Vacationer - Fall 2023

VACATIONER

FALL COLOR HOT SPOTS

PUMPKIN PATCHES APPLE ORCHARDS

Choose the right care for you.

When you need medical care, we’ve got you covered. Here’s an easy guide to help you decide where to go for help, depending on your symptoms. Cut this out and keep it handy!

Alomere Health

eClinic

Alomere’s eClinic is a great place to start for mild symptoms that come on gradually, or symptoms that are familiar to you. These include:

• Cough and congestion

• Sore throat

• Ear pain

• Eye redness/itchiness/ discharge

• Painful urination

• Rashes without fever

• Mild flu-like symptoms

How it works: Go to AlomereHealth.com, and select “eClinic” on the right sidebar. Log in, answer a few questions, and receive your diagnosis and treatment plan in about an hour. If we feel you need to be seen in the clinic, we’ll let you know.

Hours: 24/7

Location: On-line

Cost: $

Alexandria Clinic

Primary Care

A Primary Care provider should be your first stop for checkups, health advice, management of chronic conditions, and concerns about your physical or mental health. These include:

• Physicals and other wellness visits

• Medication refills

• Chronic and 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, 610 30th Avenue West, Alexandria, MN

Cost: $$

Alexandria Clinic

Express Care

Visit the Express Care clinic for non-critical emergencies and conditions that require sameday attention. These include:

• Acute aches and pains

• Allergy/asthma flare-ups

• Gastrointestinal issues

• Moderate flu-like symptoms

• Sprains and strains

• Minor cuts that may require stitches

How it works: Make a same-day appointment on MyChart or at (320) 763-5123 (appointments highly recommended).

Note: The majority of your care should be delivered by your primary provider.

Hours: Mon-Fri 9am–8pm; Sat-Sun 9am–3pm

Location: Station 3 at Alexandria Clinic, 610 30th Ave W, Alexandria, MN

Cost: $$$

Alomere Health Emergency Department

Always go directly to the ER for serious illnesses and injuries that require immediate attention and could be life-threating. For example:

• Chest pain or difficulty breathing

• Serious burns or severe cuts

• Head or eye injury

• Seizures

• Broken bones/ dislocated joints

• Weakness/numbness on one side

• Fainting/change in mental state

How it works: Walk right in (or call 911 if needed).

Hours: 24/7

Location: Alomere Health, 111 17th Ave E, Alexandria, MN

Cost: $$$$$

VACATIONER

Amy Skarka, Kate Henderson, Lowell Anderson, Celeste Edenlo , Travis Gulbrandson, Lori Mork and Jamie Holte

FALL COLOR

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.

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,

Ho po

along with lakes and small prairie meadows.

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.zz

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.

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.

Spruce Hill Park – The second-largest park in Douglas County, Spruce Hill features a variety of different trees, including spruce, birch, aspen and tamarack.

Located in rural Osakis and officially recognized as a Century Farm, Erickson’s Petting Zoo is home to a wide variety of animals, including pygmy goats and their kids, sheep, miniature horses, miniature donkeys, llamas, miniature cattle, potbelly pigs, rabbits, cats and a variety of birds – 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 petting zoo, corn maze, trolley rides, horse/ wagon rides and playground area. Hot cider and snacks are also available.

Fall hours are from Sept. 30 through Oct. 22 – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays.

There are open other times, including 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 the summer.

Here’s a peek at some of the happenings that are planned in Historic Downtown Alexandria in the coming months:

Oletober Fest: Sept. 8-10

Fall Preview: Sept. 18-22

Fall Showcase: Sept. 23

Boutique Crawl: Oct. 20-21

Trick-or-Treating in Downtown: Oct. 31

Shoppers on the Hunt: Nov. 3-5

Christmas in the Fort: Nov. 24

Small Business Saturday: Nov. 25

Christmas Open House: Dec. 2

*Events are subject to change (Check downtownalexandria.com for updates.)

DOUGLAS COUNTY Li y

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.

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 services are also available for a minimal fee, including self-serve photocopies, computer lab photocopies, fax services, meeting and conference rooms rentals and proctoring.

Several events are being planned at the Douglas County Library, including the following:

SEPTEMBER

26 - 6:30 p.m. - Evening storytime

27 - 10:30 a.m. - Preschool storytime

27 - 5 p.m. - Draw your journey comic book creations

29 - 10:30 a.m. - Baby/toddler storytime

30 - Noon - Superhero diamond painting

OCTOBER

3 - 6:30 p.m. - Evening storytime

4 - 10:30 a.m. - Preschool storytime

4 - 1 p.m. - Handicraft support group

4 - 5 p.m.- Draw your journey comic book creations

5 - 3:30 p.m. - Genre explorers: Spooky

6 - 10:30 a.m. - Baby/toddler storytime

6 - 3 p.m. - Watercolor monsters and leaves

10 - 3:30 p.m. - Dungeons and Dragons

10 - 6:30 p.m. - Evening storytime 11 - 10:30 a.m. - Preschool storytime 11 - 1 p.m. - Douglas County Library Book Club

ANDRIA Theatre

Andria Theatre is the premier live theater and performing arts center in Alexandria. It is home to the Alexandria Area Arts Association, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

Its mission is to build community by igniting interest and participation in and through the performing arts. This mission is accomplished by providing communitybased theater and education-oriented programming that exceeds expectations, led by a staff of seasoned professionals and governed by the board of directors.

Andria Theatre presents five live entertainment main-stage productions each season. Shows are a mix of family entertainment and those geared toward

- Noon - Tech Tuesday: Online safety

21 - 6:30 p.m. - Evening storytime

23 - 10 a.m. - Stay and Play at the library

27 - 6:30 p.m. - Friends of the Library Book Club

28 - 6:30 p.m. - Evening storytime

29 - 10:30 a.m. - Preschool storytime

30 - 10 a.m. - Stay and Play at the library

EVANSVILLE Art cent

The Evansville Art Center is owned and operated by the Evansville Arts Coalition, a group of volunteers who enjoy the arts and appreciate how art enhances the quality of life in rural Minnesota. The purpose is to plan and coordinate art events and activities that entertain, stimulate and engage people. For information, call 218-948-2787 or visit www. evansvilleartcenter.org.

adults. The Student Theatre Project classes in the summer and fall also capstone in productions starring the students.

UPCOMING PERFORMANCES

All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914 - Dec. 7-9 and Dec. 14-16

Big: The Musical - Feb. 1-3 and Feb. 8-10

Whatever Happened to Warren - Feb. 14-15

The Diary of Anne Frank - March 7-9 and March 14-16

Creamed Corn Queen - March 20-21

9 to 5: The Musical - April 25-27 and May 2-4

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Sept. 16: Dennis Warner, 7-9 p.m.

Sept. 21: Open Mic, 7-9 p.m.

Sept. 22-23, 29-30: Barn Quilt Exhibit, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Oct. 6: Skally Line, 7-9 p.m.

Oct. 19: Open Mic, 7-9 p.m.

Nov. 2: Photo Club, 7-8:30 p.m.

Nov. 3: Orlo, Neal & the Boys, 7-9 p.m.

Nov. 16: Open Mic, 7-9 p.m.

Dec. 7: Photo Club, 7-8:30 p.m.

Dec. 21: Open Mic, 7-9 p.m.

ALEXANDRIA Art guild

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.

Holiday Arts & Crafters Tour

The 39th annual Arts & Crafters tour will take place on Thursday, Nov. 2 from 4-7 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, Nov. 3-4, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Do your holiday shopping and enjoy learning about the process of making these creative works of art. A juried selection of artists and crafters from across the lakes

ALEXANDRIA AREA

For winter weary Minnesotans, warm weather offers freedom from the confines of their homes and one of the first places they head to are the golf courses. The Alexandria area certainly doesn’t lack for green fairways, with more than 15 courses available for those hungry for the challenge.

Many think Minnesota’s golf season is short, but most years there are six full months of golf opportunities on courses that are lush and full.

Golfing

afternoon of outdoor entertainment with friends.

DID YOU KNOW?

The sport of golf’s economic output (direct, indirect and induced) contributes more than $2.4 billion to the economy. The Land of 10,000 Lakes has more than 500 golf courses and employs more than 34,000 people.

area, all bringing you a wonderful assortment of gift ideas, from paintings, furniture and quilted items, to wood, home decor, pottery, and more.

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 2023 Art deTour took place June 15-17.

OTHER EVENTS

Saturday Art Market will take place every Saturday beginning in May 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.

LAKES AREA Theatre

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 St. 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.

FIRE PIT Producti s

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.

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

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.

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.

DOUGLAS COUNTY H t ical Soci y

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.

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 Oct. 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.

HISTORY OFD C nty

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 years old.

The 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.

BIG OLE & BIG OLE

Perhaps one of the most eyecatching 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

Webcam

with this display was the 28-foot, 4-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 Third 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

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.

In 1878, 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.

a screenshot to capture you, your group and the famous Viking statue.

LEGACY OF THE LAKES

M eum

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 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 320-759-1114 or through its website www. legacyofthelakes.org for more information.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Fall Open House - Oct. 29 from noon to 4 p.m.

Parade of Trees - Nov. 24 from 3 to 6 p.m., Nov. 25 from 5 to 8 p.m. and Nov. 26 from 5 to 8 p.m.

VETERANS Mem ial p k

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-footwide 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 the Minnesota flag.

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.

SIP, RELAX, AND ENJOY

We produce a number of great wine varieties for all tastes. Stop by our tasting room, tour the vineyards, and enjoy your next glass of wine on our patio with scenic views of Lake Minnewaska.

WOOD BOATS ARE MAGIC. THEY NEVER GET OLD.

CALENDAR of Even

SEPTEMBER

26 - 9 a.m.-noon, Alexandria Area Farmers Market, Big Ole

27 - Foot Care, Alexandria Senior Center, Register at 320-762-2087

28 - 3-6 p.m. Alexandria Area Farmers Market, Big Ole

28 - 7 p.m. Open Mic Night, Central Square, Glenwood

29 - 3:30-5 p.m. Author Book Tour with E. Joe Brown, Cherry Street Books

30 - 8:30-11:30 a.m. Holmes City Farmers Market, Live Music and Kids Corner, and Breakfast until 10:30 a.m., Trinity parking lot, Holmes City

30 - 9 a.m.-noon, Alexandria Farmers Market, Big Ole

OCTOBER

3 - 9 a.m.-noon, Alexandria Area Farmers Market, Big Ole

3 - 11 a.m.-1 p.m. United Way Chili Cook-off, Broadway Ballroom

5 - 3-6 p.m. Alexandria Area Farmers Market, Big Ole

6 - 5:30-10:30 p.m. Alexandria Technical and Community College Foundation Legends Gala, Crooked Willow

6 - 7-9 p.m. First Friday Concert with Skally Line, Evansville Art Center

7 - 8:30-11:30 a.m. Holmes City Farmers Market, Live Music and Kids Corner, and Breakfast until 10:30 a.m., Trinity parking lot, Holmes City

7 - 9 a.m.-noon, Alexandria Farmers Market, Big Ole

10 - 9 a.m.-noon, Alexandria Area Farmers Market, Big Ole

12 - 3-6 p.m. Alexandria Area Farmers Market, Big Ole

14 - 8:30-11:30 a.m. Last-of-Season Holmes City Farmers Market, Live Music and Kids Corner, and Breakfast until 10:30 a.m., Trinity parking lot, Holmes City

14 - 9 a.m.-noon, Alexandria Farmers Market, Big Ole

17 - 9 a.m.-noon, Alexandria Area Farmers Market, Big Ole

17 - 5 p.m. Take a Stand Against Domestic Violence, 3rd Avenue, Alexandria

18 - 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. Domestic Violence Awareness Luncheon, Arrowwood Resort and Conference Center

19 - 3-6 p.m. Alexandria Area Farmers Market, Big Ole

19 - 7-9 p.m. Open Mic Night, Evansville Art Center

21 - 9 a.m.-noon, Alexandria Farmers Market, Big Ole

24 - 9 a.m.-noon, Alexandria Area Farmers Market,

ONGOINGEven

BLIZZARD HOCKEY:

September-March

Runestone Community Center, Alexandria www.alexandriablizzard.com

WISSOTA CAR RACING:

Saturdays, May 13-Labor Day weekend, 6:30 p.m.

Additional specials on other dates, including Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends. Viking Speedway, Alexandria (320) 491-9249, vikingspeedway.myracepass.com

GO-KART RACING:

Every other Friday, May-September, 7 p.m. Douglas County Fairgrounds, Alexandria (320) 267-5186, www.runestonegokart.com

PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS:

First Thursday of each month, 7 p.m. Evansville Arts Center www.evansvilleartcenter.com

RED WILLOW ARTS COALITION SUMMER CONCERT SERIES:

Thursdays, May 25-Aug. 24, 7 p.m. Douglas County Courthouse lawn, Alexandria www.redwillowartscoalition.org

OPEN MIC NIGHTS:

Third Thursday of each month, 7 to 9 p.m. March-December

Evansville Arts Center www.evansvilleartcenter.com

FIRST FRIDAY CONCERTS:

First Friday of each month March-Dec., 7 to 9 p.m. Evansville Arts Center www.evansvilleartcenter.com

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 winery

Carlos Creek Winery, Alexandria (320) 846-5443, www.carloscreekwinery.com

Big Ole

26 - 3-6 p.m. Alexandria Area Farmers Market, Big Ole

27 - 7-11 p.m. Newsboys: Let the Music Speak Tour, Lake Geneva Christian Center

28 - 9 a.m.-noon, Alexandria Farmers Market, Big Ole

29 - 12-4 p.m. Fall Open House, Legacy of The Lakes Museum, Alexandria

31 - 9 a.m.-noon, Alexandria Area Farmers Market, Last Market of the Season, Big Ole

NOVEMBER

3 - 7-9 p.m. First Friday Concert with Orlo, Neal & The Boys, Evansville Art Center

4 - Annual Craft, Art and Bake Sale, at the Community Center, Garage, and Creamery, Farwell

11 - 7 p.m. The Great DuBois Two-Person Circus, Central Square, Glenwood

16 - 7-9 p.m. Open Mic Night, Evansville Art Center

24 - 8 a.m. Turkey Day 5K, Alexandria YMCA

24 - 4-6 p.m. Lights on Broadway, Downtown Alexandria

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

VINTAGE CAR CLUB OF ALEXANDRIA

Annual Show & Shine and Crafters Event, 10-2 p.m. Sunday, June 25.

Club meets on the third Thursday of each month, 7 p.m. at Shalom Lutheran Church in Alex.

FaceBook/Vintagecarclubofalex

ALEXANDRIA FARMERS MARKET:

Saturdays, starting May 13, 9 a.m. to noon

Thursdays, starting June 22, 3 to 6 p.m.

Tuesdays, starting June 27, 9 a.m. to noon

Last market day will be Tuesday, Oct. 31.

Big Ole Central Park, Alexandria

HOLMES CITY FARMERS MARKET AND COMMUNITY BREAKFAST WITH LIVE MUSIC AND KIDS CORNER

Saturdays, starting May 20, through Oct. 7, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Breakfast through 10:30 a.m.

Trinity Lutheran Church parking lot, Holmes City

Lakes Area Churches Welcome You!

Alexandria Covenant Church

4005 Dakota St, Alexandria

320-763-5659

alexandriacovenant.org

Pastor Trinity Opp, Senior Pastor

Worship Services Sundays 8am

Traditional; 9:30am & 11am Contemporary

Alexandria United Methodist

2210 6th Ave. E., Alexandria

320-763-4642 | www.alexumc.org

Pastor Amy VanValkenburg

320-309-5574 I pastor@alexumc.org

Worship Sundays 9am

Wednesdays June 1-August 31

Bethesda Lutheran Church (ELCA)

1204 N. Nokomis N.E., Alexandria

320-763-5164

bethesdaalexandria.org

Pastor Jerry Lanes

Worship Services Saturdays 5pm, Sundays 9:30am

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 Wednesdays 6:30pm

www.calvaryatthelake.com

Watch on demand on Facebook Live and Youtube

KXRA Radio Sundays 9:30am

Public Access TV Channel 181 Sundays 9:30am

Church in the Pines

3992 Hwy 27 W., Alexandria 320-760-6190

www.thechurchinthepines.com

Pastors Jay Jenson, Jeremy Lanctot, Eric Schmidt, Neil Thielke, Austin Arias

Worship Service Sundays 8am, 9:30am, 11:30am

Youth Service Wednesdays 6pm

Church of St. Mary

420 Irving Street, Alexandria 320-763-5781

stmary@stmaryalexandria.org

www.stmaryalexandria.org

Pastor Father Matthew Kuhn

Weekend Masses Saturday 5pm, Sunday 8am & 10am

Daily Masses Monday & Thursday 5:30pm, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 8:30am

Emmanuel Episcopal

602 12th Ave. E. & Lake St., Alexandria

320-763-3201 | alexmnepiscopal.org

Reverend Tom Sinning

Worship Service Sundays 10:30am, Sunday School 9:30 - 10:20 am

First Congregational

United Church of Christ

221 7th Ave. W., Alexandria 320-763-3341

firstcongregationaluccalex.com

Reverend Dr. Jill Sanders

Worship Service Sunday 10am Service on Youtube First Congregational UCC Alexandria, MN

Sunday Worship Radio Rebroadcast

KXRA First Sunday of the month 11am

Communion second Sunday of month

First Lutheran Church(ELCA)

1655 18th Ave. E. & S McKay, Alexandria 320-762-2196

www.firstlutheranalexandria.com

Pastors PJ Mahlin, Judy Holmen

Worship Services Sundays 8:30am & 10am

Outdoor Worship Memorial Day - Labor Day Sundays 10am

Wednesday 6:30pm September - May

Check Youtube & Facebook for live worship

KXRA Radio Sundays 10am

Public Access TV Channel 181 daily at 10:45am

Good Shepherd Lutheran

2702 Hwy. 29 N., Alexandria

320-762-5152 | goodshepherdalex.com

Pastor Jon Jahnke

Worship Service Sunday 9am Bible Study, Sunday School 10:15am

“Caring Believers Sharing Joy”

Lake Community Church

490 Voyager Dr., Alexandria

320-762-5424 | lakecommunity.org

Pastor Cory Shreve

Worship Services Sundays 9am & 10:30am

Kids Ministry Sundays 10:30am

Mount Carmel Ministries

800 Mount Carmel Dr. N.E., Alexandria

320-846-2744

mountcarmelministries.com

Worship Services Memorial Day through Labor Day 9 am & 10:30am

New Life Christian Church

1910 Co. Rd. 82 S.E., Alexandria

320-763-7051 | www.your-newlife.com

Pastor John Taplin

Worship Services Sundays 9am & 10:30am

New Testament Church

2505 Hwy. 29 N., Alexandria

320-762-2444 | ntcalexandria.org

Pastors Peter Reishus & Mike Loween

Worship Service Sundays 10am

Osakis Lutheran Church

310 First Ave. E., Osakis

320-859-2350 | osakislutheranelca.com

Pastor Rich Fitzer

Worship Service Sundays 10am

Shalom Lutheran Church

681 Voyager Dr., Alexandria

320-762-8641 | shalomlutheran.org

Pastor David Fleener

Worship Service Sundays 9:30am, Wednesdays 6:30pm

Spirit Life

912 State Hwy. 29 N., Alexandria

320-219-6005 | spirit-life.org

Pastors Jeff & Natasha Ferguson

Worship Services Sundays 10am

Word Alone Fellowship

A traditional Christian worship

1906 6th Ave. E., Alexandria Wordalonefellowship.org

Pastors Forrest Erickson & Ralph Erickson

Worship Services Sundays 9am Church Service on WAF website

Communion on 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month

Adult Bible Study Tuesdays 5pm

Zion Lutheran Church

300 Lake St., Alexandria

320-763-4842 | zionalex.org

Pastors Matt Lorenz and Don Wilke

Worship Times 8am & 10:30am (8am & 10am Memorial Day - Labor Day)

Holy Communion

•1st & 3rd Sunday of the month 8am •2nd & 4th Sunday of the month 10/10:30 am

Bible Study & Sunday School 9:20 am (not during summer months)

KENSINGTON Run t e

It’s a controversy more than 100 years in the making: Did an immigrant Swedish farmer find a buried rock in 1898 that contained an ancient runic message carved by Viking explorers 100 years before Columbus landed in America? Or is the whole thing a hoax, perpetrated by the farmer or some other prankster?

The Kensington Runestone is housed inside the Runestone Museum, but a very large replica of it is located at a small, wayside rest at the east end of Sixth Avenue in Alexandria. Visitors can read the inscription and take a photo with the replica.

LAKE CARLOS State p k

Built by receding glaciers, Lake Carlos State Park offers a myriad of natural wonders, including a clear and deep lake just perfect for swimming, fishing and boating. Among its 1,231 acres, nearly one-third of Minnesota’s 80 mammals and more than 150 species of birds find a home either seasonally or all year long. It’s the perfect place to view loons, grebes, ducks and heron, making this a birdwatcher’s paradise. You may even catch a glimpse of the beaver and deer that make their homes within the park.

The park also features a year-round naturalist that leads several programs throughout the year.

Winter or summer, Lake Carlos State Park is a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking, skiing and interpretive programs are just waiting for you.

Paddle boats, canoes and kayaks are available to rent during the regular season. In the winter, snowshoes are available for rent at the park office. A thermal flip-over style portable fish house is available to rent on Lake Carlos only. Contact the park office for current rates and availability.

The park entrance, 2601 County Rd. 38 NE in Carlos, is located 10 miles north ofAlexandria on State Highway 29, then two miles west on Highway 38. The best time to contact the park is 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily at 320-852-7200.

You can also email the park at lakecarlos.statepark@state.mn.us

You can discover much more about Lake Carlos State Park by visiting www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/ lake_carlos/.

RUNESTONE M eum

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 320-7633160, or visit the museum’s website at www.runestonemuseum.org for the most up-to-date admission prices and hours. Check out the museum’s Facebook page at Runestone Museum Foundation.

COUNTRY BLOSSOM F m

In operation since 2009, the 100-acre 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 take-and-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

CENTRAL LAKES CONCERTA ociati

Central Lakes Concert Association

The Central Lakes Concert Association 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 2023-2024 SEASON

All shows are at 7:30 p.m. for the following performances:

Sept. 21 — Here Comes the Sun, Beatles tribute show

Oct. 28 — Empire Trio — Hooray for Hollywood

Nov. 21 — Yesterday Once More — The Sound of Karen Carpenter

Feb. 2 — Yu & I, violin and classical guitar

March 16 — Kiss Me Once: Stories From the Homefront

May 3 — Brassfire

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 about 12 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.

Upcoming events:

Oct. 8 - Apple Pie Baking Contest from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Oct. 19 - MEA Fun Days

GLACIAL RIDGE Trail

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.

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.

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.

LAKES

AARON

Size: 610 acres Depth: 16 feet

Features: Shallow with sandy beaches. Public access: South end off Lakes Road.

AGNES

Size: 137 acres Depth: 31 feet

Features: Fishing pier in City Park.

Public access: City-owned access on southwest end off Agnes Boulevard; 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 County Road 28 and Lake Andrew Road.

Named for first physician in Alexandria.

BLACKWELL

Size: 307 acres Depth: 42 feet

Public access: East side off CountryLane.

Named for an early settler of Holmes City.

BROPHY

Size: 296 acres Depth: 44 feet

Features: Island, sandy beaches.

Public access: Northwest shore off County Road 82 and Brophy Lane.

Named for the Brophy family, early residents.

BURGEN

Size: 174 acres Depth: 43 feet

Features: Small, steeply sloped shoreline.

Public access: North end off County Road 23.

Named for William Burgen, who lived on the southwest shore in 1869.

CARLOS

Size: 2,605 acres Depth: 163 feet

Features: Access to chain of lakes, clear, deep.

Public accesses: North shore in state park off County Road 38; northeast shore near state park off County Road 38; west shore off County Road 11; east shore off Prairie Road and East Lake Carlos Drive. 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 County Road 12.

Named for Native Americans.

CHRISTINA

Size: 3,971 acres Depth: 14 feet

Features: Large, shallow.

Public access: Southwest end off

County Road 82.

Named for the Queen of Sweden.

COWDRY

Size: 242 acres Depth: 52 feet

Features: Small, clear.

Public access: Northeast corner off County Road 82 and East Lake Cowdry Road.

Named for Samuel Cowdry, an early settler.

CROOKED

Size: 281 acres Depth: 35 feet

Features: Quiet.

Public access: North end off County Road 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 County Road 7 and Devil’s Lake Road.

FREEBORN

Size: 247 acres Depth: 18 feet

Public access: Northwest side off County Road 96.

GENEVA

Size: 639 acres Depth: 63 feet

Features: Fishing pier on north end, access to chain of lakes.

Public access: Northwest side off Highway 29; southeast side off County Road 82 and E. Lake Geneva Road.

Called Rowley on early maps; renamed by Walter Scott Shotwell after the resort town of Lake Geneva in Switzerland.

GILBERT

Size: 201 acres Depth: 17 feet

Features: Quiet.

Public access: North end off County Road 7 and Moe Hall Road.

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 County Road 34 and Big Horn Bay Road; east side off County Road 34 and Sugar Sand Lane; southeast side off County Road 34

Most cities in the area maintain city parks, many of which offer playground equipment and picnic areas.

MONDAY:

$2 Burgers

TUESDAY:

5:00pm

$2.00 - Hard or Soft Shell Tacos

$3.50 - All Domestic Beer All Day

WEDNESDAY:

$25.00 - 6 domestic beers and 1 topping pizza

$7.00 - 1/4 light or dark

$9.00 - 1/2 dark or mix, $1 extra all light

THURSDAY:

$9.00 - Beef or Chicken Philly Sandwich

$10.00 - All You Can Eat Wings

FRIDAY:

$9.50 - Fish Special

SATURDAY:

$23.95 - Prime Rib Special with Salad and Baked Potato

SUNDAY:

$15.95 - All You Can Eat Jumbo Shrimp All Day

Continued from page 16

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 County Road 6 and Indian Lake Road.

IRENE

Size: 639 acres Depth: 44 feet

Public access: Northwest side off Highway 29 and Irene Road; southeast side off County Road 64.

First known as Reservation Lake, renamed for Irene Roadruck, daughter of an early settler.

JENNIE

Size: 300 acres Depth: 6 feet

Public access: South end of County Road 56.

LATOKA

Size: 766 acres Depth: 108 feet

Features: Clear, deep, good water quality, public swimming beach.

Public accesses: North side off County Road 82 and Latoka Beach Road; west side of South Basin off Highway 27 and Vonderheid Drive.

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 County Road 42; northeast side off County Road 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 County Road 108.

Named for Native Americans.

LOBSTER

Size: 1,334 acres Depth: 65 feet

Features: Many bays and points, island.

Public access: West end off County Road 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 County Road 55.

Named for its contour.

LOUISE

Size: 214 acres Depth: 33 feet

Public access: West side off County Road 22 and West Lake Louise Drive.

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 County Road 4 and Maple Springs Drive; east side off County Road 87 and Sunset Access Road.

Named for the many maple trees that surrounded the lake.

MARY

Size: 2,450 acres Depth: 40 feet

Features: Large, gradual slopes, popular recreational lake.

Public access: Northwest corner off Highway 27; southwest corner off County Road 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 Highway 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 County Road 14 and Sandy Beach Drive; northeast side off Highway 29 and North Lake Miltona Drive; west side off Spring Lake Road.

Named for Florence Miltona Roadruck, who homesteaded in Leaf Valley with her husband.

MINA

Size: 411 acres Depth: 123 feet

Public access: North side off County Road 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 County Road 82.

MOSES

Size: 824 acres Depth: 32 feet

Features: Clear, sandy.

Public access: West side off County Road 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 County Road 10; north-east side off 210th Street (Todd County).

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

Continued from page 18

Highway 27.

Named for the King of Sweden.

POCKET

Size: 263 acres Depth: 40 feet

Public access: South side off Highway 114 and Pocket Lake Road.

Named for its contour.

RACHEL

Size: 448 acres Depth: 65 feet

Public access: East shore off County Road 93 and East Rachel Road.

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 County Road 1 and Shorewood Dr.

RENO

Size: 3,808 acres Depth: 23 feet

Features: Large, shallow, sandy (Most of the lake is in Pope County).

Public access: Northeast end off Highway 29: Southeast side off County Road 15 and Sugar Sand Road (Pope County).

ROUND

Size: 81 acres Depth: 30 feet

Features: Quiet.

Public access: South end off County Road 27.

Named for its contour.

SMITH

Size: 666 acres Depth: 30 feet

Features: Spring-fed, quiet.

Public access: Northeast corner off County Road 82 and Smith Lake Road.

Named for a family that homesteaded near the lake.

STOWE

Size: 376 acres Depth: 14 feet

Public access: West end off County Road 82 and Stowe Lake Road.

TURTLE

Size: 218 acres Depth: 21 feet

Public access: Southwest corner off County Road 88.

UNION

Size: 107 acres Depth: 45 feet

Public access: SE side off County Road 23 and County Road 86.

VERMONT

Size: 337 acres Depth: 59 feet

Public access: Southeast side off Highway 29 and Vermont Access Road.

VICTORIA

Size: 416 acres Depth: 60 feet

Features: Long, narrow lake with access to Lake Geneva.

Public access: South end off Hazel Hill Road.

Called Scocka on early maps; renamed by Walter Shotwell in honor of the English queen. His father, Daniel, homesteaded between lakes Victoria and Geneva in 1859.

VACATIONER  FALL 2023

WHISKEY

Size: 159 acres Depth: 46 feet

Public access: North side off County Road 58.

WINONA

Size: 213 acres Depth: 9 feet

Public access: Carry-in access on the 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 County Road 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.

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.

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 Road 42. It offers a playground, reservable picnic area, pickleball courts,

swimming beach, restrooms and fishing pier.

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 Boulevard. near Kinkead Cemetery in Alexandria. Carter Park, on Benjamin Drive off of County Road 22 in Alexandria, has a playground..

Dean Melton Fillmore Park is at Fillmore Street and 15th Avenue West in Alexandria. It features a picnic shelter, ball fields, skate park and playground.

Fred Foslien Park, in Victoria Heights, two blocks south of County Road 27 off Knut Street in Alexandria, has a playground.

Geneva Crest Park is on the west side of Lake Geneva in Alexandria. Take County Road 82 East, turn north on Birch Avenue, 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.

Goose Park is three blocks west of Broadway on Fifth Avenue West in Alexandria, next to Knute Nelson Memorial Field ballpark.

Lake Agnes Park is on the south shore of Lake Agnes along County Road 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 Avenue East between Roosevelt and Spruce streets in Alexandria.

Lakeview Park is near County Road 82 East and Birch Avenue in Alexandria. Take County Road 82 East to Birch Avenue, turn west on Runestone Place and west on Lake Park Avenue. It has a playground and picnic shelter.

Manor Hills Park is in Alexandria. Take Highway 29 North to Manor Drive and go two blocks to the right on Springdale. It has a playground and small ballfield.

Martin’s Hope Park, on Second Avenue across the street from Big Ole Central Park in Alexandria, has a picnic gazebo.

Noonan Park is at Nokomis Street and 10th Avenue 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 Avenue. Take Highway 29 North, turn right on McKay Avenue and left on Oak Knoll Drive. It has a playground and small ballfield.

Osagi Park is on Lake Street 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 Street in Alexandria.

Runestone Park is about one mile east of Broadway in Alexandria on Sixth Avenue East.

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 Drive, just north of Highway 29, has a playground.

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.

CENTRAL LAKESTrail

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 inGrant 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.

LAKE BROPHY C nty P k

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.

MOUNTAIN BIKE Trails

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.

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 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.