Alexandria Area’s Winter Activities in the Great Outdoors

November 12, 2021    //    James Feist

lake carlos winter 2016 ski

Most of us know how AMAZING summer and autumn is in Alexandria, Minnesota. Outdoor adventures are plentiful with more than 300 lakes, numerous public parks and miles and miles of different types of trails. Just as the seasons turn and change, so does the many changing faces of all that outdoor fun! You’ll be amazed at the unique opportunities Winter possesses in Alexandria, MN and you’ll see why Alexandria was voted Minnesota’s Best Town! Here is a list of some great ideas to get outside and explore winter in the Alexandria Lakes Area!

1. Ice Skating

ice skating noonan park
Photo by John Magnoski

Take a leisurely glide on the ice or get in the action with a friendly game of hockey on one of the outdoor rinks in the area! Enjoy the charm of Noonan Park  and a skating area on Lake Darling.  Ice skate rentals are available at Cowing Robards.


2. Snowshoeing

lake-carlos-winter-snowshoe-2016
Photo by James Feist

Snowshoeing has been around for 5,000 years as a very effective means to walk on top of snow. It’s a great way to enjoy a beautiful winter day by getting to places that may be difficult to explore any other time of year..like wooded hills, lakes and wetland marshes. Some fun locations to snowshoe are frozen lakes, Kensington Runestone Park and Lake Carlos State Park. (make sure that ice conditions are good enough to walk on area lakes if you plan to do so, and should stay off groomed trails for cross country skiing).


3. Ice Fishing

ice fishing pic
Photo by John Magnoski

You definitely don’t need open water to have an amazing time fishing on Alexandria area lakes! Imagine this…it’s a chilly winter day and your family or group of friends are all sitting around in t-shirts in a warm ice fishing shelter playing cards, enjoying each other’s company and fishing for the big one on a frozen lake! It wouldn’t even matter if you caught anything, but luckily the area’s lakes are known for great fishing across numerous species. Keep checking our Fishing Resources page for fishing reports and updates on ice conditions. If you need to rent an ice house or any other equipment, visit the Ice Fishing tab in our Winter Guide. There are also area guides you can hire to guarantee good luck! You can find a listing of those guides here. (always use extreme caution and ensure ice conditions are favorable for your plans).


4. Downhill Skiing, Snowboarding and Tubing

blog winter andes stitch
Photos by Andes Tower Hills

Andes Tower Hills has endless fun for everyone, regardless of your experience level. Lessons and rentals available on site, and there is always good snow with their snow making machines regardless of the season’s snowfall totals.


5. Make a Snow Angel

snow angel
Photo by James Feist

Ahh, yes. The simple pleasures in life. C’mon, you know you want to!


6. Cross Country Skiing

cross country skiing pic
Photo by John Magnoski

A great way to get outside and get your body moving! Enjoy groomed Cross Country Ski trails at numerous locations including Lake Carlos State Park, Andes Tower Hills (rentals available), Spruce Hill Park, Kensington Runestone Park, Lake Brophy Park and Glacial Lakes State Park (ungroomed trails).


7. Candlelight Events at Lake Carlos State Park

candlelight stitch
Photos by James Feist

Sometimes, nothing can be as beautiful as darkness. If you’ve never experienced a candlelight event at a State Park, you are definitely missing out! These special and very unique events offer a fantastic way to explore in the winter while enjoying the moon and the stars. Hundreds of candle luminaries light your path as you hike, ski or snowshoe (depending on snow levels) through trails in the park. There is a warming house and fires along the way to enjoy warmth, snacks and a hot beverage. The events are held at Lake Carlos State Park . Due to COVID-19, these events may not take place. Check the state park website for updates.


8. Snowmobiling on the DATA trails

snowmobile on trail
Photo by James Feist

The Douglas Area Trails Association maintains 368 miles of groomed snowmobile trails around Alexandria and Douglas County. They also connect with other area trails that totals over 500 miles in west central Minnesota’s Hardwood Hills and River Prairie landscapes. Snowmobile rentals are available at Arrowwood Snow Center. Check here for trail conditions and closures.


9. Fat Tire Biking

fat tire biking on trail
Photo by John Magnoski

Biking is not just for spring, summer and fall anymore! Keep pedaling all through the winter on a fat tire bike! Alexandria has many locations to enjoy this activity including on the trails at Kensington Runestone Park , Lake Brophy Park or on one of our frozen lakes (ensure good ice conditions before venturing out)


10. Sledding

sledding-hill

An all-time favorite for all ages! Slide down a hill on a sled, toboggan, tube or snowboard on one of the area’s groomed sledding hills. Available at Lake Carlos State Park, Lake Brophy Park, Kensington Runestone Park and Andes Tower Hills.


11. Finish your Adventure with a Hot Meal

IMG_7294

You deserve to indulge! After a day of outdoor exploring, nothing can beat a nice hot meal at one of our area restaurants. We have plenty of unique local restaurants and excellent lodging accommodations to ensure some cozy rest after your adventure. Due to COVID-19, restaurants may be limited to take-out only, or have seating limits to ensure safe distancing. You can always get takeout or delivery!

 

I’ll see you outside this winter! Have fun, stay connected and keep Exploring!

SHARE THIS

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

James Feist

Get Connected

Area Lodging

Cedar Rose Inn B&B

Bed & Breakfasts

best western

Hotels & Motels

brophy lake resort

Resorts

Graystone House

Vacation Homes

Stay Updated

Sign up for monthly updates on activities, events and more to help you explore the Alexandria Lakes Area! 

WELCOME,

Enjoy luxury, exclusivity and discretion

NOW TREAT YOURSELF!

Get 25% Off & Free Shipping On Your First Order. Enter Code WELL25SPE