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​There are a lot of travel companies out there, but some are better than others. These are our favorite websites and resources to help you plan an incredible trip. For flights, we recommend using WayAway or Hopper to compare the cheapest dates to travel to your destination. Car rentals comparisons are best through Discover Cars - just make sure to bring your international driver's permit with you if you're heading somewhere international! We always use AGODA for hotels. They have an easy-to-use platform where you can compare the best rates. To keep cell phone service if you're traveling internationally, we always use Airalo’s easy to purchase eSIM’s (no installation required). For fun things to do, we always recommend Viator to find the best tours in the area, otherwise Klook also does the trick, especially for tours in Asia. Just in case, Safetywing is the insurance I always use for travel insurance. Lastly, my packing list for your international or domestic travels. What is Alexandria Known For?
Alexandria, Minnesota
Alexandria is known for being surrounded by some of Minnesota's best recreational lakes. With over 20 lakes less than 20 minutes from downtown, there really are endless opportunities for summertime fun. The area has gained popularity over recent years, with new businesses springing up downtown, making it an ideal summer destination. There are surprisingly quite a few things to do in the area, especially if the weather is nice, and it'll leave you coming back for more! From scenic flights to unique annual festivals, there's even a unique stay we would recommend.
If you're looking for a cute, cozy getaway to the lakes area then make sure to see if Gathered Oaks has any availability! We stayed here on our most recent visit and it was the perfect farmhouse stay - and so unique! Honestly where else can you say you stayed in a Grain Bin? They have 7 grain bin rooms and 1 grain bin suite, and we loved having a little place to ourselves, not to mention it was just down the road from Carlos Creek Winery & 22 Northmen Brewery. They even have an entire Farmhouse you can rent out as well if you have a large group, otherwise the silo stays are perfect for a solo traveler or couple like us!
Our 12 Favorite Things to Do in Alexandria
1. Visit Big Ole
Known as America's Largest Viking, this 28 foot tall giant statue was built in 1965 for the New York World's Fair before it was moved to Alexandria. Big Ole now sits near the shores of Lake Agnes right off Broadway Street. Although this isn't the most exciting stop on our list, it's definitely a must when you're in Alexandria!
2. Carlos Creek Winery
A local favorite, this winery is widely known throughout the state for their Annual Grape Stomp Festival held each September! (If you're visiting during this time, we highly recommend checking it out for wine & beer tastings, art vendors & a marketplace, along with daily stomping competitions!) They also have great wine (my favorites are their Wombegon White & You Betcha Blush), and if wine isn't your thing, then you can stop by the nearby 22 Northmen Brewery right next door or the Copper Trail Brewing located downtown! 
Alexandria Water Tower
3. Scenic Flight Tour
Head out on a scenic tour 3,000 feet up with Alexandria Aviation. Alright, so we haven't actually done this one ourselves yet BUT we can guarantee it is at the top of our Minnesota Bucket List. At only $95 for up to 3 people, this price is unbeatable, and we think this is hands down the most epic thing to do in the area and the best way to see the views of the Alexandria Lakes Region!
4. Explore Historic Downtown
Almost destroyed by a fire in 2020, this downtown has undergone a lot of changes and remodels. Now, there's lots of shopping (whether you're in the mood for trendy boutiques or unique antiques), hidden gems, and cute cafes to stop at! Some of our favorites are The Edge, Ollie Birch Boutique, and Kindred People. If you've got a sweet tooth then a stop at the Sugar Shack is a must (we've heard they have great ice cream in the summer!).
5. Try to Escape
We've all seen Escape Rooms popping up all around the US, but did you know there's one right downtown Alexandria? Head to Escape Room Alexandria to test all your Sherlock Holmes skills in their themed rooms that change every so often - they currently have a new Santa themed room! At $27 per person, this is a great activity for team building or family fun! 
Casey's Amusement Park Go Kart Track
6. Family Fun at Casey's Amusement Park
With a variety of options onsite from mini golf to go karts to bumper boats, you could easily spend an entire day here with the kiddos. Open everyday in the summer from 10:30 AM, prices vary for each activity but all have special discounts on Tuesdays!
7. Get Outside on the Central Lakes Trail
This 55 mile route used to be for the railroad, but has since been paved over as a biking and walking trail. Starting in Osakis and running all the way to Fergus Falls, this is the perfect way to spend some time outside! (Looking to rent a bike to explore? Try Alex Bike Shop for regular bikes and e-bikes!) 
Legacy of the Lakes Museum
8. Learn some History
Although Alexandria might not seem like a town steeped in past events, there are multiple historical happenings rooted in Alexandria - from the Kensington Runestone to Vikings and Nordic Explorers to Scandinavian Heritage and even Minnesota Lake Life, there are multiple museums in the area that you can visit! Try the Runestone Museum ($10 a person) to learn about Nordic & Scandinavian Heritage and the Legacy of the Lakes Museum (also $10 a person) for more history about Minnesota Maritime and Lake history! 
Lake Darling
9. Live that Minnesota Lake (or Resort) Life
According to multiple sources, there are over 350 lakes in the Alexandria Area! It sounds hard to believe, but with almost 12,000 lakes in Minnesota it starts to make a little more sense. With so many lakes it can be hard to choose, but some of our favorites near downtown are Lake Agnes & Lake Darling, but the fun doesn't stop there! With so many lakes comes multiple resorts - Arrowwood Resort has an extensive property (including a water park) and Lake Darling has a bit more of a homey feel with pontoon rentals available during your stay. Looking for something more private? Try Gathered Oaks Airbnb, they have very unique lodging and are known around the state for their silo themed stays! On a summer day you might also want to check out Zorbaz for a lake front restaurant & bar! 
Viking Speedway
10. Summer Saturday Speedway Shenanigans?
Try saying that 5 times fast ;) (I had to lol.) If you're looking for some Saturday night fun, try heading over to the Viking Speedway for some car racing and demolition derby entertainment. We recommend checking out their Facebook Page for better weekly updates, however on most summer Saturdays they will open doors around 6:30 and tickets cost $15 for adults, $12 for seniors/college students with an ID, and the best part? Anyone under 17 is free! 
Douglas County Fairgrounds
11. Local Events
Alexandria is home to many fun events throughout the year, from the Douglas County Fair in August to the Annual Grape Stomp at Carlos Creek Winery in September, we've gathered a list of some of our favorite events in the Alexandria area!
12. Head out of Town
This might seem a little contradictory when you're looking for things to do in Alexandria, but there are so many little towns nearby, each with uniquely quirky things to do, that this is 100% something to consider when exploring the Alexandria area! From Berry Picking in Holmles City, to learning about the Kensington Runestone in Kensington, going skiing at Andes Tower Hills, or visiting Erickson's Petting Zoo in Osakis there is a limitless amount of things to do within a short drive of Alexandria!
13. Grab some Food
In the last few years there have been a lot of changes to the food scene in Alexandria. Unfortunately a few years ago one of our favorites D Michael B's closed down after 37 years, but not to fret there are plenty of other places to eat. Some of our new favorites are The Depot, Pizza Ranch (a classic) and Pike & Pint Grill. *Note - one place we DO NOT recommend is DJ's Tap House & Grill, we visited a few years ago and had terrible service & food.
Have anything else you think we need to add to our list? Let us know in the comments and we'll stop by next time we're in the area!
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We're Deborah & Tyler. After our move to Alaska, we decided to take a gap year and visited 30+ countries on a budget of about $100 per day! This blog shares our best budget saving travel tips & itineraries. 
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