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

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June 3, 2026 / Kimberly Albert
A woman in a sunhat relaxes on a beach chair with a book and a drink as people play in the lake behind her. Text reads: "Lake Country Summer Bucket List—Savor the Season." Blue sky with clouds overhead.

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 Ice Cream Company
    Nothing says summer like a scoop of ice cream on a warm, sunny day. Stop by Up North Ice Cream Company 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. Celebrate Independence Day at Arrowood Resort
    Pack a blanket, find a spot along the shore or head out on the water for the Star Storm Fireworks Show at Arrowwood Resort. This Fourth of July tradition lights up the sky over Lake Darling with a dazzling display reflected across the water.
  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. Float along the Long Prairie River
    Spend an afternoon tubing down the Long Prairie River and enjoying a slower pace of life.
  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.

Three women and a young girl stand and chat, smiling, at an outdoor event with a crowd seated in lawn chairs near a lake. A stage and screen are visible in the background. The weather is sunny and warm.
Live Music at Brophy Park
Three women are paddleboarding on a calm lake under a blue sky with scattered clouds, surrounded by green trees. One woman in front is smiling and wearing sunglasses.
Paddle Across a Lake at Sunrise
Four pizzas with different toppings, including pepperoni and jalapeños, artichoke and olives, banana peppers and cilantro, and a green herb pizza, arranged on parchment paper on a wooden table.
Lakeside Pizza at Zorbaz
Two people wearing helmets ride bicycles with baskets along a paved road, surrounded by green trees and foliage in Lake Country, savoring the season on a sunny day—a perfect entry for any Summer Bucket List.
Bike the Central Lakes Trail
A person sitting cross-legged on a blue yoga mat outdoors on green grass, with their hand resting on their knee in a meditation pose. The background is blurred with trees and foliage.
Wellness Club at Carlos Creek Winery
An airplane with a red underside flies through a clear blue sky, leaving a thick white smoke trail behind it.
Wings Over Alexandria
A marching band in black and white uniforms plays brass instruments while walking in a parade on a city street, with spectators sitting along the sidewalk and a large tan brick building in the background.
Vikingland Band Festival
Aerial view of six blue and green tennis courts arranged in two rows of three, with several people playing or standing on the courts. Grass and paths surround the courts on two sides.
Pickleball at City Park
A person swings a golf club on a sunny, green Lake Country golf course, while another stands nearby holding a club. Trees and blue sky with scattered clouds are visible in the background—perfect for your Summer Bucket List.
Golf the Chain of Links

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