20 May/June 20
Big Ole and the RUNESTONE
CONCERTS
FIRE PIT
Productions
on the Courthouse lawn
Your
Free guide to the Alexandria Lakes Area
2 May/June 2020 • Vacationer
Express Care Everyone knows, health issues don’t limit themselves to weekdays. Which is why we don’t either.
Thanks to our Saturday, Sunday and evening hours, when your daughter spikes a fever or your husband has a fishhook mishap, you’ve got a local option for care—other than needing the emergency room.
Whatever your needs, we’re here for you—all week long, and all weekend too! AlomereHealth.com/AlexClinic
During this time of extreme precaution, try using our virtual visit options through MyChart. If you still need to be seen by a provider in person, please call in advance.
May/June 2020 • Vacationer 3
VACATIONER magazine
W
hile we are in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, life as we know it at this time has changed greatly. But spring is here, and that gives us an opportunity to get outdoors and help relieve the feelings of cabin fever that social distancing has caused. And while we need to be cautious and follow the guidelines set for us, there are still many opportunities to be outside and appreciate our beautiful area of the state. With that said, just a note to remind you that the events in this first Vacationer magazine of the year reflect our best knowledge at the time of writing. Please make sure to check for any changes by visiting each event’s website or the Echo Press website at www.echopress.com for the most current information. From the first hint of spring to the drop of the last leaf, Minnesotans revel in the outdoor life we have Lori Mork available to us, and the Alexandria lakes area has EDITOR much to enjoy. We Minnesotans are a hardy bunch and bounce back quickly, taking life as it comes in this part of the country. The return of summer is marked by Memorial Day and Ole Oppe Fest. Formerly Awake the Lakes, the festival includes the Memorial Day parade and ceremony to honor our troops as well as music, food and entertainment. Love the water? Then head for one of the many lakes for swimming, skiing, boating or fishing. Prefer to stay on dry ground? There are nine golf courses for you to choose from. Or skate, hike or bike along the Central Lakes Trail. There are many state, county and city parks where you can enjoy camping or maybe a picnic. As soon as they return to business, you can browse for antiques, shop Alexandria’s historic downtown or the Viking Plaza, see a movie at the nine-screen theater or tour a winery. You can explore the area’s fascinating museums and history, including the controversial Kensington Runestone. Still haven’t found your niche? If your taste runs toward the artistic, there are many wonderful theater productions and concerts to enjoy. Alexandria and the surrounding area provide a variety of parades, celebrations, and arts and crafts shows throughout the summer. There’s even an amusement park, go-cart racing, horseback riding and a water park for you to enjoy. Browse through our Vacationer for the endless opportunities that await you. Enjoy!
Echo Press • (320) 763-3133 • www.echopress.com A publication of the Echo Press Publisher: Jody Hanson
4 May/June 2020 • Vacationer
May/June 2020
Inside this issue
Theatre L’Homme Dieu page 6
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Fire Pit Productions...............................................................................5 Concerts on the Courthouse lawn................................................ 7 Central Lakes Concert Association..............................................8 Ongoing events.......................................................................................8 Lakes Area Theatre...............................................................................9 Calendar of events............................................................................... 16 Churches....................................................................................................17 Osakis events......................................................................................... 19 Shop downtown................................................................................... 20 Taste of the Lakes Area................................................................... 24
Memorial Day Parade
page 14
ACTIVITIES
Alexandria area golfing..................................................................... 10 Skal Crawl................................................................................................ 10 National Safe Boating........................................................................ 12 Fishing opener....................................................................................... 13 Freedom First motorcycle show................................................... 14 Area golf courses.................................................................................. 21
Lake Carlos State Park page 28
LAKES, PARKS, MUSEUMS
Legacy of the Lakes Museum........................................................ 18 Runestone Museum/Big Ole......................................................... 26 Area parks............................................................................................... 30 Douglas County Historical Society............................................. 32 Central Lakes Trail.............................................................................. 34 Public beaches..................................................................................... 34 Area lakes................................................................................................ 36
FIRE PIT productions
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egun in 2018 by Quincy Roers, Fire Pit Production uses the stage at the Lakes Area Theatre for small production plays and provides the community with edgy thought-provoking stage plays. The performances are locally cast. In the summer, shows are performed outdoors, so bring a lawn chair. Tickets are $10 and are available at the door one hour prior to show time. First up on the schedule is The Boy, inspired by the true story of 1960s well-intentioned doctor who convinces the parents of a male infant to raise their son as a girl after a terrible accident, and the repercussions that follow. It will be performed June 26 at 7:30 p.m. and June 27 at 9:30 p.m. Written by Anna Ziegler, The Boy explores the confusion of sexual identity and finding love.
For more information, visit lakesareatheatre.com/firepit, call 320815-7664 or email lakesareatheatre@ gmail.com.
UPCOMING PRODUCTIONS BFF: August 21, 7:30 p.m.; August 22, 9:30 p.m. Best friends Lauren and Eliza find their way during the the onset of adulthood as the two mature at different speeds. When Lauren rejects her friendship with Eliza, Eliza falls apart. In later years, Lauren begins to call herself Eliza and when she becomes involved with Seth, is not able to form a closer relationship because of her past and her treatment of her friend.
Be sure to visit the Fire Pit Productions website at lakesareatheatre.com/firepit or visit its Facebook page for the most recent information on its schedule. THE PILLOWMAN: October 23, 7:30 p.m.; October 24, 9:30 p.m. The Pillowman, written by Martin McDonagh, is the story of a writer, Katurian, living in a totalitarian state who is interrogated about his short stories, which echo a series of child murders. After being arrested, he discovers that his brother Michal has con-
fessed and implicated him in the crimes. Believing that he will be put to death, he tries to save his writing from being destroyed. The play gives insight into Katurian through his stories, which include an autobiography that enlightens the audience into how Katurian created his dark imagination.
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May/June 2020 • Vacationer 5
THEATRE l’homme dieu
T
heatre L’Homme Dieu (TLHD), which opened in 1961, 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 five productions throughout the summer. TLHD’s first production will be Ruthless, running July 21-25. A Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle award-winner, Ruthless is a hilarious musical with an all-female cast. This comedy spoofs Broadway musicals and movies, and is the story of 8-year-old Tina, who knows she is destined to play Pippi Longstocking in her shool play. She’s so determined to get the part that she’ll do
anything, including murdering the leading lady. Following the opening production will be The Good Humor Men, running July 28 through August 1 featuring Tony Deyo, Moody McCarthy and Pat Hazell in an evening of comedy. 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.
COMING UP:
July 28-August 1 – The Good Humor Men. Three of America’s funniest stand up comedians – Tony Deyo, Moody McCarthy and Pat Hazell – join forces to showcase their original brand of humor in an evening packed with punch lines, clever writing and hair trigger laughs. August 7-16 – Glensheen is the blockbuster hit musical that tackles the Duluth, MN-based Glensheen murder mystery with wicked dialogue and evocative music.
2020 CONCERT SERIES CROCE PLAYS CROCE JUNE 18, 7:30 PM A.J. Croce performs Croce Plays Croce, a special night of music featuring a complete set of classics by his late father Jim Croce, some of his own tunes, and songs that influenced both him and his father. THE REMINDERS JULY 2-3, 7:30 PM The Reminders are a rare and remarkable musical duo seamlessly blending soulful sounds and roots music with insightful messages and thoughtful lyrics. The group consists of Brussels-born emcee Big Samir and Queensborn emcee/ vocalist Aja Black, a collective creative force that’s hard to beat.
FAREWELL ANGELINA JULY 15, 7:30 PM Farewell Angelina is an all-female country group with four powerhouse vocalists, dynamic songwriters and accomplished multi-instrumentalists.
Be sure to visit the Theatre L’Homme Dieu website at www.tlhd.org or visit its Facebook page for the most recent information on its schedule.
It’s 5:00 Somewhere! Why not meet your friends at BRANDON LIQUOR Happy Hour Monday-Saturday 3-6 pm • Friday & Saturday 9-11pm Large pizza and a pitcher of beer $13.00 every Tuesday Fireball Friday $2.50 a shot, all day Daily Meat Raffle every Saturday at 6:30
320.834.4547
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CONCERTS on the courthouse
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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. Broken Fiddle is set to open the season’s entertainment May 21. 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.
lawn
CONCERT SCHEDULE Thursdays, 7 P.M. All concerts are free. Bring a lawn chair or blanket for seating. May 21: Broken Fiddle - Americana May 28: Live Wire Band - 60s/70s June 4: Green Lake Bluegrass Band June 11: Blonde & The Bohunk Band - Country June 18: Holy Rocka Rollaz - 50’s/60’s June 25: Notteroy Skolekorps - From Norway July 2: WoodPicks - Bluegrass July 4: Special Patriotic Concert July 9: Big Fat Groove - 60s/70s/R&B
Be sure to visit the Red Willow Arts Coalition website at www.redwillowartscoalition.org. or visit its Facebook page for the most recent information on its schedule.
July 16: WhiteSidewalls - 50s/60s July 23: Shalo Lee Band - Country July 30: Front Fenders - 50s/60s Aug 6: Crows Feet Band - 60s/70s
Alexandria’s
Aug 13: Honky Tonk Cowboys Country Aug 20: Salty Dogs - Variety Aug 27: Doc’s Dixieland - Dixieland/ Gospel
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May/June 2020 • Vacationer 7
CENTRAL LAKES concert association
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dding to the diversity of entertainment in the Alexandria lakes area, the Central Lakes Concert Association brings beautiful musical performances right to the community. Because of the COVID-19 restrictions, many of the performances have not yet been scheduled. The Allied Concert Services is working diligently to reschedule all of the postponed performances from the late winter/spring of the 2019-20 season. All of the tours are in the process of being rescheduled either later this summer or blended into the 2020-21 season. Updated information will be posted in the CLCA website as soon as dates are confirmed. Tentatively, the first event on the concert schedule is The Fold 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 Janoska, a Viennese classical/jazz ensemble; Masters of Soul, featuring many of Motowns greatest hits; Barron Ryan, a piano soloist; Josh Young and Emily Padgett, a husband and wife duo singing classic Broadway hits; and Veritas, a male vocal quintet with piano. 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.
Be sure to visit the Central Lakes Concert Association website at www.concertassociation.net for the most recent information on its schedule.
ONGOING AREA events BLIZZARD HOCKEY
September-March Runestone Community Center, Alexandria www.alexandriablizzard.com
WISSOTA CAR RACING
Saturdays, May-Labor Day, 6:30 p.m. Additional specials on other dates. Viking Speedway, Alexandria (320) 762-1559, www.vikingspeedway.net
GOKART RACING
Fridays, May-Aug., 7 p.m. Additional specials on other dates. Douglas County Fairgrounds, Alexandria (320) 491-9249, www.runestonegokart.com
PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS First Thursday of each month, 7 p.m. Evansville Arts Center www.evansvilleartcenter.com
8 May/June 2020 • Vacationer
RED WILLOW ARTS COALITION SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
Thursdays, May 21-Aug. 27, 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: Saturdays, 2 p.m. Memorial Day-Labor Day: Sundays, 1 p.m. Carlos Creek Winery, Alexandria (320) 846-5443, www.carloscreekwinery.com
VIKINGLAND CORVETTE CLUB'S SUNDAY CRUISE AND DINNER
Sundays, May-September, 4:30 p.m. All classic and muscle cars included on first Sunday of each month Alexandria Clinic parking lot www.vikinglandcorvetteclub.com
ALEXANDRIA FARMERS MARKET Saturdays, May 9-Oct. 31, 9 a.m. to noon. Thursdays, June 25-Oct. 29, 3 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays, June 30-Oct. 27, 9 a.m. to noon. Big Ole Central Park, Alexandria
HOLMES CITY FARMERS MARKET AND COMMUNITY BREAKFAST Saturdays, May 16-Oct. 17, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Breakfast through 10:30 a.m. Trinity Lutheran Church parking lot, Holmes City
LAKES AREA theatre
O
pening in October 2010, Lakes Area Theatre has entertained audiences, both live and on the radio, for more than five years, bringing to life mysteries, comedies, detective stories, suspense, drama and westerns. Lakes Area Theatre performs its shows before a live audience, recording the shows and playing them back on KXRA 1490 AM and from a network of radio stations. Performed live every second Friday of the month at 7 p.m., the Lakes Area Theatre troupe is a group of dedicated regional writers, directors, voice actors, musicians, sound effects technicians and recording engineers, all combining their talents to bring you family-friendly and affordable entertainment. 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. LIVE PERFORMANCES Lakes Area Theatre shows are performed and recorded the second Friday of every month at 7
Be sure to visit the Lakes Area Theatre website at www.lakesareatheatre.com or its Facebook page for the most recent information on its schedule.
p.m. Performances are taped at 2214 Geneva Road NE in Alexandria. Tickets are $8 and available at the door only. Tentatively scheduled, The Sacred Coffee Stain of Parmak and My Favorite Wife are scheduled for Friday, May 8, while Backseat Driver and Nick Files: Never say never never land again are on the docket for June 12. WHERE YOU CAN LISTEN
KASM 1150 AM - Albany, Sunday, 7:30 p.m. KXRA 1490 AM - Alexandria, Saturday, 12:30 p.m. KRWC 1360 AM - Buffalo, Sunday, 11:30 a.m. KWQQ 1610am - Farmington, Iowa, Thursday, 4:30 p.m. KBRF 1250 AM - Fergus Falls, Sunday, 6:30 a.m. WNMT 650 AM - Hibbing, Sunday, 6:30 a.m. KLFD 1410 AM - Litchfield, Sunday, 4:00 p.m. KLQP Q92 FM - Madison, Sunday, 1:30 p.m. KMHL 1400 AM - Marshall, Saturday, 11:05 a.m.
Shop Local. Support Local. The Money Spent Here, Stays Here in Alexandria.
DOWNTOWN & PLAZA LIQUOR Downtown by Big Ole & next to Viking Plaza, Alexandria
KBEK 95.5 FM - Mora, Sunday, 8:00 p.m. KMRS 1230 AM - Morris, Sunday, 6:00 p.m. KYMN - Northfield, Sunday, 5:30 a.m. KRUE 1170 AM - Owatonna, Sunday, 10:00 a.m. KWLM 1340 AM - Willmar, Sunday, 8:00 p.m.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
visit www.lakesareatheatre.com, call (320) 815-7664 or email lakesareatheatre@gmail.com
Liquor a z la P & n w Downto
u o y g n i g n Bri ! n o i t a x a l Re
Feature pricing every day on many Minnesota wines, beers and liquors! May/June 2020 • Vacationer 9
ALEXANDRIA AREA golfing
F
or winter weary Minnesotans, spring 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. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is allowing golf courses to be open for play as long as everyone exercises proper precautions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Minnesota consistently ranks at or near the top in golfer participation. In fact, in 2005, it has the highest number of golfers per capita of any state in the U.S., according to the National Golf Foundation. 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. Whether a beginner at the game or a scratch golfer, the Alexandria area holds the perfect course for you. From small, 9-hole courses to 27-hole masterpieces, this area’s courses are beautifully designed and well kept; perfect for a long afternoon of outdoor entertainment with friends.
GOLF ECONOMICS The sport of golf’s economic output (direct, indirect and induced) contributed $2.4 billion to the economy. The Land of 10,000 Lakes has 508 golf courses and employs more than 34,000 people. PLAYER OF THE YEAR 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.
GOOD HOSTS 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 as well as the Ryder Cup in 2016. It hosted the PGA Championships in 1932, 1954, 1959, 2002, 2008 and 2009. Beginning in 2019, it will host the PGA Tour’s 3M Open.
SKÅ SK Å L CRAWL liquor, beer and wine crawl
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ooking for something a little different? Then why not try the Alexandria area’s Skål Crawl, Minnesota’s first wine, liquor and beer trail, and sample some of Minnesota’s best handcrafted beverages. Copper Trail Brewing, Panther Distillery, 22 Northmen and Carlos Creek Winery are all part of this unique tour, which takes you through the picturesque scenery of Douglas County as well as two historic downtown centers. Copper Trail Brewing is the fifth brewery to be established in Alexandria’s history with the last closing its doors 70 years ago. Here you will find small-batch craft beers brewed on site. Panther Distillery is the first craft distillery in Minnesota and has been handcrafting whiskey, bourbon, rum and spirits since 2011 using local sources and distilling in small batches. 22 Northmen Brewery is named after local folk lore of the Kensing-
10 May/June 2020 • Vacationer
ton Runestone, and is a unique brewery experience incorporating Viking heritage at the Viking Longhall Taproom. 22 Northmen also includes wood-fired pizza at the Valkyrie Kitchen and has live music on Thursdays. Carlos Creek Winery is one of the largest and oldest wineries in Minnesota, dedicated to crafting award-winning wines, including their famous Hot Dish Red, Wobegon White and You Betcha Blush. All three establishments request that groups of 10 or more call ahead for reservations at each location. Punch cards for the crawl are available at each location for $15 and allow each visitor $2 off the sampling price at each stop. With the cards, visitors also receive a souvenir Skål Crawl tasting glass and a T-shirt. At the last destination, punch card holders will receive a discount card for their next visit. For more information, visit www.skalcrawl.com.
Be sure to visit the the Skål Crawl members’ website at www.coppertrailbrewing.com www.pantherdistillery.com www.carloscreekwinery.com www.22northmen.com, for the most recent information on its schedule.
SKÅL CRAWL You can begin the skål crawl, Minnesota’s first wine, liquor and beer trail, at any of the three locations. COPPER TRAIL BREWING Open Mondays-Thursdays from 3-11 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 11 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. CALL (320) 219-6688. PANTHER DISTILLERY Open Mondays-Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. They are closed on Sundays. CALL (320) 859-2256. 22 NORTHMEN Open Wednesdays-Saturdays from noon to 9 p.m.; Sundays
from noon to 6 p.m. CALL (320) 846-5443 CARLOS CREEK WINERY Open Sundays-Thursdays from noon to 5 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 6 p.m. CALL (320) 846-5443. COST Punch cards, worth $2 off at each location for sampling, are $15 and include a souvenir Skål Crawl tasting glass and T-shirt. NOTE: punch cards are not accepted during festivals. LARGE GROUPS Groups of 10 or more need to call each location ahead of time to make a reservation.
• Lake Country Meats has 10 varieties of Jerky including the newly created Beef Tenderloin Jerky.
• Snack sticks and cheeses.
• Fresh High quality Meats
• Fresh cut Steaks, Chops and Roasts.
• Check out the Specialty sauces and spices available.
• Award winning Ham.
Brats. 30 Varieties of Jalapeno are, A few favorites ild Rice, Cheddar, W many more. Beer Brats and
Just good folks sharing their talents Good friends, Good food, Good times.
See You
On
MEAT STREET Next to Cullens Home Store. 1700 North Nokomis NE • Alexandria, MN www.lakecountrymeats.com -ORDER ONLINE!
320-759-2072
May/June 2020 • Vacationer 11
national SAFE BOATING may16-22 A s the summer approaches, Minnesotans are getting ready to pull out their boats and take to the water. National Safe Boating Week, May 16-22, seeks to remind people about the importance of being safe while on the water. Wear a life jacket. No matter what activity you have planned, always remember to wear a life jacket every time you are on the water. Accidents on the water can happen much too fast to reach and put on a stowed life jacket. Make sure your life jacket is U.S. Coast Guard approved, appropriate for your water activity and fits properly. Be sure to know your boat’s capacity. If you have too much on your boat, the boat may become unstable and capsize. Check the weather, including the water temperature. Know the latest marine weather forecast prior to going out, and keep a regular check for changing conditions. Dress properly. Always dress for the weather, wearing layers if cooler weather, and bring an extra set of clothes in case you get wet. Be sure to know your boat’s capacity. If you have too much on your boat, the boat may become unstable and capsize. Always follow navigation rules. Know the “Rules of the Road” such as operator’s responsibility, maintaining a proper lookout, safe speed, crossing, meeting head-on and overtaking situations. Know what’s going on around you at
all times, and always travel at safe speeds for the environment. Find out more at boatoncourse.com. Keep in touch. Communication devices can be the most important piece of emergency equipment on board a vessel, especially in case of emergency. Be sure to have at least two communication devices that work when wet, such as satellite phones, emergency position indicating radio beacons (EPIRB), VHF radios and personal locator beacons (PLB). Cell phones are not reliable in an emergency situation. Take a boating safety course. Learn valuable tips that can help save your life in unexpected situations by taking a NASBLA (National Association of Boating Law Administrators) approved boating safety course. Many courses are online, and will save you money on your boat insurance. Always file a float plan. File a float plan with someone you trust that
includes details about the trip, boat, persons, towing or trailer vehicle, communication equipment and emergency contacts. Find out more at www.floatplancentral.org. Don’t drink while you boat. Where the primary cause was known, alcohol was listed as the leading factor in 15 percent of deaths in 2016. Find out more at www.operationdrywater. org. Know state boating laws. Rules and laws can differ from state to state and violations can result in ticketing, fines or jail time. Beware of carbon monoxide poisoning. Gasoline-powered engines on boats, including onboard generators, produce carbon monoxide (CO), a colorless and odorless gas that can poison or kill someone who breathes too much of it. Be sure to install and maintain a working CO detector, never block exhaust outlets, and always dock, beach or anchor at least 20 feet away from the nearest boat that is running a generator or engine.
LIFE JACKETS for all occasions The U.S. Coast Guard requires boaters to have a life jacket on their watercraft for every person aboard. It is recommended that all boaters and passengers wear their life jackets at all times.
TRY IT ON: • Check the manufacturer’s ratings for your size and weight. • Make sure the life jacket is properly zipped and/or buckled. • Check for fit by raising your arms above your head while 12 May/June 2020 • Vacationer
wearing the life jacket and ask a friend to grasp the tops of the arm openings and gently pull up. • Ensure your life jacket fits properly with no excess room above the openings. A snug fit in these areas shows the life jacket fits properly. FIT FACTS: • It is extremely important that you choose a life jacket that fits properly.
• Life jackets that are too big will cause the flotation device to push up around your face, which could be dangerous. • Life jackets that are too small may not be able to keep your body afloat. • Make sure children wear properly fitted life jackets based on their weight. Do not buy a life jacket for your child to “grow into.”
MINNESOTA FISHING opener
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t’s one of Minnesota’s favorite pastimes - fishing – and at this time of year, enthusiasts are gearing up for the opening of fishing season on Saturday, May 9. A great excuse to get out on one of the many lakes in the Alexandria area, fishing is a wonderful way to enjoy the sun, relax and unwind. Sarah Strommen, DNR commissioner, encourages anglers to start planning for new ways to enjoy the tradition of the Minnesota Fishing Opener close to home and in ways that also promote public health. The DNR is urging those planning to fish to use good judgement when choosing where to fish this season, and consider fishing close to home to help contain the spread of COVID-19. It also reminds anglers to maintain social distancing at boat landings. BOAT REGISTRATION You may renew your boat registration online at dnr. state.mn.us/licenses/ watercraft/index.html DNR PROGRAMS, EVENTS, TRAININGS AND MEETINGS Many DNR-sponsored events, trainings and meetings are canceled or postponed. This includes:
If you’re going to fish in Minnesota, however, don’t forget to pick up a fishing license. Anyone age 16 or older needs to have a current Minnesota fishing license in order to hook that lunker. To buy your license this year, the DNR is urging the pubic to do business online. Anglers should only purchase licenses at dnr. state.mn.us/licenses/online-sales. html by phone at 1-888-665-4236 (1-MN-LICENSE) or at approved vendors throughout the state. A list is available atdnr.state.mn.us/licenses/ agents.html. There are a few free fishing weekends in Minnesota: May 9-10 – Take A Mom Fishing when Minnesota resident moms fish free; June 6-7 – Take A Kid Fishing, where residents 16 and older fish free with children younger than 16. Visit www.dnr.state.mn.us/ for more information about Minnesota regulations for fishing.
Be sure to visit the Minnesota DNR’s website at www.dnr.state.mn.us/ as well as its Facebook page and Twitter accounts for the most recent information on its schedule.
•Safety education training, including firearms safety training •Fishery tours and public viewing of the walleye egg take •Educational trainings, including Project Learning Tree, WET, and WILD trainings •Naturalist programs •Most volunteer activities
ALEXANDRIA, MN
Be safe and have fun this summer!
Docks & Lifts
Electronics
Pontoons
TOP TRADE-IN E C ALLOWAN
320-852-7380 • 5110 County Road 13 NE, Carlos www.centralmarineandsports.com
1424 N. Nokomis, Alexandria, MN 320-762-8412 www.AlexAutoNMarine.com
FINANC AVAILABING LE!
May/June 2020 • Vacationer 13
MEMORIAL day
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n Memorial Day, the day for honoring the men and women who have died while serving in the U.S. Military, the Alexandria area honors the fallen with parades and programs. Alexandria’s Memorial Day parade begins at 10 a.m. and participants in
the parade will march down Broadway ending at Kinkead Cemetery for a Memorial Day service, which is set to begin at 11 a.m. Visit the Echo Press newspaper website closer to the event for the latest information at www.echopress. com.
FREEDOM riders bikeFIRST show
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n their 13th year, Freedom First Riders is still planning to hold its annual bike show Saturday and Sunday, May 16-17 at the Runestone Community Center on the Douglas County Fairgrounds.
All plans are contingent on the status of the stay at home order. Eleven classes of bikes will be on display at RCC: custom – builder; custom, vintage, classic, old school, stock plus, bagger plus, chopper,
stock, stock bagger and under 200cc. The fun will include a beard and tattoo contest, dyno shootout and and a loudest bike contest, as well as live music, food and drinks. Many vendors will be on hand with motorcycles, parts and accessories, performances, clothing and jewelry as well as information on charitable rides and organizations. The Freedom First Riders and its members are a local chapter of the American Bikers for Awareness, Training and Education, also known as ABATE, a statewide non-profit motorcycling advocacy group represented by chapters all over Minnesota. Monies raised at the bike show
are used to maintain or improve the rights and safety of all motorcyclists. The chapter will have a membership/information booth at the show, and the Motorcyle Riders Foundation will have information on what is happening on a national level. Admission to the event is $8 for a one-day pass, with children 12 and younger receiving free admission. The bike show is open from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday. The Runestone Community Center is located at the Douglas County Fairgrounds, 802 3rd Ave. West in Alexandria.
Be sure to visit the ABATE website at www.abatemn.org or its Facebook page for the most recent information on its schedule. 14 May/June 2020 • Vacationer
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Steinbring Motorcoach Toll Free 1.877.880.8090 | 320.834.6333 7390 County Hwy 82 | Garfield, MN 56332 May/June 2020 • Vacationer 15
ALEXANDRIA area events calendar
MAY
1 - 7:30 p.m. The Everly Set, Central Lakes Concert Association, AAHS Performing Arts Center 2 - 9 a.m. Small Town Coin and Collectibles Show, Holiday Inn 2 - 2 p.m. Dr. Lori’s Antiques Appraisal, Andria Theatre 2 - 4:30-7 p.m. Theatre L’Homme Dieu Run for the Roses Kentucky Derby Party, Carlos Creek Winery 3 - 2 p.m. Live music, Alexandria Senior Center, 414 Hawthorne St. 9 - 10 a.m. Alexandria Spring Arts, Craft and Gift Show, Runestone Community Center 10 - 2 p.m. Live music, Alexandria Senior Center 15-16 - 7:30 p.m. “The Lion in Winter,” Andria Theatre 16 - 8:30-11:30 a.m. Holmes City Farmers Market & Community Breakfast (8:30-10:30 a.m.), Trinity Lutheran Church, 5760 County Rd. 4W SW 16 - 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Vendor and Craft Market, Viking Plaza Mall, Alexandria 16- 17 - Freedom First Riders Bike Show, Runestone Community Center, Alexandria 17 - 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Vendor and Craft Market, Viking Plaza Mall, Alexandria 17 - 1 p.m. Beard Contest, FFR, Runestone Community Center, Alexandria 17 - 2 p.m. Live music, Alexandria Senior Center 17 - 2 p.m. “Immortal Words,” Central Lakes Symphony Orchestra, AAHS Performing Arts Center 18 - 4-7 p.m. Documentary Film: “We Are Columbine,” Grand Arbor Theatre, Alexandria 21 - 7 p.m. Broken Fiddle concert, Douglas County Courthouse Lawn, Alexandria 23-24 Ole Oppe Fest, Big Ole Central Park, Alexandria 24 - 9 a.m.-noon Awake the Grapes 5k & 10k Races, Carlos Creek Winery, Alexandria 25 - Memorial Day Activities Throughout Douglas County 28 - 7 p.m. Live Wire Band, Concert Series, Douglas County Courthouse Lawn, Alexandria
JUNE
1 - 10 a.m. 29th annual Duffers Delight Golf Tournament, Alexandria Golf Club 1 - 4-7 p.m. Documentary Film: “Bisbee ‘17,” Grand Arbor Theatre, Alexandria 3 - 6:30 p.m. Slew Foot Family concert, Knute Garden Healing Garden, 420 12th Ave. E., Alexandria 4 - 7 p.m. Green Lake Bluegrass Band Concert, Douglas County Courthouse Lawn, Alexandria 8-16 - State Trap Shooting Championship, Alexandria Shooting Park 10 - 6:30 p.m. GG Country, Knute Nelson Healing Garden, 420 12th Ave. E., Alexandria 11 - 7 p.m. Blonde & The Bohunk Concert, Douglas County Courthouse Lawn, Alexandria
16 May/June 2020 • Vacationer
12-13 - History Live, Runestone Museum, Alexandria 12-13 - Art DeTour, Alexandria area 17 - 6:30 p.m. Enterprise Duo, Knute Nelson Healing Garden, 420 12th Ave. E., Alexandria 18 - Croce Plays Croce, Theatre L’Homme Dieu 18 - 7 p.m. Holy Rocka Rollaz Concert, Douglas County Courthouse Lawn, Alexandria 19 - Wine, Ale & Art Crawl, Downtown Alexandria 24 - 6:30 p.m. Sellin, Wallace & Rousu, Knute Nelson Healing Garden, 420 12th Ave. E., Alexandria 25 - 7 p.m. Norway’s Notteroy Skolekorps Concert, Douglas County Courthouse Lawn, Alexandria 26-27 - 7:30 p.m. “Boy,” Fire Pit Productions, Lakes Area Theatre 28 - Vikingland Band Festival, Alexandria 29 - 7 p.m. Drawn to the Word, Mount Carmel Ministries, Alexandria
JULY
1 - 6:30 p.m. Blond & The Bohunk, Knute Nelson Healing Garden, 420 12th Ave. E., Alexandria 2-3 - The Reminders, Theatre L’Homme Dieu 2 - 7 p.m. WoodPicks, Douglas County Courthouse Lawn, Alexandria 3-4 - Evansville Red White and Boom Days 4 - 7 p.m. Special Patriotic Concert, Douglas County Courthouse Lawn, Alexandria 4 - Starstorm Fireworks Show, Arrowwood Resort 8 - 6:30 p.m. Cline Connection, Knute Nelson Healing Garden, 420 12th Ave. E., Alexandria 9 - 7 p.m. Big Fat Groove Concert, Douglas County Courthouse Lawn, Alexandria 10 - 6-9 p.m. Music in the Gardens: Mick Sterling, Legacy of the Lakes Museum 11 - 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Minnesota Lakes Classic Boat Show, Arrowwood Resort on Lake Darling 15 - 6:30 p.m.Doo-Wop Divas, Knute Nelson Healing Garden, 420 12th Ave. E., Alexandria 15 - Farewell Angelina, Theatre L’Homme Dieu 16 - 7 p.m. WhiteSidewalls Concert, Douglas County Courthouse Lawn, Alexandria 17-19 50th Miltona Tornado Days 17-19 Art of the Lakes Studio Tour, Evansville Art Center and other locations 21-15 Ruthless, Theatre L’Homme Dieu 22 - 6:30 p.m. Kori Williams & Friends concert, Knute Nelson Healing Garden, 420 12th Ave. E., Alexandria 23 - 7 p.m. Shalo Lee Band Concert, Douglas County Courthouse Lawn, Alexandria 24-25 - Anderson Bash, Alexandria 25-26 - Art in the Park at City Park, Alexandria 25-26 - Rose City Threshing & Heritage Festival, Miltona 28-31 - The Good Humor Men, Theatre L’Homme Dieu 29 - 6:30 p.m. Tuesday Night Club concert, Knute Nelson Healing Garden, 420 12th Ave. E., Alexandria 29-31 - Summer Fest, Brandon
30 - 7 p.m. Front Fenders Concert, Douglas County Courthouse Lawn, Alexandria 31 - 6-9 p.m. Music in the Gardens, Legacy of the Lakes Museum 31 - Wine, Ale and Art Crawl, Downtown Alexandria 31 - Fall Festival, Parkers Prairie
AUGUST
1 - The Good Humor Men, Theatre L’Homme Dieu 1 - Forada Days, Forada 1-2 - Summer Fest, Brandon 1-2 Fall Festival, Parkers Prairie 2-8 - Resorters Golf Tournament, Alexandria 5 - 5-7 p.m. Annual Steak Fry Fundraiser, Fort Alexandria 5 - 6:30 p.m. Jewett Benson & Peggy Wiese, Knute Nelson Healing Garden, 420 12th Ave. E., Alexandria 6 - 7 p.m. Crows Feet Band, Douglas County Courthouse Lawn, Alexandria 7-16 - “Glensheen,” Theatre L’Homme Dieu 7-8 - Garfield Days 8 - 7 p.m. Alexandria Festival of the Lakes Concert No. 1, Alexandria United Methodist Church 12 - 6:30 p.m. Cassie Wiesner & Kevin Klimek concert, Knute Nelson Healing Garden, 420 12th Ave. E., Alexandria 13 - 7 p.m. Honky Tonk Cowboys Concert, Douglas County Courthouse Lawn, Alexandria 14 - 6-9 p.m. Music in the Gardens, Legacy of the Lakes Museum 14 - 7 p.m. Alexandria Festival of the Lakes Concert No. 2, Alexandria United Methodist Church 16 - 7 p.m. Alexandria Festival of the Lakes Concert No. 3, Alexandria United Methodist Church 19 - 6:30 p.m. Paradocx concert, Knute Nelson Healing Garden, 420 12th Ave. E., Alexandria 19-22 - Douglas County Fair, Alexandria 20 - 7 p.m. Salty Dogs Concert, Douglas County Courthouse Lawn, Alexandria 21-22 - 7:30 p.m. “BFF,” Fire Pit Productions, Lakes Area Theatre 22 - 7 p.m. Alexandria Festival of the Lakes Concert Finale, Alexandria United Methodist Church 26 - 6:30 p.m. Dale Martell concert, Knute Nelson Healing Garden, 420 12th Ave. E., Alexandria 27 - 7 p.m. Doc’s Dixieland Concert, Douglas County Courthouse Lawn, Alexandria
Please make sure to check for any changes by visiting each event’s website or the Echo Press website at www. echopress.com for the most current information.
Come Worship With Us!
LAKES AREA CHURCHES WELCOME YOU Alexandria
First Lutheran (ELCA)
4005 Dakota St., 320-763-5659 alexandriacovenant.org Pastor: John LeVahn, Sr. Pastor Traditional: 8 am Contemporary: 9:30 and 11:00 am
1655 18th Ave. E • 320-762-2196 • www.firstlutheranalexandria.com Pastors: Greg Billberg, Kari van Wakeren & Ben Jacobson Saturday Worship: 5 pm - Sanctuary Sunday Worship: 8:30 am - Sanctuary 10:00 am - Legacy of the Lakes Museum 10:30 am - Lake Carlos State Park You can tune to 1490 AM / 100.3 FM at 10:00 am to listen to rebroadcast of our 8:30 worship service.
Alexandria United Methodist
Good Shepherd Lutheran (LCMS)
2210 Sixth Ave. E, www.alexumc.org Pastor: Gary Taylor Sunday Worship: 9 am Coffee & Fellowship: 10 am
2702 Hwy. 29 N, 320-762-5152 www.goodshepherdalex.com Pastor: Tim Schiller Sunday Worship: 9 am Holy Communion: 1st & 2nd Sundays
Berea Lutheran Brethren
Lake Community
Alexandria Covenant
1405 6th Ave E., 320-762-1092 www.welcometoberea.org Pastor: Steve Walswick Sunday Worship: 9:30 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: Tom Sinning, Priest 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
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)
1722 16th Ave. E., 320-762-1997 • www.livingwordalexmn.org Pastor: Nate Hanson Sunday Worship: 9 am Praise Band Worship: 2nd Sunday of the month Communion: 1st & 3rd Sundays of the month Vacation Bible School: Check website for dates Bible Studies: Check website
New Testament
2505 Hwy 29 North, 320-762-2444 Pastors: Peter Reishus & Mike Loween Sunday Worship: 9:30 am-10:15 am Worship & Teaching: 10:30 am-11:30 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
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
Word Alone Fellowship
Church Svc Temporarily on WAF website (A Traditional Christian Worship) 1906 6th Ave. East • www.wordalonefellowship.org Alexandria, MN Pastors: Steve Walswick & Ralph Erickson Sunday Worship:9:00am Sunday Adult Bible Study: 10:30am (Dodie Sorbel) Communion: First and third Sunday
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 THESE TIMES APPLY JUNE 1 TO AUG. 31 WWW.CATHOLICCHURCHES-BMUP.ORG
Sacred Heart Catholic, Urbank Saturday Worship: 7:30 pm
Seven Dolors Catholic, Millerville
Sunday Worship: 10:30 am
St. Ann’s Catholic, Brandon
Saturday Worship: 4 pm
St. Williams, Parkers Prairie Sunday Worship: 8:30 am
PAID ADVERTISMENT
May/June 2020 • Vacationer 17
LEGACY OF THE LAKES museum
M
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. Hoping to open sometime in June, 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 is open Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday from 12-4 p.m. Contact the museum at (320) 759-1114 or through its website www. legacyofthelakes.org. 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. The Legacy of the Lakes Museum is located at 205 3rd Ave. W. in Alexandria. For more information, call (320) 759-1114.
Be sure to visit the Legacy of the Lakes Museum website at www.legacyofthelakes.org or its Facebook page for the most recent information on its schedule.
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.
18 May/June 2020 • Vacationer
BURGERS FRIES SHRIMP SHAKES MALTS SUNDAES Convenient Walk-up Window, Inside Seating or Take-Out!
22 West Nokomis, Osakis
320-859-2217
JACOBS
LEFSE BAKERI & GIFTS
Fresh Hand Rolled Lefse
where the FUN begins! Events MAY
Memorial Day Parade & Service
320-859-3382
JUNE
www.gotlefse.com 221Central Ave, Osakis Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm
220 Central Ave. Osakis, MN 56308 320-859-5454
home decor, clothing, florals
s i k a s O
Hours: Tues.-8:30am-2pm Wed.- 10am-7pm Thurs. & Fri.- 10am-5pm Sat.- 10am-4pm Sun.- Closed
Lions’ Walleye Fishing Tournament Osakis Festival Osakis VFW Street Dance JULY
4th of July Fireworks Roddin’ Round the Lake Car Show Osakis City-Wide Garage Sales
AUGUST
Douglas County Fair, Alexandria Osakis Silverstreak Golf Classic Outdoor Movie Nights SEPTEMBER
Sportsmen’s Club Corn Feed Moonshine Madness OCTOBER
Community Halloween Party NOVEMBER
Holiday Bazaar Community Thanksgiving Dinner December
Osakis Chamber Shop Local Santa Day 59 W. Main Street Osakis
May/June 2020 • Vacationer 19
SUPPORT THESE LOCAL MERCHANTS
Shop Alexandria Creative Touch 516 Broadway, Alex 320-762- 8786 111 6th Avenue West, Downtown Alexandria 320-762-0309 • 800-58-5336
DOWNTOWN ALEXANDRIA • LITTLE FALLS
320.763.5157 • M-F 9-7; SAT. 9-5:30; SUN. 12-4
“Come in for our prices, Come back for our quality.”
High quality name brand items at thrift store prices clothing, purses ,shoes, jewelry, household, misc. items, furniture and so much more. Mon- Fri 9 AM - 5 PM • Sat 9 AM - 2 PM
Klothes Kloset Thrift Store 660 Nothside Dr. NE, Alexandria • 320-763-9888 Owned & operated by Runestone Area Education District (NON-PROFIT)
Women & Children’s Clothing, Shoes, Accessories and Household Decorative’s
LARGE SELECTION OF MINNESOTA TEES & SWEATSHIRTS • FUN APPAREL • JEWELRY • GIFTS & CARDS
6th & Broadway • Alexandria 320.846.1100 • facebook.com/shopMagpie
Let Kyle Serve You!
418 N. Broadway, Alexandria • 320.762.1538 Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10-5
Interior Design, Gifts and Décor all under one roof
• ANTIQUES • COLLECTIBLES DIV • REPURPOSED TREASURES DENA • FURNITURE • DÉCOR OPEN 320.759.2300
N MAVE CA
YEAR ROUND
619 Broadway St, Alexandria Mon. - Sat. 10-5 www.pastandpresenthomegallery.com Sun. 12-4
The
Blue Rooster
Shoppe
1001 Hwy 29 N. - Alexandria, MN Hours: Thurs. - Sat. 10 am - 5 pm 320.219.7069 Sue: 952-484-5701 Bill: 612-298-9444 www.blueroostershoppe.com
Vintage ❦ Repurposed Furniture ❦ Home Décor ❦ Gifts
Where you will find your one of a kind item
20 May/June 2020 • Vacationer
Velkommen!
609 Broadway, Alexandria 320-763-8300 • www.ravnikandco.com
Yesterdays Antique Store
Two levels of furniture, pottery, jewelry, glassware, primitives and unique home décor. 517 Broadway, Alexandria, MN 56308
(320) 762-8990
M-F 9-6 *Sat 9-5:30 * Sun 12-4
Featuring Imports from all Scandinavian Countries 604 Broadway, Alexandria • 320.763.6363
www.scandinaviangifts.com
What: When: Where: Why: Who:
Your Business!
Call 320-763-3133 to reserve advertising space.
GOLF COURSES
Your Guide to Area
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Joel Goldstrand Design www.genevagolfclub.com Pro Shop 320-762-7089 Geneva Grill 320-762-7092
Located 3 miles N on Hwy 29 to Co Rd 73, then 1 mile E and then S on Liberty Rd
27 Hole Championship Golf Course Great Stay & Play Packages with On Site Lodging Looking to Plan a Golf Trip to Arizona?
Visit thompsongolfgroup.com to Learn about our Other Properties
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
SEASONAL OR WEEKLY PUNCH CARDS
• Scenic • Jr. & Sr. Rates • Challenging • Cart Rental Available • Par 35 • Driving Range • Food & Beverages Available
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 May/June 2020 • Vacationer 21
Your Guide to Area
GOLF
Discover the Difference - Est. 1915 2300 N Nokomis NE, Alexandria, MN 56308 Pro Shop - 320.763.3605 Clubhouse - 320.763.3604
18 HOLE CHAMPIONSHIP COURSE “HomeArrowwood of the Resorters” the Public 2100 Lane| Open NW •toAlexandria
320-762-TEES For more information, visit us online at www.alexandriagolfclub.com or check out(8337) www.arrowwoodresort.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlexandriaGolfClub/ or Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexandriagolfclub/
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
Beautiful, well-maintained public golf course! Family friendly—Fun for all skill levels Driving range—Putting green— Club and cart rentals—Food and beer THURSDAYS, kids 16 and under golf FREE with paid adult From I-94, exit 90 at Brandon, five miles N on Co Rd 16 NW
Call for tee times 320-834-4028 www.pineridgegolfcourse.net 22 May/June 2020 • Vacationer
• Challenging Greens • Relaxed & Friendly Atmosphere
Weekly Rates: 18 holes with cart $32 (Not Available on Holidays or Thursdays)
2100 Arrowwood Lane NW • Alexandria
320-762-TEES (8337) www.arrowwoodresort.com
COURSES “A challenging beauty amid hills, trees and ponds!”
Please call ahead for a tee time 320-859-2140 www.osakiscountryclub.com
1 PRICE FOR 9 HOLES ALL THE TIME 2 golfers with cart $40 • 1 golfer with cart $20 (Not valid for league play)
Seasonal memberships available Club, Cart & Golf Rentals Lounge: Beer & Set-ups, Sandwiches & Pizza
1 block North of Intersection Hwys. 127 & 27 E., Osakis
320-762-TEES (8337) www.arrowwoodresort.com
2100 Arrowwood Lane NW • Alexandria
• Pro-Shop • Driving Range • Snack Bar • Rentals • Open to the Public
Arrowwood is2100 proudArrowwood to announce Minnesota Golf at its finest! This newly Lane NW • Alexandria renovated golf course was designed with wetland preservation in mind 320-762-TEES (8337) and focuses onwww.arrowwoodresort.com scenic lake views and unique challenges. Experience the natural and undisturbed beauty of Alexandria’s most scenic golf course.
THE NEW 2020
IS HERE!
HIGH PERFORMANCE LITHIUM NOW AVAILABLE! COME VISIT OUR SHOWROOM!
Over 35 Years Golf Car Experience.
HOME OF
SALES & SERVICE 320-762-1114 Toll Free 1-877-743-6322 AlexGolfCars.com 605 Hawthorne St, Alexandria Mon-Fri 8am - 5pm • Sat 9am-Noon
May/June 2020 • Vacationer 23
Taste of the Lakes Area
FOOD & HOSPITALITY • Farm Fresh Menu • Home Inspired Items • Rustic Décor • One of Alexandria’s Newest Restaurants
OPEN DAILY Serving lunch & dinner • PRIME RIB (served nightly) • BURGERS • STEAKS • SEAFOOD • PASTAS • ICE CREAM DRINKS • FULL BAR
Voted #1 Steakhouse in the Lakes Area! LIVE MUSIC Thurs. 6-9pm Fri. 7-10pm KARAOKE & D.J. Sat. 9-1pm
HAPPY HOUR Mon. - Sat. 3 - 6pm
Check out our FB page for daily specials! Mon.-Sat. open at 11am. Sun. open @3pm
4960 Co. Rd. 42 NE, Alexandria 1 Block North of the Carlos / L’ Homme Dieu bridge Alexandria, MN Call 320-763-9983
voted
320-846-1051 www.interlacheninn.com
115 30th Ave E, Alexandria, MN
320-763-6565 1-800-657-3294
best restaurant 3 years in a row!
FULL MENU FROM A VARIETY OF Appetizers to Salads, Sandwiches, Prime Rib and Steaks
Viking Plaza Mall • Alexandria • 320-762-2697
Full Menu! Ribs, Broasted Chicken & Burgers! Food Served Until 11 pm Full Service Bar
Fast Track Lunch Special Including Soup & Salad Bar Mon-Fri 11am-1:30pm 320-759-0885 | 4409 Hwy 29 S | Alexandria
doolittles.com
24 May/June 2020 • Vacationer
• Over 29 varieties of tap beer • Nightly food and drink specials
320-834-2532 or 218-267-2726
Mon.-Thur. 11:30am-1am • Fri.-Sun. 11am-1am
Taste of the Lakes Area
FOOD & HOSPITALITY Since 1925, Alexandria’s Recommended Family Dining
BREAKFAST SERVED ALL DAY
VISIT US AT TRAVELERSINNCAFE.COM
Full Menu from Omlettes & Pancakes, to Walleye & Prime Rib Known for Great Breakfasts: Egg Dishes, Omelettes, Pancakes, Waffles, Biscuits & Gravy Breakfast Specials Mon - Sat. ‘til 10am Homemade Soups & Daily Specials Deli Sandwiches Area’s Best Salad Bar Caramel Rolls, Homemade Pies
Wine \ Craft Beer \ Full Menu Hand-Crafted Cocktails / Live Music
115 6th Ave E Alexandria
320.759.2277
Renovated Old Burlington Train Depot overlooking Lake Agnes. • Large Menu •Salad Bar • Pizza - The Best in the Area •Dine In or On the Deck • Full Lounge, TV’s, Pool Tables & Games •Large Groups Welcome • Full Catering Available • Breakfast available Fri. & Sat. 8 - 10:30am See you at the Depot! depotalex.com
· Handcrafted cocktails · Unique dishes and flavors served every day · Live entertainment
East Coast Casual Meets Midwest Comfort
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
511 Broadway - Historic Downtown - 320-763-4000
Appetizers & Soups • Sandwiches & Wraps Pasta • Salads • Burgers • Poultry Fresh Fish & Seafood • Steaks & Ribs
Weekly Specialties! Tuesday: BUILD YOUR OWN BURGER BAR 5-9 pm Friday: Pasta & Stir-fry Buffet 5-9 pm
Create your own dish & see it sautéed on the spot!
Sunday: Famous Brunch 8 am - 1:30 pm
LAKE LE HOMME DIEU 2800 N NOKOMIS NE, ALEXANDRIA, MN 56308 OPEN DAILY AT 11AM | 320.219.7755
Breakfast & lunch favorites including carved beef & glazed ham, omelette station, fresh rolls, fruit and biscuits & gravy!
320-762-1124 • www.arrowwoodresort.com 2100 Arrowwood Lane NE, Alexandria
May/June 2020 • Vacationer 25
RUNESTONE museum
T
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. Due to COVID-19, all museum programming and events will be suspended until further notice and we will be temporarily closing our doors to visitors. For more information call (320) 763-
3160, or visit the museum’s website at www.runestonemuseum.org. 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. Summer hours (April 1-October 31) are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The museum is closed on April 21 and September 2. Admission to the museum, located at 206 Broadway, is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors ages 62 and older and $5 for students (youth and college). A family admission is $20.
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 hands-on children’s area.
BIGole
P
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.
26 May/June 2020 • 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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May/June 2020 • Vacationer 27
LAKE CARLOS state park
B
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
VISITOR ALERT Lake Carlos State Park is open for day use only until May 4.
Practice social distancing at all times, including outdoors. People cluster around signs and toilets, and on narrow trails, fishing piers and bridges. If you see a lot of cars in the parking lot or at the trailhead, turn around and find someplace else for outdoor recreation. Campgrounds, lodging and rental facilities are temporarily closed until May 4, 2020. Cancellation and modification fees are waived during this time. Refunds will be made automatically, and may take up to 10-14 days.
To avoid crowds at self-pay kiosks in the parks, buy your vehicle permit online before you go. Make sure to record your receipt number and place it on your dashboard.
Get more information on the DNR’s response to COVID-19: mndnr.gov/covid19. PARK OFFICE CLOSED State Park office is closed to the public until further notice. Please use self-registration to purchase your daily or annual permits. Park staff is available to answer questions by calling 320-852-7200 or email lakecarlos.statepark@state.mn.us.
Updated April 20, 2020
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. 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/
MINNESOTA DNR COVID-19 RESPONSE (IN PART) In response to Governor Walz’s Stay At Home Executive Order 20-33 PDF regarding the COVID19 pandemic, we are postponing, adjusting and canceling a variety of public events and services. Please frequently check the Minnesota DNR page at https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/covid-19.html, as well as its Facebook and Twitter accounts.
Public land. Wildlife management areas, state forests, and Scientific and Natural Areas are open for recreation. Campgrounds are closed. Public water accesses. Most state-managed public accesses are open, though the availability of amenities, such as docks, are contingent upon seasonal maintenance.
Can I still go outside? Executive Order 20-33 allows people to be outdoors, engaging in activities such as walking, running, and fishing and hunting. Minnesotans can continue to enjoy parks and other public recreation lands. We urge outdoor enthusiasts to: •Stay close to home. •Not congregate when outdoors. •Follow social distancing guidelines from the Minnesota Department of Health.
What is closed? The following DNR-managed facilities: •Campgrounds, group camps, remote and dispersed camping on all DNR-managed lands. •Camper cabins •Yurts •Overnight lodging facilities •Group centers, trail centers and other ancillary buildings •Visitor centers •State park contact stations Cancellation and modification fees are waived during this time. Facilities and lands not administered by the DNR may have restrictions. Please check with local authorities.
What is open? Minnesota’s waters. You can fish if you have a license. Normal seasons and regulations apply. Hunting seasons. There are no changes to upcoming hunting seasons. Normal regulations apply. State parks. Bathrooms, vault toilets and shower buildings currently open will remain open. 28 May/June 2020 • Vacationer
State parks information Minnesota’s state parks remain open and still require a vehicle permit. With contact stations
closed, visitors can purchase permits through self-pay and information kiosks located at each facility. Visitors are encouraged to purchase daily and annual passes online before leaving home. DNR programs, events, trainings, and meetings Many DNR-sponsored events, trainings, and meetings are canceled or postponed. This includes: •Safety education training, including firearms safety training •Workshops and clinics, including Becoming an Outdoors Woman and Fishing in the Neighborhood •Fishery tours and public viewing of the walleye egg take •Deer open houses •Elk input meetings in northwest Minnesota •Educational trainings, including Project Learning Tree, WET, and WILD trainings •Naturalist programs •Most volunteer activities We will update the Minnesota DNR page and our events calendar, as further changes are made.
May/June 2020 • Vacationer 29
AREAparks
CITY PARKS
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.
Big Ole Central Park is on the north end of Broadway in Alexandria, next to Lake Agnes. It features a gazebo and kiosk shelter and serves as a trail head for the Central Lakes Trail. Dean Melton Fillmore Park is at Fillmore Street and 15th Ave. W in Alexandria. Fred Foslien Park is in Victoria Heights, two blocks south of County Rd. 82 off Knut Street in Alexandria. Geneva Crest Park is on the west side of Lake Geneva in Alexandria (take County Rd. 82 East, turn north on Birch Avenue, 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 Avenue West 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 Avenue. East between Roosevelt and Spruce streets in Alexandria. Lakeview Park is near County Rd. 82 East and Birch Avenue in Alexandria (take County Rd. 82 East to Birch Avenue , turn west on Runestone Place and west on Lake Park Avenue.) Legion Park is at Broadway and Eighth Avenue West in Alexandria. Manor Hills Park is in Alexandria. Take Hwy. 29 North to Manor Dr. and go two blocks to the right on Springdale. Martin’s Hope Park is on Second Avenue across the street from Big Ole Central Park. Noonan Park is at Nokomis Street and 10th Avenue in Alexandria. Oak Knoll Park is on the northeast side of Alexandria near McKay Avenue. Take Hwy. 29 North, turn right on McKay Avenue and left on Oak Knoll Drive. 30 May/June 2020 • Vacationer
Osagi Park is on Lake St. in 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.
COUNTY PARKS
Chippewa Park is three miles north of Brandon on County 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 County Rd. 42. It has a volleyball court, playground, a picnic shelter, restrooms, horseshoe courts and a softball field. Lake Brophy Park is located on the north side of Lake Brophy. Take County Road 82 west of Alexandria to the Brophy Landing road. The park includes a parking area, portable restroom, dock and fire ring, as well as natural surface trails for walking, biking, and running and has access to the Central Lakes Trail. It also has has a playground with slides, swings, ninja course, obstacles, puzzles, educational games and is the largest playground system within a 60-mile radius. There’s a swimming beach and bathhouse and mountain bike trails.
Lake Brophy Wayside Park is west of Alexandria at the intersection of County 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. There’s a visitor’s center, picnic tables, shelters, charcoal grills, electricity, restrooms, drinking water, heated building with kitchen facilities, softball field, horseshoe pit, volleyball court, playground, hiking and cross country ski trails and historic displays. Spruce Hill Park is near Miltona (from Alexandria, take Hwy. 29 to County 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 PARK
Lake Carlos State Park is near Carlos. Take State Hwy. 29 north from Alexandria, turn west on County Rd. 38, turn left into park. Permit is required; purchase at park office ($7/day, $35/ year). The park features hiking, snowshoe, cross-country ski and snowmobile trails, picnic tables, shelters, swimming beach, canoe/paddleboat rentals, play area, camp sites, camper cabins, group camp, restrooms, showers, boat landing, amphitheater, visitor/interpretive center, naturalist programs, geocaching, equestrian area and fishouse rental.
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May/June 2020 • Vacationer 31
HISTORICAL society
I
nterested 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 October 1, 1987, the “Knute Nelson House” became the headquarters of the Douglas County Historical Society. The Douglas County Historical Society is located at 1219 Nokomis St. in Alexandria. Office hours are Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., guided house tours are Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, call (320) 762-0382, email historic@dchsmn.org or visit www.dchsmn.org.
Per governor order, we will be closed until further notice. We are happy to take research requests via email at historic@dchsmn.org. Be sure to visit the Douglas County Historical Society website at www.dchsmn.org or its Facebook page for the most recent information on its schedule.
32 May/June 2020 • Vacationer
THE DOUGLAS COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY was organized in 1976 to discover, preserve and disseminate the history of the county and its people.
RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC include a research library with church, school, cemetery and family history files, and microfilm of census records and area newspapers dating back to 1875. EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INCLUDE slide shows of each town in the county, oral history, interviews, a photo collection, materials for identification of significant buildings and sites in Douglas County, a vintage clothing and uniform collection, and county history books.
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May/June 2020 • Vacationer 33
CENTRAL LAKES trail
T
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.
LAKE LATOKA BEACH Alexandria. Take County Road 82 west from Alexandria, turn south on County Road 90, then west on Latoka Beach Road. 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. CHIPPEWA COUNTY PARK BEACH Brandon. Between lakes Little Chippewa and Devil’s off County Road 108 LAKE CARLOS STATE PARK Carlos. Located about seven miles north of Alexandria off State Highway 29 and County Road 38. 34 May/June 2020 • Vacationer
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.
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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
36 May/June 2020 • 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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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
38 May/June 2020 • 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
May/June 2020 • Vacationer 39
WE’LL HO K YOU UP.
Stock up on snacks and goodies for fishing season!
Elden’s Smokehouse Meats, Creekstone Farms Premium Black Angus Beef, Deli, Large Selection of Lunch Meats, Salads & Imported Cheeses
OPEN 7AM-9PM - 7 DAYS A WEEK DURING THE COVID 19 320-763-3446 • www.ELDENS.com • Corner of 3rd & Nokomis, Alexandria Only store in town that is LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED.
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