021 Winter 2020-2
ALEXANDRIA outdoorfun Your
Tiny town grabs big
ATTENTION Free guide to the Alexandria Lakes Area
2 Winter 2020 / 2021 • Vacationer
VACATIONER magazine
W
inter in the Alexandria lakes area is an exceptionally beautiful time of year. There are so many things to appreciate! Taking a walk on a frozen lake while flakes are lightly falling is like being a part of your own perfect snow globe – quiet, soft and relaxing. Having grown up in Minnesota and North Dakota, winter has always been a part of my life, and I cherish the memories of my youth – skating, sledding, snow forts, snowball fights – all wonderful excuses to be outside in the crisp, fresh air. I love, love, love winter in Minnesota! Even now, I’d take a walk in the sub-zero temperatures over the heat of a summer day. Add in some snow and my trusty snowshoes, and I’m all ready to go. There are so many winter activities available here in the Alexandria lakes area. Just start with Lori Mork snowshoeing, snowmobiling or ice fishing, follow EDITOR it up with a little cross country or downhill skiing, round it out with some sledding and finish with a toasty fire and a cup of hot chocolate. If you’re not an outdoor person, there’s still so much to do: bowling, browsing through antique shops, movies, shopping historic downtown Alexandria or the Viking Plaza, wonderful restaurants, live theater, winery tour – the list just keeps on growing. How about a visit to the area museums, or exploring the history of the controversial Kensington Runestone? If you are a patron of the arts, you’ll be thrilled by the performances available, including the Central Lakes Symphony Orchestra and the Alexandria Area Arts Association theater productions. So check us out. I know you’ll find your perfect fit here in the Alexandria lakes area.
Echo Press • (320) 763-3133 • www.echopress.com A publication of the Echo Press Publisher: Diann Drew
Winter 2020-2021
Inside this issue
Tiny town grabs big attention page 8
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Central Lakes Symphony Orchestra............................................4 Andria Theatre.........................................................................................5 Area churches..........................................................................................6 Lakes Area Theatre/Fire Pit Productions.................................. 7 Area events calendar......................................................................... 24 Taste of the Lakes Area................................................................... 26
Blizzard hockey page 10
ACTIVITIES
Sift through antiques........................................................................... 11 Douglas County Library..................................................................... 11 Alexandria area outdoors................................................................. 14 Data Trails map..................................................................................... 16 Douglas County Trails Association............................................. 18 Light up downtown Alexandria.................................................... 20 Angling for winter fun........................................................................22
Runestone Museum
page 28
LAKES, PARKS, MUSEUMS
Douglas County Historical Society............................................. 24 Big Ole/Runestone Museum......................................................... 28 Lake Carlos State Park..................................................................... 30 Winter 2020 / 2021 • Vacationer 3
CENTRAL symphony LAKES 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.
2021 ORCHESTRA SCHEDULE As of November 1, 2020 – All performances are tentative
HEALING POWER OF MUSIC In collaboration with Twin Cities Ballet & Lakeland Mental Health Sunday, February 7, 2021 at 2 p.m. Performing Arts Center (AAHS) Timothy Tharalson – Safe Maurice Ravel – Pavane pour une infante defunte Pytor I. Tchaikovsky – Symphony No. 6 “Pathetique” CLASSICAL MASTERWORKS Sunday, March 28, 2021 at 2 p.m. Performing Arts Center (AAHS) W.A. Mozart – Symphony No. 35 “Haffner” Ludwig van Beethoven – Triple Concerto Featuring Lyra Trio Sponsored by Cleone Shermann and Lee Doering IMMORTAL WORDS Featuring the Central Lakes Symphony Chorale Sunday, May 23, 2021 at 2 p.m. 4 Winter 2020 / 2021 • Vacationer
Performing Arts Center (AAHS) Giuseppe Verdi – Macbeth Prelude and Che Faceste Featuring CLSO Women’s Chorale Flinn – Concerto for Tuba Featuring Mike Odello, Tuba Bernstein – Chichester Pslams TICKETS Season tickets for all concerts are $60. Single tickets may be purchased for each concert at the door at $15 for adults and $5 for students ages 6-18 and free for those 5 and younger.
Carlson Music Center (320) 763-4011 901 Broadway Street, Alexandria
You may pre-purchase tickets at these locations:
Cherry Street Books (320) 763-9400 503 Broadway Street, Alexandria
District 206 Community Education Office (320) 762-3310 510 McKay Avenue North, Alexandria
Trumm Drug (320-763-3111) 600 Fillmore Street, Alexandria
ANDRIAtheatre
C
ommunity theater presented by the Andria Theatre produces four main stage shows each season to entertain audiences in the lakes area. This year’s schedule is based on the Andria Theatre’s ability to play to 25 percent building capacity, with seating limited to 70-80 per performance. To offset the seating limitations, more performances of each production have been added. Both brand new and seasoned actors have taken the stage before the more than 10,000 audience members that have visited the theater annually. Those shows include a wide variety of entertainment, from classic to farce and from drama to musical comedy. Both onstage and off, audiences will notice many familiar faces as the Andria Theatre takes advantage of the talents of local artists and community members – a true community theater. GET YOUR TICKETS Tickets are available at the box office, online, over the phone or in person. Box office hours are Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Box Office will open one hour prior to showtime. For more details or assistance, call (320) 762-8300. To find out more about the theater and performances, visit www.andriatheatre.org.
2020-2021 SCHEDULE
NUNCRACKERS: THE NUNSENSE CHRISTMAS MUSICAL DEC. 2-6, 9-13
The holiday season always feels a little crazy, but the sisters of the Mount Saint Helen’s School take that craziness to a higher level. All your favorite nuns Reverend Mother, Sister Amnesia, Sister Mary Leo, Sister Julia, Child of God, Sister Mary Hubert, and Sister Robert Anne plus Father Virgil, and four of Mount Saint Helen’s most talented students. The show is the annual Christmas program with songs that will pull out all the stops!The show spoofs so many aspects of the holiday season that audience members barely can hold on for the ride. The show is a delightful, charming and entertaining ingredient in the eggnog of the holiday season.
ALMOST, MAINE JANUARY 20-24, 27-31
ON GOLDEN POND MARCH 31-APRIL 4, APRIL 7-11
A woman carries her heart, broken into nineteen pieces, in a small paper bag. A man shrinks to half his former size, after losing hope in love. A couple keep the love they have given each other in large red bags, or compress the mass into the size of a diamond. These playful and surreal experiences are commonplace in the world of John Cariani’s Almost, Maine, where on one deeply cold and magical Midwinter Night, the citizens of Almost -- not organized enough for a town, too populated for a wilderness -- experience the life-altering power of the human heart.
This heartwarming drama centers around an aging couple, cantankerous retiree Norman Thayer and his conciliatory wife Ethel, who spend summers at their vacation home on the shores of idyllic Golden Pond. This year, their adult daughter, Chelsea, visits with her new fiancé and his teenage son, Billy, on their way to Europe. Billy is not at all excited about the arrangement but slowly warms up to and begins to bond with Norman. When Chelsea returns we learn there has been a rift in her relationship with Norman. She works to repair the long-strained relationship with her aging father before it’s too late.
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
Drink Specials!
DAILY HOURS: Monday - Saturday 10 am-1 am ~ Friends always welcomed Winter 2020 / 2021 • Vacationer 5
Come Worship With Us!
LAKES AREA CHURCHES WELCOME YOU Alexandria Alexandria Covenant
4005 Dakota St., 320-763-5659 alexandriacovenant.org Pastor: John LeVahn, Sr. Pastor Traditional: 8 am Contemporary: 9:30 and 11:00 am
Alexandria United Methodist 2210 Sixth Ave. E, www.alexumc.org Pastor: Gary Taylor Sunday Worship: 9 am Coffee & Fellowship: 10 am
Berea Lutheran Brethren
1605 6th Ave E., 320-762-1092 www.welcometoberea.org Pastor: Steve Walswick Sunday Worship: 10:30 am (Memorial Day - Labor Day) with coffee hour to follow Holy Communion: 1st & 3rd Sunday of the month
Emmanuel Episcopal
12th Ave. E & Lake St., 320-763-3201 www.alexmnepiscopal.org episcopal@centurylink.net Pastor: Rev. Tom Sinning Sunday Worship: 10:30 am
First Congregational United Church of Christ
221 Seventh Avenue W., 320-763-3341 www.firstcongregationaluccalex.com office@firstcongregationaluccalex.com youtube@firstcongregationaluccalexandriamn Pastor: Rev. Dr. Jill Sanders Sunday Worship: 10 am Communion: 2nd Sunday of the month KXRA radio broadcast 1st Sunday of the month watch each weekday morning 9am Cable 181
First Lutheran (ELCA)
1655 18th Ave. E • 320-762-2196 www.firstlutheranalexandria.com Pastors: Greg Billberg, Kari van Wakeren & Ben Jacobson Sunday Worship: 8:30 am You can tune to 1490 AM / 100.3 FM at 10:00 am to listen to rebroadcast of our 8:30 worship service.
Good Shepherd Lutheran (LCMS) 2702 Hwy. 29 N, 320-762-5152 www.goodshepherd-LCMS.org Pastor: Tim Schiller Sunday Worship: 9 am Holy Communion: 1st & 2nd Sundays
Lake Community
490 Voyager Dr., 320-762-5424 www.lakecommunity.org Pastor: Jon Ewton Sunday Worship: 9 am & 10:30 am Children’s Ministry: Available for both services (birth - 5th grade)
Living Word Lutheran (LCMC)
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
Other Areas St. John’s
101 Park St.. Garfield, 320-834-2248 Pastor: Jeffery Ross Sunday Worship: 9 am with coffee and fellowship to follow Sunday School & Bible Study: 10:15 am Communion: 2nd & 4th Sunday of the month
1722 16th Ave. E., 320-762-1997 www.livingwordalexmn.org Pastor: Nate Hanson Sunday Worship: 9 am
THESE TIMES APPLY NOVEMBER 1ST - 30TH WWW.CATHOLICCHURCHES-BMUP.ORG
New Testament
Sunday Mass: 10:30 am
2505 Hwy 29 North, 320-762-2444 add www.ntcalexandria.org Pastors: Peter Reishus & Mike Loween Sunday Worship: 9:30 am & 11 am
Sacred Heart Catholic, Urbank
Seven Dolors Catholic, Millerville
Saturday Mass: 4:00 pm
St. Ann’s Catholic, Brandon
Sunday Mass: 8:30 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. Williams, Parkers Prairie Saturday Mass: 7:30 pm
PAID ADVERTISMENT
6 Winter 2020 / 2021 • Vacationer
FIRE PIT productions
B
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. Tickets are $10 and are available at the door one hour prior to show time. Christmas 2: It’s a Wonderful Nativity, written by Jeff Goods, will be performed on December 18-19 at 7:30 p.m. A child star, Jesus Christ, quickly faded into obscurity and everyone who was involved in his Nativity came to ruin – from the Orient king who gave away his money, the talking sheep who joined a circus freak show to the alcoholic angel, whose media blitz fell apart when the newborn king and his family fled into the divine witness protection program. Now, 30 years later, the Ghosts of Nativities Past all descend into Bethlehem to try to teach Jesus Christ the true meaning of Christmas. For more information, visit https://lakesareatheatre. com/firepit/, call 320-815-7664 or email lakesareatheatre@ gmail.com.
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
Winter 2020 / 2021 • Vacationer 7
TINY grabsTOWN big attention I
By Al Edenloff aedenloff@echopress.com
nside Alexandria’s Viking Plaza, scenes of the Wild West play out around the clock. A pair of cowboys work on a crosscut saw. A horse bucks. Another one is getting a new set of horseshoes. A saloon worker carrying a case of beer bumps open the saloon door. An outhouse door swings open, revealing a cowboy reading a magazine. Another cowboy is taking a bath in the bath house. There’s also a General Store, a windmill, an establishment called the 90 Club, a building that serves as a bank/barbershop/saloon/hotel, and other scenes that are as familiar as the old TV Westerns, “Gunsmoke,” “Rawhide” and “Bonanza.” Welcome to “Grandpa Rudy’s Little Western Town” – a miniature display painstakingly restored by Jeff Roste of Alexandria. It was created in 1957 by his grandfather, Rudy Barthel. The Echo Press did a feature story about the tiny town in July 2019 and now after months of work, the town is on display just outside of D. Michael B’s restaurant. It will be on display for at least five years. When Roste first laid eyes on the miniature town as a young boy, he hoped that someday the set would be his. Instead, when Roste was 24 and his grandfather died, the set was passed on to an uncle. Decades passed. Roste got married, had children and started a business doing graphic design. He had inherited the do-it-yourself gene, renovating and adding onto their house. But he never forgot about that amazing Western town.
8 Winter 2020 / 2021 • Vacationer
Two summers ago, while Roste was talking to the uncle who had gotten the set, the subject of the tiny town came up and the uncle said he could pick it up and restore it. When Roste picked up the set, it was covered with dust and dirt. He vacuumed up decades of grime, fixed wooden signs, scrubbed at dirty nooks with an old toothbrush and removed the stuff that comes with chipmunks making it their home. Roste’s plans for the Western town not only included the restoration. He added other touches, such as switching all the old, hot lights over to LED and making water flow from the mill into a cascading waterfall. He has also enlisted local composer Keith Martinson to write a piece of Western music for steel guitar, acoustic guitar, piano and bass, to match
the miniature instruments in the 90 Club, which are stringed with real wire. The decision on where to put the town, which stretches across 20 feet, came easily. David Bistodeau, the owner of D. Michael B’s, is a friend of Roste’s and said he could have the space. Bistodeau said the town would mesh well with his restaurant’s northwoods theme. Glenwood State Bank and Integrity Title financially supported the project. TOWN FEATURED ON TV The Little Western Town was in the limelight recently. John Lauritsen from WCCO-TV’s “Finding Minnesota” did doing a story on the display that aired Oct. 4, during the 10 p.m. news. Lauritsen, an Emmy-award winning reporter, began his career at KSAX-TV in Alexandria.
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)
LARGE SELECTION OF MINNESOTA TEES & SWEATSHIRTS • FUN APPAREL • JEWELRY • GIFTS & CARDS
6th & Broadway • Alexandria 320.846.1100 • facebook.com/shopMagpie
Let Kyle Serve You!
Women & Children’s Clothing, Shoes, Accessories and Household Decorative’s 418 N. Broadway, Alexandria • 320.762.1538 Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10-5
Yesterdays Antique Store
• 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
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
Velkommen!
Featuring Imports from all Scandinavian Countries 604 Broadway, Alexandria • 320.763.6363
www.scandinaviangifts.com
Showcase your local business! Contact The Echo Press to Reserve Your Space for 2021
320-763-3133 Winter 2020 / 2021 • Vacationer 9
ALEXANDRIA blizzard hockey
I
f you have a hankerin’ for hockey, then the NA3HL Alexandria Blizzard action is for you! Competing in the West Division along with the North Iowa Bulls, Granite City Lumberjacks, Willmar WarHawks and New Ulm Steel, the Blizzard offers USA Hockey-sanctioned Tier III Junior hockey entertainment throughout the winter. The North American 3 Hockey League (3HL) is one of six leagues serving as some of the top training grounds in the country available to student-athletes, providing them with more opportunities to advance to college and pro hockey. Players are able to compete in front of the entire junior, college and professional scouting community as they fine-tune their skills. Highly competitive, 3HL hockey, and the Alexandria Blizzard in particular, provides exceptional hockey entertainment for spectators beginning in September and continuing through March. The Blizzard play their home games at the Runestone Community Center, located at the Douglas County Fairgrounds at 802 3rd Ave. West, Alexandria, just off County Road 82. Tickets only available online at tickets.alexandriablizzard.com.
THE ALEXANDRIA BLIZZARD
play their home games at the Runestone Community Center, located at the Douglas County Fairgrounds at 802 3rd Ave. West, Alexandria, just off County Road 82.
HOME SCHEDULE Nov. 6 Nov. 21 Nov. 25 Dec. 5 Dec. 31 Jan. 2 Jan. 16 Jan. 20 Jan. 30 Feb. 5 Feb. 12 Feb. 13 Feb. 26
Granite City Lumberjacks Granite City Lumberjacks New Ulm Steel Willmar WarHawks New Ulm Steel North Iowa Bulls North Iowa Bulls Willmar WarHawks Granite City Lumberjacks New Ulm Steel North Iowa Bulls (12:10 p.m.) North Iowa Bulls Willmar WarHawks
10 Winter 2020 / 2021 • Vacationer
Feb. 27 New Ulm Steel Mar. 6 New Ulm Steel All home games are at 7:10 p.m. unless otherwise specified.
TICKETS
Single Game Tickets VIP LOFT............................................. $30.00 VIP Seating, complimentary food, & 4 drink tickets for choice of mixed drinks and beer on hand
(General Admission) Adult...................................................$13.00 Senior (55 and older)........................ $11.00 Student................................................$9.00 (6 and under FREE) For more information, call 320.491.8910
SIFT THROUGH ANTIQUES discover unexpeceted treasure
L
ines 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. After securing a parking spot, shoppers are sure to stay warm and cozy while bouncing in and out of different stores. 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 surely 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.
DOUGLAS COUNTY
V
library
isitors can find both information and fun at the Douglas County Library, located at 720 Fillmore Street in the Douglas County Services Center in Alexandria. Whether you are looking for books and magazines, movies and Internet access, or just a quiet place to read and research, the Douglas County Library has it all. The library contains more than books, newspapers and magazines. It also has extensive online resources, movies, books on CD, music CDs, and children’s books and interactive books. Also available are several computers with Internet access, a photo copier/fax machine and a CD listening area. The Douglas County Library is part of the Viking Library System, a federated regional public library system that serves Douglas, Grant, Otter Tail, Pope, Stevens and Traverse counties
in west central Minnesota. Visitors can search for and request material from other libraries throughout the state on any of the library’s six online catalog computers or from their home computers. The library’s mission is to provide resources and facilities that meet the informational, recreational, education and cultural needs of the citizens. The library is open Monday-Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, call (320) 762-3014 or visit www.douglascountylibrary.org.
BUYONEADULT Tickets this TICKET,GETONE year are Online ONLY! HALF
PRICE
No walk up sales.
TO PURCHASE TICKETS VISIT Valid only at 2017-2018 regular season home games. tickets.alexandriablizzard.com Limit 1 per visit.
alexandriablizzard.com alexandriablizzard.com 001654707r1
Winter 2020 / 2021 • Vacationer 11
Senior Living
at Its Best
(218) 948-2219 I www.mycarecampus.org
“We’re small enough to care about you”
You are invited to Use it, Support it, and Enjoy it!
Check out the new website for current available activities Welcomes You!
320-762-2087 • 414 Hawthorne St www.alexsrctr.org info@alexsrctr.org
• Visit, shop and relax in our Lobby! • Cards, games, Sunday Music & special programs • Enjoy your hobbies in our Lorsung Art Studio • Come play pool in our state-of-the-art Pool Room • Volunteer for Meals on Wheels or other planned events • Visit Cornercopia, the gift shop! Open from 9-3
Assisted Living Outpatient Therapy
•
•
Care Center • Independent Living
Short-Term Rehab
•
Technology
•
•
Home Care
knutenelson.org | 320.763.6653 12 Winter 2020 / 2021 • Vacationer
•
Wellness Center
Hours
Monday-Friday 9:00am - 3:00pm
Hospice
•
and more!
the lakes area...
READ YOUR ALEXANDRIA ECHO PRESS ANYWHERE, ANYTIME.
Very Accommodating! HOLIDAY INN
Hwy 29 & I-94, Alexandria, MN 320.763.6577 hialexandria.com Features 148 very comfortable rooms on 2 floors, including 41 rooms with direct access to our indoor recreation center. All rooms have free Internet. In the heart of the lakes area, with easy access off I-94. Use the Central Lakes Trail and area golf courses, or enjoy wine tasting and seasonal activities at the famous Carlos Creek Winery or see the controversial Kensington Runestone. Enjoy the volleyball courts, basketball hoops, hockey net, ping pong tables, arcade, fitness center and more. Enjoy a great meal at Willy T’s Tavern & Grill, one of Alexandria’s newest restaurants, featuring our Farm Fresh menu, home inspired items and rustic decor.
BEST WESTERN
Your Alexandria Echo Press E-paper is just like your print newspaper, but with MORE news! THE APP TODAY!
Enjoy your stay!
Our residents agree... L i fe looks great from here.TM SENIOR ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITY
715 Victor St, Alexandria, MN 56308 320-759-2132 Vistaprairie.org/Windmillponds Facebook.com/Windmillponds
Small town living at its Best! Trust Galeon of Osakis for Wellness, Care and Recovery
320.859.2142
410 West Main Street • Osakis, MN • www.galeonmn.com
of Osakis
Senior Living Wellness, Care & Recovery 001401046r1
DOWNLOAD
508 Twin Blvd, Alexandria, MN 320.762.5161 www.bestwestern.com This Alexandria hotel is the perfect destination for outdoor lovers or couples looking for a romantic escape. If you’re here in the winter visit Andes Tower Hills less than 22 minutes away for skiing and snowboarding. The Carlos Creek Winery is only 18 minutes away featuring wine tasting tours, grape stomping and live music. Enjoy our 24 hour business center and free wireless high-speed Internet enjoyed by business travelers. The adventure is just beginning for our leisure travelers while visiting Alexandria, Minnesota. Take your children to our indoor pool while you relax in the nearby hot tub. This Alexandria hotel is also pet-friendly with an outside patio so your furry friend can play. Enjoy our additional amenities including our RV/Truck parking, 24 hour exercise facility, 32 inch LCD televisions and refrigerator in some rooms. Each morning leave the hearty breakfast to us.
Winter 2020 / 2021 • Vacationer 13
ALEXANDRIA AREA outdoors
A
long with winter comes a whole new season of outdoor fun. The Alexandria lakes area offers a variety of fun outdoor activities for people of all ages. Here are just some of the outdoor activities you can enjoy in Douglas County this winter:
ICE SKATING • Noonan Park in Alexandria is the site of the city’s outdoor public skating rink. The rink is regularly maintained, has a warming house and is lit for night skating. The park is generally open for skating around December 20, or whenever there is 8 inches of ice. Hours for the rink and warming house are Monday through Friday, 3 to 9:30 p.m. and weekends and vacation days, 1 to 9:30 p.m. The rink is closed daily from 5 to 6 p.m. There is no charge to skate. Located on the east side of Alexandria off of Nokomis Street and between Ninth and 10th avenues. • Indoor skating is offered at the Runestone Community Center in Alexandria. Hours for open skating are Monday through Friday, 9 to 11 a.m. Call for Saturday and Sunday open skating hours. Cost is $2 per session. Children age 6 and younger can skate free. Season passes are also available. For more information call (320) 763-4466. Located at 1002 Third Avenue West in Alexandria. • Arrowwood Resort and Conference Center has skating on Lake Darling, in front of the townhomes. There are skates available for rent. DOWNHILL SKIING, TUBING, SNOWBOARDING, SNOWSHOEING Andes Tower Hills, located about 15 miles west of Alexandria, has 15 downhill ski runs ranging from beginner to expert, as well as facilities for tubing,
14 Winter 2020 / 2021 • Vacationer
snowboarding, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Ski and snowboard lessons, a racing program, an after-school ski program, lodging, equipment rentals and a pro shop are also available. The chalet features a large-screen TV, a gas fireplace, and the Whispering Pines Grill, which features burgers, chili, soups and gourmet pizza. Andes Tower Hills has also added some new rental equipment and a variable-speed motor for a smoother ride on the Hollywood High chair lift. There are 15 downhill runs for skiers at Andes: four easy hills that include the Bunny Hill, five intermediate and five difficult runs, as well as one expert run. Cross country skiing has 800 acres of scenic trails packed and groomed on a regular basis. Lighted trails and a 2.3K snowshoe only trail are also availble.
Tubing is available and is recommended for those 4 years of age or older and 42 inches tall. For more information, call (320) 965-2455 or visit the Andes website at www.andestowerhills.com. Take State Highway 27 west of Alexandria about nine miles, turn right onto County Road 7 and go about two miles, turn left on County Road 107 and go about two miles to the entrance. SNOWMOBILING There are 368 miles of snowmobile trails in Douglas County, which connect many of the communities in the area and connect to trails in surrounding counties as well. For more information about area snowmobile trails, visit www.douglasareatrails. com. CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING Local cross-country ski trails are located as follows: • Lake Carlos State Park* has six miles of groomed trails and a warming house. It is open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Take State Highway 29 north of Alexandria 10 miles, turn left onto County Road 38 and go two miles to the park entrance. • Kensington Rune Stone Park* near Kensington has 10.5 miles of groomed and slotted trails and a warming house. The park is open from 8 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., seven days a week. Take State Highway 27 west of Alexandria about 13 miles, turn left onto County Road 103 and go about one mile to the park entrance. • Spruce Hill Park* near Miltona has four miles of groomed and slotted trails. The park is open every day from 8 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Take State Highway 29 north of Alexandria about nine miles, turn right onto County Road 5, travel
about 5 miles east on County Road 5 and turn left on County Road 105, then go about one-half mile to the park entrance. • Andes Tower Hills, about 15 miles west of Alexandria, has about nine miles (15K) of trails, some of which are lit at night. Call (320) 965-2455 or visit the Andes Tower Hills website at www.andestowerhills. com for more information. Take State Highway 27 west of Alexandria about nine miles, turn right onto County Road 7 and go about two miles, turn left on County Road 107 and go about two miles to the entrance. • Arrowwood Resort near Alexandria has several miles of private groomed cross-country ski and snowshoeing trails. Call (320) 762-1124 for information. Take County Road 82 west of Alexandria, turn right at County Road 22 (at stoplight), go about two miles and turn right onto County Road 104. • Lake Brophy Park at 1900 Brophy Park Road NW in Alexandria has groomed cross country ski trails. Go west of Alexandria on County Highway 82 approximately three and a half miles to the park entrance. • State cross-country ski permits are required for anyone age 16 and older who uses any public ski trail, including those at Lake Carlos State Park, Kensington Runestone Park and Spruce Hill Park. Permits are $6 per day. Season passes are $20; a three year pass is $55. Ski passes are valid for use in all Minnesota county and state parks and can be purchased by self registration at state parks, at the Minnesota License Bureau at the Douglas County Services Center, at any
business that sells hunting and fishing licenses, by phone at (888) 665-4236 or at the Minnesota DNR online license website at www.wildlifelicense.com/ mn. *Note: State park visitors also must have a vehicle permit. SLEDDING & TOBOGGANING Kensington Runestone Park near Kensington has a toboggan hill and warming house. The park is open every day from 8 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Take Highway 27 west of Alexandria about 13 miles, turn left onto County Road 103 and go about one mile to the entrance. Arrowwood Resort and Conference Center’s Snow Center has a sledding hill for all ages. Small children must be accompanied by an adult and all must sign in at the Snow Center, which opens daily at 9 a.m. • Lake Brophy Park at 1900 Brophy Park Road NW in Alexandria has a groomed sledding hill. Go west of Alexandria on County Highway 82 approximately three and a half miles to the park entrance.
Is your Vehicle Ready for Winter? Take advantage of these service specials. $
40 OFF
SAVE ON ANY REPAIR
10 OFF any service repair of $50 or more 20 OFF any service repair of $200 or more $ 50 OFF any service repair of $500 or more $
a purchase of a set of 4 New Tires.
$
Most cars & light trucks. Limit one discount per vehicle. Not valid with any other discount. WITH COUPON. VALID THROUGH FEB. 29, 2021.
Most cars & light trucks. Limit one discount per vehicle. Not valid with any other discount. Excludes tires. WITH COUPON. VALID THROUGH FEB. 29, 2021.
OIL, FILTER AND LUBE
ALIGNMENT SERVICE
• Up To 5 Quarts Of Oil • New Filter • Lube Chassis • Check All Fluids
ANY WHEEL ALIGNMENT
Most cars & light trucks. Limit one discount per vehicle. Not valid with any other discount. WITH COUPON. VALID THROUGH FEB. 29, 2021.
Most cars & light trucks. Limit one discount per vehicle. Not valid with any other discount. WITH COUPON. VALID THROUGH FEB. 29, 2021.
$
5 OFF
$
5 OFF
With the Purchase of a Set of 4 Tires
1705 Broadway, Alexandria Mon-Fri 7:00am-5:30pm
320-763-6557 www.cenextirepros.com
Winter 2020 / 2021 • Vacationer 15
WINTER FUN ALONG THE TRAILS Your guide to
GAS & GROCERY
1
Cenex Convenience Store
LODGING
6
Garfield | 320.834.2224
FOOD & BEVERAGE
2 3
Alexandria VFW
320.763.9221
Brandon Municipal Liquor Store 320.834.4547
4
Depot Express
5
Leaf Valley Mercantile
320.763.7712
320.834.2532
6
Holiday Inn/Willy T’s 320-763-9983
16 Winter 2020 / 2021 • Vacationer
Holiday Inn of Alexandria 320-763-6577
7
Best Western
8
Super 8 Motel
9
Days Inn
320.762.5161 320.763.6552 320.762.1171
10 Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott 320-763-0113
5
3 1
4
8 9
The Douglas Area Trails Association maintains 370 miles of snowmobile trails (shown in yellow) in West Central Minnesota.
6
2
7 10
Douglas County Map of Winter Fun, Including D.A.T.A. Trails! Winter 2020 / 2021 • Vacationer 17
DOUGLAS AREA trails association
M
innesota has more than 22,000 miles of snowmobile trails that criss-cross its forests, prairie, hills and
lakes. These trails, which are often maintained through a partnership between local clubs, trail users and the state, make Minnesota a popular snowmobiling destination. Here in Douglas County, it’s just as wonderful for snowmobilers. There is breathtaking scenery – from open flatlands to heavily wooded, hilly terrain – on 368 miles of Douglas Area Trails Association (DATA) snowmobile trails. These trails wind throughout the county, connecting every community in the area and providing connections to trails in surrounding counties as well.
DATA TRAILS
Years ago, there were few places in Douglas County to snowmobile safely. Lakes and ditches were about the only option available until DATA was formed in 1974. The association built the first trail that year (15 miles) with help from private landowners, business people and residents, and by 1975, it had a total of 80 miles. The system grew by leaps and bounds, expanding to 270 miles by 1978. The organization was started by a small group of snowmobile enthusiasts who wanted to promote safe snowmobiling in Douglas County. More than 500 landowners have given permission for trails to cross their property. Without their cooperation, there wouldn’t be a trail system. For more information, visit the DATA website at www.douglasareatrails. com. A free map and additional trail information are available at the Alexandria Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce at 206 Broadway. See the DATA trail map on Pages 16-17. 18 Winter 2020 / 2021 • Vacationer
The DATA trails also include part of the Central Lakes Trail, the abandoned Burlington-Northern railway that has been transformed into a paved four-season recreational trail. The 55-mile Central Lakes Trail connects the communities of Evansville, Brandon, Garfield, Alexandria, Nelson and Osakis. The Central Lakes Trail also connects to the Lake Wobegon Trail, which extends from Osakis to St. Joseph near St. Cloud. Together, the two trail systems are about 120 miles long and extend from Fergus Falls to St. Joseph. DATA is a non-profit corporation sponsored by Douglas County to build and maintain recreational trails. Trails are groomed twice per week when needed.
Whether you’re buying or selling a property, partnering with the right Realtor is KEY. We are committed to aggressively marketing your property for maximum exposure so you can close the sale faster.
Tasha West 320.491.5472
tashawest@remax.net
Sheryle Steinbring 320.760.6747
sheryle@steinbringhomes.com
Motivated Agents with Fast Results
Steinbring Motorcoach An Award Winning Newmar Dealer
Celbrating 103 Years!
304 Irving Street| Alexandria, MN 56332
Great Prices!
Knowledgeable Sales People! New Friends! Award Winning Service Department
View inventory at: www.steinbring.com
Garfield & Alexandria, MN
Steinbring Motorcoach Toll Free 1.877.880.8090 | 320.834.6333 View inventory at: www.steinbring.com
Garfield & Alexandria, MN
Steinbring Motorcoach Toll Free 1.877.880.8090 | 320.834.6333 7390 County Hwy 82 | Garfield, MN 56332 Winter 2020 / 2021 • Vacationer 19
LIGHT UP alexandria downtown
T
he festive lighting of downtown Alexandria Christmas lights provides a moment of awe each year. It is always held the day after Thanksgiving, and this year is no exception. At 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 27, Santa and Mrs. Claus will ride down Broadway and the downtown decorations will light up, officially ushering in the start of the Christmas season. The public is invited to line up along Broadway between Third Street and Eighth Street, said Amanda Seim, executive director of the Runestone Museum, which is organizing the event. The event includes two other activities. Children are invited to mail a letter to Santa by dropping it in a special mailbox at the museum. Also, the Parade of Trees will go virtual, and people can vote for their favorite decorated tree. Clubs, organizations and businesses are asked to decorate a holiday tree with a theme of their choosing and submit a photo by Thursday, Dec. 3, to museum@legacyofthelakes.org. The public will be able to vote for their favorite tree from Friday, Dec. 4-Monday, Dec. 21 at www.legacyofthelakes.org/ parade-of-trees. They can also submit a free will donation benefiting Douglas County Hospice. The Parade of Trees winner will be announced on Christmas Day.
20 Winter 2020 / 2021 • Vacationer
• 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
Winter 2020 / 2021 • Vacationer 21
ANGLING FOR WINTER FUN give ice fishing a try
W
ith about 300 lakes in the Douglas County area, fishing is quite a popular activity. And not just in the summertime. Winter has many anglers finding themselves out on the ice, whether in a portable fish house, a premium ice house complete with stove, refrigerator and bunks for sleeping or just simply in the elements sitting on a five-gallon bucket. According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, ice fishing has increasingly become a popular sport but there are inherent dangers with changing ice conditions and propane heater carbon monoxide concerns, to name a couple. If you have never ice fished before, it might be a good idea to talk to experts at a local bait shop, chat with a friend who knows a thing or two about the sport or check out the DNR’s website, dnr. state.mn.us/gofishing/learn-ice-fish. html. One of the most important things to remember about ice fishing is to make sure the ice is safe. The ice needs to be at least 4 inches to safely be on it and ice fish. In order to drive on the ice with a small car or pickup truck, the ice should be 8-12 inches and between
12-15-inches for a medium-sized pickup truck. Other tips provided by the DNR include the following: Use the DNR’s LakeFinder, which has information on not only lakes in the Alexandria area, but more than 4,000 other lakes in Minnesota. Dress in layers if you’re planning on fishing in the elements and not in a fish house. Be sure to have a couple layers of clothing, maybe some snow pants or bibs, insulated socks and boots, hat, gloves and warm coat. Rent before you buy. There are places where anglers can rent an ice fishing house to try it out first instead of making such a large investment. Know what the ice fishing requirements are. There are several ways to access them, including mobile apps, online or download a copy from the DNR website. Early and late in the day – think sunrise and sunset – are great times to ice fish as the fish are often on the move. Early and late season can also be productive as oxygen levels are highest and fish adjust to changing seasons. Ice fishing doesn’t require a large initial investment – unless you go ahead and decide to buy a fish house right away. For the most part,
22 Winter 2020 / 2021 • Vacationer
all you need is a short rod designed for ice fishing, lures, bait and a hand auger, which are fairly affordable. If you decide that ice fishing is your sport, then you might want to
make some bigger purchases, such as a power auger, sonar unit and of course, a premium ice house. For more information on ice fishing, check the DNR’s website.
Winter 2020 / 2021 • Vacationer 23
HISTORICAL society
I
nterested in local history? Visit the Douglas County Historical Society and take a guided tour of the 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.
DOUGLAS COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
was organized in 1976 to discover, preserve and disseminate the history of the county and its people.
collection, materials for identification of significant buildings and sites in Douglas County, a vintage clothing and uniform collection, and county history books.
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.
THE OFFICE is unable to give tours at this time, but will take research requests via email at historic@dchsmn.org or by phone at (320) 762-0382. If you need to do research in person, please call ahead.
STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS are available to assist with research.
FOR MORE INFORMATION call (320) 762-0382 or visit www.dchsmn. org. For immediate needs, email brittany. johnson@dchsmn.org.
EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INCLUDE slide shows of each town in the county, oral history, interviews, a photo 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. For more information, call (320) 762-0382 or visit www.dchsmn.org.
2-6 p.m. Live music, Jackson Burns, 22 Northmen Brewery/Carlos Creek Winery Jingle Bells Telethon, Lake Geneva Christian Center
Friday, March 19 7 p.m. Douglas County Sheriff’s Posse’s annual “Country Music Spectacular” Adam Doleac, Alexandria Area High School Performing Arts Center
ALEXANDRIA area events calendar NOVEMBER 2020 Saturday, Nov. 14 2-6 p.m. Live music, Jackson Burns, 22 Northmen Brewery/Carlos Creek Winery
Saturday, Nov. 21 7:30 p.m. “A New York State of Mind,” by Mick Sterling, Central Square, 105 2nd Ave. NE, Glenwood Friday, Nov. 27 3-6 p.m. Christmas at the Fort and Lighting Ceremony, Runestone Museum and downtown Alexandria
Sunday, Dec. 6 Dickens by Candlelight, Evansville Art Center Sunday, Dec. 13 3 p.m. “The Wonder of Christmas,” Central Square, 105 2nd Ave. NE, Glenwood
APRIL 2021 Tuesday, April 6 7:30 p.m. Veritas, Central Lakes Concert Association, AAHS Performing Arts Center
Friday, Dec. 18 MAY 2021 7:30 p.m. “Christmas 2: It’s a Wonderful Nativity,” Fire Saturday, May 8 Pit Productions, Lakes Area Theatre 7:30 p.m. Josh Young and Emily Padgett, Central 9 a.m. Christmas bake sale, Runestone Museum Lakes Concert Association, AAHS Performing Arts Saturday, Nov. 28 Center Noon-6 p.m. MN Made Christmas Market, Carlos Saturday, Dec. 19 Creek Winery 7:30 p.m. “Christmas 2: It’s a Wonderful Nativity,” Fire 2-6 p.m. Live music, Jeff James, 22 Northmen BrewPit Productions, Lakes Area Theatre Please make sure to check ery/Carlos Creek Winery 2-4 p.m. Live music, Jeff James, 22 Northmen Brewfor any changes by visiting each ery/Carlos Creek Winery event’s website or the Echo Press DECEMBER 2020 website at MARCH 2021 Saturday, Dec. 5 www.echopress.com for the Thursday, March 11 10 a.m. European Christmas Market, downtown most current information. 7:30 p.m. Barron Ryan, Central Lakes Concert AssoAlexandria ciation, AAHS Performing Arts Center 24 Winter 2020 / 2021 • Vacationer
3r1
00169855
Happy Hour
SPECIALS ENJOY DISCOUNTED COCKTAILS + BEER+ APPETIZERS
3-6 & 9-CLOSE DAILY
Winter 2020 / 2021 • Vacationer 25
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! DAILY HAPPY HOUR 3-6 PM & 9-11PM LUNCH & DINNER 7 DAYS A WEEK BREAKFAST SATURDAY AND SUNDAY
Check out our FB page for daily specials! Mon.-Sat. open at 11am. Sun. open @3pm
Alexandria, MN Call 320-763-9983 www.willytsalex.com
4960 Co. Rd. 42 NE, Alexandria 1 Block North of the Carlos / L’ Homme Dieu bridge
320-846-1051 www.interlacheninn.com
Full Menu! Ribs, Broasted Chicken & Burgers! Food Served Until 11 pm Full Service Bar 115 30th Ave E, Alexandria, MN
320-763-6565 1-800-657-3294
FULL MENU FROM A VARIETY OF Appetizers to Salads, Sandwiches, Prime Rib and Steaks Fast Track Lunch Special Including Soup & Salad Bar Mon-Fri 11am-1:30pm • Over 29 varieties of tap beer • Nightly food and drink specials
26 Winter 2020 / 2021 • Vacationer
Open Daily at 11am. Lunch &
320-834-2532
Dinner Specials
Viking Plaza Mall • Alexandria • 320-762-2697
Taste of the Lakes Area
FOOD & HOSPITALITY Since 1925, Alexandria’s Recommended Family Dining
BREAKFAST SERVED ALL DAY 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
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
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
Winter 2020 / 2021 • Vacationer 27
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. For more information call (320) 7633160, 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. Winter hours are Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. November 1-March 31. The museum is closed on Sunday. Admission to the museum, located at 206 Broadway, is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors ages 65 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.
28 Winter 2020 / 2021 • Vacationer
Big Ole was created by fiberglass sculptor Gordon Schumaker of Minneapolis in April of 1965 and was transported to New York just in time for the World’s Fair. When the fair ended, Big Ole was moved to Alexandria, where he stands today. Originally placed at the north end of Broadway Street in front of the Runestone Museum, Big Ole was moved from the intersection of 3rd and Broadway to a new location one-half block north in 1980 to make way for a new stoplight. He was moved once more in 2002 to his current location at the head of the Central Lakes Trail on the south shore of Lake Agnes. Throughout the years, Big Ole’s had several repairs made and new coats of paint applied. His beard has changed from gray to yellow to brown.
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
SPECIALTY PIZZAS GARLIC TOAST T • Sandwiches WINGS & SALADS Enjoy Angelina’s • Baskets
Outdoor Patio and Rooftop Seating
• 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
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 onethird of Minnesota’s 80 mammals and more than 150 species of birds find a home either seasonally or all year long. It’s the perfect place to view loons, grebes, ducks and heron, making this a bird watcher’s paradise! You may even catch a glimpse of the beaver and deer that make their homes within the park. The park also features a year-round naturalist that leads several programs throughout the year. Winter or summer, Lake Carlos State Park is a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking, skiing and interpretive programs are just waiting for you. Paddleboat, canoes, and kayaks are available to rent during the regular season office hours May - October. In the winter, snowshoes are available for rent at the park office. A thermal flip-over style portable fish house is available to rent on Lake Carlos only. Contact the park office for current rates and availability. The park entrance, 2601 County Road 38 Northeast in Carlos, is located 10 miles north of Alexandria on State Highway 29, then two miles west on Highway 38. The best time to contact the park is 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily at (320) 852-7200. You can also email the park at lakecarlos. statepark@state.mn.us You can discover much more about Lake Carlos State Park by visiting www.dnr.state. mn.us/state_parks/lake_carlos/
STAY SAFE DURING DEER HUNT The park will host an annual deer hunt November 7-10 to help control the population and maintain herd health. Most or all of the park will remain open to non-hunters during the hunt. If you will be in the park on these dates, wear brightly colored clothing and be sure to check the hunt map so you can avoid the areas being hunted.
COMING TO THE PARK? PLAN AHEAD. Buy your vehicle permit in advance to minimize person-to-person contact. Record your confirmation number and place it on your car’s dashboard. If you’ll be skiing on groomed trails, buy your ski pass in advance too. ARRIVE PREPARED. Buildings and warming shelters may not be open. Dress appropriately for the weather, and bring extra supplies with you. FOLLOW THE RULES. Continue to follow all COVID-related guidance. Pay attention to signs, stay home if you feel sick, and practice social distancing – even outdoors. BATHROOMS/SHOWERS/ VAULT TOILETS Sanitation buildings in the Lower and Upper Campgrounds are closed for the season. Vault toilets are available throughout the park. The beach sanitation building is closed under further notice.
CAMPING Upper and Lower Campgrounds, Lakeview Group Camp, Pioneer Group Camp and the Equestrian Campgrounds are all open and scheduled to close for the season on Monday, November 23, weather depending. Due to the recent snow, the campgrounds/sites are not plowed out at this time. All four camper cabins (Eagle, Loon, Raccoon, Frog) now open. Hidden Lake Group Center is closed until further notice. WATER There is a frost free water spigot at the Visitor Center in front of the solar panel. BUILDINGS The Ranger Station service window is open depending on staff availability; permits, firewood and ice may be purchased from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. The beach and lakeview picnic shelters are closed until further notice. The Interpretive Center is closed until further notice and programs are canceled.
OTHER SERVICES The RV dump and fill station is closed for the season. There will be no rentals until further notice. GET IN TOUCH Call (320) 852-7200 between 9 a.m.-4 p.m. for more info or email lakecarlos.statepark@state.mn.us.
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.
30 Winter 2020 / 2021 • Vacationer
www.willytsalex.com DAILY HAPPY HOUR 3-6 PM & 9-11PM
LUNCH & DINNER 7 DAYS A WEEK
BREAKFAST ONLY SERVED SATURDAY AND SUNDAYS
In the heart of the beautiful Alexandria lakes area... • Farm Fresh Menu • Home Inspired Items • Rustic Décor • One of Alexandria’s Newest Restaurants
320.763.6577 Hwy 29 S and I-94 Alexandria
The Holiday Inn in Alexandria is a full service hotel with a casual resort like atmosphere. This comfortable setting makes us an ideal destination for relaxing getaways, business travel, or your next company meeting. • 148 guest rooms with new 40” flat screen TVs, fridge & microwave • Huge recreation area with large indoor • Fitness center pool, wading pool, whirlpool & sauna • Restaurant connected to Hotel Winter 2020 / 2021 • Vacationer 31
IS LOCATED ALONG CENTRAL LAKES DATA TRAIL.
Cabin D elivery Availab le MONDAY THRU
HAS GREAT SNACKS FOR THE FISHHOUSE
FRIDAY thego@ 8 AM-2PM. rea-alp.c om • BAKER Y • CHEES ES • DAIRY • ELDEN • DELI ’S SMOK • FLORA EHOUSE • FROZE L • HEALTH N FOOD & BEAUT Y • M EAT • NATUR AL AND • PRODU ORGANIC • SEAFO CE OD Email ord
ers to on
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.
