Vacationer June/July 2021 by Echo Press

21 June/July 20

Legacyof theLakes MUSEUM

Celebrations

GALORE

BAND Festival Your

Free guide to the Alexandria Lakes Area

Alexandria

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Alomere means best of the best. It’s wonderful to receive positive news in the midst of one of the most challenging journeys we have all experienced over the past year, and it gives me great pleasure to share a very bright spotlight on some recent national recognition received by Alomere Health. First, I would like to extend my congratulations to our cancer program team for completing the Commission on Cancer (CoC) survey and achieving full accreditation status. Additionally, I’m pleased to share the news that Alomere Health has once again been recognized as a Top 100 Rural & Community Hospital for 2021. This is the fourth year in a row for Alomere, making us one of only three hospitals in Minnesota to achieve this status!

our programs and organizations recognition is evidence and a great testament to the teamwork and overall commitment to supporting a culture of accountability and excellence that has been embraced by the staff and physicians who work in our clinics and hospital settings. Thank you for placing your trust in us. That’s the most valuable recognition of all.

Our Values: Accountability: Because we take our responsibility to heart. Compassion: Because we serve people in their most vulnerable moments. Excellence: Because lives are at stake. Hospitality: Because everyone is welcome here.

Sincerely, Integrity: Because patients trust us with their lives.

Carl Vaagenes Alomere Health CEO

There is no better illustration of the value that rural facilities provide to their communities than to be recognized as one of the top performing rural facilities in the nation. Earning a spot on the Top 100 list is based on performance across numerous metrics. It is the health care industry’s most comprehensive and objective assessment of rural provider performance. Combined with recently being nationally recognized by the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services as a 5-Star hospital, and Healthgrades’ patient safety award,

Here for Life

Alomere Health • Alexandria Clinic • Osakis Clinic • Lakes E.N.T. • Heartland Orthopedic Specialists

June/July 2021 • Vacationer 3

VACATIONER magazine

s summer heats up the Alexandria lakes area begins to open up, bringing more activities for you to enjoy. Lakes, parks and beaches abound in our beautiful little corner of the world – all just waiting there for you to explore. Music lovers can enjoy many top-notch marching bands at the Vikingland Band Festival as schools and communities from around the state vie for titles. Take in the variety of musical performances in the area as Concerts on the Courthouse Lawn returns each Thursday and special musical presentations are on the docket on selected Friday nights at the Maritime Museum Gardens. Celebrations are also heating up as many of the communities around the area hold summer celebrations filled with games, food and fun, and don’t forget all the great Fourth of July celebrations, highLori Mork lighted by StarStorm 2021, with fireworks synced to EDITOR music. You can watch the fireworks by land or by boat and listen to the music on our local radio station. Head out to one of our many golf courses, and of course, who can forget our multitude of lakes? Cool, clear water. Perfect for boating, skiing, sailing, fishing, pontooning and swimming. What could be more perfect in the summer? Enjoy our many parks, including the new Lake Brophy Park and Veterans Memorial Park, as well as the Central Lakes Trail, with all the beauty of nature at your disposal. And, don’t forget the wonderful arts experiences in the Alexandria lakes area, with great theater at the Andria Theatre and Theatre L’Homme Dieu, as well as artists galleries and studios where you can tour and maybe pick up a special something as a memento. Check out our magazine for many more events. We hope you will love our area as much as we do!

Echo Press • (320) 763-3133 • www.echopress.com A publication of the Echo Press Publisher: Diann Drew

June/July 2021

Inside this issue

Andria Theatre page 5

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Central Lakes Concert Association..............................................5 Concerts on the Courthouse Lawn...............................................6 Theatre L’Homme Dieu.......................................................................6 Art DeTour.................................................................................................. 7 Music in the Gardens...........................................................................8 15 Things to do in the Lakes Area.................................................8 Big Ole webcam......................................................................................8 Ongoing events..................................................................................... 13 Churches................................................................................................... 15 Shop downtown.....................................................................................17 Calendar of events.............................................................................. 20 Taste of the Lakes Area................................................................... 38

Alexandria Triathlon

page 9

ACTIVITIES

Golf courses............................................................................................ 10 Vikingland Band Festival.................................................................. 12 Kensington Rune Stone Days/Osakis Festival..................... 14 Vintage Car Club car show............................................................. 16 Rose City Threshing and Heritage Festival............................ 16 Big Ole Supathon/Mountain Biking........................................... 18 Fourth of July Celebrations............................................................. 19 Legacy of the Lakes Boat Show...................................................22

Veterans Memorial Park page 24

LAKES, PARKS, MUSEUMS

4 June/July 2021 • Vacationer

Legacy of the Lakes Museum....................................................... 26 Lake Carlos State Park......................................................................27 Runestone Museum/Big Ole......................................................... 28 Central Lakes Trail/Public beaches........................................... 30 Area parks............................................................................................... 32 Area lakes................................................................................................ 34

ANDRIAtheatre

ommunity theater presented by the Andria Theater produces four main stage shows each season to entertain audiences in the lakes area. The Andria Theatre will see a return to the stage after last year, beginning with Grease, the popular musical about Rydell High and is presented by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc., a Concord Theatricals Company. This fun-filled production is set around the Class of 1959 and is a salute to the rock ‘n’ roll era. The performances will be June 16-19 and 23-26 at 7 p.m. Both brand new and seasoned actors take the stage before the more than 10,000 audience mem-

bers that visit the theater annually. Those shows include a wide variety of entertainment, from classic to farce and from drama to musical comedy. Each fall, the Andria Theater season begins with a large-scale musical, which utilizes a live orchestra pit. The winter holiday show usually features a family-friendly holiday play, and the remainder of the season brings to life a wide variety of venues for audiences. Both onstage and off, audiences will notice many familiar faces as the Andria Theater takes advantage of the talents of local artists and community members – a true community theater.

GET YOUR TICKETS Tickets are available at the box office, online, over the phone or in person. Box office hours are Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Box Office will open one hour prior to showtime.

For more details or assistance, call (320) 762-8300. To find out more about the theater and performances, visit www. andriatheatre.org.

CENTRAL LAKES concert association

dding to the diversity of entertainment in the Alexandria lakes area, the Central Lakes Concert Association brings beautiful musical performances right to the community. The CLCA will be bringing in many of the performances that were cancelled last year, including The Folk Legacy Trio, a trio of singers/guitarists, including one long-time member of the Diamonds. The group performs hits from The Limeliters, Kingston Trio, Pete Seeger, Woody Guthrie, The Weavers, The Brothers 4 and Peter, Paul and Mary. The season line-up also includes Masters of Soul, featuring many of Motown’s greatest hits; Janoska, a Viennese classical/jazz ensemble; The Everly Set, a tribute to the Everly Brothers; Barron Ryan, a piano

soloist; Veritas, a male vocal quintet with piano; Josh Young and Emily Padgett, a husband and wife duo singing classic Broadway hits; and Sons of the Pioneers, the famed ensemble originally led by Roy Rogers and now led by his son, Roy Dusty Rogers. Formed in 1983, the first season of CLCA included four concerts and has expanded to include reciprocity with the Sauk Centre Concert Association, as well as Ortonville/Milbank, Brainerd, Fergus Falls and Wadena, giving patrons an enormous variety of entertainment from September through May. All Alexandria performances are held at the Alexandria Area High School. For more information on the Central Lakes Concert Association, call (320) 491-6308 or visit www.concertassociation.net.

June/July 2021 • Vacationer 5

CONCERTS on the courthouse

lues, country, rock and roll. The music menu at the Concerts on the Courthouse Lawn each Thursday throughout the summer holds a variety that appeals to the toe-tapper in everyone. These weekly concerts run through the end of August and are presented by the Red Willow Arts Coalition (RWAC). The concerts have become one of the area’s most popular social gatherings, where friends and family get together to listen to music. The RWAC, formed in 2009 to promote the arts and provide entertainment in the lakes area, has been bringing this all together for music fans on the lawn of the Douglas County Courthouse free of charge for several years and plans to provide entertainment again this summer. Just bring your lawn chair or blanket

and grab a seat. All concerts begin at 7 p.m. For more information on the Red Willow Arts Coalition, visit www. redwillowartscoalition.org.

CONCERT SCHEDULE Thursdays, 7 P.M. All concerts are free. Bring a lawn chair or blanket for seating. June 3: Livewire, ‘60s/’70s music June 10: Nathan’s Old-Time Band, old time June 17: Honky Tonk Stardust Cowboys, country June 24: Country Roads, John Denver July 1: Blue English, ‘60s July 4: Special Patriotic Concert July 8: Bob and the Beachcombers, surfer rock July 15: Stone Road, country July 22: Rockin’ Hollywoods, ‘50s July 29: Blonde and the Bohunk, country

August 5: 70s Magic Sunshine Band, ‘70s rock August 12: 57 Chevy Reunion Band, oldies August 19: Cimarron, country/rock

lawn

August 26: Red Letter Band, Christian Rock, ‘50s/’60s September 2: Robby Vee

THEATRE l’homme dieu

WONDERLAND Tuesday-Saturday, June 22-26 on the outdoor stage at Theatre L’Homme Dieu.

6 June/July 2021 • Vacationer

heatre L’Homme Dieu (TLHD) is again bringing musicals, comedies and dramas as well as a curated concert series to the Alexandria Lakes Area. TLHD partners with national and regional theaters to present productions throughout the summer. This year, TLHD will hold a combination of indoor and outdoor events and will be extending its season from June 19 to September 11. The theatre will open the season with Collide Theatrical’s Wonderland June 22-26. Dr. Knight presides over Wonderland, a premier psychiatric hospital and treats a man who suffers from a severe anxiety disorder and refers to himself as White Rabbit; Alice, a young woman dealing with body dysmorphia and queen-like figure

who is suffering from narcissistic rage. The plot centers around the doctor and his patients as they try to uncover the root of these disorders, leading the doctor to ask what normal really means. To make reservations, buy tickets or for more information, call (320) 846-3150 or purchase tickets online at www.tlhd.org. The theater is located at 1875 County Road 120 NE in Alexandria. To find the theater from I-94, take the Alexandria exit for Hwy 29, then go north to County Road 42. Go left, continue four miles to County Road 120 and turn right. The theater is 0.1 miles on the left. The box office opens one hour before show time.

ALEXANDRIA art guild A non-profit organization of visual artists in the Alexandria lakes area, the Alexandria Art Guild was formed in 2018 to help create a sense of community among area artists and bring more visibility and unity to Alexandria’s art scene. The group is not restricted to actual artists but also welcomes art supporters, holds monthly meetings, plans art events and publishes a directory of local artists. This group organizes the annual Art deTour, a selfguided driving tour of Alexandria area artist studios offering sales direct to the tour-goer.

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. Along with hand-crafted jewelry, the Art DeTour will include art glass, mixed media works, paintings, pottery, wood, photography, fiber art and drawings. This year’s Art deTour will be held Friday-Sunday, June 18-20. For more information on specific locations and times, vist alexart.org closer to the event.

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June/July 2021 • Vacationer 7

MUSIC in the gardens

njoy 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 a special event as the Alexandria Education Foundation presents EdRock 2021 featuring The Fabulous Armadillos on Friday, June 25. There will be food trucks, and beverages will be for sale during the event. Seating is on a first come basis when the doors open at 6 p.m., with music

beginning at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are available at the gate. On July 9, Kelley Hunt will perform in the gardens, bringing her own special style that has been formed through her love of early blues, R&B, jazz, rock and gospel. Mick Sterling and the Stud Brothers will play on August 6. They have been one of the most popular R&B attractions in the Twin Cities music scene for more than a decade. In “A Billy Joel State of Mind,” the group features hits such as Piano Man, Uptown Girl, New York State of Mind and Big Shot. Joyann Parker will be on stage August 13. Singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Parker is a rising star on the local music scene. She’s best known for her signature tribute to Patsy Cline. There are two types of seating for the concerts: Gar Wood seating, which is in the front section with chairs provided with the cost $20 and $10 for museum members. The Grassland seating is $10

15 THINGS TO DO IN THE ALEXANDRIA LAKES AREA 1. Bike the Central Lakes Trail. 2. Take a walking tour of historic downtown Alexandria. 3. Have your picture taken with Big Ole. 4. Fish off the pier at Alexandria City Park. 5. Take a hike up Inspiration Peak to enjoy the view. 6. Build a sand castle at the lake. 7. Go horseback riding. 8. Explore the trails at Lake Carlos State Park. 9. Feed the ducks at Noonan Park. 10. Rent a kayak and try a new sport. 11. Visit the Lady of the Hills near Millerville. 12. Take a scenic drive around Lake Osakis. 13. Go for a swim at Chippewa County Park. 14. Play a round of golf. 15. Paddle a canoe along the shoreline of an unpopulated lake. 8 June/July 2021 • Vacationer

a ticket or $5 for members with concert goers bringing their own chair or blanket. Children 12 and younger free.

The Legacy Gardens are located at 205 3rd Avenue West in Alexandria.

BIG OLE webcam

ocals 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.

ALEXANDRIA triathlon

utdoor enthusiasts, get ready! Alexandria will be the site of the Alexandria Triathlon on Saturday, July 31 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 relay teams and the 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. Contact Jillian Reiner at (320) 815-4580 or email alexandriatriathlon@gmail.com.

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June/July 2021 • Vacationer 9

GOLF COURSES

Your Guide to Area

Discover the Difference - Est. 1915 2300 N Nokomis NE, Alexandria, MN 56308 Pro Shop - 320.763.3605 Clubhouse - 320.763.3604

Call for Tee Times or Book Online 320-886-1400 www.hardwoodhillsgolf.com 5 miles west of Alexandria on Hwy 27 to CR 27, follow signs

10 June/July 2021 • Vacationer

18 HOLE CHAMPIONSHIP COURSE 2100 Arrowwood LaneinNW • Alexandria Celebrating the 100th Resorters 2021 | Open to the Public 320-762-TEES (8337) Follow uswww.arrowwoodresort.com on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

SEASONAL OR WEEKLY PUNCH CARDS

• Scenic • Jr. & Sr. Rates • Challenging • Cart Rental Available • Par 35 • Driving Range • Food & Beverages Available

GOLF COURSES

Your Guide to Area

For more information & pricing visit www.lakemiltonagolfclub.com or like us on Facebook Facebook.com/lakemiltonagolf

Call Ahead for Tee Times 320-852-7078 3868 County Road 5 NE, Alexandria MN 56308 Located 9 miles North of Alexandria on Hwy 29. Left on County Rd 5 – ¼ mile.

18 HOLE GOLF COURSE – PAR 72

• Pro-Shop with Rentals • GPS, Bluetooth access speakers, live • Driving Range & Practice HDTV, music streaming and sports ticker • PGA Member on Staff on all carts • Open to the Public • ATM and WIFI Available • Full Menu & Bar • Mon, Wed, Sat & Sun After 3 pm Specials

218-685-4271 www.tipsinahgolf.com 15185 Golf Course Road Elbow Lake, MN 56531

West from Alexandria 25 miles on I-94 to Evansville - Elbow Lake Exit 82, West 6 miles on Hwy 79, then North 1 mile on Golf Course (Co. 24) Rd.

18 HOLES OVERLOOKING POMME DE TERRE LAKE

• Lush, Open Fairways • Group Rates Available

• Challenging Greens • Relaxed & Friendly Atmosphere

Weekday Rates: 18 holes with cart $32 (Not Available on Holidays or Thursdays)

June/July 2021 • Vacationer 11

VIKINGLAND band festival

f you love a parade – and who doesn’t – make sure you find your way to Alexandria Sunday, June 27 at 1:30 p.m. for the 37th annual Vikingland Band Festival’s Parade Marching Championship. If all goes well, the 2021 event will be back on track after a hiatus in 2020. The festival committee has three optional formats arranged for this year to cover all circumstances and will refine the plan closer to the festival. This two-day event culminates in the parade that features the elite among marching bands from the Midwest and will be highlighted by the Chops Drum & Bugle Corps serving as the honor unit and the returning Grand Champion Henry Sibley. Also competing in Sunday’s parade will be seven-time People’s Choice award winners, the Mankato Lancers and Waconia. This year, festival-style ratings will be used rather than scores and placements, and band currently holding class or grand champion flags from 2019 will have the chance to defend those titles in 2022. There will be no formal awards ceremony this year; rather, ratings will be announced via social media and media outlets. Last year’s event was held as a virtual showcase, with bands submitting videos, photos and tributes to their senors. DID YOU KNOW? Although Alexandria is the only band to appear in every Vikingland Band Festival, many bands have a long history performing in the festival.

Including 2020 appearances, these bands have appeared at least 15 times: Alexandria (36), Fergus Falls (33), Waconia (32), Henry Sibley (31), Mankato Lancers (31), Winona Cotter (31), Bertha-Hewitt (31), Long Prairie (27), Park Center (27), St. Cloud AllCity (24), Sauk Rapids (22), Litchfield (22), Albany (19), Osseo (18), Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg (17), New York Mills (17), Champlin Park (16), Sartell (16) and Albert Lea (16).

2021 VIKINGLAND BAND FESTIVAL ENTRANTS

(As of May 18) The 2021 festival features another great lineup of marching bands. Congratulations to the resilient students and directors who have emerged from the pandemic and are able to return to the street after missing an entire season last year! • Alexandria - Host • Chops Drum & Bugle Corps - Honor Unit • Albany • Bemidji • Champlin Park • Dassel-Cokato • Fergus Falls • Henry Sibley • Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg • Mankato 77 Lancers • Milaca • Richfield • Sauk Rapids-Rice • Waconia • Winona Cotter • 728 Cadets For more up-to-date information, visit marching.com/events/vbf/ closer to the event.

12 June/July 2021 • Vacationer

ONGOING events

BLIZZARD HOCKEY

RED WILLOW ARTS COALITION SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

September-March Runestone Community Center, Alexandria www.alexandriablizzard.com

Thursdays, May 27-Sept. 2, 7 p.m. Douglas County Courthouse lawn, Alexandria www.redwillowartscoalition.org

WISSOTA CAR RACING

Saturday, May 8-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

OPEN MIC NIGHTS

GO-KART RACING

FIRST FRIDAY CONCERTS

Every other Friday, May 14-Sept. 3, 7 p.m. Douglas County Fairgrounds, Alexandria (320) 267-5186, www.runestonegokart.com

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

PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS

LIVE MUSIC

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

Alexandria’s

Third Thursday of each month, 7 to 9 p.m. March-December Evansville Arts Center www.evansvilleartcenter.com

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, beginning May 8, 9 a.m. to noon. Thursdays, beginning June 24, 3 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays, beginning June 29, 9 a.m. to noon. Last market day will be Saturday, Oct. 30 Big Ole Central Park, Alexandria

HOLMES CITY FARMERS MARKET AND COMMUNITY BREAKFAST

Year round: Saturdays, 2 p.m. Memorial Day-Labor Day: Sundays, 1 p.m. Carlos Creek Winery, Alexandria (320) 846-5443, www.carloscreekwinery.com

AMAZING

VIKINGLAND CORVETTE CLUB'S SUNDAY CRUISE AND DINNER

Saturdays, beginning May 22, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Breakfast through 10:30 a.m. Trinity Lutheran Church parking lot, Holmes City

Liquidation Center!

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Everyday savings of

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regular retail merchandise!

There’s always a good deal at Ron’s!

Hwy 28 East, Alexandria • 320-763-5555 • www.ronswarehouse.com

509 Broadway, Alexandria • 320.763.6363

www.scandinaviangifts.com

June/July 2021 • Vacationer 13

KENSINGTON rune stone days

une 18-20 will be the annual Kensington Rune Stone Days in Kensington, MN, celebrating Minnesota’s famous Rune Stone and its history. The annual event begins at 8 a.m. on Friday, June 18 with the city wide garage sales and ends on Sunday, June 20 with the 4 p.m. with the Kensington Norsemen’s baseball game. Mixed in between the beginning and end will be inflatables for kids, the Little Miss Rune Stone pageant, DJ music and street dance, a

3-person golf tournament, Ashby axe throwing, fireworks, bake sale, 3-person golf tournament, craft and vendor show, bean bag tournament, antique tractor pull and the Rune Stone Days parade. While you pick your favorite entertainment, don’t forget to try the food at the Kensington Bar and Cafe outdoor food court where they will be serving a wide variety of foods. There will also be a Father’s Day brunch, as well as great food and concessions from the Kensington Commerical Club/Working Wonders

4-H, the Lions’ pancake breakfast and a pie and ice cream social at Solem Lutheran Church following the parade on Sunday. The Kensington Commercial Club and Rune Stone Days Committee is hosting Familly Night on Main Street on Friday evening. There’s something for everyone at Kensington Rune Stone Days. For more detailed information, visit www.facebook.com/KensingtonRune-Stone-Days-113881653629456/

OSAKIS festival festival

et ready to celebrate all things Osakis during the Osakis Festival, Thursday-Sunday, June 17-20! The annual festival is a family-oriented celebration with lots of activities for everyone – from long-time residents to first-time visitors. The Osakis Festival Social at the VFW will kick off the event June 17 at 5 p.m. with a social hour, followed by a 6 p.m. dinner. Head on over to check out the uniquely decorated tables and get a taste of signature dishes prepared by Chamber restaurants. There will also be a mystery box bidding and drawing. Friday, June 18 will see downtown businesses holding sidewalk sales 14 June/July 2021 • Vacationer

and promotion, all topped off with some local music. Saturday will see plenty of activities for kids in the park, as well as Olson’s pedal tractor pulls and a money sand pile hunt. Don’t forget about the great vendors and the street dance at the VFW. The highlight of the Osakis Festival is the big parade on Sunday, June 20. Beginning at 1 p.m., dozens of floats will roll down the main drag through Osakis. Cap your weekend with the firemen’s water fights and a kiss the carp contest. Get set for some great fun as you take in the sights and sounds of the annual Osakis Festival. It’s fun for the whole family.

Come Worship With Us! LAKES AREA CHURCHES WELCOME YOU

Alexandria Alexandria Covenant

4005 Dakota St., 320-763-5659 alexandriacovenant.org Pastor: John LeVahn, Sr. Pastor Traditional: 8 am Contemporary: 9:30 and 11:00 am

Alexandria United Methodist 2210 Sixth Ave. E, www.alexumc.org Pastor: Gary Taylor Sunday Worship: 9 am Coffee & Fellowship: 10 am

Berea Lutheran Brethren

1605 6th Ave E., 320-762-1092 www.welcometoberea.org Pastor: Steve Walswick Sunday Worship: 10:30 am (Memorial Day - Labor Day) with coffee hour to follow Holy Communion: 1st & 3rd Sunday of the month

Emmanuel Episcopal

12th Ave. E & Lake St., 320-763-3201 www.alexmnepiscopal.org episcopal@centurylink.net Pastor: Rev. Tom Sinning Sunday Worship: 10:30 am

First Congregational United Church of Christ

221 Seventh Avenue W., 320-763-3341 www.firstcongregationaluccalex.com office@firstcongregationaluccalex.com youtube@firstcongregationaluccalexandriamn Pastor: Rev. Dr. Jill Sanders Sunday Worship: 10 am Communion: 2nd Sunday of the month KXRA radio broadcast 1st Sunday of the month watch each weekday morning 9am Cable 181

First Lutheran (ELCA)

1655 18th Ave. E • 320-762-2196 www.firstlutheranalexandria.com Pastors: Greg Billberg, Kari van Wakeren & Ben Jacobson Sunday Worship: 8:30 am You can tune to 1490 AM / 100.3 FM at 10:00 am to listen to rebroadcast of our 8:30 worship service.

St. Paul’s Lutheran (WELS)

718 Victoria Dr., 320-762-1644 Pastor: Mike Neumann Sunday Worship: 9 am; Bible Class: 10:30 am Communion: 1st & 3rd Sunday of the month

Good Shepherd Lutheran (LCMS) 2702 Hwy. 29 N, 320-762-5152 www.goodshepherd-LCMS.org Pastor: Tim Schiller Sunday Worship: 9 am Holy Communion: 1st & 2nd Sundays

Lake Community

490 Voyager Dr., 320-762-5424 www.lakecommunity.org Pastor: Jon Ewton Sunday Worship: 9 am & 10:30 am Children’s Ministry: Available for both services (birth - 5th grade)

Living Word Lutheran (LCMC)

Other Areas St. John’s

101 Park St.. Garfield, 320-834-2248 Pastor: Jeffery Ross Sunday Worship: 9 am with coffee and fellowship to follow Sunday School & Bible Study: 10:15 am Communion: 2nd & 4th Sunday of the month

1722 16th Ave. E., 320-762-1997 www.livingwordalexmn.org Pastor: Nate Hanson Sunday Worship: 9 am

THESE TIMES APPLY JUNE 1 - AUGUST 31 WWW.CATHOLICCHURCHES-BMUP.ORG

New Testament

Saturday Mass: 7:30 pm

2505 Hwy 29 North, 320-762-2444 add www.ntcalexandria.org Pastors: Peter Reishus & Mike Loween Sunday Worship: 9:30 am & 11 am

St. Mary’s Catholic

420 Irving Street, 320-763-5781 www.stmaryalexandria.org Father Steven M. Binsfeld Saturday Mass: 5 pm Sunday Mass: 8 am & 10 am Weekday Mass: Contact church for times Sacrament of Penance: 4 pm Saturday

Sacred Heart Catholic, Urbank

Seven Dolors Catholic, Millerville

Sunday Mass: 10:30 am

St. Ann’s Catholic, Brandon

Saturday Mass: 4:00 pm

St. Williams, Parkers Prairie Sunday Mass: 8:30 am

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June/July 2021 • Vacationer 15

VINTAGE CAR CLUB annual car show

ars and trucks of all makes and models will be on display at the annual Vintage Car Club Show and Shine on June 27 at the Douglas County Fairgrounds from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. At past shows, 250 show entries were on display. Many indoor and outdoor vendors will display and sell their wares. There will be music and food vendors at the event. There is no admission fee. The Vintage Car Club of Alexandria was organized in 1970 as a group that shared an interest in keeping alive the memories of cars and trucks from the past. The club supports many non-profit organizations in the local area and this is the third year for this show to spotlight the need for support of our local food shelf. More information is available on Facebook/VintageCarClubofAlexandria; by calling Don at (651) 408-2738 or by emailing v.c.club@outlook.com

ROSE CITY THRESHING

and heritage festival

hreshing, a blacksmith shop and sawmills – step back in time and experience how farming used to be. July 24-25 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. To learn more, see www.rosecitythreshing.org.

16 June/July 2021 • Vacationer

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BIG OLE supathon

nique among Midwestern stand-up paddleboarding events, the Big Ole SUPathon is a two-day event designed to help promote recreational paddling on the Alexandria’s Chain of Lakes and the Long Prairie River. The Big Ole SUPathon is being held July 16-17 and includes lake courses of 4.5, 12 or 26 miles and river courses of 8 and 10 miles for paddle boarders, canoeists and kayakers of all skill levels. The event kicks off at 7 a.m. on Friday, July 16 at the East Lake Miltona public access with the signature 26-mile Big Ole SUPathon event, with the other races following. There will be support staff with snacks and water along the courses as well as guide boats on the larger lakes. There will be a celebratory post race ceremony recognizing the marathon finishers, top fundraisers and volunteers at Arrowwood Marina.

On Saturday is the family-friendly Long Prairie river cruise with the 10-mile option beginning at 9 a.m. at the Lake Carlos Marina. The 8-mile event will begin one hour later. Check out the Big Ole SUPathon on Facebook or visit the site at https://paddleguru. com/races/BigOleSUPathon2019. FRIDAY, JULY 16 7 a.m. – 26-mile Big Ole SUPathon 10 a.m. – 12-mile Sven race Noon – 4.5-mile Lena race 4-6 p.m. - Post-paddle awards party at Arrowwood Marina. SATURDAY, JULY 17 9 a.m. – 10-mile Long Prairie river cruise 10 a.m. – 8-mile Long Prairie river cruise FOR MORE INFO Visit https://paddleguru.com/races/BigOleSUPathon for full event registration and info.

MOUNTAIN BIKE trails at Brophy

rea bikers have even more options with the addition of mountain biking trails at Lake Brophy County Park, with the Runestone Off Road Cyclists Club playing an integral role by helping secure federal matching grants. The results are a wonder to behold. “We’re really happy with the way they turned out,” biker and club member Jeff Brand said. “It’s difficult. It’s unique.” It also prompted a veteran mountain biker to call the trails “amazing.” Brand explained that most trails in Minnesota are cross-country oriented, weaving through wooded areas. These, Brand said, feature “rocks, rollers and burns … and a fair amount of elevation in a relatively short space.” Todd Emmons, another dedicated bicyclist, has spent a lot of time on the mountain bike trails at Lake Brophy County Park, and has been quite impressed. The trails are on a rolling hills setting, and have jumps and banked corners. 18 June/July 2021 • Vacationer

“You can actually get parallel to the ground on some of them,” he said, while bikers can soar several feet into the air on the jumps. The biking term “mandatory air” most definitely applies. DRAWING CARD Another Douglas County Park, Kensington Rune Stone Park, has fairly-new dedicated mountain bike trails that include a 3.5-mile loop and several shorter ones. When you add those to others, including ones being built in Glenwood, the area will be able to claim 35-40 miles of trails, Brand said. The Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Bike Trails in Ironton are often mentioned as a big regional draw for bikers, and trails in Duluth and the Twin Cities also bring bikers from outside the area. The Brophy trails could fit the same bill, with Brand calling this a tremendous opportunity to bring bikers from all over into the Douglas County area. Emmons agreed. “We’re going to draw some of those people here,” he said.

FOURTH OF JULY celebrations

appy Fourth of July! From land, lakes and air, many events will take place in and around the Alexandria area to celebrate Independence Day. Here in the land of 10,000 lakes, we know how to celebrate the right way with plenty of fireworks displays and summer fun. The Alexandria area is full of traditional and non-traditional fireworks displays for you to enjoy, and many of the surrounding communities put on light shows as well. You can also find a spot on the shore of one of the many area lakes that will host boat parades. And if you’re looking for something a little different, there’s Star Storm 2021, held at Arrowwood Resort and Conference Center on Lake Darling Sunday, July 4, beginning at dusk. Choreographed 20-minute fireworks are computer synchronized to music and broadcast on the radio. You can enjoy this display on land or by boat. Those watching should tune into KXRA-FM, 92.3, to listen. For the most up-to-date information on all Fourth of July celebrations, check out Alexandria’s Echo Press newspaper or go online to www.echopress.com closer to the holiday.

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ALEXANDRIA area events calendar

JUNE

3 - 7 p.m. Livewire Concert, Courthouse Lawn, Alexandria, redwillowartscoalition.org 7 - 10 a.m. Duffers Delight Golf Tournament, Alexandria Golf Club 10 - 7 p.m. Nathan’s Old-Time Band, Courthouse Lawn, Alexandria, redwillowartscoalition.org 11 - 7 p.m. “Sherlock Holmes:The Yellow Face,” Lakes Area Radio Theatre 11-13 - History Live, tentative, Runestone Museum 16 - 11:30 a.m. Habitat Hardhat Luncheon, Knute Nelson Memorial Park 16 - 4:30 p.m. Happy Hour, Knute Nelson Memorial Park 16-19 - 7 p.m. Grease, Andria Theatre 17 - 7 p.m. Honky Tonk Stardust Cowboys Concert, Courthouse Lawn, Alexandria, redwillowartscoalition. org 18-20 - Art DeTour, multiple artists and locations, http://alexart.org 18-20 - Runestone Days, Kensington 22-26 - Wonderland, Theatre L’Homme Dieu 23-26 - 7 p.m. Grease, Andria Theatre 24 - 7 p.m. Country Roads Concert, Courthouse Lawn, Alexandria, redwillowartscoalition.org 24-26 - 6:30 p.m. “Art,” Fire Pit Productions, lakesareatheatre.com/ firepit 25 - 7 p.m. The Fabulous Armadillos, Legacy of the Lakes Gardens 27 - Vikingland Band Festival, Alexandria, tentative, marching.com/events/vbf TBD - Music in the Gardens, legacyofthelakes.org

JULY

1 - 7 p.m. Blue English Concert, Courthouse Lawn, Alexandria, redwillowartscoalition.org 3-4 - 7 p.m. Special July 4 Concert, Douglas County Courthouse Lawn, Alexandria, redwillowartscoalition. org 4 - Evansville Red White & Boom Days, Evansville-Community Club Facebook page 4 - StarStorm, Arrowwood 8 - 7 p.m. Bob & The BeachCombers Concert, Courthouse Lawn, Alexandria, redwillowartscoalition. org 9 - 7 p.m. “Ray and Iver,” Lakes Area Radio Theatre 9-10 - Legacy of the Lakes Museum Classic Boat Show, legacyofthelakes. org 14 - 10 a.m. Knute Nelson Foundation Golf Classic, Geneva Golf Club 15 - 7 p.m. Stone Road Concert, Courthouse Lawn, Alexandria, redwillowartscoalition.org 20 - 9 a.m. Ice Age Exhibit opening, Runestone Museum 22 - 7 p.m. Rockin’ Hollywoods Concert, Courthouse Lawn, Alexandria, redwillowartscoalition.org 23-24 - 6:30 p.m. “Run For Your Wife,” Fire Pit Productions, lakesareatheatre.com/firepit 23-25 - Waterama, Glenwood 24-25 - Rose City Threshing & Heritage Festival, rosecitythreshing.org/ 28-31 - 7 p.m. Aladdin JR, Andria Theatre 29-31 - 6:30 p.m. “Run For Your Wife,” Fire Pit Productions, lakesareatheatre.

com/firepit 29 - 7 p.m. Blonde and the Bohunk Concert, Courthouse Lawn, Alexandria, redwillowartscoalition. org 31 - 8 a.m. Alexandria Triathlon, Lake Brophy County Park TBD - Music in the Gardens, legacyofthelakes.org

AUGUST

1-7 - 100th annual Resorters Golf Tournament 4-7 - 7 p.m. Aladdin JR, Andria Theatre 5 - 7 p.m. 70s Magic Sunshine Band Concert, Courthouse Lawn, Alexandria, redwillowartscoalition.org 5 - 6:30 p.m. History At Home: Theresa Hicks, alexandria.ce.eleyo.com 6 - 5 p.m. Ring of Fire Bull Ride, Parkers Prairie 6-7 - NTPA Truck and Tractor Pull, Viking

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June/July 2021 • Vacationer 21

LEGACY OF THE LAKES boat show

eople 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 9-10, 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. Events scheduled for Saturday, July 10 include a land and water showing from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Contact the museum for more information about the boat show at (320) 759-1114 or send an email to museum@legacyofthelakes.org

LEGACY OF THE LAKES BOAT SHOW EVENTS FRIDAY, JULY 9 1 p.m., Chain of Lakes Cruise Boats will meet at the Deck Bar & Grill at Arrowwood Resort. The cruise will leave from Arrowwood and travel around Lakes Darling, Carlos, and Le Homme Dieu, lasting approximately 2 hours.

6:30 p.m., Music in the Gardens Enjoy an evening of live music in the Legacy Gardens. Tickets are $20 for Garwood Seating ($10 museum members) and $10 for Grasslands Seating ($5 museum members). Kids 17 and younger are free.

SATURDAY, JULY 10 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Boat/Car Show Classic boat displays on land and in water, along with different vendors and classic cars 2:30 p.m., Awards Presentation Awarding of the President’s Award, Skipper’s Award and the People’s Choice Award

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3 p.m., Closing Fly-by The captains bid farewell with a final run by Arrowwood Resort ACTIVITIES DURING THE BOAT SHOW Free Stella rides Pop-up musem Tent talks at the museum There is only one: Chris-Craft Plank by plank: Clinker-built boats On the pontoon 100 years of Resorters

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VETERANS PARK memorial

uilt to serve as a public place for celebration or a quiet place for private reflection and healing, the new Veterans Memorial Park honors veterans of all branches of the United States Armed Forces. Located where the former City of Alexandria’s Legion Park once stood, Veterans Memorial Park, which is slated to be dedicated on July 4, 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 weighing 40,000 pounds. Nine flagpoles display the flags of the United States of America, POWMIA, 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

24 June/July 2021 • Vacationer

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.

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LEGACY OF THE LAKES museum

uch 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. 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

Dedicated to that little place on the lake 26 June/July 2021 • Vacationer

to host educational programs. It includes an indoor event hall, bathrooms and bridal suite/greenroom. Several events are planned for the summer, including Gallery Talks: The Chris-Craft Story on June 8 from 7-8 p.m.; Water Talks: Minnesota DNR on June 14 from 7-8 p.m. and Children’s Make-N-Take Boat Building on June 15 from 10-11:30 a.m. Visit the museum’s website for more information on these events. 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.-4 p.m. Cost of admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors 65 and older, $5 for military and veterans and students ages 5-17 and $25 for families (parent and children 17 years of age and younger). Children 5 and younger are free when accompanied by a paying adult. Museum hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and noon-4 p.m. on Sunday. Contact the museum at (320) 759-1114 or through its website www. legacyofthelakes.org for more information.

MUSEUM EXHIBITS

GRAND HOTELS AND RESORTS Each June they would arrive via the Great Northern and Minneapolis, St. Paul and Sault Ste. Marie Railroads, bringing trunks filled with silks and linens, formal dinner wear and European hats. See how these affluent early visitors summered in grandeur.

WOODEN BOATS Since the Museum’s inception, wooden boats have held center stage. Few museums offer as wide a range of rare boats including Chris-Craft, Gar Wood, Century and Hackercraft, as well as the ultimate collection of made-in-Minnesota craft. SHAPES OF THE FUTURE Fiberglass revolutionized the boating industry—making boats more affordable while enabling radical new designs. See some of the coolest in our “Fiberglassics” exhibit today. GO FISH! See how fishing technology has evolved since our area first became famous for great fishing in the late 1800s. Check out some amazing catches and learn about the legendary guides that made them possible. THE MINNESOURI CLUB In 1890, 20 men from Missouri and 15 from Minneapolis formed a club overlooking the waters of Lake Miltona. Experience life on the lake back in the day with our re-creation of a Minnesouri Club front porch. MADE IN MINNESOTA! Minnesota’s been home to skilled watercraft builders since Native Americans first fashioned birch bark canoes hundreds of years ago. The museum boasts the most complete collection of Minnesota-made boats from Larson to our own Alexandria Boat Works.

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LAKE CARLOS state park

uilt 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 bird watcher’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. Paddleboat, canoes, and kayaks are available to rent during the regular season office hours May - October. 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 Road 38 Northeast in Carlos, is located 10 miles north of Alexandria on State Highway 29, then two miles west on Highway 38. The best time to contact the park is 9 a.m.-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/

‘I CAN!’ PROGRAMS RETURNING IN 2021

Minnesota State Parks and Trails “I Can!” programs are returning for the 2021 season and are designed for those with no experience. The “I Can!” program is made possible by funds from the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment. Each program will include hands-on instruction from experienced and friendly crew members. Gear is provided and one-day vehicle permits ($7 value) are included with all I Can! programs where a permit is required. I CAN CAMP! These one- or two-night overnight programs are your chance to introduce your kids to the fun of camping – no experience necessary. Cost for two adults and three small children (max 5 people per tent) is $60 for one night and $85 for two-night programs. Advance registration is required.

I CAN PADDLE! Your kids will discover the kind of amazing views only seen from the water during one of these programs designed especially for first-time paddlers. All equipment is provided.

I CAN MOUNTAIN BIKE! Remember your kids’ joy and triumph when they first learned to bike? Take that joy off-road with this exhilarating program. Cost is $30 for adults and $15 for youth ages 10-18. Participants younger than 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

I CAN FISH! Share the fun of casting into the water and the excitement when there’s a tug on the line. This program is all about the anticipation and thrill of your kids learning to catch fish. Cost is $7 for adults and children younger than 12 are free with a registered adult. Fishing licenses are not required for this program. ARCHERY IN THE PARKS! Be your own action heroes and go beyond video games! This program lets you share the exact moment when your child first aims for a goal and hits it. This program is free, but a vehicle permit is required ($7/ day or $35/year) Email ican.dnr@state.mn.us to be notified when more information becomes available.

Be sure to visit the Lake Carlos State Park website at www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/lake_carlos/ or its Facebook page for the most recent information on its schedule.

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June/July 2021 • Vacationer 27

RUNESTONE museum

he Runestone Museum has been inspiring curiosity about local history and heritage for more than 50 years. The world famous and controversial Kensington Rune Stone 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. Both the museum and gift shop are now open with limited capacity. Face mask use and additional safety procedures are in place.

Currently, the museum is open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. For more information call (320) 763-3160, 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. KENSINGTON RUNESTONE 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? A large replica of the Kensington Runestone is located at a small, wayside rest. Visitors can read the inscription and take a photo by the replica. The replica is located in a small park at the east end of Sixth Avenue in Alexandria. Explore the controversy for yourself at the Runestone Museum, located at 206 Broadway in Alexandria.

RUNESTONE MUSEUM After you take your picture with Big Ole, cross the street for a visit to the Runestone Museum. There you will learn about Big Ole, Vikings and Nordic explorers, and test your skill at matching animal prints in the wildlife exhibit. Along with the Runestone, the museum holds exhibits on Native Americans, early immigrant history, the history of Alexandria, a memorial/gun exhibit, a Minnesota wildlife exhibit, and a handson children’s area.

BIGole

erhaps 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. 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.

28 June/July 2021 • Vacationer

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 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’s had several repairs made and new coats of paint applied. His beard has changed from gray to yellow to brown.

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CENTRAL LAKES trail

he 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. Great for walking, running, bicycling, in-line skating, roller skiing, wheelchairs and more. The trail is open to non-motorized visitors, with the exception of snowmobiles in the winter. The trail head and parking area in Alexandria are located at the north end of Broadway in Big Ole Central Park. Other trail heads are

PUBLIC beaches LIFEGUARD-STAFFED LAKE L’HOMME DIEU BEACH Alexandria. Take Highway 29 north of Alexandria to the beach.

CHIPPEWA COUNTY PARK BEACH Brandon. Between lakes Little Chippewa and Devil’s off County Road 108

LAKE LATOKA BEACH Alexandria. Take County Road 82 west from Alexandria, turn south on County Road 90, then west on Latoka Beach Road.

LAKE CARLOS STATE PARK Carlos. Located about seven miles north of Alexandria off State Highway 29 and County Road 38.

LAKE OSAKIS BEACH Osakis. Located on East Lake Street. NON-LIFEGUARD-STAFFED CITY PARK BEACH Alexandria. Lake Henry in the Alexandria City Park, one block west of County Road 42 (North Nokomis). ROTARY BEACH Alexandria. Located off County Road 42 between lakes L’Homme Dieu and Carlos. 30 June/July 2021 • Vacationer

BROPHY PARK Take Co. Rd. 82 west of Alexandria to the Brophy Landing road (county road 114), go north about a ¼ mile — beach and park entrance are on your right.

available in the cities of Osakis, Garfield, Brandon and Evansville. These trail heads include a parking area, portable restrooms and a trailside shelter. A bike shelter is also available along the trail about one and one-half miles east of Nelson. The trail travels through or near woodlands, grasslands, lakes, wetlands and farm country. Those traveling along the trail may see a variety of wildflowers, wildlife and many different trees and plants. The Central Lakes Trail also connects to the Lake Wobegon trail, which runs from Osakis through Sauk Centre to St. Joseph. Together, they make the longest paved bike trail in the state. The Central Lakes Trail (www.centrallakestrail.com) is used as a snowmobile trail in the winter.

June/July 2021 • Vacationer 31

AREAparks

CITY PARKS

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

Oak Knoll Park is on the northeast side of Alexandria near McKay Ave. Take Hwy. 29 North, turn right on McKay Ave. and left on Oak Knoll Dr.

Alexandria City Park is at the north end of Alexandria, one block west of County Rd. 42. It offers a playground, picnic area, tennis courts, swimming beach, bathhouse and fishing pier.

Osagi Park is on Lake St. in Osakis. It features picnic tables and shelter, restrooms, playground and lakeshore (no swimming area).

Big Ole Central Park is on the north end of Broadway in Alexandria, next to Lake Agnes. It features a 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.

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 is north of Kinkead Cemetery on Amanda Lane in Alexandria.

Carter Park is on Benjamin Drive off of Co. Rd. 22 in Alexandria.

Summer Meadows Park is on the north side of Alexandria near Scenic Heights Road and Summer Lane.

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.

Veterans Memorial Park is at 802 Broadway in Alexandria.

Fred Foslien Park is in Victoria Heights, two blocks south of Co. Rd. 27 off Knut Street in Alexandria. 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. Goose Park is three blocks west of Broadway on Fifth Ave. W. in Alexandria. Lake Agnes Park is on the south shore of Lake Agnes along County Rd. 37 in Alexandria. 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. Legion Park is at Broadway and Eighth Ave. W. in Alexandria. Manor Hills Park is in Alexandria. Take Hwy. 29 N. to Manor Dr. and go two blocks to the right on Springdale. Martin’s Hope Park is on Second Ave. across the street from Big Ole Central Park. Noonan Park is at Nokomis St. and 10th Ave. in Alexandria. 32 June/July 2021 • Vacationer

Woodland Park is on the north side of Alexandria on Woodland Dr., just north of Hwy. 29.

COUNTY PARKS

Chippewa Park is three miles north of Brandon on Co. Rd. 108. It features picnic tables, shelters, charcoal grills, restrooms, showers, drinking water, a swimming beach (no lifeguard), playground, horseshoe pit and camping sites. Curt Felt Memorial Park is north of Alexandria off Co. Rd. 42. It has a volleyball court, playground, a picnic shelter, restrooms, horseshoe courts and a softball field. Lake Brophy Park, located on the north side of Lake Brophy, is the newest addition to the county’s park system. Take Co. Rd. 82 west of Alexandria to the Brophy Landing road. The park was built with a Legacy Grant from the State of Minnesota in 2018. Reach walking trails from a small parking lot located on the north end of the park off Centennial Drive. It also offers a public swimming beach, a mountain bike course, fishing pier and children’s playground. Lake Brophy Wayside Park is west of Alexandria at the intersection of Co. Rds. 82 and 8. It has picnic tables, charcoal grills, restroom, drinking water, playground and views of Lake Brophy.

Kensington Rune Stone Park is 15 miles west of Alexandria on State Hwy. 27. It’s where the famed Kensington Runestone was found. A new visitor center was constructed in 2017 which offers modern restrooms, an interpretive room, a gathering space and drinking water. The park also includes picnic tables, shelters, charcoal grills, electricity, a heated building with kitchen facilities, softball field, horseshoe pit, volleyball court, playground, hiking, mountain bike trails, cross country ski trails and historic displays. Spruce Hill Park is near Miltona. From Alexandria, take Hwy. 29 to Co. Rd. 5 and go east five miles. It has picnic tables, shelters, charcoal grills, electricity, restrooms, drinking water, softball field, and interpretive, hiking and cross country ski trails.

STATE PARKS

Lake Carlos State Park is near Carlos. Take State Hwy. 29 north from Alexandria, turn west on Co. Rd. 38, turn left into park. Permit is required; purchase at park office ($7/day, $35/year). The park features trails for hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling, as well as picnic tables, shelters, a swimming beach, play area, campsites, camper cabins, group camp, group center, restrooms, showers, boat landing, amphitheater, visitor/interpretive center, naturalist programs, geocaching and an equestrian area. Rentals are available for canoes, paddle boats, kayaks, snowshoes and fish houses, and checkouts are available for fishing and birding kits and GPS units.

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ALEXANDRIA area lakes

AARON Size: 614 acres Depth: 16 feet Game fish: Northern, pan fish, largemouth bass, walleye Features: Shallow with sandy beaches Public access: South end off Lakes Rd.

CHRISTINA Size: 3,978 acres Depth: 14 feet Game fish: Northern, bullhead, pan fish, largemouth bass, walleye Features: Large, shallow Public access: Southwest end off Co. Rd. 82

AGNES Size: 137 acres Depth: 31 feet Game fish: Pan fish, northern, bass, some walleye Features: Fishing pier in City Park Public access: City-owned access on southwest end off Agnes Blvd.

COWDRY Size: 242 acres Depth: 52 feet Game fish: Walleye, northern, largemouth bass, pan fish Features: Small, clear Public access: Northeast corner off Co. Rd. 82 and E. Lake Cowdry Rd.

ANDREW Size: 918 acres Depth: 83 feet Game fish: Walleye, northern, pan fish, largemouth bass Features: Sandy beaches, spring-fed, popular recreational lake Public access: Southeast side off Co. Rd. 28 BLACKWELL Size: 307 acres Depth: 42 feet Game fish: Bullhead, pan fish, largemouth bass, northern, walleye Public access: East side off Country Ln. BROPHY Size: 293 acres Depth: 44 feet Game fish: Walleye, northern, largemouth bass, pan fish Features: Island, sandy beaches Public access: Northwest shore off Co. Rd. 82 and Brophy Park Rd. BURGEN Size: 174 acres Depth: 43 feet Game fish: Northern, pan fish, some bass and walleye Features: Small, steeply sloped shoreline Public access: North end off Co. Rd. 23 CARLOS Size: 2,598 acres Depth: 163 feet Game fish: Walleye, northern, pan fish, largemouth bass Features: Access to chain of lakes, clear, deep Public accesses: North shore in state park off Co. Rd. 38; northeast shore near state park; west shore off Co. Rd. 11; east shore off Co Rd. 42 and E. Lake Carlos Dr. CHIPPEWA Size: 1,175 acres Depth: 95 feet Game fish: Walleye, northern, pan fish, largemouth bass Features: Deep, headwaters of Chippewa River Public access: Northeast corner off Co. Rd. 12

34 June/July 2021 • Vacationer

GRANTS Size: 177 acres Depth: 60 feet Game fish: Northern, bullhead, pan fish, walleye, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass Public access: Northwest corner off Co. Rd. 94 HENRY Size: 152 acres Depth: 32 feet Game fish: Northern, pan fish, some bass Features: Next to City Park Public access: Accessible by water from Lake Agnes

CROOKED Size: 281 acres Depth: 35 feet Game fish: Northern, bullhead, largemouth bass, pan fish Features: Quiet Public access: North end off Co. Rd. 27

IDA Size: 4,427 acres Depth: 106 feet Game fish: Walleye, bass, northern, pan fish 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 Pilgrim Point Rd.; southeast side off Co. Rd. 34 and Sunset Strip

DARLING Size: 1,050 acres Depth: 62 feet Game fish: Northern, pan fish, largemouth bass, walleye Features: Water access to chain of lakes Public access: Access by water from Lake Carlos

INDIAN Size: 76 acres Depth: 38 feet Game fish: Northern, bullhead, pan fish, walleye Public access: North side off Co. Rd. 6 and Indian Lake Rd.

DEVILS Size: 234 acres Depth: 35 feet Game fish: Walleye, northern, largemouth bass, pan fish Features: Spring-fed, sandy beaches, connects to county park Public access: North side off Co. Rd. 7 and Devil’s Lake Rd.

IRENE Size: 639 acres Depth: 44 feet Game fish: Walleye, northern, largemouth bass, pan fish Public access: Northwest side off Hwy. 29 and Irene Rd.; southeast side off Co. Rd. 64

FREEBORN Size: 248 acres Depth: 18 feet Game fish: Northern, largemouth bass, pan fish, bullhead, walleye Public access: Northwest side off Co. Rd. 96 GENEVA Size: 640 acres Depth: 63 feet Game fish: Largemouth bass, northern, pan fish, walleye Features: Pier on north end, access to chain of lakes Public access: Northwest side off Hwy. 29 and Southeast side off Co. Rd. 82 GILBERT Size: 202 acres Depth: 17 feet Game fish: Bullhead, pan fish, northern, walleye Features: Quiet Public access: North end off Co. Rd. 7 and Moe Hall Rd.

LATOKA Size: 753 acres Depth: 108 feet Game fish: Walleye, northern, largemouth bass, pan fish Features: Clear, deep, good water quality, public swimming beach Public accesses: North side off Co. Rd. 82, West side of South Basin off Hwy. 27 and Vonderheid Dr. L’HOMME DIEU Size: 1,801 acres Depth: 85 feet Game fish: Walleye, largemouth bass, northern, pan fish Features: Access to chain of lakes, public swimming beach Public accesses: Northwest side off Co. Rd. 42; northeast side off Co. Rd. 120 LITTLE CHIPPEWA Size: 269 acres Depth: 24 feet Game fish: Northern, bullhead, walleye, pan fish, largemouth bass Features: Shallow, sandy, connects to county park Public access: South shore off Co. Rd. 108

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530 County Road 22 NW Alexandria, MN 56308 facebook.com/Fired-Up-Bar-Grill-103138918405510 June/July 2021 • Vacationer 35

ALEXANDRIA area lakes LOBSTER Size: 1,329 acres Depth: 65 feet Game fish: Northern, pan fish, walleye, bass, muskellunge Features: Many bays and points, island Public access: West end off Co. Rd. 27 LONG Size: 218 acres Depth: 18 feet Public access: East end off Long Lake Rd. LOUISE Size: 214 acres Depth: 33 feet Game fish: Bullhead, pan fish, largemouth bass, northern, walleye Public access: West side off Co. Rd. 22 MAPLE Size: 831 acres Depth: 78 feet Game fish: Walleye, northern, largemouth bass, pan fish Features: Mostly shallow, spring-fed, excellent water quality Public access: North end off Co. Rd. 4; east side off Co. Rd. 87 MARY Size: 2,450 acres Depth: 40 feet Game fish: Walleye, northern, largemouth bass, pan fish Features: Large, gradual slopes, popular recreational lake Public access: Northwest corner off Hwy. 27; southwest corner off Co. Rd. 4 MILL Size: 450 acres Depth: 40 feet Game fish: Walleye, northern, pan fish, largemouth bass Features: Spring-fed, deep, clear Public access: Southeast corner off Hwy. 27 MILTONA Size: 5,724 acres Depth: 105 feet Game fish: Walleye, bass, northern, pan fish, muskellunge 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. MINA Size: 411 acres Depth: 123 feet Game fish: Northern, largemouth bass, pan fish, bullhead, muskellunge, walleye Public access: North point off Co. Rd. 8

36 June/July 2021 • Vacationer

MOON Size: 144 acres Depth: 38 feet Game fish: Northern, largemouth bass, pan fish, walleye, bullhead, perch Public access: North side off Co. Rd. 82

MOSES Size: 824 acres Depth: 32 feet Game fish: Walleye, largemouth bass, pan fish, northern Features: Clear, sandy Public access: West side off Co. Rd. 16 OSAKIS Size: 6,389 acres Depth: 86 feet Game fish: Walleye, northern, pan fish, bass Features: Large lake with many bars and fishing structures Public access: South end in Osakis; west side off Co. Rd. 10; north end off Co. Rd. 10 (other access in Todd County) OSCAR Size: 1,119 acres Depth: 25 feet Game fish: Walleye, pan fish, northern, muskellunge Features: Island Public access: North side off State Hwy. 27 POCKET Size: 263 acres Depth: 40 feet Game fish: Northern, pan fish, largemouth bass, bullhead, walleye Public access: South side off Hwy. 114 and Pocket Lake Rd. RACHEL Size: 442 acres Depth: 65 feet Game fish: Northern, bullhead, pan fish, largemouth bass, walleye Public access: East shore off Co. Rd. 93 RED ROCK Size: 903 acres Depth: 22 feet Game fish: Northern, walleye, largemouth bass, pan fish Features: Shallow Public access: East side off Shorewood Dr. ROUND Size: 81 acres Depth: 30 feet Game fish: Northern, largemouth bass, pan fish, bullhead Features: Quiet Public access: South end off Co. Rd. 27

SMITH Size: 666 acres Depth: 30 feet Game fish: Northern, walleye, pan fish, largemouth bass Features: Spring-fed, quiet Public access: Northeast corner off Hwy. 27 and Smith Lake Rd.

STOWE Size: 389 acres Depth: 14 feet Game fish: Northern, bullhead, pan fish, largemouth bass, walleye Public access: West end off Co. Rd. 82 and Stowe Lake Rd. TURTLE Size: 218 acres Depth: 21 feet Game fish: Northern, pan fish, largemouth bass, bullhead, walleye Public access: Southwest corner off Co. Rd. 88 UNION Size: 107 acres Depth: 45 feet Game fish: Northern, largemouth bass, pan fish, bullhead, walleye Public access: SE side off Co. Rd. 23 VERMONT Size: 338 acres Depth: 59 feet Game fish: Bullhead, pan fish, largemouth bass, northern, walleye Public access: Southeast side off Hwy. 29 and E. Lake Vermont Rd. VICTORIA Size: 417 acres Depth: 60 feet Game fish: Northern, walleye, largemouth bass, pan fish Features: Long, narrow lake with access to Lake Geneva Public access: South end off Hazel Hill Rd. WHISKEY Size: 160 acres Depth: 46 feet Game fish: Bullhead, pan fish, largemouth bass, northern, walleye Public access: North shore off Co. Rd. 58 WINONA Size: 213 acres Depth: 9 feet Game fish: Bullhead, perch, crappie Public access: City-owned, carry-in access on northwest end

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June/July 2021 • Vacationer 39

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Vacationer June/July 2021

Articles inside

Area lakes

Runestone Museum/Big Ole

Area parks

Central Lakes Trail/Public beaches

Legacy of the Lakes Museum

Calendar of events

Lake Carlos State Park

Legacy of the Lakes Boat Show

Fourth of July Celebrations

Kensington Rune Stone Days/Osakis Festival

Big Ole Supathon/Mountain Biking

Art DeTour

Golf courses

Central Lakes Concert Association

Churches

Ongoing events

Vikingland Band Festival