Last summer, my wife and I were fortunate to take a two-week trip to Alexandria, MN. Some of our friends joined us, and we were all part of a tour organized by a local travel company.
This unforgettable experience allowed us to witness some truly remarkable places. Along the way, our tour guides taught us about Alexandria’s history and culture.
In this article, I will list some of the most amazing things to do in Alexandria, Minnesota.
1. Visit The Big Ole – Big Viking Statue
This statue was put up in 1975 by local artist Paul T. Granlund.
The statue is 33 feet tall and is modeled after the famous Viking Leif Eriksson. Leif is credited with discovering North America 500 years before Christopher Columbus.
A plaque mounted on the base of the statue reads: “The Big Ole Viking pays tribute to the Scandinavian heritage of the area and to the pioneering spirit of exploration that Leif Eriksson brought to America.”
The statue depicts a Viking warrior in full armor, holding a spear and a shield in one hand. Intricate embellishments include a dragon’s head on the spear’s point and a raven perched on the warrior’s helmet.
Therefore, if you are a history buff, this is a great spot to stop over and take a few pics.
2. Visit Runestone Museum Foundation
Though not large, the Runestone Museum covers a unique aspect of history that’s often overlooked. It gives you great insight into early MN, Viking, and Minnesota history, including Native Americans.
Obviously, the centerpiece of the museum is the Kensington Runestone, a large stone believed to be 800 years old. It was found by Olof Ohman near his farm in Kensington, Minnesota.
The stone is inscribed with a mysterious message in runes, believed to have been left by Scandinavian explorers in the 14th century.
Be sure to watch the eight-minute video about the stone and the stir it caused in the scientific community (I choose to believe it is authentic). The video is highly informative and contains information not discussed in the National Geographic Chanel.
In addition, other exhibits include:
- A replica of a Viking ship
- Display of tools and weapons
- Children’s discovery area
- Wildlife Exhibit
- A World War II living room
3. Explore Alexandria’s Central Lakes Trail
I have biked many of the trails in Minnesota but never Central Lakes.
This fifty-mile trail connects with two other trails for 130 miles of trekking, making it a great way to explore the Minnesota countryside and enjoy the beauty of Lake Carlos.
There are several stops along the way with a bench or a picnic shelter, perfect for taking a break and enjoying a snack.
There are also several points of interest along the trail, including the Alexander Historical Society and the Carlos Creek Winery.
Exploring the trail will allow you to take in the stunning natural scenery and take part in a variety of activities, including:
- Fishing
- Canoeing
- Kayaking
- Paddleboarding
- Hiking
4. Explore The Douglas County Museum
HIDDEN GEM ALERT! If you appreciate learning about Alexandria’s history, this should be on your schedule.
Also, if you believe you have long-lost ancestors in this town, this is the place to put your theory to the test.
The museum was founded in 1976 and is committed to conserving and understanding Alexandria’s rich ancient legacy. You can explore the museum’s displays, including overseas genealogical investigations and historical records.
One of the museum’s most popular attractions is the Douglas County Historical Society’s Library on the house’s lowest level. This library contains a wide variety of books, periodicals, newspapers, and other publications related to the history of the county and the surrounding area.
The library also houses a research center, allowing you to access information about the county’s history and its people. Upstairs rooms hold exhibits of military history, schools, and local interests.
5. Copper Trail Brewing Company
The Copper Trail Brewing Company offers terrific beer selections. These guys have mastered the craft of beer-making!
They are not afraid to take risks and try new ideas, yet they also have a firm grasp of the basics. With ten different brews to choose from, everyone can find something to please their taste.
A few of the most popular beers include:
- The Copper Trail IPA
- Bandit
- The Copper Trail Pale Ale
- Lakeside Orange
- The Copper Trail Brown Ale
- Glaciers edge
- Citra Solstice
- Hopper Trail
- Lucky Red
Each beer is crafted with a unique blend of malts, hops, and yeast, giving it its distinct flavor and aroma.
My favorites were the Bandit (wheat) and the Lakeside Orange (a smokey Rauchbier). Other beers were also good but didn’t stand out like the two.
In addition to its award-winning beers, the Copper Trail Brewing Company also offers a selection of unique ciders, seltzers, and meads.
6. Legacy Of The Lakes Museum
I’m always excited when it comes to checking out small-town museums, which are typically unique or quaint. Therefore, I had to visit Alexandria’s Legacy of The Lakes Museum.
The museum commemorates the town’s captivating story and customs by preserving and displaying boats.
A comprehensive and meticulously selected array of vessels are featured, many crafted from wood, fishing equipment, motors, and boat-makers from the locality.
For example, there are:
- Outboards
- Sleek inboards
- Racing boats
- Touring boats
- Even an helio-boat
If you don’t have a passion for boats, this boat house has a range of activities to keep you busy.
The facility also includes information about the region’s legends, history, and noteworthy details. To top it off, explore the garden outside for a few hours.
7. Escape Room Alexandria
The Escape Room offers you a chance to unwind and bond with friends. The games are designed for groups of 2-6 people.
Players are placed in a themed room and have only 60 minutes to find clues, solve puzzles, and complete tasks to escape the room.
The puzzles are creatively selected to test players’ logic, communication, and problem-solving skills. All players must work together to find clues and complete tasks to escape the room.
At Escape Room Alexandria, there are a variety of rooms with different themes and puzzles. Each room has a unique story, setting, and objectives that must be completed to escape. All games vary in levels of difficulty to suit people of all skills.
Some of the popular rooms we tried include:
- The bank heist
- Room 3
- The prison break
- Room 13
- The vampire room
- The asylum.
8. Have Fun At The Viking Speedway
The Viking Speedway is a high-octane 1,609 meters dirt track giving you a thrilling and exciting experience ton racing to fans of all ages.
This historic track has been a favorite of fans since its opening in 1975 and has seen some of the most thrilling and memorable moments in racing history.
They host weekly races from April to September, with a variety of classes, including:
- Late Models
- Super Stocks
- Street Stocks
- Modifieds
- Hornets
The track also hosts special events throughout the season, including a Summer Nationals race and a “Back to School” race.
During the season, the track is open Thursday nights for practice and racing and Saturday nights for racing. Bring earplugs if you don’t like it loud. They also sell them if you forget. It’s fun to watch the races.
Final Thoughts
With so many things to do in Alexandria, MN, you can be certain that your vacation to this town will be enjoyable. Alexandria appears to have everything, from nature walks to museums.
My favorite thing to do in Alexandria was exploring the historical sites. Alexandria is one of Minnesota’s oldest towns and has many exciting stories to tell. This includes the Big Viking Statue and the Runestone Museum.
I loved the fact that Alexandria has been able to preserve so much of its history. It makes the town feel alive and vibrant and is a great way to learn more about the area.
- Things to Do In Panajachel, Guatemala (My Top 5 Picks)
- Best Flea Markets in USA: A Guide to the Top Locations
- Things To Do In Porto Corsica (My Top 8 Favorites)
- 7 Things To Do In Albuquerque (Plan Your Next Adventure!)
- 8 Things to Do in Anderson, SC I Highly Recommend
- Things To Do In Anchorage (8 Activities You Can’t Miss)
