Lake Country Summer Bucket List: 25 Ways to Savor the Season

Memorial Day is in the rearview mirror, school is out, and summer has arrived in Minnesota’s lake country.

With more than 300 lakes, endless outdoor recreation and a calendar full of events, the Alexandria lakes area is made for long days on the water, outdoor adventures and memorable experiences with family and friends.

Whether you’re in town for a weekend or the entire season, we’ve rounded up 25 ways to savor summer:

1. Enjoy live music under an open sky
   Pack a lawn chair or blanket and head to Summer Sounds by Brophy. Set on the picturesque shores of Lake Brophy, this free concert series features live music, food trucks and sweeping lake and prairie views.
2. Paddle across a lake at sunrise
   Enjoy a peaceful start to the day by paddling across one of Alexandria’s 300 lakes. Rent a kayak or paddleboard at Hangloose MN or bring your own.
3. Bike the Central Lakes State Trail
   Stretching through the heart of lake country, the Central Lakes State Trail offers miles of scenic riding for cyclists of all abilities and ages.
4. Cool off with ice cream from Up North Creamery
   Nothing says summer like a scoop of ice cream on a warm, sunny day. Stop by Up North Creamery for a sweet treat after a day on the lake, trail or links.
5. Browse the Saturday Farmers Market and Art Market
   Spend a Saturday morning shopping for fresh produce, baked goods, handmade items and local artwork while supporting area farmers, makers and artists.
6. Watch an outdoor movie at the Long Drive-In
   Watching a movie under the stars is a summer tradition that never goes out of style. Load up the car, grab some popcorn and enjoy a nostalgic evening at the Long Drive-In.
7. Find a new beach read at Cherry Street Books
   Before heading to the lake, stop into Cherry Street Books and pick up a novel for the dock, beach or hammock.
8. Bring the kids to the Aagard Splash Pad
   The Aagard Splash Pad and Viking Bank Playground at Fillmore Park offer a fun space for families to cool off and play on a hot summer day.
9. Enjoy lakeside pizza at Zorbaz
   Summer and patio dining go hand in hand. Pull up by boat or car, grab a table overlooking the water and enjoy one of Alexandria’s quintessential summer spots.
10. Explore Lake Carlos State Park
    Hike wooded trails, relax on the beach, paddle the lake, enjoy a picnic or spend a night under the stars at one of Minnesota’s most beautiful state parks.
11. Join a Summer Wellness Club class at Carlos Creek Winery
    Take time to recharge with outdoor yoga, Pilates or sound healing classes surrounded by vineyard views.
12. Spend an afternoon shopping Downtown Alexandria
    Browse locally owned boutiques, specialty shops, restaurants, art galleries and more in charming Downtown Alexandria.
13. Tee off on the Chain of Links Golf Trail
    With nine courses throughout the Alexandria lakes area, the Chain of Links Golf Trail offers scenic fairways and plenty of opportunities to play a round.
14. Pick berries at Country Blossom Farm
    Few summer traditions are sweeter than filling a bucket with berries on a warm afternoon. Don’t forget to stop by the bakery while you’re there.
15. Visit the gardens at Legacy of the Lakes Museum
    Take a stroll through the beautiful gardens and grounds before heading inside to learn about the area’s rich lake history.
16. Watch the Vikingland Band Festival parade down Broadway
    This beloved festival features marching bands from across Minnesota, filling Downtown Alexandria with music, community spirit and a little nostalgia on June 28.
17. Attend Wings Over Alexandria
    See incredible aerial performances, explore aircraft displays and enjoy a day of family-friendly fun at the Alexandria Regional Airport on Aug. 15.
18. View local fine art at Ida Graves Distillery
    This summer, Ida Graves Distillery and the Alexandria Area Arts Guild are partnering to showcase local artists. Stop in to view the artwork, enjoy a handcrafted cocktail and support local artists.
19. Spend the day at Le Homme Dieu Beach
    Some of the best summer memories are also the simplest. Set out a beach chair, swim with the kids, grab a treat from Trio Treats and enjoy a carefree summer day.
20. Go fishing for bass and walleyes
    Cast a line on one of Alexandria’s legendary lakes. They’re always biting somewhere.
21. Experience the Douglas County Fair
    Grab a corn dog, stroll the midway, pet the goats and take in one of Alexandria’s oldest summer traditions.
22. Play pickleball at City Park
    One of the fastest-growing sports in the country, pickleball is a fun way to stay active and enjoy a summer day with friends and family.
23. Go tubing on the Long Prairie River
    Spend a summer afternoon floating the Long Prairie River and enjoying a slower pace of life on the water.
24. Drive the Glacial Ridge Scenic Byway
    Roll down the windows and explore the lakes, rolling hills, prairie landscapes and charming communities that make west-central Minnesota unique.
25. Attend a performance at Theatre L’Homme Dieu
    From professional theatre productions to live concerts and special events, Theatre L’Homme Dieu has been a summer tradition in the Alexandria lakes area for more than 65 years.

Bonus: Take a photo with Big Ole in Downtown Alexandria
No visit to Alexandria is complete without a stop at Big Ole, the city’s iconic Viking statue on Broadway. Snap a photo and check one of Minnesota’s most recognizable roadside attractions off your summer bucket list.

How many will you check off?

Summer has a way of moving quickly. Use this bucket list as inspiration to explore somewhere new or revisit an old favorite.

For even more ideas, browse our events calendar and download the visitor guide.