. For more information, call 866- FUN-LAND.
- Erickson's Petting Zoo. 11890 Hope Road, Osakis. Located about eight miles east of Alex, this 90 year old historic farm offers petting zoo and an opportunity to pick fresh fruits and vegetables. For Halloween there's a pumpkin patch and a corn maze. Tickets are $3. For more information, call 320-762-0184
See also: Duluth Minnesota Travel Guide and International Falls Minnesota Travel Guide
