MAY/JUNE 2022
VACATIONER Your free guide to the Alexandria Lakes Area
MEMORIAL DAY IN THE
LAKES AREA
BIKING THE CENTRAL LAKES TRAIL
GUIDED WALKING TOURS ARTS IN THE LAKES AREA
and much more!
Express Care Everyone knows, health issues don’t limit themselves to weekdays. Which is why we don’t either.
Express Care Hours: Weekdays 9am–8pm Saturday & Sunday 9am–3pm
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. 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.
Whatever your needs, we’re here for you—all week long, and all weekend too! AlomereHealth.com/AlexClinic
MAY/JUNE 2022
VACATIONER
! a are es k a l e fun in th
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Central Lakes Symphony Orchestra................... 4 Central Lakes Concert Association..................... 4 Ongoing events.............................................................. 5 Alexandria Area Arts Association......................... 6 Lakes Area Theatre...................................................... 6 Fire Pit Productions...................................................... 6 Theatre L’ Homme Dieu............................................. 6 Evansville Art Center................................................... 6 Alexandria Art Guild......................................................7 Concerts on the Courthouse Lawn.......................7
ACTIVITIES
Minnesota Fishing Opener........................................8 National Safe Boating..................................................9 Guided walking tours.................................................10 Memorial Day/Ole Oppe Fest................................10 Vikingland Band Festival.......................................... 12 Alexandria area golfing............................................. 13 Spring into Summer.................................................... 13 Calendar of Events................................................16-18 Viking Speedway......................................................... 20 Mountain biking........................................................... 22 Central Lakes Trail...................................................... 24 Sift through antiques................................................. 26 Awake the Grapes foot races................................ 26 Pickleball.......................................................................... 30
LAKES, PARKS AND MUSEUMS
Lake Brophy County Park....................................... 22 Legacy of the Lakes Museum............................... 28 Runestone Museum................................................... 28 Kensington Runestone............................................. 28 Big Ole/Big Ole Webcam........................................ 30 Lake Carlos State Park............................................. 30 Area lakes......................................................... 32, 34-36 Public beaches............................................................. 36 Area parks....................................................................... 36
(320) 763-3133 • www.echopress.com Publisher: Diann Drew May/June 2022 • Vacationer 3
CENTRAL LAKES SYMPHONY
Orchestra
A community organization based in Alexandria and dedicated to enriching the lives of audience members through its beautiful orchestra music, the Central Lakes Symphony Orchestra is an organization more than 50 members strong from the communities of Alexandria, Brandon, Carlos, Fergus Falls, Garfield, Glenwood, Miltona, Nelson, Osakis, Villard and Vining. The orchestra, led by Alexandria Area High School Director of Orchestras Brad Lambrecht, gives musicians a venue to participate in serious music with a symphony orchestra and helps to give back to the community through donations and student scholarships. Rehearsals are held in the Alexandria Area High School Orchestra Room on Tuesday evenings. Membership is open to musicians age 16 and older. For more information or to find
the most up-to-date concert schedule, visit www.centrallakessymphony.org. The CLSO mailing address is 1210 Broadway Street, Suite 240, PMB 105, Alexandria, MN 56308. UPCOMING PERFORMANCES IMMORTAL WORDS Sunday, May 22, 2022 , 2 p.m. Performing Arts Center, Alexandria Area High School Tim Tharalson – Safe Giuseppe Verdi – Macbeth Prelude and Che Faceste (featuring CLSO Women’s Chorale) Wes Flinn – Concerto for Tuba (featuring Mike Odello, tuba) Leonard Bernstein – Chichester Psalms (featuring CLCO Chorale) The CLSO Chorale is directed by Steve Dietz and welcomes all voices. You can register through Alexandria Community Education.
CENTRAL LAKES CONCERT
Association
4 May/June 2022 • Vacationer
The Central Lakes Concert Association (CLCA) was formed in 1983 with the goal of offering an expanded program of quality concerts, affordable to the general public. The annual membership allows members to attend all concerts in Alexandria, as well as concerts presented by the Sauk Centre, Ortonville/ Milbank, Brainerd, Fergus Falls and Wadena concert associations. All concerts take place at the Performing Arts Center at the Alexandria Area High School, 4300 Pioneer Rd, Alexandria. For more information on the Central Lakes Concert Association,
call Randy Morken, president, at 320-491-6308 or visit www.concertassociation.net. UPCOMING PERFORMANCES Thursday, May 12, 7:30 p.m. – Sons of the Pioneer, cowboy quintet
ONGOINGEvents Blizzard Hockey:
September-March Runestone Community Center, Alexandria www.alexandriablizzard.com
WISSOTA Car Racing:
Red Willow Arts Coalition Summer Concert Series:
Thursdays, May 26-Aug. 25, 7 p.m. Douglas County Courthouse lawn, Alexandria www.redwillowartscoalition.org
Saturdays, May 7-Labor Day, 6:30 p.m. Additional specials on other dates. Check for time. Viking Speedway, Alexandria 320-762-1559 www.vikingspeedway.net
Open Mic Nights:
GoKart Racing:
First Friday of each month March-Dec., 7 to 9 p.m. Evansville Arts Center www.evansvilleartcenter.com
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
Carlos Creek Winery, Alexandria 320-846-5443 www.carloscreekwinery.com
Vikingland Corvette Club’s Sunday cruise and dinner:
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
First Friday Concerts:
Alexandria Farmers Market:
Live music:
Holmes City Farmers Market and Community Breakfast
Year round: Fridays & Saturdays 6-9 p.m. in the brewery Saturday 2-5 p.m. in the winery Memorial Day-Labor Day: Sundays, 1-4 p.m. in the winery
Saturdays, May 14-Oct. 29, 9 a.m. to noon. Thursdays, June 23-Oct. 29, 3 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays, June 21-Oct. 22, 9 a.m. to noon. Big Ole Central Park, Alexandria
Saturdays, mid-May through mid-Oct, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Breakfast through 10:30 a.m. Trinity Lutheran Church parking lot, Holmes City
t Service! Low Prices! Huge Selection! Grea L
Alex’s Largest Selection of Cold Domestic, Import & Craft Beers, Plus Wine, Liquor & Much More!
Co Rd 42NE
Your One - Stop Beer, Wine & Liquor Shop!
29 McDonald’s
CASH WISE LIQUOR
Chamber Of Commerce
29
3rd Ave E 29
View our ads online at www.cashwiseliquor.com HOURS: Monday-Saturday 8am-10pm Sunday 11am-6pm 801 North Nokomis St. NE, Alexandria • 320-762-2524
7044_021618
May/June 2022 • Vacationer 5
Arts Association
ALEXANDRIA AREA The Alexandria Area Arts Association (AAAA) strives to foster appreciation, understanding and love of the performing arts by providing experiences that entertain, educate and enrich the community. The AAAA presents a variety of plays and concerts at the Andria Theatre at 618 Broadway in Alexandria, as well as the annual two-day Art in the Park held at Alexandria City Park. For information, visit www.andriatheatre.org.
FIRE PIT
UPCOMING PERFORMANCES Tarzan – performances at the Andria Theatre will take place June 22-25 and June 29-July 2 with all shows at 7 p.m. There will be a performance at Art in the Park on July 30 at noon. Little Mermaid – a performance at Art in the Park will be July 30 at noon. Performances at the Andria Theatre will take place Aug. 3-6 and Aug. 10-13 with shows at 7 p.m.
Productions
Fire Pit Production was started in 2018 by Quincy Roers. Excited by the idea to push local theater to new levels, Roers proposed using the stage at Lakes Area Theatre for small production plays. The idea was supported by local actors interested in providing the community with edgy, thought-provoking stage plays. For more information, visit lakesareatheatre.com/firepit or email lakesareatheatre@ gmail.com. UPCOMING PERFORMANCES May 20 at 7 p.m. – Good Morning Bedlam, musical group June 17-18 and June 23-24 at 7 p.m. and June 25 at 5 p.m. – Clue, stage play July 22-23 and July 28-30 at 7 p.m. – Art,
stage play Sept 8-10 at 7 p.m. – Tiny Beautiful Things, stage play Oct 21-22 and Oct 27-29 at 7 p.m. – Category E, stage play Dec 2-3 and Dec 8-10 at 7 p.m. – Sorry! Wrong Chimney!, stage play
LAKES AREA Theatre Opening in 2010, Lakes Area Theatre has entertained audiences, both live and on the radio, for more than a decade, bringing to life mysteries, comedies, detective stories, suspense, drama and westerns – both old time and contemporary. Lakes Area Theatre performs its shows before a live audience on the second Friday of every month at 7 p.m. They also record the stories, edit them and then play them on a network of radio stations and on the Lakes Area Theatre website.
6 May/June 2022 • Vacationer
The theater is located at their new location, 4133 Iowa Street in Alexandria. 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.
THEATRE
L’Homme Dieu For more than 50 years, Theatre L’Homme Dieu has contributed to the vibrancy and allure of the lakes area by presenting exceptional and entertaining theater. The 2022 season offers a variety of performances - there’s something for everyone! For information, call 320-846-3150 or visit www.tlhd. org. The theater is located at 1875 County Road 120 NE, Alexandria. UPCOMING PERFORMANCES Glensheen – June 22 through July 2 Something Rotten – July 12 through July 17 Class of ‘85 – July 26 through July 30 Clue – Aug 9 through Aug 18
Art Center
EVANSVILLE
The Evansville Art Center is owned and operated by the Evansville Arts Coalition, a group of volunteers who enjoy the arts and appreciate how art enhances the quality of life in rural Minnesota. The purpose is to plan and coordinate art events and activities that entertain, stimulate and engage people. For information, call 218-948-2787 or visit www.evansvilleartcenter.com
ALEXANDRIA
Art Guild
The Alexandria Art Guild is a non-profit organized in support of the visual arts in the Alexandria community. Artists and art lovers meet monthly on the third Wednesday of each month. The annual Art deTour held mid-June invites the public to visit the artists in their studios and shop a wide array of original art. For information and to see member artists visit www.alexart.org or email alexartguild@gmail.com. ART DETOUR Art deTour is a multi-location weekend art tour with two or more artists at each location. Along with their art for sale, many artists will be demonstrating their craft. There is no charge to attend the tour. The 2022 Art deTour will be held Friday-Sunday, June 17-19. For more information on specific locations and times, vist alexart.org closer to the event. OTHER EVENTS Saturday Art Market will take place every Saturday beginning July 33 and running through the end of September from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Big Ole Central Park. There will be art, music, kid activities, theater, food and more. The Wine, Ale and Art Crawl will take place June 10 and July 29 in select downtown Alexandria locations. The event is a fun opportunity to support downtown business and local artists. Sample a variety of spirits and shop for unique, one-of-a-kind items in downtown Alexandria.
Commercial Residential Streets & Roads
Arts Coalition
RED WILLOW The Red Willow Arts Coalition was formed in 2009 to promote the arts and provide entertainment events for the lakes area. The coalition offers “Concerts on the Courthouse Lawn” every Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Douglas County Courthouse, 305 Eighth Avenue West, Alexandria throughout the summer. The coalition is strictly made up of volunteers, and business sponsorships and freewill donations cover the performers’ fees, making all concerts free to the public. Visit www.redwillowartscoalition.org for more information. UPCOMING PERFORMANCES May 26 – Canyon Cowboys, classic country
New Construction Resurfacing Driveways
Is Your Bank Too Difficult To Rip Rap?
Parking Lots Sports Courts Agriculture
Paving Contractors Asphalt Paving Contractors
Filter Fabric
Rock
Winter or Summer,
We can do it!
w! Call No 6464 Cty Rd 87 SW, Alexandria, MN 56308 (320)-335-2908 office • (320)-304-9054 www.fergusonasphaltpaving.com • email: paving.ferguson@gmail.com
June 2 – Kat Blue Band, americana June 9 – Crystal Breeze, classic rock June 16 – Woodpicks, bluegrass June 23 – Buddy Holly tribute, oldies June 30 – Ring of Kerry, celtic July 4 – Special patriotic concert July 7 – Holy Rocka Rollaz, 50s and 60s July 21 – Shalo Lee, country July 28 – Hard Days Night, Beatles Aug 4 – Front Fenders, 50s and 60s Aug 11 – Robby Vee, 50s and 60s Aug 18 – Salty Dogs, variety Aug 25 – Red Letter Band, christian country
Prevents Erosion • Free Estimates Plus all your Excavation Needs
Ferguson Brothers Excavating, Inc. 320-762-0622
001410241r1
May/June 2022 • Vacationer 7
MINNESOTAFishing Opener It’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 14. If you’re going to fish in Minnesota, 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 online, visit www.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 at www.dnr.state.mn.us/licenses/ agents.html. There are a couple of free fishing weekends in Minnesota: May 14-15 – Take A Mom Fishing when Minnesota resident moms fish free. June 10-12 – Take A Kid Fishing, where residents 16 and older fish free with children younger than 16. Visit www.dnr.state.mn.us/fishing/ for more information about Minnesota regulations for fishing.
8 May/June 2022 • Vacationer
NATIONAL SAFE BOATING WEEK As the summer approaches, Minnesotans are getting ready to pull out their boats and take to the water. National Safe Boating Week, May 21-27, 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. Always follow navigation rules. Know the “Rules of the Road” such as operator’s respon-
sibility, maintaining a proper lookout, safe speed, crossing, meeting head-on and overtaking situations. Don’t drink while you boat. A BUI (boating under the influence) is involved in one-third of all recreational boating fatalities. Keep in touch. Be sure to have at least two communication devices that work when wet, such as satellite phones, emergency position indicating radio beacons, VHF radios and personal locator beacons. 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
May 21-27 situations by taking a 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.
ALEXANDRIA, MN
Docks & Lifts
Electronics
Pontoon
Be safe and have fun this summer! 320-852-7380 • 5110 County Road 13 NE, Carlos www.centralmarineandsports.com
TOP TRADE-IN E C ALLOWAN
1424 N. Nokomis, Alexandria, MN 320-762-8412 | www.AlexAutoNMarine.com
FINANC AVAILABING LE!
May/June 2022 • Vacationer 9
MEMORIALDay
On 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. at the Big Ole statue, and participants in the parade will march down Broadway ending at the Veterans Memorial Park 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.
HEAD OUTSIDE: GUIDED WALKING
Tours
With the nice weather finally upon us, many people are looking to spend more time outside. Exercise is important for mental health, as well as a person’s well-being. It also helps reduce obesity. Several years ago, Horizon Public Health received a grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield and developed Active Living Douglas County. The grant was for five years, and during that time, maps were created with walking routes around the county. Alexandria maps were first created, then maps for Brandon, Evansville, Osakis and Garfield were added. A coalition of partners were formed in each community, and those are the people who helped develop the maps. On each of the maps, there are key points to look for. Some are historical and because the maps were developed several years ago, some of the points, such as local businesses, may no longer exist. However, the routes are still functional. A total of 20 maps were developed for Douglas County and are available on the Horizon Public Health website, horizonpublichealth.org/services/ healthy-lifestyles/ship/. For the city of Alexandria, there are a total of five maps – ranging from 1.78 miles to 3.3 miles – with each one focusing on a different area of town. The map labeled Kinkead (2.02 miles), for example, highlights Big Ole, The Depot, Kinkead Cemetery, Hicks History and the Batesole House. Hicks refers to William Hicks, who bought the site of the city and drew up the plans for streets and avenues. His family donated the land for the courthouse, a school and three early churches. The Batesole House is the location of the Hicks’ first home.
10 May/June 2022 • Vacationer
SUPPORT THESE LOCAL MERCHANTS
Shop Alexandria Featuring Imports from all Scandinavian Countries
509 Broadway
DOWNTOWN ALEXANDRIA • LITTLE FALLS
320.763.5157 • M-F 9-7; SAT. 9-5:30; SUN. 12-4
A natural path to better health.
1 Hour Massages for $50
Velkommen!
Downtown Alexandria
320-763-6363
www.scandinaviangifts.com
111 6th Avenue West, Downtown Alexandria 320-762-0309 • 800-58-5336
Let Kyle Serve You!
Women & Children’s Clothing, Shoes, Accessories and Household Decorative’s
1804 S. Broadway • Alexandria, MN • 320.763.0313 activecarealexandria.com
418 N. Broadway, Alexandria • 320.762.1538 Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10-5
GMariecee.com 320-630-8280 Gina @GMariecee.com
1402 Broadway St | Alexandria 320-759-3018
Mon-Fri 10-7; Sat. 10-4; Sun. Closed
320.763.7782 • rfoptical@gmail.com 2306 SOUTH BROADWAY ST., SUITE 12 ALEXANDRIA, MN 56308
$48 out of every $100 spent at a small business stays in the community
Festival
VIKINGLAND BAND Always the last Sunday in June, the Vikingland Band Festival is a highlight of the summer parade marching season. Founded in 1985, the event has drawn nearly 100 different bands from at least seven different states, three Canadian provinces and Norway. The 38th annual Vikingland Band Festival Parade Marching Championship for 2022 will take place on Sunday, June 26, starting at 1:30 p.m. For more information, visit marching.com/events/vbf/.
Steinbring Motorcoach
“A family invested in a lifetime of knowledge, trust and friendship!” A Newmar Diamond Dealer
National Award-Winning, Service-Knowledgeable Sales People!
Great Prices!
Your NEW DEALER
Visit our Midwest Inventory at our Alexandria Location View inventory at: www.steinbring.com
Toll Free 1.877.880.8090 | 320.834.6333 Garfield • Alexandria, MN 7390 County Road 82, Garfield, MN 56332 • 304 Irving Street, Alexandria, MN 56308
12 May/June 2022 • Vacationer
Summer
SPRING INTO
Memorial Day weekend is also the official beginning of summer, and there are tentative plans for the Alexandria Jaycees to present Spring into Summer, a three-day event featuring live music, a vendor/craft show, a car show and other activities. Spring into Summer will be celebrated Friday through Sunday, May 27-29, just north of downtown at Big Ole Park. Check out www.facebook.com/alexandria.mn.jaycees closer to the event for a complete list of all events.
Golfing
ALEXANDRIA AREA For winter weary Minnesotans, spring offers freedom from the confines of their homes, and one of the first places they head to is the golf courses. The Alexandria area certainly doesn’t lack for green fairways, with more than 15 courses available for those hungry for the challenge. Many think Minnesota’s golf season is short, but most years there are six full months of golf opportunities on courses that are lush and full. 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.
Alexandria’s
AMAZING
Liquidation Center!
Featuring Imports from all Scandinavian Countries
40,000 sq. ft. of Great Deals!
• insurance losses • factory direct merchandise • salesman samples • truck upsets & container damage • unclaimed freight • furniture closeouts • complete mattress center • clothing, groceries, hardware, health & beauty, seasonal merchandise & so much more!
Everyday savings of
30-70% off
regular retail merchandise! Hwy 82 East, Alexandria • 320-763-5555 • www.ronswarehouse.com
509 Broadway, Alexandria • 320.763.6363
www.scandinaviangifts.com
May/June 2022 • Vacationer 13
2100 Arrowwood Lane NW • Alexandria
Discover the Difference - Est. 1915 2300 N Nokomis NE, Alexandria, MN 56308 320.763.3605
VISIT T US AT:
320-762-TEES (8337) www.arrowwoodresort.com 18 HOLE CHAMPIONSHIP
COURSE
Home of the 101st Resorters | Open to the Public Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
27 HOLES OPEN TO THE PUBLIC SERVING LUNCH & DINNER GENEVAGOLFCLUB.COM
320 762-7089
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.
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 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, Sat & Sun After 3 pm Specials
18 HOLES OVERLOOKING POMME DE TERRE LAKE
• Lush, Open Fairways • Group Rates Available
• Challenging Greens • Relaxed & Friendly Atmosphere
Weekday Rates: 18 holes with cart $37 (Not Available on Holidays or Thursdays)
Area Golf Courses
of Events
CALENDAR MAY
6 - 7:30 a.m. Wake Up Alexandria! Alex Vision Source 7 - 4:30-6:30 p.m. Theatre Le Homme Dieu’s Annual Kentucky Derby Party, Carlos Creek Winery 8 - 7:30 p.m. Josh Young/Emily Padgett, Central Lakes Concert Association, AAHS Performing Arts Center 12 - 7:30 p.m. Sons of the Pioneers, Central Lakes Concert Association, AAHS Performing Arts Center 14 - 7-9 p.m. Maud Hixson, Jazz Singer Performing Doris Day, Central Square, Glenwood 20 - 7:30 a.m. Wake Up Alexandria! Well & Co. 20 - Pledge A Paddle Exhibit Opens, Legacy of the Lakes Museum 22 - 2 p.m. Immortal Words, Central Lakes Symphony Orchestra, AAHS Performing Arts Center 23 - 7 p.m. AAHS Honor Night 25 - 11 a.m. ATCC Scramble For Scholarships Golf Tournament, Geneva Golf Course 26 - 7 p.m. Concert on the Courthouse Lawn, Canyon Cowboys, Alexandria
JUNE
1 - 7 p.m. Baccalaureate, Alexandria Area High School 2 - 7 p.m. Concert on the Courthouse Lawn, Alexandria 3 - AAHS Graduation 4 - Noon-4 p.m. Minnesota Craft Lager Fest, Carlos Creek Winery 9 - 7 p.m. Concert on the Courthouse Lawn, Crystal Breeze, Alexandria 10 - Wine, Ale, & Art Crawl, Downtown Alexandria 15 - 11:30 a.m. Habitat for Humanity Home Run Lunch, Knute Nelson Ballpark, Alexandria 15 - 4:30 p.m. Habitat for Humanity Hard Hat Home Plate Happy Hour, Knute Nelson Ballpark, Alexandria 16 - 7 p.m. Concert on the Courthouse Lawn, WoodPicks, Alexandria 17 - 7:30 a.m. Wake Up Alexandria! Theatre L’Homme Dieu 17-19 - Runestone Days, Kensington 17-19 - Art DeTour, Douglas County 19 - Juneteenth Celebration, Theatre L’Homme Dieu 22-25 - 7 p.m. Tarzan, Andria Theatre 22-30 - Glensheen, Theatre L’Homme Dieu 23 - “We Are Water MN” Exhibition Opens, Legacy of the Lakes Museum, Alexandria 23 - 7 p.m. Concert on the Courthouse Lawn, Buddy Holly Tribute, Alexandria 24 - 7-9 p.m. EdRock 2022 with The Fabulous Armadillos, Knute Nelson Memorial Park, Alexandria 26 - 1:30 p.m. Vikingland Band Festival, Alexandria 29-30 - 7 p.m. Tarzan, Andria Theatre 30 - 7 p.m. Concert on the Courthouse Lawn, Ring Of Kerry, Alexandria TBD - Glensheen, Theatre L’Homme Dieu
JULY 16 May/June 2022 • Vacationer
1 - Noon-6 p.m. Minnesota Made Summer Market, Carlos Creek Winery 1-2 7 p.m. Tarzan, Andria Theatre 1-2 - Glensheen, Theatre L’Homme Dieu 1-3 - Red, White & Boom Days, Evansville
4 - Fourth of July Concert on the Courthouse Lawn, Alexandria 4 - Fireworks at Arrowwood Conference Center, Alexandria 7 - 7 p.m. Concert on the Courthouse Lawn, Holy Rocka Rollaz, Alexandria 9 - 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Legacy of the Lakes Diamond Classic Boat Show, Arrowwood Resort 9 - 6:30-8:30 p.m. Kelly Hunt concert, Legacy of the Lakes Museum & Gardens 12-17 Something Rotten, Theatre L’Homme Dieu 14 - 7 p.m. Concert on the Courthouse Lawn, White Sidewalls, Alexandria 15 - 7:30 a.m. Wake Up Alexandria! Alexandria Technical & Community College Foundation 15-17 - Miltona Tornado Days TBD - Millerville Butter Days 21 - 7 p.m. Concert on the Courthouse Lawn, Shalo Lee, Alexandria 26-30 Class of ‘85, Theatre L’Homme Dieu 28 - 7 p.m. Concert on the Courthouse Lawn, Hard Days Night: Beatles, Alexandria 29 - Wine, Ale, & Art Crawl, Downtown Alexandria 29 - 6:30 p.m. Music in the Garden with Mick Sterling, Legacy of The Lakes Museum 30 - Art in the Park, City Park, Alexandria 30 - 7-9 p.m. Mick Sterling Performing Billy Joel, Central Square, Glenwood 31 - Art in the Park, City Park, Alexandria
AUGUST
2-14 CLUE, Theatre L’Homme Dieu 3-6 7 p.m. The Little Mermaid JR, Andria Theatre 3-7 - Summerfest, Brandon 4 - 7 p.m. Concert on the Courthouse Lawn, Front Fenders, Alexandria
FERGUSON BROTHERS
EXCAVATING INC
Since 1979
COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL SITEWORK & UTILITIES DIRECTIONAL BORING & DRILLING • ROAD BUILDING • ROCK (ALL SIZES) • BASEMENTS • FOOTINGS • FROST DIGGING • SCRAPER WORK • LANDSCAPING • BUILDING DEMOLITION • SEWER HOOK-UPS
• RIP RAP SHORELINES • WATER LINES • DRAIN TILE SYSTEMS • CLASS 5 GRAVEL • DRAINAGE CORRECTIONS • FILL MATERIAL • GRADING • SCREENED BLACK DIRT • CONCRETE & BLACKTOP • CUSTOM GRAVEL & ROCK CRUSHING DISPOSAL • ASPHALT • DIRECTIONAL BORING • COMMERCIAL UTILITIES • DEMOLITION CONTRACTOR
320-762-0622 • Tim Cell: 320-808-0581 • 2050 Co. Rd. 82 NW, Alexandria fergusonbrothers@gmail.com • www.fergusonbrothersexcavating.com
YOUR HOMETOWN PHARMACY
PHARMACY ¦ HOME MEDICAL ¦ GIFT DEPARTMENT
Alexandria | Parkers Prairie | Elbow Lake | Glenwood www.trummdrug.com May/June 2022 • Vacationer 17
4-8 Crazy Days, Downtown Alexandria 5-7 - Parkers Prairie Fall Festival 6 - 6:30-8:30 p.m. Mick Sterling Concert, “A Billy Joel State of Mind,” Legacy of the Lakes Museum & Gardens 6 - 3rd Annual Community Auction for Mission, New Life Christian Church 6-7 - Forada Days 10 -13 7 p.m. The Little Mermaid JR, Andria Theatre 11 - Pledge A Paddle Artist’s Reception and Awards Presentation, Legacy of the Lakes Museum 11 - 7 p.m. Concert on the Courthouse Lawn, Robby Vee, Alexandria 12 - 7 p.m. Festival of the Lakes Chamber Music Opening Night, First Lutheran Church, Alexandria 12-13 - Garfield Days 13 - 6:30-8:30 p.m. Joyann Parker Concert, Legacy of the Lakes Museum & Gardens 14 - 7 p.m. Festival of the Lakes Chamber Music Concert No. 2, First Lutheran Church, Alexandria 18 - 7 p.m. Concert on the Courthouse Lawn, Salty Dogs, Alexandria 18 - 7 p.m. Festival of the Lakes Chamber Music Concert No. 3, First Lutheran Church, Alexandria 19 - 7:30 a.m. Wake Up Alexandria! CM Woodworks 21 - 7 p.m. Festival of the Lakes Chamber Music Final Concert, First Lutheran Church, Alexandria 25 - 7 p.m. Concert on the Courthouse Lawn, Red Letter Band, Alexandria TBD - Douglas County Fair
SEPTEMBER
4 - 9 a.m. Alexandria Area Walk to End Alzheimer’s, Carlos Creek Winery 9-11 - Oletober Fest, Downtown Alexandria 15 - 4-7 p.m. Cultural Diversity Festival, Alexandria Technical & Community College 16-18 - Grape Stomp Festival, Carlos Creek Winery 17 - 7:30 a.m. Wake Up Alexandria! State Farm Insurance Amy Christopherson 17 - 7-9 p.m. Southern Raised Bluegrass Gospel Group, Central Square, Glenwood 26 - 11:15 a.m. Chamber of Commerce’s Fall Luncheon, Broadway Ballroom
OCTOBER
4 - 11 a.m.-1 p.m. 23rd Annual United Way of Douglas & Pope Counties Chili Cook-off, Broadway Ballroom 7 - 7:30 a.m. Wake Up Alexandria! Bell Bank 22 - 12-7 p.m. Oktoberfest, Carlos Creek Winery 22 - 7-9- p.m. Legends Of Soul featuring Gwen Matthews and Bruce A. Henry with Special Guest Kathleen Johnson, Central Square, Glenwood 31 - Downtown Alexandria Trick or Treating
NOVEMBER
4 - 7:30 a.m. Wake Up Alexandria! Broadway Ballroom and Hampton Inn & Suites, at Hampton Inn & Suites 18 - 7:30 a.m. Wake Up Alexandria! Habitat for Humanity of Douglas County ReStore 19 - 7-9 p.m. Branden and James, Cello And Vocals, Central Square, Glenwood 25 - Christmas in the Fort, Downtown Alexandria 26 - 12-6 p.m. Minnesota Made Christmas Market, Carlos Creek Winery
18 May/June 2022 • Vacationer
DECEMBER
3 - Christmas Event, Downtown Alexandria 11 - 3-5 p.m. Mason Dixon Line, A Kickin’ Country Christmas, Central Square, Glenwood
COME WORSHIP WITH US
LAKES AREA CHURCHES WELCOME YOU CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH
605 Douglas Street, Alexandria 320-763-5178 / www.calvaryalex.org Pastors: Hans Dahl & Angie Larson Worship Services: Sundays 8:30am Traditional; 10:30am Modern (Memorial Day - Labor Day outdoors at Luther Crest Bible Camp) Watch on demand at www.calvaryalex.org KXRA radio at 10:30am on Sundays Public Access TV channel 181 at 9:30am on Sundays
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
221 Seventh Ave. W., Alexandria 320-763-3341 / firstcongregationaluccalex.com Reverend: Dr. Jill Sanders Worship Service: Sunday 10 am Service on Youtube: First Congregational UCC Alexandria, MN Sunday Worship Radio Rebroadcast: KXRA First Sunday of the month 11 am Communion second Sunday of the month
FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH(ELCA)
1655 18th Ave. E. and S. McKay, Alexandria 320-762-2196 www.firstlutheranalexandria.com Pastors: PJ Malin, Judy Holmen, Tom Kolden Worship Services: Sundays: 8:30 am Traditional 10:00 am Outdoor at First Lutheran Memorial Day thru Labor Day Facebook Live on Sundays at 8:30 am KXRA radio at 10am Sundays Public Access TV Channel 181 at 10:45 am daily
GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN (LCMS) 2702 Hwy. 29 N., Alexandria 320-762-5152 / goodshepherdalex.com Pastor: James Walberg Worship Service: Sunday 9am Bible Study & Sunday School: 10:15 am Holy Communion first and second Sunday of the month
LAKE COMMUNITY CHURCH
490 Voyager Dr., Alexandria 320-762-5424 / lakecommunity.org Pastor: Jon Ewton Worship Service: Sunday 9 am & 10:30am Kids Ministry: Sunday 9 am & 10:30am
NEW LIFE CHRISTIAN
1910 Co Rd 82 SE, Alexandria 320-763-7051 / www.your-newlife.com Pastor: John Taplin Worship Services: Sundays 9 am & 10:30 am Youth Programming: KidZone/Sunday School 10:30 am AWANA Wednesdays at 6:25 pm, Jr High Youth Wednesdays at 6:30, High School Ministry Sundays at 6:30 pm
ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH
300 Lake St., Alexandria 320-763-4842 / zionalex.org Pastors: Paul Dare, Donald Wilke & Matt Lorenz Praise Worship: 2nd Sunday 8 am, 3rd Sunday 10:30 am Holy Communion: 1st & 3rd Sunday 8 am, 2nd & 4th Sunday 10:30am
Racing
VIKING SPEEDWAY The 57th racing season at the Viking Speedway gets underway on May 7, and racers and fans will continue to see action this summer on the 1/2-mile track. The speedway has been home to stock car racing at its finest, featuring WISSOTA sanctioned classes – Modifieds, Super Stocks, Midwest Modifieds and Street Stocks – since 1953. Racing is normally held every Saturday night from the beginning of May through Labor Day, along with a few other specials throughout the summer. The Viking Speedway is located at the Douglas County Fairgrounds in Alexandria, approximately 3/4 mile west of State Highway 29 on County Road 82. Pit gates open at 3 p.m. and the grandstand opens at 5 p.m. Racing action gets underway at 6:30 p.m. Pit game admission is $30, and $10 for children 10 and younger. Those
children younger than 15 must have a parent complete and sign a waiver before being admitted. Grandstand admission for regular race events is $12 for senior and college students, $15 for adults, with free admission for children 17 and younger. Admission prices in both the grandstand and the pits may vary for special events. For more information and the latest schedule, visit the website vikingspeedwaymn.com/. VIKING SPEEDWAY SCHEDULE MAY 7: 57th Viking Speedway season opener and Jerry Kulver Super Stock Special 14: WISSOTA Late Model Challenge Series 21: Fallen Lineman Race
28-29: Memorial Day doubleheader JUNE 4: Demolition derby, no racing 11: Midwest Modified Special 18: NAPA Night, regular race night 25: Event to be announced, no racing JULY 2: Regular race night 9: Advantage RV Modified Tour 16: No racing 23: Regular race night
30: Hall of Fame Night plus vintage cars AUGUST 6: No racing 13: Short Tracker Special plus Kids Night 19: Douglas County Fair Demolition Derby, no racing 20: No racing 27: Season championship SEPTEMBER 3-4: Labor Day doubleheader
115 15th Avenue West 320-763-5670
Open Monday 3pm & Tuesday-Saturday 11am
LODGE • Large Deck • Full Menu Available • Dinner Specials Every Friday • Lots of Space for all your gatherings • Great Atmosphere! Call Nancy to reserve your date for Birthdays, Anniversaries, Class Reunions, Fundraisers, Meetings or ANY occasion!
6 PULL TAB BOXES TO CHOOSE FROM!
ETABS AVAILABLE
BINGO THURSDAYS AT NOON
BARGO THURSDAYS AT 7PM
ALEXANDRIA ELKS LODGE GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY! Alexandria Elks Lodge is proud to give Charitable Expenditures back to the Local Area!
• Scholarships for following communities- Alexandria, Sauk Centre, Brandon/Evansville, Minnewaska, Osakis, Long Prairie, Parkers Prairie and West Central Area for Scholarships
• Kids Christmas Party • Flag Day Ceremony • Veterans • Let’s Go Fishing • Youth Activities/Sports
• Fundraisers • Area Community Activities/Needs • Financial/Medical Relief • Elks State Youth Camp
If you would like to be a part of this Great Organization, call or stop in today. 20 May/June 2022 • Vacationer
• • • •
Farm Fresh Menu Home Inspired Items Rustic Décor One of Alexandria’s Newest Restaurants
DAILY HAPPY HOUR 3-6 PM & 9-11PM LUNCH & DINNER 7 DAYS A WEEK BREAKFAST SATURDAY AND SUNDAY
Alexandria, MN Call 320-763-9983 www.willytsalex.com
County Park
LAKE BROPHY
This park has it all – huge playground, great beach, fishing pier, a place to launch your kayak or canoe, picnic spots, mountain biking, walking and hiking trails with the best view of Alexandria and surrounding areas. The top of the hills are 140 feet above Lake Brophy. In the winter, there is ice skating and sledding. It’s a great place to take your family, friends or to just go on a nature walk by yourself.
Trails
MOUNTAIN BIKE
22 May/June 2022 • Vacationer
Another popular activity for spring and summer is bicycling, and area bikers have plenty of options when it comes to trails, as Douglas County hosts a variety of them. One highlight is Lake Brophy County Park, which features eight bike trails of varying skill levels, from easy to difficult. Located to the north of the Central Lakes Trail, the bike trails wind through all areas of the park and offer some of the best
views in the county. Another good spot is Kensington Rune Stone Park, which is located in Solem Township. The park features nearly eight miles of multi-use trail to ride, run and hike on. The trails weave through the oak, maple and aspen forest mixing in lakes and small prairie meadows.
NEW Smokehouse in a Historic Location New Smokehouse menu Famous Salad Bar Patio over looking lake Agnes Voted Best Pizza in the Lakes Area Large Group accommodations
Pool tables, Games, Darts Happy Hour all day Sunday Catering Avalable
Downtown Alexandria
320.763.7712
Trail
CENTRAL LAKES The Central Lakes Trail is a paved biking and walking trail that spans Douglas County from Osakis through Evansville and on to Fergus Falls in Otter Tail County. The 55-mile-long trail, located on the old Burlington Northern rail line grade, connects the cities of Osakis, Nelson, Alexandria, Garfield, Brandon, Evansville and Melby in Douglas County. The trail then moves on through Ashby in Grant County and into Otter Tail County where it passes through Dalton before ending in Fergus Falls. The trailhead and parking area in Alexandria is at the north end of Broadway in Big Ole Central Park. Other trailheads are available
BIGGER EACH YEAR. JUST LIKE UNCLE GARY. 24 May/June 2022 • Vacationer
in Osakis, Garfield, Brandon and Evansville. These trail heads include parking areas, portable restrooms and trailside shelters. A bike shelter is also available along the trail about 1.5 miles east of Nelson. The Central Lakes Trail also connects to the Lake Wobegon trail, which runs from Osakis through Sauk Centre to St. Joseph. Together, they make one of the longest paved bike trails in the state. The Central Lakes Trail (www.centrallakestrail. com) is used as a snowmobile trail in the winter.
205 3rd Ave W Alexandria, MN Legacyofthelakes.org
TO VIEW OUR FULL MENU, GO TO:
www.dmichaelbs.com Viking Plaza Mall • Alexandria • 320-762-2697
SIFT THROUGH ANTIQUES: Discover
Unexpected Treasure
Lines of businesses situated along Broadway Street in the heart of Alexandria encourage visitors to stroll through their doors and explore what they have to offer. In addition to the heated spaces to wander around in, another highlight of the bustling downtown area is the antique stores. Categorizing a store as “antique” will immediately draw the attention of some and repel the interest of others. However, there may be something waiting around the corner or on a shelf for just about anyone. Antique stores contain more than rotary phones, model cars and worn furniture. Although, if that’s what the buyer is seeking, he or she will sure-
ly come across those items, too. These shops also hold unique clothes, suitcases, home decor and so much more. Sure, any of those would be plainly sorted at a department store, but they would most likely be double the price. Finding a good deal just increases the benefit of shopping secondhand. Thrifting is a different kind of adventure because things can be rediscovered and reused for a second life they never would’ve had if the original owner had thrown them away. Whether you’ve never stepped foot in an antique store or thrifting is your middle name, it’s worth a shot to go antiquing on Broadway.
AWAKE THE GRAPES
Foot Races
Join runners of all skills as they gather at Carlos Creek Winery for the 11th annual Awake the Grapes 5K and 10K races on Sunday, May 29. Even if you’re not a runner, you can still show support by entering the Awake the Hops run for those 21 and older. With your donation, you’ll receive an Awake the Hops T-shirt and drink ticket. At 9 a.m. the 10K race begins with runners heading out through the winery property and vineyards, then on to County Road 34, along the east side of Lake Ida, east on County Road 61 to County Road 34 and back to the winery. The 5K race begins at 9:15 a.m. Runners will race around the Carlos Creek Winery property and through the onsite vineyards. Each pre-registered runner will receive an Awake the Grapes T-shirt. Register online at raceroster.com/events/2022/56583/awake-the-grapes. Carlos Creek Winery is located at 6693 County Road 34 NW in Alexandria. To contact the winery, call 320-846-5443. 26 May/June 2022 • Vacationer
LEGENDARY
MEAT, FISH, & COCKTAILS
I
Hand cut steaks, fresh fish filleted in house, a real wood fire grill and a full bar with quality craft cocktails - Longtrees Woodfire Grill is the only restaurant in Alexandria where you'll find this kind of quality and care in your dining experience. Try the legendary ribs, the local rotisserie chicken, or any of our scratch burgers and experience rea I good food for yourself.
OPEN FOR LUNCH AND DINNER 7 DAYS A WEEK! 4409 MN-29, ALEXANDRIA, MN 56308
I 320-219-7009 I WWW.L0NGTREESW00DFIREGRILL.C0M
LEGACY OF THE LAKESMuseum
Much of Minnesota’s history is inspired by the many beautiful lakes throughout our state, and the Legacy of the Lakes Museum and Gardens is dedicated to bringing that history to the public. Opening May 20, the museum features handcrafted wooden boats, grand hotels and fishing clubs, bringing to life traditions that reach back nearly a century and a half. These diverse exhibits, as well as the Gardens, are all part of the Legacy of the Lakes Museum, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of antique and classic watercraft, resort memorabilia and sporting equipment used on the Minnesota lakes.
Originally known as the Minnesota Lakes Maritime Museum, the name was changed to Legacy of the Lakes in 2016 to better communicate and reflect its mission of celebrating shared memories and experiences of Minnesota lake life, preserving it for future generations. In 2018, the BoatHouse, an indoor event center, was added and is available for rent for weddings, corporate events and family gatherings as well as a place for the museum to host educational programs and includes an indoor event hall, bathrooms and bridal suite/greenroom. The museum is located in downtown Alexandria at 205 Third Avenue West, near the Alexan-
dria Fire Department. The museum office is open Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Contact the museum at 320-759-1114 or through its website www.legacyofthelakes.org for more information. UPCOMING EVENTS July 9 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Legacy of the Lakes Diamond Classic Boat Show at Arrowwood Resort and Conference Center July 29 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. – Music in the Gardens with Mick Sterling May 20 – Pledge-a-Paddle exhibit opens with public voting through August. The paddle exhibit will close Nov. 1.
RUNESTONEMuseum The Runestone Museum has been inspiring curiosity about local history and heritage for more than 50 years. The world famous and controversial Kensington Runestone was the Runestone Museum’s only artifact when it opened its doors in 1958. Since then, the museum has expanded to include exhibits celebrating native Minnesotans, emigrants and immigrants, Minnesota wildlife and events that shaped the area. Fort Alexandria, commissioned in 1862, has been recreated with rescued historical structures, such as a nearly exact replica of the stockade built in 1862, an 1889 church, a log cabin built in
Runestone
KENSINGTON
It’s a controversy more than 100 years in the making: Did an immigrant Swedish farmer find a buried rock in 1898 that contained an ancient runic message carved by Viking explorers 100 years before Columbus landed in America? Or is the whole thing a hoax, perpetrated by the farmer or some other prankster? The Kensington Runestone is housed inside the Runestone Museum, but a very large replica of it is located at a small, wayside rest at the east end of Sixth Avenue in Alexandria. Visitors can read the inscription and take a photo with the replica. 28 May/June 2022 • Vacationer
the late 1860s and an 1885 schoolhouse. The fort is located in the outdoor portion of the campus that is open April-October. Housing rare and exciting artifacts like a Middle Ages Nordic fire steel and a 1920s jingle dress, the Runestone Museum is sure to impress whether you’re interested in history, heritage or the natural sciences. For more information, call 320-763-3160, or visit the museum’s website at www.runestonemuseum.org for the most up-to-date admission prices and hours. Check out the museum’s Facebook page at Runestone Museum Foundation.
Daily Special
MONDAY- 4 TO 8 - $2.00 Burger night TUESDAY- 4 TO 8 $8.99 A.Y.C.E. Taco Buffet
TUESDAY THRU THURSDAY, HAPPY HOUR, 2/4/1’S, 4:00 TO 6:00 FRIDAY HAPPY HOUR, 2:00 TO 4:00 Watch Facebook and Web page for other specials and events.
EVERYONE WELCOME!
d r a w r o f We look eeting m & g n i e e to s ! e n o y r e v e
WEDNESDAY- ALL DAY Wraps Wednesday WEDNESDAY- 4 TO 8 Single Topping Pizzas, $6.99 THURSDAY- 11 TO 2 Cook’s Choice, HOMEMADE Dinner THURSDAY- 4 TO 8 Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich FRIDAY NIGHTSalad bar, $9.95 A.Y.C.E. Fish Fillets, $12.95 A.Y.C.E. Fantail Shrimp, $14.95 Garlic Shrimp, $13.95 BBQ Ribs, $13.95 Hamburger Steak, $13.95 (Add mushrooms and onions) Walleye Filet, $14.95 ALL entree’s include: Choice of Potato, Soup, Salad bar, and Homemade Desserts SATURDAY - Cook’s Choice, BARGO and Meat Raffle
(seasonal - October thru May)
SUNDAY - Cook’s Choice
51 Main St West Union, MN 56389 | (320) 352-0123
BIG OLE AND BIG OLEWebcam Perhaps one of the most eye-catching landmarks in Alexandria is Big Ole – a 28-foot tall Viking statue that stands at the north end of Broadway, along Second Avenue. Born in 1965, the Viking has become a much-beloved resident in the lakes area. The idea for the statue began in January of 1964 when North Star World’s Fair Corporation in Osseo began working on an addition to the Minnesota display for the New York World’s Fair. The display was to feature the historical Kensington Runestone in an animated scene titled “Minnesota, Birthplace of America.” The new item to coincide with this display was the 28-foot, four-ton Viking statue. Big Ole was created by fiberglass sculptor Gordon Schumaker of Minneapolis in April of 1965 and was transported to New York just in time for the World’s Fair. When the fair ended, Big Ole was moved to Alexandria, where he stands today. Originally placed at the north end of Broadway Street in front of the Runestone Museum, Big Ole was moved from the intersection of 3rd and
Broadway to a new location one-half block north in 1980 to make way for a new stoplight. He was moved once more in 2002 to his current location at the head of the Central Lakes Trail on the south shore of Lake Agnes. Throughout the years, Big Ole has had several repairs made and new coats of paint applied. And, his beard has changed from gray to yellow to brown. Locals and visitors alike can stop by Big Ole and take a selfie using the Big Ole webcam that is found on the ALP Utilities website – www.alputilities.com/big-ole-webcam/. It’s a fun way to get a group shot with the 28-foot fiberglass statue located in Big Ole Central Park. Once you open the website on your cell phone, just take a screenshot to capture you, your group and the famous Viking statue. You must use Firefox, Safari or Edge browsers. Chrome currently does not work with the ALP camera, which is mounted on the pole in front of Big Ole.
LAKE CARLOSState Park Built by receding glaciers, Lake Carlos State Park offers a myriad of natural wonders, including a clear and deep lake just perfect for swimming, fishing and boating. Among its 1,231 acres, nearly one-third of Minnesota’s 80 mammals and more than 150 species of birds find a home either seasonally or all year long. It’s the perfect place to view loons, grebes, ducks and heron, making this a 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. Paddle boats, canoes and kayaks are available to rent during the regular season. In the winter, snowshoes are available for rent at the park office. A thermal flip-over style portable fish house is available to rent on Lake Carlos only. Contact the park office for current rates and availability. The park entrance, 2601 County Road 38 Northeast in Carlos, is located 10 miles north of Alexandria on State Highway 29, then two miles west on 30 May/June 2022 • Vacationer
SERVE IT UP:
Pickleball Highway 38. The best time to contact the park is 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily at 320-852-7200. You can also email the park at lakecarlos.statepark@state.mn.us You can discover much more about Lake Carlos State Park by visiting www.dnr.state.mn.us/ state_parks/lake_carlos/
Pickleball is an exciting game for players of all ages and abilities. It is often referred to as “the fastest growing sport that no one knows about.” It’s a racquet sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis and it can be played with two, three or four players. In the fall of 2020, new pickleball courts were constructed at Alexandria City Park, 118 City Park Rd., and now offer players eight courts to play on.
C T H A H E R E Y H T THURSDAY NIGHT
WINGS
Bar & Grill
FRIDAY NIGHT
FISH & SHRIMP
HOMEMADE
PIZZAS
RIBS
SATURDAY NIGHT
1/2 RACK
SATURDAY @ 630 PM
MEAT RAFFLE
HOURS: MON - 11A-1P • TUE-FRI - 11A-1P & 4P-CLOSE SAT - 4P-CLOSE • SUN - CLOSED
HATCHERYLOWRY.COM
320-283-5377
406 FLORENCE AVENUE • LOWRY, MN
AREA LAKE
Although the size, depth and location of this mythical lake are unknown, anglers continue to report it as the home of the large fish they catch.
LAKES
named by an early settler in honor of two friends at West Point Academy.
AARON Size: 610 acres Depth: 16 feet Features: Shallow with sandy beaches. Public access: South end off Lakes Rd.
CHIPPEWA Size: 1,185 acres Depth: 95 feet Features: Deep, headwaters of Chippewa River. Public access: Northeast corner off Co. Rd. 12. Named for Native Americans.
AGNES Size: 137 acres Depth: 31 feet Features: Fishing pier in City Park. Public access: City-owned access on southwest end off Agnes Blvd.; Fishing pier on North end in Alexandria City Park. Named for early settler Will Kinkead’s girlfriend who lived out East. ANDREW Size: 922 acres Depth: 83 feet Features: Sandy beaches, spring-fed, popular recreational lake. Public access: Southeast side off Co. Rd. 28 and Lake Andrew Rd. Named for first physician in Alexandria. BLACKWELL Size: 307 acres Depth: 42 feet Public access: East side off Country Ln. Named for early settler of Holmes City.
32 May/June 2022 • Vacationer
CHRISTINA Size: 3,971 acres Depth: 14 feet Features: Large, shallow. Public access: Southwest end off Co. Rd. 82. Named for the Queen of Sweden. COWDRY Size: 242 acres Depth: 52 feet Features: Small, clear. Public access: Northeast corner off Co. Rd. 82 and E. Lake Cowdry Rd. Named for Samuel Cowdry, an early settler. CROOKED Size: 281 acres Depth: 35 feet Features: Quiet. Public access: North end off Co. Rd. 27. Named for its contour.
BROPHY Size: 296 acres Depth: 44 feet Features: Island, sandy beaches. Public access: Northwest shore off Co. Rd. 82 and Brophy Lane. Named for Brophy family, early residents.
DARLING Size: 1,050 acres Depth: 62 feet Features: Water access to chain of lakes. Public access: Access by water from Lake Carlos. Named for Andrew Darling who settled in the area in 1860.
BURGEN Size: 174 acres Depth: 43 feet Features: Small, steeply sloped shoreline. Public access: North end off Co. Rd. 23. Named for William Burgen, who lived on the southwest shore in 1869.
DEVILS Size: 233 acres Depth: 35 feet Features: Spring-fed, sandy beaches, connects to county park. Public access: Chippewa Park; North side off Co. Rd. 7 and Devil’s Lake Rd.
CARLOS Size: 2,605 acres Depth: 163 feet Features: Access to chain of lakes, clear, deep. Public accesses: North shore in state park off Co. Rd. 38; northeast shore near state park off Co. Rd. 38; west shore off Co. Rd. 11; east shore off Prairie Rd. and E. Lake Carlos Dr. Reports vary, but one story is that lakes L’Homme Dieu and Carlos were
FREEBORN Size: 247 acres Depth: 18 feet Public access: Northwest side off Co. Rd. 96. GENEVA Size: 639 acres Depth: 63 feet Features: Fishing pier on north end, access to chain of lakes. Public access: Northwest side off Hwy. 29; Southeast side off Co. Rd. 82 and E. Lake Geneva Rd.
FULL SERVICE BAR ON OUR
OUTDOOR PATIO
DAILY LUNCH/DINNER SPECIALS Check out our Facebook Page
Volleyball Leagues/Courts CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION
HAPPY HOUR MODAY-FRIDAY 3-6, 9-11 ON OUR DOMESTIC TAPS, DOMESTIC BOTTLES, RAILS & CALLS ALL DAY ON SUNDAY
FIRED UP FRIDAY MEAT RAFFLE Starts at 4:30
Mon-Wed 11-12 • Thurs-Sat 11-1 Sunday 11-10
320-219-7015
530 County Road 22 NW Alexandria, MN 56308 facebook.com/Fired-Up-Bar-Grill-103138918405510
Called Rowley on early maps; renamed by Walter Scott Shotwell after resort town of Lake Geneva in Switzerland. GILBERT Size: 201 acres Depth: 17 feet Features: Quiet. Public access: North end off Co. Rd. 7 and Moe Hall Rd. Named for an early settler. GRANTS Size: 176 acres Depth: 60 feet Public access: West side off Country Lane. HENRY Size: 152 acres Depth: 32 feet Features: Next to City Park. Public access: Alexandria City Park; Accessible by water from Lake Agnes. Named for the son of Charles Cook, an early settler. IDA Size: 4,431 acres Depth: 106 feet Features: Large, clear; sandy beaches. Public accesses: North side off Co. Rd. 34 and Big Horn Bay Rd.; east side off Co. Rd. 34 and Sugar Sand Lane; southeast side off Co. Rd. 34 and Sunset Strip. Named by Myron Colony, one of the lake’s first colonists, in honor of a girlfriend out East. INDIAN Size: 98 acres Depth: 38 feet Public access: North side off Co. Rd. 6 and Indian Lake Rd. IRENE Size: 639 acres Depth: 44 feet Public access: Northwest side off Hwy. 29 and Irene Rd.; southeast side off Co. Rd. 64. First known as Reservation Lake, renamed for Irene Roadruck, daughter of early settler. JENNIE Size: 300 acres Depth: 6 feet Public access: South end of Co. Rd. 56.
34 May/June 2022 • Vacationer
LATOKA Size: 766 acres Depth: 108 feet Features: Clear, deep, good water quality, public swimming beach. Public accesses: North side off Co. Rd. 82 and Latoka Beach Rd.; West side of South Basin off Hwy. 27 and Vonderheid Dr. Named for Native Americans.
L’HOMME DIEU Size: 1,801 acres Depth: 85 feet Features: Access to chain of lakes, public swimming beach. Public accesses: Northwest side off Co. Rd. 42; northeast side off Co. Rd. 120. Reports vary, but one story is that lakes L’Homme Dieu and Carlos were named by an early settler in honor of two friends who attended West Point. LITTLE CHIPPEWA Size: 269 acres Depth: 24 feet Features: Shallow, sandy, connects to county park. Public access: South shore off Co. Rd. 108. Named for Native Americans. LOBSTER Size: 1,334 acres Depth: 65 feet Features: Many bays and points, island. Public access: West end off Co. Rd. 27. Named for its shape, which resembles a lobster. It is believed this lake was first called Kinkead, but later changed. LONG Size: 201 acres Depth: 18 feet Public access: East end off Co. Rd. 55. Named for its contour. LOUISE Size: 214 acres Depth: 33 feet Public access: West side off Co. Rd. 22 and W. Lake Louise Dr. Named for a child of Charles Cook, an early settler. MAPLE Size: 830 acres Depth: 78 feet Features: Mostly shallow, spring-fed, excellent water quality. Public access: North end off Co. Rd. 4 and Maple Springs Dr.; east side off Co. Rd. 87 and Sunset Access Rd. Named for the many maple trees that surrounded the lake. MARY Size: 2,450 acres Depth: 40 feet Features: Large, gradual slopes, popular recreational lake. Public access: Northwest corner off Hwy. 27; southwest corner off Co. Rd. 4 and Little Mary Circle. Named for Mary Kinkead, a sister to some of Alexandria’s original settlers. MILL Size: 451 acres Depth: 40 feet Features: Spring-fed, deep, clear. Public access: Southeast corner off Hwy. 27.
Called Cornelia on early maps; unknown how it was renamed. MILTONA Size: 5,724 acres Depth: 105 feet Features: Largest lake in county; deep, clear; sandy beaches. Public accesses: North shore off Co. Rd. 14 and Sandy Beach Dr.; northeast side off Hwy. 29. and North Lake Miltona Dr.; west side off Spring Lake Rd. Named for Florence Miltona Roadruck, who homesteaded in Leaf Valley with husband. MINA Size: 411 acres Depth: 123 feet Public access: North side off Co. Rd. 8. Named by Fredric Von Baumback, a Prussian officer, a major in the Civil War and Secretary of State, for his mother. MOON Size: 139 acres Depth: 38 feet Public access: North side off Co. Rd. 82. MOSES Size: 824 acres Depth: 32 feet
Features: Clear, sandy. Public access: West side off Co. Rd. 16. Named for religious prophet, or possibly for a prominent Alexandria family.
RACHEL Size: 448 acres Depth: 65 feet Public access: East shore off Co. Rd. 93 and E. Rachel Rd. Named for the daughter of an early Holmes City settler.
OSAKIS Size: 6,389 acres Depth: 73 feet Features: Large lake with many bars and fishing structures (Most of the lake is in Todd County). Public access: South end in Osakis; west side off Co. Rd. 10; north-east side off 210th Street (Todd County). Name likely derived from Ojibwe Indian name for the lake, “Oh-za-kees,” which means “place of the Sauk” and refers to Sauk Indians who roamed the area.
RED ROCK Size: 902 acres Depth: 22 feet Features: Shallow. Public access: East side off Co. Rd. 1 and Shorewood Dr.
OSCAR Size: 1,231 acres Depth: 25 feet Features: Island. Public access: North side off State Hwy. 27. Named for the King of Sweden. POCKET Size: 263 acres Depth: 40 feet Public access: South side off Hwy. 114 and Pocket Lake Rd. Named for its contour.
Co. Rd. 82 and Smith Lake Rd. Named for a family that homesteaded near the lake. STOWE Size: 376 acres Depth: 14 feet Public access: West end off Co. Rd. 82 and Stowe Lake Rd.
RENO Size: 3,808 acres Depth: 23 feet Features: Large, shallow, sandy (Most of lake is in Pope County). Public access: Northeast end off Hwy. 29: South-east side off Co. Rd. 15 and Sugar Sand Rd. (Pope County). ROUND Size: 81 acres Depth: 30 feet Features: Quiet. Public access: South end off Co. Rd. 27. Named for its contour. SMITH Size: 666 acres Depth: 30 feet Features: Spring-fed, quiet. Public access: Northeast corner off
TURTLE Size: 218 acres Depth: 21 feet Public access: Southwest corner off Co. Rd. 88. UNION Size: 107 acres Depth: 45 feet Public access: SE side off Co. Rd. 23 and Co. Rd. 86. VERMONT Size: 337 acres Depth: 59 feet Public access: Southeast side off Hwy. 29 and Vermont Access Rd. VICTORIA Size: 416 acres Depth: 60 feet Features: Long, narrow lake with access to Lake Geneva. Public access: South end off Hazel Hill Rd. Called Scocka on early maps; renamed by Walter Shotwell in honor
May/June 2022 • Vacationer 35
of English queen. His father, Daniel, homesteaded between lakes Victoria and Geneva in 1859. WHISKEY Size: 159 acres Depth: 46 feet Public access: North side off Co. Rd. 58. WINONA Size: 213 acres Depth: 9 feet Public access: Carry-in access on north side of the south end off Melvina Lane. Probably named by Mary Kinkead, sister of Alexander and William, the first settlers in Alexandria. The first child born in Fort Alexandria was also named Winona.
BEACHES
CITY PARK BEACH – ALEXANDRIA Lake Henry in Alexandria City Park, one block west of County Road 42. CHIPPEWA COUNTY PARK BEACH – BRANDON Between lakes Little Chippewa and Devil’s off County Road 108. LAKE BROPHY COUNTY PARK – ALEXANDRIA Take Co. Rd. 82 west of Alexandria to the Brophy Landing road. LAKE CARLOS STATE PARK – CARLOS Lake Carlos, seven miles north of Alexandria off State Highway 29 and County Road 38. LAKE LATOKA BEACH – ALEXANDRIA Take County Road 82 west from Alexandria, turn south on County Road 90, then west onto Latoka Beach Road. LAKE L’HOMME DIEU BEACH – ALEXANDRIA Take State Highway 29 north of Alexandria to the beach. LAKE OSAKIS BEACH – OSAKIS Located on East Lake Street in Osakis. ROTARY BEACH – ALEXANDRIA Between lakes L’Homme Dieu and Carlos off County Road 42.
CITY PARKS
Most cities in the area maintain city parks, many of which offer playground equipment and picnic areas. Alexandria City Park is at the north
36 May/June 2022 • Vacationer
end of Alexandria, one block west of County Rd. 42. It offers a playground, reservable picnic area, pickleball courts, swimming beach, restrooms and fishing pier. Big Ole Central Park is on the north end of Broadway in Alexandria, next to Lake Agnes. It features year-round restrooms, fishing pier, gazebo, kiosk shelter, bike repair station and serves as a trail head for the Central Lakes Trail. Bluebird Park is on Agnes Blvd. near Kinkead Cemetery in Alexandria. Carter Park, on Benjamin Drive off of Co. Rd. 22 in Alexandria, has a playground. 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. Fred Foslien Park, in Victoria Heights, two blocks south of Co. Rd. 27 off Knut Street in Alexandria, has a playground. Geneva Crest Park is on the west side of Lake Geneva in Alexandria. Take Co. Rd. 82 E., turn north on Birch Ave., go 3/4 mile, go east on Basswood two blocks and north on Geneva Dr. It has a playground, small ballfield and sand volleyball court.
Goose Park is three blocks west of Broadway on Fifth Ave. W. in Alexandria, next to Knute Nelson Memorial Field ballpark. Lake Agnes Park is on the south shore of Lake Agnes along County Rd. 37 in Alexandria. Lake Burgen Park, on Rosewood and Snowbird lanes on the west side of lake Burgen, has a playground. Lake Connie Park is on Seventh Ave. E. between Roosevelt and Spruce streets in Alexandria. Lakeview Park is near County Rd. 82 East and Birch Ave. in Alexandria. Take Co. Rd. 82 E. to Birch Ave., turn west on Runestone Place and west on Lake Park Ave. It has a playground and picnic shelter. Manor Hills Park is in Alexandria. Take Hwy. 29 N. to Manor Dr. and go two blocks to the right on Springdale. It has a playground and small ballfield. Martin’s Hope Park, on Second Ave. across the street from Big Ole Central Park in Alexandria, has a picnic gazebo. Noonan Park is at Nokomis St. and 10th Ave. in Alexandria. It has restrooms, picnic shelters, walking paths, playground and winter ice skating.
Oak Knoll Park is on the northeast side of Alexandria near McKay Ave. Take Hwy. 29 North, turn right on McKay Ave. and left on Oak Knoll Dr. It has a playground and small ballfield. Osagi Park is on Lake St. in the city of Osakis. It features picnic tables and shelter, restrooms, playground and lakeshore (no swimming area). Pooch Playland is a dog park with a fenced-in area located at the south end of Victor St. in Alexandria. Runestone Park is about one mile east of Broadway in Alexandria on Sixth Ave. E. Skylark Park, north of Kinkead Cemetery on Amanda Lane in Alexandria, has a playground. Summer Meadows Park, on the north side of Alexandria near Scenic Heights Road and Summer Lane, has a playground. Veterans Memorial Park is at 802 Broadway in Alexandria. It includes a replica of the Liberty Bell and granite monoliths with the names of more than 7,000 veterans, as well as restrooms and a picnic area. It also includes the Matt Kjelland Memorial basketball court. Woodland Park, on the north side of Alexandria on Woodland Dr., just north of Hwy. 29, has a playground.
Our family welcomes yours!
Hwy 29 N • Alexandria• 320-762-1324
r e m o t Cus ! s e t i r o Fav LASAGNA
Enjoy Angelina’s Outdoor Patio an d Rooftop Seating
SPECIALTY PIZZAS GARLIC TOAST T • Sandwiches WINGS & SALADS • Baskets
ings! BEST Bar! BEST Wour! BEST Happy H
• Burgers • Pasta
! r u o H Happy
AT 11 A.M. LUNCH & NIGHTLY SPECIALS
MONDAY - FRIDAY 3-66 PM FRIDAY - SATURDAY 9-11 PM ALL DAY SUNDAYS
• • • • • •
Pull Tabs Pool Table Dart Boards Game Room 6 Big Screen TV’s Peanuts & Popcorn
Open Daily
1 2 DRINKS for
HAND-CRAFTED
FLAVOR ORDE R TODAY
3109 HWY 29 SOUTH ALEXANDRIA ‘QDOBA Mexican Eats’ is a registered trademark of the QDOBA Restaurant Corporation ©2021.
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 6 AM - 10 PM | 7 DAYS A WEEK!
320-763-3446 • www.ELDENS.com • Corner of 3rd & Nokomis, Alexandria Only store in town that is LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED.
001720358r1
