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VACATIONER FALL 2022 Your free guide to the Alexandria Lakes Area TRICK
Alomere Health eClinic Alomere’s eClinic is a great place to start for mild symptoms that come on gradually, or symptoms that are familiar toyou These include: • Cough andcongestion Sore throat Ear pain • Eye redness/itchiness/ discharge Painful urination Rashes without fever Mild flu like symptoms
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• Minor cuts that may require stitches How itworks: Makea same dayappointment on MyChart or at (320) 763 5123(appointments highly recommended)
• Weakness/numbness on one side • Fainting/change in mental state How it works: Walk right in (or call 911 if needed). Hours: 24/7
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Note: Themajority of your care should bedelivered by your primaryprovider Hours: Mon Fri 9am 8pm; Sat Sun 9am 3pm
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AlomereHealth Emergency Department Always godirectly to the ER for serious illnesses and injuries that require immediateattention and couldbe life threating For example: • Chest pain or difficulty breathing • Serious burns or severe cuts • Heador eye injury • Seizures • Broken bones/ dislocated joints
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Choosetherightcarefor you. When youneedmedicalcare, we’vegot youcovered.Here’saneasyguide to help youdecide wheretogoforhelp,dependingon your symptoms.Cutthisoutand keepithandy!
Location: Station 3 at AlexandriaClinic, 61030thAveW, Alexandria, MN Cost: $$$
How it works: Go to AlomereHealth com, and select “eClinic ” on the right sidebar Log in, answer a fewquestions, and receiveyour diagnosis and treatment plan in about an hour If we feel you need tobe seen in theclinic, we’ll let you know Hours: 24/7 Location: On line Cost: $ Alexandria Clinic PrimaryCare APrimaryCareprovider shouldbeyour first stop for checkups, health advice, management of chronicconditions, and concerns about your physical or mental health These include: • Physicals andother wellness visits • Medication refills Chronicand recurring medical issues • Immunizations How it works: Schedule an appointment on MyChart or call (320) 763 2899 Hours: Mon Fri 8am 5pm Location: Alexandria Clinic, 61030thAvenue West, Alexandria, MN Cost: $$ Alexandria Clinic ExpressCare Visit theExpress Care clinic for non critical emergencies andcondi tions that require same day attention These include: • Acuteaches andpains
Location: Alomere Health, 111 17thAveE, Alexandria, MN Cost: $$$$$
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• Allergy/asthma flare ups • Gastrointestinal issues • Moderate flu like symptoms • Sprains and strains
VACATIONER FALL 2022 (320) 763-3133 • www.echopress.com Publisher: Diann Drew fun in the lakes area! ACTIVITIES Fall color hot spots ........................................ 4 New exhibits at Legacy of the Lakes 6 Country Blossom Farm ................................ 8 Grape Stomp ..................................................... 8 Taste of Osakis Celebration ...................... 9 Trick or Treating ............................................ 10 Historic Downtown Alexandria 10 Alexandria Area Golf ................................... 14 Erickson’s Petting Zoo and Pumpkin Patch ................................................................... 14 Central Lakes Trail ...................................... 20 Mountain Bike Trails .................................. 20 Glacial Ridge Trail 20 Calendar of Events ..................................... 24 Ongoing Events ............................................ 24 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Douglas County LIbrary .............................. 5 Fire Pit Productions 9 Alexandria Area Arts Asssociation ...... 12 Central Lakes Concert Association .... 12 Lakes Area Theatre 12 Evansville Art Center .................................. 16 Alexandria Art Guild ................................... 22 LAKES, PARKS AND MUSEUMS Big Ole and Big Ole Webcam ................ 14 Douglas County Historical Society 16 History of Douglas County ...................... 16 Lake Brophy County Park ....................... 20 Veterans Memorial Park .......................... 22 Runestone Museum ................................... 22 Alexandria Area Lakes 26 Beaches ............................................................ 29 City Parks ........................................................ 29 State Parks...................................................... 29 FALL VACATIONER 2022 | 3 SUPPORT THESE LOCAL MERCHANTSShop Alexandria Velkommen! 509 Broadway Downtown Alexandria 320-763-6363 www.scandinaviangifts.com Featuring Imports from allCountriesScandinavian DOWNTOWNALEXANDRIA •LITTLE FALLS 320.763.5157• M-F 9-7;SAT. 9-5:30;SUN.12-4 1402 Broadway St | Alexandria 320-759-3018 Mon-Fri 10-7; Sat. 10-4; Sun. Closed 111 6th Avenue West, Downtown Alexandria 320-762-0309 • 800-58-5336 LetServeKyleYou!418N.Broadway,Alexandria •320.762.1538 Hours:Mon.-Sat.10-5 Women& Children’s Clothing,Shoes, Accessories andHousehold Decorative’s GinaGMariecee.com320-630-8280@GMariecee.com320.763.7782 • rfoptical@gmail.com 2306 SOUTH BROADWAY ST., SUITE 12 ALEXANDRIA, MN 56308
Chippewa Park – The park is 37.25 acres and offers facilities for small or large group picnics, as well as 2,000 feet of shoreline of Little Chippewa Lake and twice that on Devils Lake. It is located in Brandon Township.
One of the most distinctive – and beautiful – aspects of the fall season is the changing of the foliage, and the Alexandria area offers plenty of spots to get out and appreciate that color.
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Kensington Rune Stone Park –Located in Solem Township, the park has dedicated mountain bike trails and nearly 8 miles of multi-use trails, which weave through the oak, maple and aspen forest, along with lakes and small prairie meadows.
FALL COLOR Hot Spots
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Spruce Hill Park – The second-largest park in Douglas County, Spruce Hill features a variety of different trees, including spruce, birch, aspen and tamarack.
Lake Brophy Wayside Park – This park, which is located in LaGrande Township, contains 6 acres and a little more than 1,000 feet of lake Brophy shoreline. There is also a picnic shelter, grills, a fire pit and a playground if you feel like staying a while.
Central Lakes Trail – Offering views of a variety of landscapes, the Central Lakes Trail is a 55-mile paved trail that stretches from Osakis to Fergus Falls. There is plenty to see along the way! Glacial Ridge Scenic Byway – Officially designated a Minnesota State Scenic Byway, Glacial Ridge is approximately 220 miles long and offers beautiful views of forests, prairies and lakes.
As temperatures start to cool down, why not spend time indoors at the Douglas County Library. The library, located in downtown Alexandria, is a part of the Viking Library System, which is a federated regional public library system serving six west central Minnesota counties, including Douglas, Grant, Otter Tail, Pope, Stevens and Traverse.
SEPTEMBER
Let’s Talk Plants: Preserving the harvest –Sept. 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30Libraryp.m. Book Club – Sept. 14 from 1 to 2 p.m. Writer’s Group (for adults) – Sept. 24 from 10 a.m. to 1 Friendsp.m.of the Library Book Club – Sept. 26 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Let’s Talk Plants: Putting your garden to bed – Sept. 27 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. OCTOBER YA Book Club – Oct. 7 from 3:45 to 4:45 p.m. Library Book Club – Oct. 12 from 1 to 2 p.m. Writer’s Group (for adults) – Oct. 22 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friends of the Library Book Club – Oct. 24 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. NOVEMBER YA Book Club – Nov. 4 from 3:45 to 4:45 p.m. Library Book Club – Nov. 9 from 1 to 2 p.m. Writer’s Group (for adults) – Nov. 26 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friends of the Library Book Club – Nov. 28 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. DECEMBER
Several services are also available for a minimal fee, including selfserve photocopies, computer lab photocopies, fax services, meeting and conference rooms rentals, and proctoring.
The library offers more than 100,000 items as well as many other services, including newspapers, audio books, DVDs, downloadable e-books, periodicals, book/CD sets, compact discs, large print materials, paperbacks and book club kits. It also offers several different rooms, including a computer lab, two quiet rooms, a small conference room with Smart Board, a large meeting room with Smart Board, a medium meeting room and a study room.
Several events are being planned at the Douglas County Library, including the following:
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YA Book Club – Dec. 2 from 3:45 to 4:45 p.m. Library Book Club – Dec. 14 from 1 to 2 p.m. Friends of the Library Book Club – Dec. 26 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. More events may be added to the calendar, so check out the library’s website at douglascountylibrary.org for up-to-date information. For more information about the library in general, visit the website or call 320-7623014.
The third exhibit is called “Legacy Launches,” and is the largest of the three, featuring launches from the 1890s to the “Launches1920s.were really the first recreational sporting motor boat,” Johnson said. “They were originally intended as workhorses. They would be a tender — it was the boat that brought things from shore to ship 320-762-0622 Tim Cell: 320-808-0581 2050 Co. Rd. 82 Alexandria
ALEXANDRIA — There are three new exhibits scheduled to run through Oct. 31 at the Legacy of the Lakes Museum, in addition to the museum’s standing exhibits. “We want to inspire people to connect to these exhibits and share their own stories, and that’s part of continuing that lake tradition, passing on those lake stories and making sure it keeps going,” said Kaci Johnson, communications and programs director at the museum. Johnson said it takes about a year to organize the exhibits. “We open in May,” she said. “At our June meeting, we start talking about what are our ideas for next year, and then at our August meeting I come with different research I’ve compiled and present it to the committee and see if we can make it work. “From that point on, it’s basically researching, finding boats, figuring out layouts in time for a May 20 opening,” she said.
THE POWER OF FUN: WATERCRAFTPERSONAL
The next exhibit is called “The Power of Fun: Personal Watercraft,” which looks at the evolution of personal watercraft and showcases early models from the 1960s onward. “Jet Skis and things like that are a huge part of lake culture, so we wanted to kind of highlight some of that early history with these,” Johnson said. “We have lots of unique examples, rare examples of boat companies that have come and gone.”One example is the WetJet, which looks like a snowmobile in front and was created by the family who owns Koronis Parts in Paynesville.
LEGACY LAUNCHES
The exhibit contains some information about how the lake formed and its early history, as well as highlighting the stories of 10 shipwrecks.
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“The funny thing is, they still own the name WetJet — they lease it to Swiffer for the Swiffer WetJet,” JohnsonAnothersaid.example is the WetBike, made by Arctic Cat, which is like a motorcycle for the water and was featured in the James Bond movie, “The Spy Who Loved Me.” “He actually rode the only prototype they had in the 1970s,” Johnson said. Some of the items in the exhibit are from the museum’s collection, and some are on loan. The exhibit was sponsored by Explore Alexandria and Ollie’s Service.
SHIPWRECKED: LAKE SUPERIOR
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The first of the new exhibits is “Shipwrecked: Lake Superior,” which shares information and artifacts about some of the estimated 350 to 550 shipwrecks that have happened on Lake Superior. “It’s claimed something like 6,000 lives,” Johnson said. “If you look at the Great Lakes total, it’s 10,000, so it’s a large chunk of it.”
fergusonbrothers@gmail.com • www.fergusonbrothersexcavating.com • ROAD BUILDING • ROCK (ALL SIZES) • BASEMENTS • FOOTINGS • FROST DIGGING • SCRAPER WORK • LANDSCAPING • BUILDING DEMOLITION • SEWER HOOK-UPS • WATER LINES • CLASS 5 GRAVEL • FILL MATERIAL • SCREENED BLACK DIRT • CONCRETE & BLACKTOP DISPOSAL • DIRECTIONAL BORING • COMMERCIAL UTILITIES • DEMOLITION CONTRACTOR • RIP RAP SHORELINES • DRAIN TILE SYSTEMS • DRAINAGE CORRECTIONS • GRADING • CUSTOM GRAVEL & ROCK CRUSHING • ASPHALT FERGUSON BROTHERS EXCAVATING INCSince1979 COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL SITEWORK & UTILITIES DIRECTIONAL BORING & DRILLING PavingAsphaltContractorsPavingContractors StreetsCommercialResidential&Roads NewResurfacingConstructionDriveways Parking Lots SportsAgricultureCourts 6464 Cty Rd 87 SW, Alexandria, MN 56308 (320)-335-2908 office • (320)-304-9054 www.fergusonasphaltpaving.com • email: paving.ferguson@gmail.com These are some of the items and information on display as part of “Shipwrecked: Lake Superior,” one of three new exhibits at the Legacy of the Lakes Museum. Travis Gulbrandson / Alexandria Echo Press SEE NEW EXHIBITS ATLegacy of the Lakes This porthole was recovered from the wreck of the Thomas Wilson in Lake Superior. Travis Gulbrandson / Alexandria Echo Press 6 | FALL VACATIONER 2022 EXHIBITS continues on page 7
By Travis Gulbrandson
“(There are) objects that are from most of the ships that we highlight,” Johnson said. “Today, it’s illegal to haul up artifacts like these from those shipwrecks, so there’s not going to be any more of these for a while.”Theitems are on loan from the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center.“There are some really interesting things here,” Johnson said.
Jet Skis and boat launches
In 2018, the BoatHouse, an indoor event center, was added and is available for rent for weddings, corporate events and family gatherings as well as a place for the museum to host educational programs and includes an indoor event hall, bathrooms and bridal suite/greenroom.
Much of Minnesota’s history is inspired by the many beautiful lakes throughout our state, and the Legacy of the Lakes Museum and Gardens is dedicated to bringing that history to the public.
This oar blade is another artifact on display as part of “Shipwrecked: Lake Superior” at the Legacy of the Lakes Museum.Travis Gulbrandson / Alexandria Echo Press and back, but eventually their use kind of morphed into being used for fun.”
The first organized race was in 1904 on the Hudson River, and the boats were originally steam-powered and needed a licensed engineer to be run properly, JohnsonEventuallysaid. innovations like batteries came into play to make the boats more user-friendly.
The Antique Boat Museum in Clayton, N.Y., has loaned the museum a Consolidated launch for the exhibit. Other boats were loaned by Lee Anderson and Carl Mammel, along with launches from the museum’s own“Wecollection.havekids’ education classes and we take them on a tour of the museum as part of that,” Johnson said. “I always take them into this room and say, ‘You’ve got five minutes to look around, and then come and tell me your favorite boat.’ And it’s always the big one. I can’t even imagine that bearing down on you in the water.
The museum is located in downtown Alexandria at 205 Third Avenue West, near the Alexandria Fire Department. The museum office is open MondayFriday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Contact the museum at 320-759-1114 or through its website www.legacyofthelakes.org for more information.
LEGACY OF THE LAKES Museum
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“Adults, too, love seeing these wood boats,” she said. “There’s something about the shining mahogany that’s just so nice looking.”
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The museum features handcrafted wooden boats, grand hotels and fishing clubs, bringing to life traditions that reach back nearly a century and a half.These diverse exhibits, as well as the Gardens, are all part of the Legacy of the Lakes Museum, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of antique and classic watercraft, resort memorabilia and sporting equipment used on the Minnesota lakes.
Originally known as the Minnesota Lakes Maritime Museum, the name was changed to Legacy of the Lakes in 2016 to better communicate and reflect its mission of celebrating shared memories and experiences of Minnesota lake life, preserving it for future generations.
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It’s fun. It’s messy. It’s a stompin’ good time. Whether you’re a stomper or just cheering the teams on, there’s a weekend of fun waiting for you at Carlos Creek Winery in Alexandria when its annual Grape Stomp and Fall Festival gets going. Held Sept. 16-18, the festival attracts more than 15,000 visitors from all over the country during the three-day celebration.Andit’snot just the stomp you can enjoy. The festivities include wine-tasting, 12 live bands on four stages and more than 150 food, juried artists and marketplace vendors and a man cave featuring 22 Northmen Brewing Co. beer. The highlight of the event is the grape stomp, when more than 300 teams will stomp out 10,000 pounds of grapes. In addition, youth ages 5-10 can join in on the Kids Foot Stomp on TheSunday.festival is handicapped accessible, and is held rain or shine.Carlos Creek Winery is located at 6693 County Road 34 NW in Alexandria.Formoreinformation about the event, including how to participate in the grape stomping fun, visit the Grape Stomping and Fall Festival website at www.ccwgrapestomp.com.
COUNTRY BLOSSOM Farm 8 | FALL VACATIONER 2022
In operation since 2009, the 100acre Country Blossom Farm is located on Interstate 94 outside of Alexandria. The farm is owned by Tracy and Troy Heald, along with their children, Taylor, Tristin and Tiana, and features an apple orchard, pumpkin patch, corn maze, you-pick strawberries, apples and raspberries, a gift shop and a farm-to-table bakery. There are also outdoor activities, including a huge jumping pillow, Tall Tire Mountain, swings and slides, a pedal cart track, a kids farmers market, a huge corn pit and wagon rides.The bakery features doughnuts, cookies, pies, bars, dehydrated apples, sweet and savory hand pies, and takeand-bake pies. The farm’s store features home decor, furniture, home accents, gifts and seasonal decor, and floral items. You can also find dip mixes and soups, local honey and syrup, jams and jellies, and much more. And of course, there is the produce. In season you can purchase strawberries, raspberries, apples, pumpkins, squash and gourds. In mid-August through October, there are you-pick raspberries. Containers are provided. There are also 13 varieties of you-pick apples, the prices of which vary based on variety. Picking times and dates will be updated as the apples ripen. Through the end of October there is also a pumpkin patch, with many different sizes, shapes and colors available. For more information on Country Blossom Farm, visit www. countryblossomfarm.com.
GRAPE STOMP AT Carlos Creek Winery
TICKETS: Children 5 and under free with no ticket needed; Kids ages 6-12 are $10-$15; Adults are $20-$25; VIP are $40. Gates open at 1 p.m. Tickets are limited as seating is limited.
TASTE OF OSAKISCelebration
FIRE PIT Productions FALL VACATIONER 2022 | 9
Fire Pit Production was started in 2018 by Quincy Roers. Excited by the idea to push local theater to new levels, Roers proposed using the stage at Lakes Area Theatre for small production plays. The idea was supported by local actors interested in providing the community with edgy, thoughtprovoking stage plays. For more information, visit lakesareatheatre.com/firepit or email lakesareatheatre@gmail.com.
Hinza Tote Making its way to the streets of Osakis will be the third Taste of Osakis celebration Saturday, Sept. 10. The event will include live music and craft vendors, and is filled with food, fun andSeveralactivities.bands will be on tap to entertain visitors Saturday night: Junkyard Caddy; a second band to be determined and the Eli Young Band. For more information, visit the Osakis Chamber of Commerce and Taste of Osakis Facebook pages for updates and more details as they become available.
UPCOMING PERFORMANCES Sept. 8-10 at 7 p.m. – Tiny Beautiful Things, stage play Oct. 21-22 and Oct. 27-29 at 7 p.m. – Category E, stage play Dec. 2-3 and Dec. 8-10 at 7 p.m. – Sorry! Wrong Chimney!, stage play
BULL RIDING IS BACK IN OSAKIS Come see professional bull riders and entertaining clowns for an unforgettable experience and a Taste of Osakis. Fun for all ages and family-friendly. Family favorite Mutton Busting will be featured again this year, as well.
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On Saturday, Oct. 29, Smokey Timbers Camp on Lake Miltona will host a Trail of Treats and a Spooky Trails event, according to a calendar on its website. The event was also hosted last year, with the Trail of Treats being more kid-friendly and the Spooky Trails being for those who were interested in getting scared. There will also be several “Trunk or Treats,” which find locals throwing open their spookily-decorated vehicle trunks to trick-or-treaters.
Take a trip back through history when you visit downtown Alexandria. The town and merchants who populate the downtown stores take pride in Alexandria’s legacy and are dedicated to making your visit memorable.
The group organizes projects and events that take place downtown, as well as paying special attention to the beauty and aesthetic appeal of the downtown area. ADMA also purchases the flower baskets that hang downtown in thesummer.Formany people, October means the coming of their favorite holiday, Halloween, and Douglas County has a variety of activities scheduled to take place to attract all the area ghosts, ghouls and goblins.
HISTORICDowntown Alexandria Here’s a peek at some of the happenings that are planned in Historic Downtown Alexandria in the coming months: Oletober Fest: Sept. 9-11 Fall Preview: Sept. 19-23 Downtown Trick or Treat: Oct. 31 Shoppers on the Hunt: Nov. 4-6 Christmas in the Fort: Nov. 25 Small Business Saturday: Nov. 26 Christmas Event: Dec. 3 *Events are subject to change (Check downtownalexandria.com for updates.) 10 | FALL VACATIONER 2022
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From Third to Eighth Avenue, downtown Alexandria brims with history reaching back to the 1800s and is home to popular shopping destinations such as antiques, unique boutiques, gift shops, eateries, museums and theater.ADMA is the largest retail organization in Alexandria. Its focus is to leverage the individual resources of small businesses to promote downtown Alexandria with a unified intensity.
One of the most important events of the holiday (aside from the candy, obviously) is the Halloween parade. Organizers hope to start the festivities at 5:30 p.m. on Halloween. The parade will begin at the Douglas County Fairgrounds, and will cross Lake Winona, and go down Fifth Avenue W. before turning on to Fillmore Street, where it will travel past Trumm Drug and the library before ending on Ninth Avenue. As always, stay safe and have fun! Treating
One Trunk or Treat will be held at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, which is located at 2702 MN-29, and will be held on Sunday, Oct. 30, from 2:30-4:30 p.m.Another Trunk or Treat will be held at Calvary Church on 605 Douglas St. in Alexandria on Monday, Oct. 31 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. As it is still early in the season, more Trunk or Treats may still be announced.OnMonday, Oct. 31, trick-or-treating will be available in downtown Alexandria, with official times yet to be announced.
Formed in 1967, the Alexandria Downtown Merchants Association (ADMA) strives to strengthen the attractiveness of downtown for Alexandria shoppers, residents, visitors and business owners alike, while being recognized as a destination and a source of true value in the community.
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UPCOMING PERFORMANCES Radio shows are on the following dates: Oct. 14, Nov. 11 and Dec. 16.
CONCERT SELECTIONS FOR THE 2022-2023 SEASON: All shows are at 7:30 p.m. for the following performances: ▶Oct. 13 – Copper Street Brass, Twin Cities based brass sextet ▶Dec. 1 – Brancy and Dugan, music from the post-war world ▶Feb. 17 – Travis Anderson Trio, familiar program of 60s TV theme music, Disney and pops/jazz standards ▶March 28 – The Everly Set, a tribute to the Everly Brothers ▶May 4 – Troupe Vertigo, dynamic L.A. based circus-dance-theater ensemble Lakes Area Theatre performs its shows before a live audience on the second Friday of every month at 7 p.m. They also record the stories, edit them and then play them on a network of radio stations and on the Lakes Area Theatre website. The theater is located at their new location, 4133 Iowa Street in Alexandria. You can find the most up-to-date information on performances by visiting the Lakes Area Theatre’s website at www.lakesareatheatre.com or by calling 320-815-7664.
The Central Lakes Concert Association (CLCA) was formed in 1983 with the goal of offering an expanded program of quality concerts, affordable to the general public. The annual membership allows members to attend all concerts in Alexandria, as well as concerts presented by the Sauk Centre, Ortonville/Milbank, Brainerd, Fergus Falls and Wadena concert associations. All concerts take place at the Performing Arts Center at the Alexandria Area High School, 4300 Pioneer Rd, Alexandria. For more information on the Central Lakes Concert Association, call Randy Morken, president, at 320-491-6308 or visit www.concertassociation.net.
UPCOMING PERFORMANCES
LAKES AREATheatre
CENTRAL LAKES CONCERTAssociation
The Alexandria Area Arts Asso ciation (AAAA) strives to foster appreciation, understanding and love of the performing arts by pro viding experiences that entertain, educate and enrich the community. The AAAA presents a variety of plays and concerts at the Andria Theatre at 618 Broadway in Alexandria, as well as the annual two-day Art in the Park held at Alexandria City Park. For information, visit www.andri atheatre.org.
▶Young Frankenstein – Performances will take place Oct. 20-23, 27-30. Thursday, Friday and Saturday shows are at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday shows are at 2 p.m.
▶ The Sound of Music –Performances will take place Dec. 8-11 and 15-18. Thursday, Friday and Saturday shows are at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday shows are at 2 p.m.
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ALEXANDRIA AREA Arts Association
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BIG OLE AND BIG OLE
Webcam
The sport of golf’s economic output (direct, indirect and induced) contributes more than $2.4 billion to the economy.
The idea for the statue began in January of 1964 when North Star World’s Fair Corporation in Osseo began work ing on an addition to the Minnesota display for the New York World’s Fair. The display was to feature the historical Kensington Runestone in an animated scene titled “Minne sota, Birthplace of America.” The new item to coincide with this display was the 28-foot, four-ton Viking statue. Big Ole was created by fiberglass sculptor Gordon Schumaker of Minneapolis in April of 1965 and was trans ported to New York just in time for the World’s Fair. When the fair ended, Big Ole was moved to Alexandria, where he standsOriginallytoday.placed at the north end of Broadway Street in front of the Runestone Museum, Big Ole was moved from the intersection of 3rd and Broadway to a new location one-half block north in 1980 to make way for a new stop light. He was moved once more in 2002 to his current location at the head of the Central Lakes Trail on the south shore of Lake ThroughoutAgnes.theyears, Big Ole has had several repairs made and new coats of paint applied. And, his beard has changed from gray to yellow to brown. Locals and visitors alike can stop by Big Ole and take a selfie using the Big Ole webcam that is found on the ALP Utilities website – www.alputilities.com/big-ole-webcam/.
It’s a fun way to get a group shot with the 28-foot fiber glass statue located in Big Ole Central Park. Once you open the website on your cell phone, just take a screenshot to capture you, your group and the famous Viking statue. You must use Firefox, Safari or Edge browsers. Chrome current ly does not work with the ALP camera, which is mounted on the pole in front of Big Ole. Located in rural Osakis and officially recognized as a Century Farm, Erickson’s is home to a wide variety of animals, including pygmy goats, sheep, miniature horses, miniature donkeys, llamas, miniature cattle, potbelly pigs, rabbits, cats, chickens, ducks, geese, pheasants, peacocks, pigeons and doves.Corn is available to feed the animals for a small fee, as well as anti-bacterial hand sanitizer to clean your hands when you’re done petting them. In addition to the barn which houses all the animals, there is a pony ring, a playground and sand pile, a party shed, a giant chair, outdoor animal viewing areas and more. There are also plenty of fall-related activities, including a tractor and wagon ride, a corn maze and a pumpkin patch. Hot cider and snacks are also available. Fall hours, from Oct. 1 through Oct. 31, are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Erickson’s is also open in winter by appointment. Erickson’s Petting Zoo is a USDA licensed, inspected and insured farm. The farmstead itself was homesteaded by Dan and Eva Weber in 1915, and Dave and Pam Erickson and their family converted the barn to accommodate all the animals. For more information about Erickson’s Petting Zoo, visit www. ericksonspettingzoo.com.
It may be autumn, but as long as the weather stays warm, area golfers will be on the local links here in west central Minnesota. The Alexandria area certainly doesn’t lack for green fairways, with more than 15 courses available for those hungry for the Manychallenge.thinkMinnesota’s golf season is short, but most years there are six full months of golf opportunities on courses that are lush and full. Whether a beginner at the game or a scratch golfer, the Alexandria area holds the perfect course for you. From small, 9-hole courses to 27-hole masterpieces, this area’s courses are beautifully designed and well kept; perfect for a long afternoon of outdoor entertainment with friends. Did you know?
Minnesota is the only state to have hosted all USGA national championships, the Walker Cup, Curtis Cup and the men’s and women’s state team championships.
The Land of 10,000 Lakes has more than 500 golf courses and employs more than 34,000 people.
Perhaps one of the most eye-catching landmarks in Alexandria is Big Ole – a 28-foot tall Viking statue that stands at the north end of Broadway, along Second Ave nue. Born in 1965, the Viking has become a much-beloved resident in the lakes area.
ERICKSON’S PETTING ZOOand Pumpkin Patch ALEXANDRIAAREA Golf 14 | FALL VACATIONER 2022
Alexandria native and golf pro Tom Lehman is the only golfer to win Player of the Year honors on the PGA Tour, Champions tour and Web.com tour.
NEW Smokehouse in a HistoricLocation New Smokehouse menu Famous Salad Bar Patio over looking lake Agnes Voted Best Pizza in the Lakes Area Large Group accommodations Pool tables, Games, Darts Happy Hour all day Sunday Catering Available DowntownAlexandria 320.763.7712 FALL VACATIONER 2022 | 15
The first settlements in Douglas County were established in 1858, the same year that Minnesota became a state. The area was a wilderness of woods, prairies and lakes and was home to Dakota and Chippewa Indians. Archeologists date the earliest bones and artifacts found in area burial sites as being more than 2,000 yearsTheold.Red River Trail, used by early pioneers and wagon trains, passed through the area to Fort Abercrombie in North Dakota. In the summer of 1858, brothers Alexander and William Kinkead established a settlement along the shore of Lake Agnes, built a log cabin and hotel, and named the area “Alexandria.” A mail route was set up between St. Cloud and Fort Abercrombie, and government troops cut a road from Fort Snelling to Abercrombie, which allowed for a stage line and increasing numbers of new settlers. In 1862, news arrived that the Dakota were forming war parties. Many settlers headed east to safety, while others combined forces to defend their property. The Dakota uprising was too powerful, however, and the settlements were abandoned. Months later, settlers returned to the county and soldiers arrived to build a stockade in Alexandria for protection. Treaties were later signed with the Dakota, and by 1866, things had calmed and the soldiers left. That same year, Douglas County’s boundaries were officially set. The county was named for Senator Stephen Douglas, a statesman and leader in the Democratic Party who helped with its establishment. A government land office was set up in Alexandria. With the signing of the Homestead Act by President Lincoln, a surge of European immigrants and Civil War veterans came. Within seven years, almost all tillable land was claimed.In1878, the railroad was connected from Melrose to Alexandria and, the next year, to Brandon and Evansville. Several cities in the county were started along the steam locomotive line, including Nelson and Garfield. Eventually, the Soo Line crossed the county, and more towns, including Kensington, Forada, Carlos and Miltona, popped up. The new rail line allowed tourists and sportsmen easy access to the area, and the wealth of fish and game made the area a popular vacation spot.
Nelson died in 1923. His will stated that following the death of his daughter, Ida, the house was to be given to the Norwegian Lutheran Church as a “home for the aged.” It served in that capacity for 38 years. In 1978, the house was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. On October 1, 1987, the “Knute Nelson House” became the headquarters of the Douglas County Historical Society. The Douglas County Historical Society is located at 1219 Nokomis St. in Alexandria. Office hours are Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., guided house tours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, call 320762-0382 or visit www.dchsmn.org.
Interested in local history?
Visit the Douglas County Historical Society and take a guided tour of the famous Knute Nelson house, home of one of Alexandria’s most famous residents. Nelson, who served the people of Minnesota in public office for more than 50 years, was elected to the Minnesota Legislature, and served two terms in the U.S. Congress before becoming the state’s first foreign-born governor. He then served in the U.S. Senate for 28 Nelsonyears. claimed a homestead in Alexandria in 1871 and built a small house on the property in 1874. As his political career progressed, he made additions to the house, adding a formal living room and large bedroom in 1900 and a dining room and kitchen on the main floor and four more bedrooms on the second story in 1915.
DOUGLAS HISTORICALCOUNTYSociety
EVANSVILLE Art Center 16 | FALL VACATIONER 2022
HISTORY OFDouglas County
Home to the Evansville Arts Coalition, the Evansville Art Center has been serving the people of Evansville and surrounding communities with arts programming since 1995.First organized in 1995 and incorporated as a Minnesota non-profit in 1996, the Evansville Art Center is located at 111 Main Street in Evansville and is housed in the second oldest building in Evansville. Twice a drug store and cafe, the building now serves as an exhibit space, a music venue and a place for artists-inresidence to sell their work. Gallery hours are Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visit evansvilleartcenter.org or call (218) 9482787 for more information.
11030TH AV ENUEWES T, ALEXANDRIA NEXT TO VIKING PL AZAMALL PIKEANDPINT.COM 320.763.7468 OUTDOOR BAR FIREPLACE FIRE PITS New patio! CHEF-DRIVEN DYNAMIC MENU IN A POLISHED YET CASUAL SETTING LARGE WINE SELECTION + SPIRITS LOCAL CRAFT BREWS INCLUDING HARD TO FIND TAP ROOM EXCLUSIVES BURGERS STEAKS SEAFOOD SALADS GLUTEN-FREE OPTIONS HAPPY HOUR SPECIALS HANDCRAFTED FOOD MADE WITH PASSION always!
www.tipsinahgolf.com218-685-427115185GolfCourseRoadElbowLake,MN56531 West from Alexandria 25 miles on I-94 to Evansville - Elbow Lake Exit 82, West 6 miles on Hwy 79, then North 1 mile on Golf Course (Co. 24) Rd. 18 HOLES OVERLOOKING POMME DE TERRE LAKE Weekday Rates: 18 holes with cart $37 (Not Available on Holidays or Thursdays) • Lush, Open Fairways • Challenging Greens • Group Rates Available • Relaxed & Friendly Atmosphere For more information & pricing visit www.lakemiltonagolfclub.com or like us on Facebook Facebook.com/lakemiltonagolf Call Ahead for Tee 320-852-7078Times 3868 County Road 5 NE, Alexandria MN 56308 Located 9 miles North of Alexandria on Hwy 29. Left on County Rd 5 – ¼ mile. • Pro-Shop with Rentals • Driving Range & Practice • PGA Member on Staff • Open to the Public • Full Menu & Bar 18 HOLE GOLF COURSE – PAR 72 • GPS, Bluetooth access speakers, live HDTV, music streaming and sports ticker on all carts • ATM and WIFI Available • Mon, Sat & Sun After 3 pm Specials 320-762-TEES www.arrowwoodresort.com(8337)Discover the Difference - Est. 1915 2300 N Nokomis NE, Alexandria, MN 56308 320.763.3605 18 HOLE CHAMPIONSHIP COURSE Home of the 101st Resorters | Open to the Public Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. 27 HOLES OPEN TOTH EP UBLI C SE RV ING LUNCH &D INNER VISI T U S A T : GENEVAGOLFCLUB.COM 320762-7089 AREA GOLF COURSES 18 | FALL VACATIONER 2022
• Farm Fresh Menu • Home Inspired Items • Rustic Décor • One of NewestAlexandria’sRestaurants www.willytsalex.com DAILY HAPPY HOUR 3-6 PM & 9-11PM LUNCH & DINNER 7 DAYS A WEEK BREAKFAST SATURDAY AND SUNDAY Alexandria, MN Call 320-763-9983
Another good spot is Kensington Rune Stone Park, which is located in Solem Township. The park features nearly eight miles of multi-use trail to ride, run and hike on. The trails weave through the oak, maple and aspen forest mixing in lakes and small prairie meadows.
The Central Lakes Trail also connects to the Lake Wobegon trail, which runs from Osakis through Sauk Centre to St. Joseph. Together, they make one of the longest paved bike trails in the state. The Central Lakes Trail (www.centrallakestrail.com) is used as a snowmobile trail in the winter.
One highlight is Lake Brophy County Park, which features eight bike trails of varying skill levels, from easy to difficult. Located to the north of the Central Lakes Trail, the bike trails wind through all areas of the park and offer some of the best views in the county.
MOUNTAIN BIKETrails
A 220-mile route through lakes, woods and farmlands, the Glacial Ridge Trail is officially designated a Minnesota State Scenic Byway and is a great getaway for those looking for a relaxing drive. This byway consists of several loops in the countryside between Willmar and Glenwood, with extensions to Alexandria and Sauk Centre for a total of 245 miles, and allows you to create your own adventure.
LAKESCENTRAL Trail
Travelers can select their own points of interest along the drive through rolling terrain filled with lakes, woods, prairie and farmland – scenes that change with the seasons.
This park has it all – huge playground, great beach, fishing pier, a place to launch your kayak or canoe, picnic spots, mountain biking, walking and hiking trails with the best view of Alexandria and surrounding areas. The top of the hills are 140 feet above Lake Brophy. In the winter, there is ice skating and sledding. It’s a great place to take your family, friends or to just go on a nature walk by yourself. The Central Lakes Trail is a paved biking and walking trail that spans Douglas County from Osakis through Evansville and on to Fergus Falls in Otter Tail County.The55-mile-long trail, located on the old Burlington Northern rail line grade, connects the cities of Osakis, Nelson, Alexandria, Garfield, Brandon, Evansville and Melby in Douglas County. The trail then moves on through Ashby in Grant County and into Otter Tail County where it passes through Dalton before ending in Fergus Falls. The trailhead and parking area in Alexandria is at the north end of Broadway in Big Ole Central Park. Other trailheads are available in Osakis, Garfield, Brandon and Evansville. These trail heads include parking areas, portable restrooms and trailside shelters. A bike shelter is also available along the trail about 1.5 miles east of Nelson.
Highlighted by three state parks – Sibley, Monson and Glacial Lakes – the byway has plenty of great stopping spots good for hiking, bird watching and fishing. The area was formed by massive glaciers as they covered the land then melted, leaving behind many unique ridges and hills.When the United States expanded westward in the 1850s, settlers moved into the area and have left their mark through their rich cultural history. To find out more about the scenic byway, visit www. glacialridgebyway.com.
Another popular activity for spring and summer is bicycling, and area bikers have plenty of options when it comes to trails, as Douglas County hosts a variety of them.
GLACIAL RIDGETrailLAKE BROPHYCOUNTYPark FALL VACATIONER 2022 | 20
51 Main St West Union, MN 56389 | (320) 352-0123 We look forward to seeing & everyone!meeting MONDAY- 4 TO 8 - $2.00 Burger night TUESDAY- 4 TO 8$8.99 A.Y.C.E. Taco Buffet WEDNESDAY- ALL DAYWraps Wednesday WEDNESDAY- 4 TO 8Single Topping Pizzas, $6.99 THURSDAY- 11 TO 2Cook’s Choice, HOMEMADE Dinner THURSDAY- 4 TO 8Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich FRIDAY NIGHTSalad bar, $9.95 A.Y.C.E. Fish Fillets, $12.95 A.Y.C.E. Fantail Shrimp, $14.95 Garlic Shrimp, $13.95 BBQ Ribs, $13.95 Hamburger Steak, $13.95 (Add mushrooms and onions) Walleye Filet, $14.95 ALL entree’s include: Choice of Potato, Soup, Salad bar, and Homemade Desserts SATURDAY - Cook’s Choice, BARGO and Meat Raffle (seasonal - October thru May) SUNDAY - Cook’s Choice TUESDAY THRU THURSDAY, HAPPY HOUR, 2/4/1’S, 4:00 TO 6:00 FRIDAY HAPPY HOUR, 2:00 TO 4:00 Watch Facebook and Web page for other specials and events. EVERYONE WELCOME! DailySpecial
▶ Engravings in granite on the base of the Liberty Bell list “freedom, honor, justice, liberty and peace.”
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Museum
▶ The motto, “Let No Veteran Be Forgotten,” is affixed to the Veterans Wall of Honor. ▶ Special bronze plaques honor John Wedum, Terence Kjos, veterans of Douglas Machine, and combat veterans.
EVENTS ▶ Saturday Art Market will take place every Saturday beginning May 28 and running through the end of September from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Big Ole Central Park. There will be art, music, kid activities, theater, food and more.
▶ The Wine, Ale and Art Crawl took place July 29 in select downtown Alexandria locations. The event is a fun opportunity to support downtown business and local artists. Sample a variety of spirits and shop for unique, one-of-a-kind items in downtown Alexandria.
Granite tablets honoring all donors who contributed over $200.
DESIGN HIGHLIGHTS
The Runestone Museum has been inspiring curiosity about local history and heritage for more than 60 years. The world famous and controver sial Kensington Runestone was the Runestone Museum’s only artifact when it opened its doors in 1958. Since then, the museum has expand ed to include exhibits celebrating native Minnesotans, emigrants and immigrants, Minnesota wildlife and events that shaped the area.
Fort Alexandria, commissioned in 1862, has been recreated with rescued historical structures, such as a nearly exact replica of the stockade built in 1862, an 1889 church, a log cabin built in the late 1860s and an 1885 schoolhouse. The fort is located in the outdoor portion of the campus that is open April-October. Housing rare and exciting artifacts like a Middle Ages Nordic fire steel and a 1920s jingle dress, the Rune stone Museum is sure to impress whether you’re interested in history, heritage or the natural sciences. For more information, call 320763-3160, or visit the museum’s website at www.runestonemuseum. org for the most up-to-date admis sion prices and hours. Check out the museum’s Facebook page at Rune stone Museum Foundation.
▶ A granite tablet honors Special Combatants, acknowledging names of local veterans exposed to extraor dinary hardships while defending the▶country.Granite benches recognizing individual veterans – Dorothy Lee, Joe Koopman, Leander Hens, Louis Grosenick, Virgil Batesole, Warren Gust and sons of Gust.
The Alexandria Art Guild is a non-profit organized in support of the visual arts in the Alexandria community. Artists and art lovers meet monthly on the third Wednesday of each month.
▶ A single granite tablet honor ing veterans of Alexandria Industries.
Nine flagpoles display the flags of the United States of America, POWMIA, Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Merchant Marine andStandingMinnesota.inthe park are stone memorials containing the names of veterans, past and present, dating back to the Declaration of Indepen dence.Todate, more than 7,000 names have been compiled, with nearly 3,000 still living in the county.
Located on the corner of Eighth Avenue and Broadway Street, Vet erans Memorial Park is a beautiful landmark and a source of contem plation and inspiration for all visitors. This park is the dream child of a group of veterans and has been built through the donations from individuals and organizations andThegrants.focal point of the memorial is a life-size granite replica of the Liberty Bell standing in the middle of a 60-foot-wide pentagon star rep resenting the five main branches of the Department of Defense. The bell and base are about 9 feet tall, about 6-1/2 feet in diameter and weigh about 40,000 pounds.
ALEXANDRIAArt GuildPark
▶ A Veterans Wall of Honor includes seven 24-inch bronze ser vice insignias: Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, National Guard and Merchant Marine.
▶
The annual Art deTour held mid-June invites the public to visit the artists in their studios and shop a wide array of original art. For information and to see member artists visit www.alexart.org or email alexartguild@gmail.com.
Built to serve as a public place for celebration or a quiet place for private reflection and healing, the Veterans Memorial Park honors vet erans of all branches of the United States Armed Forces.
VETERANS RUNESTONEMEMORIAL
www.dmichaelbs.com Viking Plaza Mall • Alexandria • 320-762-2697 TO VIEW OUR FULL MENU, GO TO:
CALENDAR of Events
Blizzard Hockey:
Vikingland Corvette Club’s Sunday cruise and dinner: Sundays, May-September, 4:30 p.m. All classic and muscle cars included on first Sunday of each month
DECEMBER 1- 7:30 p.m. Brancy and Dugan, music from the post-war world , Central Lakes Concert Association, AAHS Performing Arts Center 2 - 6-9 p.m. Holiday Light Parade, Downtown 2-3Osakis-7p.m. Sorry! Wrong Chimney! Fire Pit Productions, Lakes Area Theatre 3 - Christmas Event, Downtown Alexandria 8-10 - 7 p.m. Sorry! Wrong Chimney! Fire Pit Productions, Lakes Area Theatre 8 - 7:30 p.m. The Sound of Music, Andria Theatre 9 - 7:30 p.m. The Sound of Music, Andria Theatre 10 - 7:30 p.m. The Sound of Music, Andria Theatre 11 - 2 p.m. The Sound of Music, Andria Theatre 11 - 3-5 p.m. Mason Dixon Line, A Kickin’ Country Christmas, Central Square, Glenwood 15 - 7:30 p.m. The Sound of Music, Andria Theatre 16 - 7:30 p.m. The Sound of Music, Andria Theatre 17 - 7:30 p.m. The Sound of Music, Andria Theatre 18 - 2 p.m. The Sound of Music, Andria Theatre
Live music: Year round: Fridays & Saturdays 6-9 p.m. in the brewery Saturday 2-5 p.m. in the winery Memorial Day-Labor Day: Sundays, 1-4 p.m. in the CarloswineryCreekWinery, Alexandria 320-846-5443, www.carloscreekwinery.com
8-10 - 7 p.m. Tiny Beautiful Things, Fire Pit Productions, Lakes Area Theatre 9-11 - Oletober Fest, Downtown Alexandria 10-11 Taste of Osakis, Downtown Osakis 13 - 7-8 p.m. Gallery Talk: So Terrible A Storm, Legacy of The Lakes Museum 15 - 4-7 p.m. Cultural Diversity Festival, Alexandria College Tactical Warehouse 16-18 - Grape Stomp Festival, Carlos Creek Winery 17 - 3-6 p.m. Fall Arts Gala, Fine Line Arts, 518B Hawthorne St., Alexandria 17 - 7-9 p.m. Southern Raised Bluegrass Gospel Group, Central Square, Glenwood 19 - 7-8 p.m. Water Talks: Alexandria Nature Trail, Legacy of The Lakes Museum 25 - 2-4 p.m. Sunday Music Series: Mikko & Maybe Friends, Alexandria Senior Center 27 - 4:30-7:30 p.m., Pride Social - Theatre L’Homme Dieu, Alexandria 27 - 7:30 p.m. Portrait of a Queen, Aretha Franklin tribute, Central Lakes Concert Association, AAHS Performing Arts Center OCTOBER 4 - 11 a.m.-1 p.m. 23rd Annual United Way of Douglas & Pope Counties Chili Cook-off, Broadway Ballroom 9 - 2-4 p.m. Sunday Music Series: Julie Lee & White Rose Band, Alexandria Senior Center 13 - 7:30 p.m. Twin Cities-based brass sextet Copper Street Brass, Central Lakes Concert Association, AAHS Performing Arts Center 20 - 7:30 p.m. Young Frankenstein, Andria Theatre 21-22 - 7 p.m. Category E – Fire Pit Productions Stage Play, Lakes Area Theatre 21 - 7:30 p.m. Young Frankenstein, Andria Theatre 22 - 12-7 p.m. Oktoberfest, Carlos Creek Winery 22 - 7-9- p.m. Legends Of Soul featuring Gwen Matthews and Bruce A. Henry with Special Guest Kathleen Johnson, Central Square, Glenwood 22 - 7:30 p.m. Young Frankenstein, Andria Theatre 23 - 2 p.m. Young Frankenstein, Andria Theatre 23 - 2-4 p.m Sunday Music Series: Osterbergs, Alexandria Senior Center 27, 29 - 7 p.m. Category E – Fire Pit Productions Stage Play, Lakes Area Theatre 27 - 7:30 p.m. Young Frankenstein, Andria Theatre 28 - 7:30 p.m. Young Frankenstein, Andria Theatre 29 - 7:30 p.m. Young Frankenstein, Andria Theatre 30 - 2 p.m. Young Frankenstein, Andria Theatre 31 - Downtown Alexandria Trick or Treating
SEPTEMBER
ONGOINGEvents
RunestoneSeptember-MarchCommunity Center, Alexandria www.alexandriablizzard.com Photography Workshops: First Thursday of each month, 7 p.m. Evansville Arts www.evansvilleartcenter.comCenter Open Mic Nights: Third Thursday of each month, 7 to 9 p.m. www.evansvilleartcenter.comEvansvilleMarch-DecemberArtsCenter
NOVEMBER 19 - 7-9 p.m. Branden and James, Cello And Vocals, Central Square, Glenwood 25 - Christmas in the Fort, Downtown Alexandria 26 - 12-6 p.m. Minnesota Made Christmas Market, Carlos Creek Winery
First Friday Concerts: First Friday of each month March-Dec., 7 to 9 p.m. Evansville Arts www.evansvilleartcenter.comCenter
Alexandria Clinic parking www.vikinglandcorvetteclub.comlot
Alexandria Farmers Market: Saturdays, May 14-Oct. 29, 9 a.m. to noon. Thursdays, June 23-Oct. 29, 3 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays, June 21-Oct. 22, 9 a.m. to noon. Big Ole Central Park, Alexandria Holmes City Farmers Market and Community Breakfast: Saturdays, mid-May through mid-Oct, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Breakfast through 10:30 a.m. Trinity Lutheran Church parking lot, Holmes City 24 | FALL VACATIONER 2022
HAND-CRAFTED FLAVOR 3109 HW Y29SOUTH ALEX ANDRIA ORDERTODAY ‘QDOBAMexican Eats’isaregisteredtrademarkoftheQDOBARestaurant Corporation©2021. FALL VACATIONER 2022 | 25
Size:IDA 4,431 acres Depth: 106 feet Features: Large, clear; sandy beaches. Public accesses: North side off Co. Rd. 34 and Big Horn Bay Rd.; east side off Co. Rd. 34 and Sugar Sand Lane; southeast side off Co. Rd. 34 and Sunset Strip. Named by Myron Colony, one of the lake’s first colonists, in honor of a girlfriend out East.
Size:CROOKED 281 acres Depth: 35 feet Features: Quiet. Public access: North end off Co. Rd. 27. Named for its contour.
Size:GILBERT 201 acres Depth: 17 feet Features: Quiet. Public access: North end off Co. Rd. 7 and Moe Hall NamedRd. for an early settler.
Size:GENEVA639 acres Depth: 63 feet Features: Fishing pier on north end, access to chain of lakes. Public access: Northwest side off Hwy. 29; Southeast side off Co. Rd. 82 and E. Lake Geneva Rd. Called Rowley on early maps; renamed by Walter Scott Shotwell after resort town of Lake Geneva in Switzerland.
Size:INDIAN98 acres Depth: 38 feet Public access: North side off Co. Rd. 6 and Indian Lake Rd.
AREAALEXANDRIALAKESAARONSize:
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Size:CHIPPEWA 1,185 acres Depth: 95 feet Features: Deep, headwaters of Chippewa River. Public access: Northeast corner off Co. Rd. 12. Named for Native Americans.
Size:FREEBORN 247 acres Depth: 18 feet Public access: Northwest side off Co. Rd. 96.
Size:DARLING1,050 acres Depth: 62 feet Features: Water access to chain of lakes. Public access: Access by water from Lake Carlos. Named for Andrew Darling who settled in the area in 1860. Size:DEVILS233 acres Depth: 35 feet Features: Spring-fed, sandy beaches, connects to county park. Public access: Chippewa Park; North side off Co. Rd. 7 and Devil’s Lake Rd.
Size:LATOKA766 acres Depth: 108 feet Features: Clear, deep, good water quality, public swimming beach. Public accesses: North side off Co. Rd. 82 and Latoka Beach Rd.; West side of South Basin off Hwy. 27 and Vonderheid Dr. Named for Native Americans. Continued on page 28
Size:AGNES137 acres Depth: 31 feet Features: Fishing pier in City Park. Public access: City-owned access on southwest end off Agnes Blvd.; Fishing pier on North end in Alexandria City Park. Named for early settler Will Kinkead’s girlfriend who lived out East.
Size:HENRY152 acres Depth: 32 feet Features: Next to City Park. Public access: Alexandria City Park; Accessible by water from Lake Agnes. Named for the son of Charles Cook, an early settler.
Size:ANDREW 922 acres Depth: 83 feet Features: Sandy beaches, spring-fed, popular recreational lake. Public access: Southeast side off Co. Rd. 28 and Lake Andrew Rd. Named for first physician in Alexandria.
Size:BLACKWELL 307 acres Depth: 42 feet Public access: East side off Country Ln. Named for early settler of Holmes City.
Size:BURGEN 174 acres Depth: 43 feet Features: Small, steeply sloped shoreline. Public access: North end off Co. Rd. 23. Named for William Burgen, who lived on the southwest shore in 1869.
Size:CARLOS2,605 acres Depth: 163 feet Features: Access to chain of lakes, clear, deep. Public accesses: North shore in state park off Co. Rd. 38; northeast shore near state park off Co. Rd. 38; west shore off Co. Rd. 11; east shore off Prairie Rd. and E. Lake Carlos Dr. Reports vary, but one story is that lakes L’Homme Dieu and Carlos were named by an early settler in honor of two friends at West Point Academy.
Size:IRENE639 acres Depth: 44 feet Public access: Northwest side off Hwy. 29 and Irene Rd.; southeast side off Co. Rd. 64. First known as Reservation Lake, renamed for Irene Roadruck, daughter of early settler.
Size:JENNIE300 acres Depth: 6 feet Public access: South end of Co. Rd. 56.
Size:COWDRY 242 acres Depth: 52 feet Features: Small, clear. Public access: Northeast corner off Co. Rd. 82 and E. Lake Cowdry Rd. Named for Samuel Cowdry, an early settler.
Size:BROPHY296 acres Depth: 44 feet Features: Island, sandy beaches. Public access: Northwest shore off Co. Rd. 82 and Brophy Lane. Named for Brophy family, early residents.
Size:CHRISTINA 3,971 acres Depth: 14 feet Features: Large, shallow. Public access: Southwest end off Co. Rd. 82. Named for the Queen of Sweden.
Size:GRANTS 176 acres Depth: 60 feet Public access: West side off Country Lane.
610 acres Depth: 16 feet Features: Shallow with sandy beaches. Public access: South end off Lakes Rd.
AREA LAKE Although the size, depth and location of this mythical lake are unknown, anglers continue to report it as the home of the large fish they catch.
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Public access: Northeast end off Hwy. 29: Southeast side off Co. Rd. 15 and Sugar Sand Rd. (Pope County).
Size:SMITH666 acres Depth: 30 feet Features: Spring-fed, quiet. Public access: Northeast corner off Co. Rd. 82 and Smith Lake Rd. Named for a family that homesteaded near the lake.
Size:RENO3,808 acres Depth: 23 feet Features: Large, shallow, sandy (Most of lake is in Pope County).
Size:LONG201 acres Depth: 18 feet Public access: East end off Co. Rd. 55. Named for its contour.
Size:STOWE376 acres Depth: 14 feet Public access: West end off Co. Rd. 82 and Stowe Lake Rd.
Size:LOUISE214 acres Depth: 33 feet Public access: West side off Co. Rd. 22 and W. Lake Louise NamedDr.for a child of Charles Cook, an early settler.
L’HOMME DIEU Size: 1,801 acres Depth: 85 feet Features: Access to chain of lakes, public swimming beach. Public accesses: Northwest side off Co. Rd. 42; northeast side off Co. Rd. 120. Reports vary, but one story is that lakes L’Homme Dieu and Carlos were named by an early settler in honor of two friends who attended West Point.
Size:MINA 411 acres Depth: 123 feet Public access: North side off Co. Rd. 8. Named by Fredric Von Baumback, a Prussian officer, a major in the Civil War and Secretary of State, for his mother.
Size:MILTONA5,724 acres Depth: 105 feet Features: Largest lake in county; deep, clear; sandy beaches. Public accesses: North shore off Co. Rd. 14 and Sandy Beach Dr.; northeast side off Hwy. 29. and North Lake Miltona Dr.; west side off Spring Lake Rd. Named for Florence Miltona Roadruck, who homesteaded in Leaf Valley with husband.
Size:VERMONT 337 acres Depth: 59 feet Public access: Southeast side off Hwy. 29 and Vermont Access Rd. 26
Size:UNION107 acres Depth: 45 feet Public access: SE side off Co. Rd. 23 and Co. Rd. 86.
Name likely derived from Ojibwe Indian name for the lake, “Oh-za-kees,” which means “place of the Sauk” and refers to Sauk Indians who roamed the area.
Size:ROUND 81 acres Depth: 30 feet Features: Quiet. Public access: South end off Co. Rd. 27. Named for its contour.
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Size:MILL 451 acres Depth: 40 feet Features: Spring-fed, deep, clear. Public access: Southeast corner off Hwy. 27. Called Cornelia on early maps; unknown how it was renamed.
Size:POCKET263 acres Depth: 40 feet Public access: South side off Hwy. 114 and Pocket Lake NamedRd.for its contour.
Size:MAPLE830 acres Depth: 78 feet Features: Mostly shallow, spring-fed, excellent water quality. Public access: North end off Co. Rd. 4 and Maple Springs Dr.; east side off Co. Rd. 87 and Sunset Access Rd. Named for the maple trees that surrounded the lake.
Size:MOON139 acres Depth: 38 feet Public access: North side off Co. Rd. 82. Size:MOSES824 acres Depth: 32 feet Features: Clear, sandy. Public access: West side off Co. Rd. 16. Named for religious prophet, or possibly for a prominent Alexandria family.
RED Size:ROCK 902 acres Depth: 22 feet Features: Shallow. Public access: East side off Co. Rd. 1 and Shorewood Dr.
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Size:TURTLE218 acres Depth: 21 feet Public access: Southwest corner off Co. Rd. 88.
Size:LOBSTER1,334 acres Depth: 65 feet Features: Many bays and points, island. Public access: West end off Co. Rd. 27. Named for its shape, which resembles a lobster. It is believed this lake was first called Kinkead, but later changed.
Size:OSCAR1,231 acres Depth: 25 feet Features: Island. Public access: North side off State Hwy. 27. Named for the King of Sweden.
Size:RACHEL448 acres Depth: 65 feet Public access: East shore off Co. Rd. 93 and E. Rachel Rd. Named for the daughter of an early Holmes City settler.
Size:OSAKIS6,389 acres Depth: 73 feet Features: Large lake with many bars and fishing structures (Most of the lake is in Todd County). Public access: South end in Osakis; west side off Co. Rd. 10; north-east side off 210th Street (Todd County).
Size:MARY2,450 acres Depth: 40 feet Features: Large, gradual slopes, popular recreational lake. Public access: Northwest corner off Hwy. 27; southwest corner off Co. Rd. 4 and Little Mary Circle. Named for Mary Kinkead, a sister to some of Alexandria’s original settlers.
LITTLE CHIPPEWA Size: 269 acres Depth: 24 feet Features: Shallow, sandy, connects to county park. Public access: South shore off Co. Rd. 108. Named for Native Americans.
STATE PARKS Lake Carlos State Park is near Carlos. Take State Hwy. 29 north from Alexandria, turn west on Co. Rd. 38, turn left into park. Permit is required; purchase at park office ($7/day, $35/year). The park features trails for hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling, as well as picnic tables, shelters, a swimming beach, play area, campsites, camper cabins, group camp, group center, restrooms, showers, boat landing, amphitheater, visitor/interpretive center, naturalist programs, geocaching and an equestrian area. Rentals are available for canoes, paddle boats, kayaks, snowshoes and fish houses, and checkouts are available for fishing and birding kits and GPS units.
CITY PARKS
Big Ole Central Park is on the north end of Broadway in Alexandria, next to Lake Agnes. It features year-round restrooms, fishing pier, gazebo, kiosk shelter, bike repair station and serves as a trail head for the Central Lakes Trail.
Martin’s Hope Park, on Second Ave. across the street from Big Ole Central Park in Alexandria, has a picnic gazebo.
Alexandria City Park is at the north end of Alexandria, one block west of County Rd. 42. It offers a playground, reservable picnic area, pickleball courts, swimming beach, restrooms and fishing pier.
Woodland Park, on the north side of Alexandria on Woodland Dr., just north of Hwy. 29, has a playground.
Bluebird Park is on Agnes Blvd. near Kinkead Cemetery in Alexandria. Carter Park, on Benjamin Drive off of Co. Rd. 22 in Alexandria, has a playground..
Dean Melton Fillmore Park is at Fillmore St. and 15th Ave. West in Alexandria. It features a picnic shelter, ball fields, skate park and playground.
Lake Connie Park is on Seventh Ave. E. between Roosevelt and Spruce streets in Alexandria. Lakeview Park is near County Rd. 82 East and Birch Ave. in Alexandria. Take Co. Rd. 82 E. to Birch Ave., turn west on Runestone Place and west on Lake Park Ave. It has a playground and picnic shelter. Manor Hills Park is in Alexandria. Take Hwy. 29 N. to Manor Dr. and go two blocks to the right on Springdale. It has a playground and small ballfield.
Fred Foslien Park, in Victoria Heights, two blocks south of Co. Rd. 27 off Knut Street in Alexandria, has a playground. Geneva Crest Park is on the west side of Lake Geneva in Alexandria. Take Co. Rd. 82 E., turn north on Birch Ave., go 3/4 mile, go east on Basswood two blocks and north on Geneva Dr. It has a playground, small ballfield and sand volleyball court.
Noonan Park is at Nokomis St. and 10th Ave. in Alexandria. It has restrooms, picnic shelters, walking paths, playground and winter ice skating.
Runestone Park is about one mile east of Broadway in Alexandria on Sixth Ave. E. Skylark Park, north of Kinkead Cemetery on Amanda Lane in Alexandria, has a playground.
Summer Meadows Park, on the north side of Alexandria near Scenic Heights Road and Summer Lane, has a playground.
Goose Park is three blocks west of Broadway on Fifth Ave. W. in Alexandria, next to Knute Nelson Memorial Field ballpark. Lake Agnes Park is on the south shore of Lake Agnes along County Rd. 37 in Alexandria. Lake Burgen Park, on Rosewood and Snowbird lanes on the west side of Lake Burgen, has a playground.
Most cities in the area maintain city parks, many of which offer playground equipment and picnic areas.
Oak Knoll Park is on the northeast side of Alexandria near McKay Ave. Take Hwy. 29 North, turn right on McKay Ave. and left on Oak Knoll Dr. It has a playground and small ballfield.
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Veterans Memorial Park is at 802 Broadway in Alexandria. It includes a replica of the Liberty Bell and granite monoliths with the names of more than 7,000 veterans, as well as restrooms and a picnic area. It also includes the Matt Kjelland Memorial basketball court.
Lake L’Homme Dieu Beach – Alexandria. Take State Highway 29 north of Alexandria to the beach. Lake Osakis Beach – Osakis Located on East Lake Street in Osakis. Rotary Beach – Alexandria Between lakes L’Homme Dieu and Carlos off County Road 42.
Osagi Park is on Lake St. in the city of Osakis. It features picnic tables and shelter, restrooms, playground and lakeshore (no swimming area).
BEACHES City Park Beach – Alexandria Lake Henry in Alexandria City Park, one block west of County Road 42. Chippewa County Park Beach – Brandon Between lakes Little Chippewa and Devil’s off County Road 108. Lake Brophy County Park – Alexandria Take Co. Rd. 82 west of Alexandria to the Brophy Landing road. Lake Carlos State Park – Carlos Lake Carlos, seven miles north of Alexandria off State Highway 29 and County Road 38. Lake Latoka Beach – Alexandria Take County Road 82 west from Alexandria, turn south on County Road 90, then west onto Latoka Beach Road
Pooch Playland is a dog park with a fenced-in area located at the south end of Victor St. in Alexandria.
Pastor: James Walberg Worship Service: Sunday 9am Bible Study & Sunday School: 10:15 am Holy Communion first and second Sunday of the month GRACE BAPTIST CHURCH 1704 Hazel Hill Road, Alexandria 320-763-4393 / gracechurch-alexandria.com
Pastors: PJ Malin, Judy Holmen, Tom Kolden Worship Services: Sundays: 8:30 am Traditional Facebook Live on Sundays at 8:30 am KXRA radio at 10am Sundays Public Access TV Channel 181 at 10:45 am daily
FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH(ELCA) 1655 18th Ave. E. and S. McKay, Alexandria www.firstlutheranalexandria.com320-762-2196
WITHWORSHIPCOMEUS
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST 221 Seventh Ave. W., Alexandria 320-763-3341 / firstcongregationaluccalex.com
LAKES AREA CHURCHES
NEW LIFE CHRISTIAN 1910 Co Rd 82 SE, Alexandria 320-763-7051 / www.your-newlife.com
CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH 605 Douglas Street, Alexandria 320-763-5178 / www.calvaryalex.org Pastors: Hans Dahl & Angie Larson Worship Services: Sundays 8:30am Traditional; 10:30am Modern (Memorial Day - Labor Day outdoors at Luther Crest Bible Camp) Watch on demand at www.calvaryalex.org KXRA radio at 10:30am on Sundays Public Access TV channel 181 at 9:30am on Sundays
LAKE COMMUNITY CHURCH 490 Voyager Dr., Alexandria 320-762-5424 / lakecommunity.org
Pastor: John Taplin Worship Services: Sundays 9 am & 10:30 am Youth Programming: KidZone/Sunday School 10:30 am AWANA Wednesdays at 6:25 pm, Jr High Youth Wednesdays at 6:30, High School Ministry Sundays at 6:30 pm ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH 300 Lake St., 320-763-4842Alexandria/zionalex.org Pastors: Paul Dare, Donald Wilke & Matt Lorenz Praise Worship: 2nd Sunday 8 am, 3rd Sunday 10:00 am Holy Communion: 1st & 3rd Sunday 8 am, 2nd & 4th Sunday 10:00am To be pleaseincluded,callKate 320.763.1203
Interim Pastor: Wendell Wahlin Worship Service: Sunday 10:15 am Children’s Church: Sunday 10:35 am Sunday School: Sunday 9 am (Sept - May)
Pastor: Jon Ewton Worship Service: Sunday 9 am & 10:30am Kids Ministry: Sunday 9 am & 10:30am
ALEXANDRIA UNITED METHODIST 2210 Sixth Ave. E.,Alexandria 320-763-4624 / alexumc.org Pastors: Amy VanValkenburg-Dinkel Worship Services: Sunday 9am School/Adult Discipleship: Sunday School 10am, Adult Discipleship at 10am (Sept - June)
Reverend: Dr. Jill Sanders Worship Service: Sunday 10 am Service on Youtube: First Congregational UCC Alexandria, MN Sunday Worship Radio Rebroadcast: KXRA First Sunday of the month 11 am Communion second Sunday of the month
WELCOME
YOUGOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN (LCMS) 2702 Hwy. 29 N., Alexandria 320-762-5152 / goodshepherdalex.com
FALL VACATIONER 2022 | 31
LIFE IS AN ADVENTURE ...starting exploring today! OPEN 6 AM - 10 PM | 7 DAYS A WEEK! 320-763-3446 • www.ELDENS.com • Corner of 3rd & Nokomis, Alexandria Only store in town that is LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED. WE’LL HELP YOU PACK!
