VACATIONER JULY/AUGUST 2022
Your free guide to the Alexandria Lakes Area
EVANSVILLE ART CENTER MUSIC IN THE
ALEXANDRIA TRIATHLON
CENTRAL LAKES TRAIL
GARDEN
Art in the Park
The best of both worlds. “Many people feel the need to move to the big city to pursue their careers, leaving their hometown and the lake country lifestyle,” says Celeste Gardner, Director of Human Resources at Alomere Health. “Now, more and more professionals are recognizing we offer worldclass careers, right here in Alexandria.” Alomere Health is recognized as a Top 100 Rural & Community Hospital. This is the fourth year in a row for Alomere, making us one of only three hospitals in Minnesota to achieve this status!
Combined with being recognized by the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services as a 5-Star hospital and Healthgrades’ patient safety award, Alomere‘s programs and organizational recognition is evidence to the teamwork and overall commitment to supporting a culture of accountability and excellence that has been embraced by the staff and physicians.
everything this community has to offer,” says Celeste. “Many end up moving here to stay. They are thrilled that, here, they can build a career they’re proud of, with the lifestyle they want, in a place they love.” Are you interested in joining our expanding team? Go to AlomereHealth.com and click on the “Careers” button for a list of all of the open positions.
So much of what makes Alomere great is the people who are part of this amazing community. But don’t take our word for it. Alexandria was named “Best MN Town” by Minnesota Monthly Magazine. “Professionals come from all over to see our nationally acclaimed hospital—and they leave feeling blown away by
It’s better here.
JULY/AUGUST 2022
VACATIONER ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
! a are es k a l e h t fun in
Red Willow Arts Coalition......................................... 4 Theatre L’Homme Dieu.............................................. 4 Alexandria Area Arts Association......................... 5 Art in the Park..................................................................7 Central Lakes Concert Association......................7 Alexandria Area Art Guild......................................... 9 Fire Pit Productions.....................................................10 Lakes Area Theatre.....................................................10 Music in the Garden................................................... 11 Evansville Art Center..................................................15
ACTIVITIES
Alexandria Triathlon.................................................... 12 Resorters Golf Tournament..................................... 12 Douglas County Fair................................................... 14 Legacy of the Lakes Boat Show........................... 16 Ongoing events............................................................. 17 Rose City Threshing and Heritage Festival.... 18 Calendar of Events..................................................... 20 Mountain bike trails................................................... 26
LAKES, PARKS AND MUSEUMS
Douglas County Historical Society...................... 13 Big Ole and Big Ole webcam................................. 18 Lake Brophy County Park....................................... 26 Veterans Memorial Park.......................................... 28 Central Lakes Trail...................................................... 28 Runestone Museum................................................... 28 Legacy of the Lakes Museum............................... 30 Area lakes........................................................................ 32 Beaches............................................................................ 38 City parks......................................................................... 38
(320) 763-3133 • www.echopress.com Publisher: Diann Drew July/August 2022 • Vacationer 3
Arts Coalition
RED WILLOW
The Red Willow Arts Coalition was formed in 2009 to promote the arts and provide entertainment events for the lakes area. The coalition offers “Concerts on the Courthouse Lawn” every Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Douglas County Courthouse, 305 Eighth Avenue West, Alexandria throughout the summer. The coalition is strictly made up of volunteers, and business sponsorships and freewill donations cover the performers’ fees, making all concerts free to the public. Visit www.redwillowartscoalition.org for more information. UPCOMING PERFORMANCES July 4 – Special patriotic concert July 7 – Holy Rocka Rollaz, 50s and 60s July 21 – Shalo Lee, country July 28 – Hard Days Night, Beatles Aug 4 – Front Fenders, 50s and 60s Aug 11 – Robby Vee, 50s and 60s Aug 18 – Salty Dogs, variety Aug 25 – Red Letter Band, Christian country
L’Homme Dieu
THEATRE
For more than 50 years, Theatre L’Homme Dieu has contributed to the vibrancy and allure of the lakes area by presenting exceptional and entertaining theater. The 2022 season offers a variety of performances - there’s something for everyone! For information, call 320-846-3150 or visit www.tlhd. org. The theater is located at 1875 County Road 120 NE, Alexandria. UPCOMING PERFORMANCES Glensheen – June 22 through July 2 Something Rotten – July 12 through July 17 Class of ‘85 – July 26 through July 30 Clue – Aug 9 through Aug 18
4 July/August 2022 • Vacationer
ALEXANDRIA AREA Arts Association The Alexandria Area Arts Association (AAAA) strives to foster appreciation, understanding and love of the performing arts by providing 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.andriatheatre.org.
UPCOMING PERFORMANCES Tarzan – performances at the Andria Theatre will take place June 22-25 and June 29-July 2 with all shows at 7 p.m. There will be a performance at Art in the Park on July 30 at noon. Little Mermaid – a performance at Art in the Park will be July 30 at noon. Performances at the Andria Theatre will take place Aug. 3-6 and Aug. 10-13 with shows at 7 p.m. Performances at the Andria Theatre will take place Aug. 3-6 and Aug. 10-13 with shows at 7 p.m.
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ART IN THE
Park
After a two-year hiatus because of the COVID19 pandemic, Andria Theatre’s Art in the Park is back. Food, music, fine arts and friends will gather for all the fun when Art In The Park opens Saturday, July 30 at 9 a.m. The event will run through 5 p.m. and then it will be back open on Sunday, July 31, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The two-day festival will take place at Alexandria City Park. Entry is free both days, but
there is a $5 parking fee per vehicle. Come for the art, the variety of ethnic and Minnesota food options and the variety of entertainment that will be performed on two separate stages within the park. Watch the Echo Press newspaper for more information on the event as the date gets closer.
Association
CENTRAL LAKES CONCERT 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. CONCERT SELECTIONS FOR THE 2022-2023 SEASON (ALL CONCERTS AT 7:30 P.M.) ▶ Portrait of a Queen, Aretha Franklin tribute, Tuesday, Sept. 27 ▶ Copper Street Brass, Twin Cities based brass sextet, Thursday, Oct. 3 ▶ Brancy and Dugan, music from the post-war world, Tuesday, Nov. 1 ▶ Travis Anderson Trio, familiar program of 60s TV theme music, Disney and pops/jazz standards, Friday, Feb. 17 ▶ The Everly Set, a tribute to the Everly Brothers, Tuesday, Mar. 28 ▶ Troupe Vertigo, dynamic L.A. based circus-dance-theater ensemble, Thursday, May 4
July/August 2022 • Vacationer 7
COME WORSHIP WITH US
LAKES AREA CHURCHES WELCOME YOU ALEXANDRIA UNITED METHODIST
GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN (LCMS)
CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH
LAKE COMMUNITY CHURCH
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) 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
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
221 Seventh Ave. W., Alexandria 320-763-3341 / firstcongregationaluccalex.com 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
FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH(ELCA)
1655 18th Ave. E. and S. McKay, Alexandria 320-762-2196 www.firstlutheranalexandria.com Pastors: PJ Malin, Judy Holmen, Tom Kolden Worship Services: Sundays: 8:30 am Traditional 10:00 am Outdoor at First Lutheran Memorial Day thru Labor Day Facebook Live on Sundays at 8:30 am KXRA radio at 10am Sundays Public Access TV Channel 181 at 10:45 am daily
2702 Hwy. 29 N., Alexandria 320-762-5152 / goodshepherdalex.com Pastor: James Walberg Worship Service: Sunday 9am Bible Study & Sunday School: 10:15 am Holy Communion first and second Sunday of the month 490 Voyager Dr., Alexandria 320-762-5424 / lakecommunity.org Pastor: Jon Ewton Worship Service: Sunday 9 am & 10:30am Kids Ministry: Sunday 9 am & 10:30am
NEW LIFE CHRISTIAN
1910 Co Rd 82 SE, Alexandria 320-763-7051 / www.your-newlife.com 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., Alexandria 320-763-4842 / 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 included, please call Kate 320.763.1203
Art Guild
ALEXANDRIA
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. 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. ART DETOUR Art deTour is a multi-location weekend art tour with two or more artists at each location. Along with their art for sale, many artists will be demonstrating their craft. There is no charge to attend the tour. The 2022 Art deTour took place Friday-Sunday, June 17-19. OTHER 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 will take 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.
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July/August 2022 • Vacationer 9
Productions
FIRE PIT
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, thought-provoking stage plays. For more information, visit lakesareatheatre.com/firepit or email lakesareatheatre@gmail.com. UPCOMING PERFORMANCES July 22-23 and July 28-30 at 7 p.m. – Art, stage play 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
Theatre
LAKES AREA
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. UPCOMING PERFORMANCES Radio shows are on the following dates: July 8, Oct. 14, Nov. 11 and Dec. 16. 10 July/August 2022 • Vacationer
MUSIC
In The Garden
Enjoy outdoor music surrounded by beautiful landscaping, water features and flowers during Music in the Legacy Gardens at the Legacy of the Lakes Museum this summer. Open daily and free to the public, the Legacy Gardens are situated on the shores of Lake Winona and include a large paved patio and marquee tent. You can stroll along the pathways to view the wide variety of ornamental grasses, shrubs and trees, along with lush gardens of flowers. There are quiet alcoves along the way that offer a place to relax. On select Fridays throughout the summer, the Legacy Gardens hosts musical entertainment on the Pohlig Family Stage. Opening the season is Mick Sterling presenting Huey Lewis and the News on Friday, July 29. Seating is on a first come, first serve basis when the doors open at 6 p.m., with music beginning at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are available at the gate. There are two types of seating for the concerts: Gar Wood seating, which is in the front section with chairs provided with the cost $10 for museum members. The Grassland seating is $10 or $5 for members with concert goers bringing their own chair or blanket. Children 12 and younger are free. Watch the Legacy of the Lakes website for more concert dates, legacyofthelakes.org. The Legacy Gardens are located at 205 Third Avenue West in Alexandria.
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July/August 2022 • Vacationer 11
Triathlon
ALEXANDRIA Outdoor enthusiasts, get ready. Alexandria will be the site of the Alexandria Triathlon on Saturday, July 30 at Lake Brophy Park. With a focus on a safe and fun course, all proceeds from this triathlon will go to the local Alexandria Noontime Kiwanis and be used to donate back to kids in need. Athletes of all levels are welcome to enter either as individuals or as part of a relay and events include a
500-yard swim or 1-mile paddle on Brophy Lake, followed by a 13-mile bike ride through the scenic lakes area and will finish with a 2.62-mile run through the trails at Brophy Park. Paddleboard rentals are available at registration. For more information or to register for the event, visit alexandriatriathlon.weebly.com or email jillian. mcduffie@gmail.com.
RESORTERS GOLF
Tournament
The 101st Resorters Golf Tournament will take place July 31 through Aug. 6. The Resorters is one of Minnesota’s largest and most renowned golf tournaments and it is hosted annually at the Alexandria Golf Club. The annual tournament is a family affair, providing traditions that connect the past to the present, bringing new generations of families to the lakes area. Many of the best golfers in the state will be competing in the weeklong event. The galleries will be filled with family and golf enthusiasts,
12 July/August 2022 • Vacationer
all on hand to share the beautiful drives, the errant shots and the game-winning putts on a course filled with history and signature holes. Many high profile athletes have competed in this tourney, most notably professional golfer and Alexandria graduate Tom Lehman, who won the Resorters title in 1980. The Alexandria Golf Club is where the PGA Tour professional and USA Ryder Cup captain learned the game of golf. For more information, visit www. alexandriagolfclub.com.
DOUGLASHistorical COUNTY
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 years. Nelson 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.
Society
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., and guided house tours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, call 320762-0382 or visit www.dchsmn.org.
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July/August 2022 • Vacationer 13
Fair
DOUGLAS COUNTY The 2022 Douglas County Fair will take place Wednesday, Aug. 17 through Saturday, Aug. 20 at the Douglas County Fairgrounds. There’s always plenty to do at the fair, including games, rides, eating your way through Calorie Lane, visiting all the vendors and booths, checking out all the animals and exhibits and so much more. There is a great lineup of entertainment this year, including the Fabulous Armadillos on Wednesday
night, Blonde and the Bohunk on Thursday night, Generation Rock on Friday night and the Shane Martin Band on Saturday night, just to name a few. For more information and for a full lineup of everything going on at the fair, visit the Douglas County Fair website at dcmnfair.com.
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EVANSVILLE
Art Center
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 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 artistsin-residence to sell their work. Gallery hours are Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Here are some upcoming events at the Evansville Art Center: July 1: The Jolly Pops, 3:30 to 4:15 p.m. and 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. July 7: Photo Club from 7 to 9 p.m. July 21: Open Mic Night from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Aug. 4: Photo Club from 7 to 9 p.m. Aug. 18: Open Mic Night from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Visit evansvilleartcenter.org or call (218) 948-2787 for more information.
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LEGACY OF THE LAKES Boat Show
People from all over the Upper Midwest will display their boats at Arrowwood Resort and Conference Center on Lake Darling during the Legacy of the Lakes Boat Show on Friday and Saturday, July 8-9, as it heads back to the water. Old canoes, fishing boats, outboards or inboards, family or prize-winning showboats and classic boats are welcome in any condition. A large variety of watercraft will be shown on land and in the water at this year’s event, so come for the memories and the fun. This show is a celebration of summer and a great showcase of Alexandria’s lake history. Admission to the boat show is free to the public and Arrowwood will have lunch and refreshments available on the grounds. Contact the Legacy of the Lakes Museum for more information about the boat show at 320-759-1114 or send an email to museum@legacyofthelakes.org. EVENTS Friday, July 8 Chain of Lakes Cruise VIP Social Saturday, July 9 Boat Show begins 10 a.m. Awards 2:30 p.m. Closing Fly-By 3 p.m.
16 July/August 2022 • Vacationer
ONGOINGEvents
Blizzard Hockey:
September-March Runestone Community Center, Alexandria www.alexandriablizzard.com
WISSOTA Car Racing:
Red Willow Arts Coalition Summer Concert Series:
Thursdays, May 26-Aug. 25, 7 p.m. Douglas County Courthouse lawn, Alexandria www.redwillowartscoalition.org
Saturdays, May 7-Labor Day, 6:30 p.m. Additional specials on other dates. Check for time. Viking Speedway, Alexandria 320-762-1559, www.vikingspeedway.net
Open Mic Nights:
GoKart Racing:
First Friday Concerts:
Fridays, May-Aug., 7 p.m. Additional specials on other dates. Douglas County Fairgrounds, Alexandria 320-491-9249, www.runestonegokart.com
Photography Workshops:
Third Thursday of each month, 7 to 9 p.m. March-December Evansville Arts Center www.evansvilleartcenter.com
First Friday of each month March-Dec., 7 to 9 p.m. Evansville Arts Center www.evansvilleartcenter.com
Live music:
First Thursday of each month, 7 p.m. Evansville Arts Center www.evansvilleartcenter.com
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 winery
Carlos Creek Winery, Alexandria 320-846-5443, www.carloscreekwinery.com
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 Alexandria Clinic parking lot www.vikinglandcorvetteclub.com
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
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Heritage Festival
ROSE CITY THRESHING AND Threshing, a blacksmith shop and sawmills – step back in time and experience how farming used to be. July 30-31 marks the annual Rose City Threshing and Heritage Festival, sponsored by the Spruce Hill Foundation. The Rose City Threshing and Heritage Festival has about 100 members, all dedicated to keeping farm history alive. Each year about 3,000 people attend the Rose City Threshing and Heritage Festival. Threshing machines and steam engines play the largest role at the festival. People can watch how farming was done before combines and modern farming technology. Each year, the festival has three steam engines, which are run from gas or steam depending on the model, and three threshing machines. Steam engines burn either wood or coal and travel at a speed of 2 miles per hour.
Old-fashioned farming equipment isn’t the only attraction at the festival – kids of all ages will also find plenty to do. Live music, a flea market and craft show, blacksmith shop, log cabin, BB gun safety shoot, potato digging, children’s games, a general store and museum as well as a children’s barn are all part of the weekend fun. The Rose City Threshing and Heritage Festival is located 14 miles west of Browerville and 22 miles northeast of Alexandria. The cost is $8 for people over 12. To learn more, visit facebook.com/RoseCityThreshing/.
Webcam
BIG OLE AND BIG OLE 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 Avenue. Born in 1965, the Viking has become a much-beloved resident in the lakes area. The idea for the statue began in January of 1964 when North Star World’s Fair Corporation in Osseo began working 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 “Minnesota, 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 transported to New York just in time for the World’s Fair. When the fair ended, Big Ole was moved to Alexandria, where he stands today. Originally placed at the north end of Broadway Street in front of the Runestone Museum, Big Ole was moved from the intersection of 3rd 18 July/August 2022 • Vacationer
and Broadway to a new location one-half block north in 1980 to make way for a new stoplight. 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 Agnes. Throughout the years, 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 fiberglass 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 currently does not work with the ALP camera, which is mounted on the pole in front of Big Ole.
good times and good times great food and great food good time a s n d grea t fo od
Featuring
• Pan fried y p p a H r walleye Featuring • Chicken and Hpopuyy • Pan fried salmon oscar a l i H Da r walleye • Burgers and u • sandwiches Chicken and 6 STEAKHOUSE Ho3-#1 salmon oscar • Pasta y l i a • Burgers and D • Homemade Hasoups Featuring pp sandwiches VOTED
in the Lakes Area
y • Pasta Hour Best in town! • Chicken and salmon oscar • Homemade soups Daily • Green burgers • Bloody Mary • Burgers andolive sandwiches • Pasta• Homemade • Louisiana style soups ribs • Ice cream drinks -6 3 • Pan fried walleye
Best in town! 3-6 Bestburgers in town! • Green olive • Bloody Mary Mon.-Sat. open at 11am. • Sun. open at 3pm
4960 Co. Rd. 42 NE, Alexandria • Louisiana style ribs Ice cream drinks • Green olive• burgers 1 Block North of the Carlos / L’ Homme Dieu bridge • Bloody Mary • Ice drinks • open Mon.-Sat. open at 11am. • cream Sun. at 3pm
Best
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3pm July/August 2022 • Vacationer 19
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of Events
CALENDAR JULY
1 - Noon-6 p.m. Minnesota Made Summer Market, Carlos Creek Winery 1-2 - 7:30 p.m. Tarzan, Andria Theatre 1-2 - Glensheen, Theatre L’Homme Dieu 1-3 - Red, White & Boom Days, Evansville 2 - 4 p.m. Quinn Sullivan Concert, Theatre L’Homme Dieu 4 - 7 p.m. Fourth of July Concert on the Courthouse Lawn, Alexandria 4 - Fireworks at Arrowwood Conference Center, Alexandria 6 - 7:30 p.m. Ray and Iver - Two Radio Stories, Lakes Area Theatre, 4133 Iowa St. 7 - 7 p.m. Concert on the Courthouse Lawn, Holy Rocka Rollaz, Alexandria 9 - 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Legacy of the Lakes Diamond Classic Boat Show, Arrowwood Resort 9 - 6:30-8:30 p.m. Kelly Hunt concert, Legacy of the Lakes Museum & Gardens 12-17 Something Rotten, Theatre L’Homme Dieu 14 - 7 p.m. Concert on the Courthouse Lawn, White Sidewalls, Alexandria 14 - 6 p.m. Nautical Night Fundraiser, Legacy of the Lakes Museum & Gardens 15-16 - 2022 Big Ole PaddleFest, Arrowwood Resort 15-17 - Miltona Tornado Days 21 - 7 p.m. Concert on the Courthouse Lawn, Shalo Lee, Alexandria 22-23 and 29-30 - 7 p.m. Art-Fire Pit Production Stage Play, Lakes Area Theatre 23 - 1 p.m. Alexandria Craft Beer Tour, Knute Nelson Memorial Park 26, 28-30 - Class of ‘85, Theatre L’Homme Dieu 27 - 6-10 p.m. TLHD Summer Soirée, Theatre L’Homme Dieu 28 - 7 p.m. Concert on the Courthouse Lawn, Hard Days Night: Beatles, Alexandria 29 - Wine, Ale, & Art Crawl, Downtown Alexandria 29 - 6:30 p.m. Music in the Garden with Mick Sterling, Legacy of The Lakes Museum 30 - 7-9 p.m. Mick Sterling Performing Billy Joel, Central Square, Glenwood 30-31 - Art in the Park, City Park, Alexandria
AUGUST
2-14 - CLUE, Theatre L’Homme Dieu 3-6 and 10-13 - 7 p.m. The Little Mermaid JR, Andria Theatre 3-7 - Summerfest, Brandon 4 - 7 p.m. Concert on the Courthouse Lawn, Front Fenders, Alexandria 4-8 - Crazy Days, Downtown Alexandria 5 - 6 p.m. Music in the Gardens, Davina and the Vagabonds, Legacy of the Lakes Museum & Gardens 5-7 - Parkers Prairie Fall Festival 6-7 - Forada Days 11 - Pledge A Paddle Artist’s Reception and Awards Presentation, Legacy of the Lakes Museum 11 - 7 p.m. Concert on the Courthouse Lawn, Robby Vee, Alexandria 12 - 7 p.m. Festival of the Lakes Chamber Music Opening Night, First Lutheran Church, Alexandria 12-13 - Garfield Days 14 - 7 p.m. Festival of the Lakes Chamber Music Concert No. 2, First Lutheran Church, Alexandria 17-20 - Douglas County Fair 18 - 7 p.m. Concert on the Courthouse Lawn, Salty Dogs, Alexandria 18 - 7 p.m. Festival of the Lakes Chamber Music Concert No. 3, First Lutheran Church, Alexandria 20 July/August 2022 • Vacationer
Events continues on page 24
Our family welcomes yours!
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Continued from page 20
21 - 7 p.m. Festival of the Lakes Finale Concert No. 4, First Lutheran Church, Alexandria 26 - 7:30 p.m. Pert Neart Sandstone Concert, Theatre L’Homme Dieu 27 - 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Charlie Roth & Friends, Music on the Lawn Singer-Songwriter Showcase, Central Square, Glenwood
SEPTEMBER
4 - 9 a.m. Alexandria Area Walk to End Alzheimer’s, Carlos Creek Winery 8-10 - 7 p.m. Tiny Beautiful Things, Fire Pit Productions, Lakes Area Theatre 10-11 - Taste of Osakis, Downtown Osakis 9-11 - Oletober Fest, Downtown Alexandria 15 - 4-7 p.m. Cultural Diversity Festival, Alexandria Technical & Community College 16-18 - Grape Stomp Festival, Carlos Creek Winery 17 - 7-9 p.m. Southern Raised Bluegrass Gospel Group, Central Square, Glenwood 26 - 11:15 a.m. Chamber of Commerce’s Fall Luncheon, Broadway Ballroom
OCTOBER
4 - 11 a.m.-1 p.m. 23rd Annual United Way of Douglas & Pope Counties Chili Cook-off, Broadway Ballroom 21-22, 27 and 29 - 7 p.m. Category E, Fire Pit Productions Stage Play, Lakes Area 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 31 - Downtown Alexandria Trick or Treating
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
DECEMBER
2-3 and 8-10 - 7 p.m. Sorry! Wrong Chimney! Fire Pit Productions, Lakes Area Theatre 3 - Christmas Event, Downtown Alexandria 11 - 3-5 p.m. Mason Dixon Line, A Kickin’ Country Christmas, Central Square, Glenwood
24 July/August 2022 • Vacationer
Since 1925, Alexandria’s Recommended Family Dining BREAKFAST SERVED ALL DAY
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July/August 2022 • Vacationer 25
County Park
LAKE BROPHY
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 or to just go on a nature walk by yourself.
MOUNTAIN BIKETrails Another popular activity is bicycling, and area bikers have plenty of options when it comes to trails, as Douglas County hosts a variety of them. 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. Another good spot is Kensington Rune Stone Park, which is located in Solem Township. The park features
26 July/August 2022 • Vacationer
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.
New patio! OUTDOOR BAR
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VETERANS
Memorial Park
CENTRAL LAKESTrail
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. The 55-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. 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. 28 July/August 2022 • Vacationer
Built to serve as a public place for celebration or a quiet place for private reflection and healing, the Veterans Memorial Park honors veterans of all branches of the United States Armed Forces. Located on the corner of Eighth Avenue and Broadway Street, Veterans Memorial Park is a beautiful landmark and a source of contemplation 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 and grants. The 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 representing 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. Nine flagpoles display the flags of the United States of America, POW-MIA, Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Merchant Marine and Minnesota. Standing in the park are stone memorials containing the names of veterans, past and present, dating back to the Declaration of Independence. To date, more than 7,000
names have been compiled, with nearly 3,000 still living in the county. DESIGN HIGHLIGHTS ▶ Granite tablets honoring all donors who contributed over $200. ▶ A single granite tablet honoring veterans of Alexandria Industries. ▶ Engravings in granite on the base of the Liberty Bell list “freedom, honor, justice, liberty and peace.” ▶ 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. ▶ A granite tablet honors Special Combatants, acknowledging names of local veterans exposed to extraordinary 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. ▶ A Veterans Wall of Honor includes seven 24-inch bronze service insignias: Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, National Guard and Merchant Marine.
RUNESTONEMuseum
The Runestone Museum has been inspiring curiosity about local history and heritage for more than 50 years. The world famous and controversial Kensington Runestone was the Runestone Museum’s only artifact when it opened its doors in 1958. Since then, the museum has expanded 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 Runestone Museum is sure to impress whether you’re interested in history, heritage or the natural sciences. For more information, call 320-763-3160, or visit the museum’s website at www. runestonemuseum.org for the most up-todate admission prices and hours. Check out the museum’s Facebook page at Runestone Museum Foundation.
Daily Special
MONDAY- 4 TO 8 - $2.00 Burger night TUESDAY- 4 TO 8 $8.99 A.Y.C.E. Taco Buffet
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!
d r a w r o f We look eeting m & g n i e e to s ! e n o y r e v e
WEDNESDAY- ALL DAY Wraps Wednesday WEDNESDAY- 4 TO 8 Single Topping Pizzas, $6.99 THURSDAY- 11 TO 2 Cook’s Choice, HOMEMADE Dinner THURSDAY- 4 TO 8 Philly 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
51 Main St West Union, MN 56389 | (320) 352-0123
LEGACY OF THE LAKES
Museum
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. Opening May 20, 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. In 2018, the BoatHouse, an indoor event center, was added and is
30 July/August 2022 • Vacationer
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. The museum is located in downtown Alexandria at 205 Third Avenue West, near the Alexandria Fire Department. The museum office is open Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Contact the museum at 320-7591114 or through its website www. legacyofthelakes.org for more information. UPCOMING EVENTS July 9 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Legacy of the Lakes Diamond Classic Boat Show at Arrowwood Resort and Conference Center July 29 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. – Music in the Gardens with Mick Sterling May 20 – Pledge-a-Paddle exhibit opens with public voting through August. The paddle exhibit will close Nov. 1.
• • • •
Farm Fresh Menu Home Inspired Items Rustic Décor One of Alexandria’s Newest Restaurants
DAILY HAPPY HOUR 3-6 PM & 9-11PM LUNCH & DINNER 7 DAYS A WEEK BREAKFAST SATURDAY AND SUNDAY
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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.
LAKES AARON Size: 610 acres Depth: 16 feet Features: Shallow with sandy beaches. Public access: South end off Lakes Rd. AGNES Size: 137 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. ANDREW Size: 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. BLACKWELL Size: 307 acres Depth: 42 feet Public access: East side off Country Ln. Named for early settler of Holmes City. BROPHY Size: 296 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. BURGEN Size: 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.
32 July/August 2022 • Vacationer
CARLOS Size: 2,605 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. CHIPPEWA Size: 1,185 acres Depth: 95 feet Features: Deep, headwaters of Chippewa River. Public access: Northeast corner off Co. Rd. 12. Named for Native Americans. CHRISTINA Size: 3,971 acres Depth: 14 feet Features: Large, shallow. Public access: Southwest end off Co. Rd. 82. Named for the Queen of Sweden. COWDRY Size: 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. CROOKED Size: 281 acres Depth: 35 feet Features: Quiet. Public access: North end off Co. Rd. 27. Named for its contour. DARLING Size: 1,050 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. DEVILS Size: 233 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. FREEBORN Size: 247 acres Depth: 18 feet Public access: Northwest side off Co. Rd. 96.
Continued on page 34
LEGENDARY
MEAT, FISH, & COCKTAILS
I
Hand cut steaks, fresh fish filleted in house, a real wood fire grill and a full bar with quality craft cocktails - Longtrees Woodfire Grill is the only restaurant in Alexandria where you'll find this kind of quality and care in your dining experience. Try the legendary ribs, the local rotisserie chicken, or any of our scratch burgers and experience rea I good food for yourself.
OPEN FOR LUNCH AND DINNER 7 DAYS A WEEK! 4409 MN-29, ALEXANDRIA, MN 56308
I 320-219-7009 I WWW.L0NGTREESW00DFIREGRILL.C0M
July/August 2022 • Vacationer 33
Continued from page 32
GENEVA Size: 639 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. GILBERT Size: 201 acres Depth: 17 feet Features: Quiet. Public access: North end off Co. Rd. 7 and Moe Hall Rd. Named for an early settler. GRANTS Size: 176 acres Depth: 60 feet Public access: West side off Country Lane. HENRY Size: 152 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. IDA Size: 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. INDIAN Size: 98 acres Depth: 38 feet Public access: North side off Co. Rd. 6 and Indian Lake Rd. IRENE Size: 639 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.
34 July/August 2022 • Vacationer
JENNIE Size: 300 acres Depth: 6 feet
Public access: South end of Co. Rd. 56. LATOKA Size: 766 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. 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. 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. LOBSTER Size: 1,334 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. LONG Size: 201 acres Depth: 18 feet Public access: East end off Co. Rd. 55. Named for its contour. LOUISE Size: 214 acres Depth: 33 feet Public access: West side off Co. Rd. 22 and W. Lake Louise Dr. Named for a child of Charles Cook, an early settler. MAPLE Size: 830 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 many maple trees that surrounded the lake.
TO VIEW OUR FULL MENU, GO TO:
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Continued from page 34
MARY Size: 2,450 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. MILL Size: 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. MILTONA Size: 5,724 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.
MINA Size: 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. MOON Size: 139 acres Depth: 38 feet Public access: North side off Co. Rd. 82. MOSES Size: 824 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. OSAKIS Size: 6,389 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).
36 July/August 2022 • Vacationer
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. OSCAR Size: 1,231 acres Depth: 25 feet Features: Island. Public access: North side off State Hwy. 27. Named for the King of Sweden. POCKET Size: 263 acres Depth: 40 feet Public access: South side off Hwy. 114 and Pocket Lake Rd. Named for its contour. RACHEL Size: 448 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. RED ROCK Size: 902 acres Depth: 22 feet Features: Shallow. Public access: East side off Co. Rd. 1 and Shorewood Dr.
RENO Size: 3,808 acres Depth: 23 feet Features: Large, shallow, sandy (Most of lake is in Pope County). Public access: Northeast end off Hwy. 29: South-east side off Co. Rd. 15 and Sugar Sand Rd. (Pope County). ROUND Size: 81 acres Depth: 30 feet Features: Quiet. Public access: South end off Co. Rd. 27. Named for its contour. SMITH Size: 666 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. STOWE Size: 376 acres Depth: 14 feet Public access: West end off Co. Rd. 82 and Stowe Lake Rd. TURTLE Size: 218 acres Depth: 21 feet Public access: Southwest corner off Co. Rd. 88.
NEW Smokehouse in a Historic Location 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
Downtown Alexandria
320.763.7712 July/August 2022 • Vacationer 37
Continued from page 36
UNION Size: 107 acres Depth: 45 feet Public access: SE side off Co. Rd. 23 and Co. Rd. 86. VERMONT Size: 337 acres Depth: 59 feet Public access: Southeast side off Hwy. 29 and Vermont Access Rd.
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.
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. 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..
VICTORIA Size: 416 acres Depth: 60 feet Features: Long, narrow lake with access to Lake Geneva. Public access: South end off Hazel Hill Rd. Called Scocka on early maps; renamed by Walter Shotwell in honor of English queen. His father, Daniel, homesteaded between lakes Victoria and Geneva in 1859.
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.
WHISKEY Size: 159 acres Depth: 46 feet Public access: North side off Co. Rd. 58. Fred Foslien Park, in Victoria Heights, two blocks south of Co. Rd. 27 off Knut Street in Alexandria, has a playground.
WINONA Size: 213 acres Depth: 9 feet Public access: Carry-in access on north side of the south end off Melvina Lane. Probably named by Mary Kinkead, sister of Alexander and William, the first settlers in Alexandria. The first child born in Fort Alexandria was also named Winona.
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.
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.
CITY PARKS
Most cities in the area maintain city parks, many of which offer playground equipment and picnic areas. 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.
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.
38 July/August 2022 • Vacationer
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. 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. Martin’s Hope Park, on Second Ave. across the street from Big Ole Central Park in Alexandria, has a picnic gazebo. Noonan Park is at Nokomis St. and 10th Ave. in Alexandria. It has restrooms, picnic shelters, walking paths, playground and winter ice skating.
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. Osagi Park is on Lake St. in the city of Osakis. It features picnic tables and shelter, restrooms, playground and lakeshore (no swimming area). Pooch Playland is a dog park with a fenced-in area located at the south end of Victor St. in Alexandria. 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. 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. Woodland Park, on the north side of Alexandria on Woodland Dr., just north of Hwy. 29, has a playground.
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