Summer Activities in the Lakes Area that are Socially Distant … by Nature!
June 3, 2020 // James Feist
Summer may be a little different this year due to the unprecedented times we are living in, but we can still enjoy activities in the outdoors to have fun, make memories and relieve some stress. A getaway to lakes country may be just what you need, when the time is right for you. The Alexandria Lakes Area is known for our opportunities in the great outdoors, which makes it possible to have lots of fun while maintaining social distancing. Additionally, businesses and lodging properties have put enhanced cleaning protocols in place as well as other precautions for heightened safety due to the COVID-19 pandemic. More info on COVID-19 & Travel HERE.
To help you explore Alexandria this summer in a time of social distancing, here is a list of activities waiting for you when you are ready to travel once again:
1. Cruise the Scenic Byway
Cruise the Trail of the Glacier! The Glacial Ridge Scenic Byway is your window into the Ice Age of the past! The rolling hills, lakes and surrounding landscapes of the area were formed by an ancient glacier that advanced and retreated over the span of 75,000-10,000 years ago. Ride the ridge by motorcycle, bicycle or in the comfort of an automobile. This officially designated Minnesota State Byway is over 220 miles of beautiful rural routes through rolling hills, lakes, woods, prairies and farmlands. There are several scenic loops and dozens of side trips along the way. The route can start in Alexandria and goes through many other towns, spanning a course of 5 counties, 4 State Parks and a birding trail.
2. Take a Picture with Big Ole
Getting a photo with Big Ole should always be on the to-do list! Ole stands guard at Big Ole Central Park at the trailhead of the Central Lakes Trail. You can even check out his webcam before you go!
3. Paddle a Lake Chain
Explore multiple lakes on a chain without getting out of the water! A smaller lake chain just west of town is perfect for canoes, kayaks and SUPs which includes Lake Cowdry, Lake Jessie, North Union Lake, Lake Taylor, Lake Stony and Lake Brophy. If you need a watercraft to rent, click here.
4. Picnic in a Park
Plentiful parks in the area have lots of good spots for a picnic. You can also make it very easy by grabbing takeout at one of our local restaurants! Find a list of parks HERE.
5. Water Fun on the Lakes
Everything from waterskiing, tubing, wakeboarding, wake surfing, jet skiing and more! Always a blast for the family or a group of friends, and many resorts & vacation homes have boats and equipment for guests. There are additional rental opportunities here.
6. Ride the Central Lakes Trail
Whether you’re riding a bike, longboarding, walking, rollerblading or jogging, the Central Lakes State Trail is paved paradise! Built on an abandoned railroad line, users are treated with flat trails that meander through beautiful landscapes. The trail spans a total of 55 miles from Fergus Falls to Osakis, where it connects to the Lake Wobegon Trail giving a cumulative span of a continuous 120 miles of paved trails. Alexandria has a wonderful stretch of trail surrounding the city with Big Ole Central Park serving as the main trailhead for the area. From there you’ll be able to adventure through many areas of beautiful woods and pass by 9 lakes within a 4 mile radius of the trailhead!
7. Take a Hike
“I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than the trees.” –H. Thoreau. Taking a hike in the woods is always fulfilling. Hiking enthusiasts can explore over 50 miles of great wooded hiking trails in the lakes area! A few of our favorites include Lake Carlos State Park, Kensington Runestone Park, Glacial Lakes State Park, Spruce Hill Park and Lake Brophy Park. Happy trails!
8. Kensington Runestone Park
The most unique piece of Alexandria Lakes Area history is the discovery of the Kensington Runestone. A visit to Runestone Park will take you to the discovery site of the artifact, along with an interpretive history display inside the visitor center. The park also has fantastic trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding!
9. Fish for Numerous Species in Area Lakes
Since the Alexandria Lakes Area has more than 350 lakes, it’s no surprise that we are a fishing hot spot! Whether you are casting for sunnies from shore, landing a massive musky, pulling in large bass or jigging for walleye….the opportunities are endless! Find more fishing resources and up-to-date info in our Fishing Guide.
10. Trek up to Inspiration Peak
Inspiration Peak is located 25 miles northwest of town, and is a relatively easy 1/4 mile hike to the top. The hill is kame (pile of glacial sediments) left by the last glacial period and is the highest peak within the glacial-formed Leaf Hill Moraines. Being among one of the highest points in the state of Minnesota, this wayside park is a must see for anyone who appreciates natural wonders. The peak rises 400 feet over the surrounding countryside to an elevation of 1,750 ft. A quote by the well-known regional author Sinclair Lewis sums up Inspiration Peak : “there’s to be seen a glorious 20-mile circle of some 50 lakes scattered among fields and pastures, like sequins fallen on an old paisley shawl.”
11. Hit the Beach
If it’s summertime, it’s beach time! Take a swim, build a sandcastle and get some sun! If you’re not staying at a resort or vacation home with a private beach, there is plenty of room for everyone at one of the area’s 7 public beaches.
12. Chain of Links Golf Trail
Fore! Summer means it’s time to hit the links. With over 150 holes to play on the Chain of Links Golf Trail, you’ll be busy for quite a while! Plus, visitors get 10% off golf & cart at participating courses! Click HERE for more info.
13. Stand Up Paddle Boarding
Glide across the water, whether it’s in a bay or a lake chain! An easy and convenient way to give it a try is to rent them right on the bay of Lake Le Homme Dieu at Lure LakeBar or Zorbaz, or on Lake Carlos at Lake Carlos Marina. For more experienced paddlers, test your skills at the annual Big Ole SUP-athon!
14. A Walk through Noonan Park
It’s a treasure in the middle of the city. Noonan Park has been making memories for decades with its beautiful atmosphere, walking paths, flower gardens, ice skating in the winter, the iconic yellow duck house and a multitude of birds. A favorite pastime at the park is feeding the ducks and geese, but please don’t give them bread. Contrary to popular practices, feeding bread to the wildlife is both bad for the birds as well as the water quality. Instead, try feeding them bird seeds, thawed frozen peas, corn, oats or chopped lettuce. They will love you for it!
15. Mountain Biking
Enjoy a nice summer’s day on the trails! Mountain bike trails are located at Kensington Runestone Park and Lake Brophy Park.
16. Boat Cruise on the Chain of Lakes
Hit the chain of lakes on a boat or pontoon, dock at a lakeside restaurant for outdoor dining or takeout and enjoy the beautiful scenery! The larger chain around the city includes Lake Carlos, Lake Darling, Lake Le Homme Dieu, Lake Geneva, and Lake Victoria. The perfect way to experience a lakes country summer! Watercraft rentals can be found HERE.
17. Explore Lake Carlos State Park
Lake Carlos State Park has 1,231 acres of beautiful landscape that sits in the hardwood transitional zone between the prairies to the southwest and the coniferous forests of the northeast. The park’s glacial topography allows visitors to explore dense forest through rolling hills, woodland ponds, marshes, wet meadows and lakes. There are over 14 miles of trails, picnic areas, swimming beach and more! The park makes your adventure easy by offering great amenities including canoe rental, boat dock, paddleboat rentals, fishing kits, children’s discovery kits, educational programming and lots of special events throughout the year.
18. Lakes Country Sunset & Sunrise
There is always something magical about them. Need we say more?
19. Enjoy the Wide Open Space
Sometimes the simple things in life are some of the best….like this stunning view at Lake Brophy Park.
20. Evening by Fire
Nothing quite like a calm summer night around a fire!
Summer may be a little different this year due to the unprecedented times we are living in, but we can still enjoy activities in the outdoors to have fun, make memories and relieve some stress. A getaway to lakes country may be just what you need, when the time is right for you. The Alexandria Lakes Area is known for our opportunities in the great outdoors, which makes it possible to have lots of fun while maintaining social distancing. Additionally, businesses and lodging properties have put enhanced cleaning protocols in place as well as other precautions for heightened safety due to the COVID-19 pandemic. More info on COVID-19 & Travel HERE.
To help you explore Alexandria this summer in a time of social distancing, here is a list of activities waiting for you when you are ready to travel once again:
1. Cruise the Scenic Byway
Cruise the Trail of the Glacier! The Glacial Ridge Scenic Byway is your window into the Ice Age of the past! The rolling hills, lakes and surrounding landscapes of the area were formed by an ancient glacier that advanced and retreated over the span of 75,000-10,000 years ago. Ride the ridge by motorcycle, bicycle or in the comfort of an automobile. This officially designated Minnesota State Byway is over 220 miles of beautiful rural routes through rolling hills, lakes, woods, prairies and farmlands. There are several scenic loops and dozens of side trips along the way. The route can start in Alexandria and goes through many other towns, spanning a course of 5 counties, 4 State Parks and a birding trail.
2. Take a Picture with Big Ole
Getting a photo with Big Ole should always be on the to-do list! Ole stands guard at Big Ole Central Park at the trailhead of the Central Lakes Trail. You can even check out his webcam before you go!
3. Paddle a Lake Chain
Explore multiple lakes on a chain without getting out of the water! A smaller lake chain just west of town is perfect for canoes, kayaks and SUPs which includes Lake Cowdry, Lake Jessie, North Union Lake, Lake Taylor, Lake Stony and Lake Brophy. If you need a watercraft to rent, click here.
4. Picnic in a Park
Plentiful parks in the area have lots of good spots for a picnic. You can also make it very easy by grabbing takeout at one of our local restaurants! Find a list of parks HERE.
5. Water Fun on the Lakes
Everything from waterskiing, tubing, wakeboarding, wake surfing, jet skiing and more! Always a blast for the family or a group of friends, and many resorts & vacation homes have boats and equipment for guests. There are additional rental opportunities here.
6. Ride the Central Lakes Trail
Whether you’re riding a bike, longboarding, walking, rollerblading or jogging, the Central Lakes State Trail is paved paradise! Built on an abandoned railroad line, users are treated with flat trails that meander through beautiful landscapes. The trail spans a total of 55 miles from Fergus Falls to Osakis, where it connects to the Lake Wobegon Trail giving a cumulative span of a continuous 120 miles of paved trails. Alexandria has a wonderful stretch of trail surrounding the city with Big Ole Central Park serving as the main trailhead for the area. From there you’ll be able to adventure through many areas of beautiful woods and pass by 9 lakes within a 4 mile radius of the trailhead!
7. Take a Hike
“I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than the trees.” –H. Thoreau. Taking a hike in the woods is always fulfilling. Hiking enthusiasts can explore over 50 miles of great wooded hiking trails in the lakes area! A few of our favorites include Lake Carlos State Park, Kensington Runestone Park, Glacial Lakes State Park, Spruce Hill Park and Lake Brophy Park. Happy trails!
8. Kensington Runestone Park
The most unique piece of Alexandria Lakes Area history is the discovery of the Kensington Runestone. A visit to Runestone Park will take you to the discovery site of the artifact, along with an interpretive history display inside the visitor center. The park also has fantastic trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding!
9. Fish for Numerous Species in Area Lakes
Since the Alexandria Lakes Area has more than 350 lakes, it’s no surprise that we are a fishing hot spot! Whether you are casting for sunnies from shore, landing a massive musky, pulling in large bass or jigging for walleye….the opportunities are endless! Find more fishing resources and up-to-date info in our Fishing Guide.
10. Trek up to Inspiration Peak
Inspiration Peak is located 25 miles northwest of town, and is a relatively easy 1/4 mile hike to the top. The hill is kame (pile of glacial sediments) left by the last glacial period and is the highest peak within the glacial-formed Leaf Hill Moraines. Being among one of the highest points in the state of Minnesota, this wayside park is a must see for anyone who appreciates natural wonders. The peak rises 400 feet over the surrounding countryside to an elevation of 1,750 ft. A quote by the well-known regional author Sinclair Lewis sums up Inspiration Peak : “there’s to be seen a glorious 20-mile circle of some 50 lakes scattered among fields and pastures, like sequins fallen on an old paisley shawl.”
11. Hit the Beach
If it’s summertime, it’s beach time! Take a swim, build a sandcastle and get some sun! If you’re not staying at a resort or vacation home with a private beach, there is plenty of room for everyone at one of the area’s 7 public beaches.
12. Chain of Links Golf Trail
Fore! Summer means it’s time to hit the links. With over 150 holes to play on the Chain of Links Golf Trail, you’ll be busy for quite a while! Plus, visitors get 10% off golf & cart at participating courses! Click HERE for more info.
13. Stand Up Paddle Boarding
Glide across the water, whether it’s in a bay or a lake chain! An easy and convenient way to give it a try is to rent them right on the bay of Lake Le Homme Dieu at Lure LakeBar or Zorbaz, or on Lake Carlos at Lake Carlos Marina. For more experienced paddlers, test your skills at the annual Big Ole SUP-athon!
14. A Walk through Noonan Park
It’s a treasure in the middle of the city. Noonan Park has been making memories for decades with its beautiful atmosphere, walking paths, flower gardens, ice skating in the winter, the iconic yellow duck house and a multitude of birds. A favorite pastime at the park is feeding the ducks and geese, but please don’t give them bread. Contrary to popular practices, feeding bread to the wildlife is both bad for the birds as well as the water quality. Instead, try feeding them bird seeds, thawed frozen peas, corn, oats or chopped lettuce. They will love you for it!
15. Mountain Biking
Enjoy a nice summer’s day on the trails! Mountain bike trails are located at Kensington Runestone Park and Lake Brophy Park.
16. Boat Cruise on the Chain of Lakes
Hit the chain of lakes on a boat or pontoon, dock at a lakeside restaurant for outdoor dining or takeout and enjoy the beautiful scenery! The larger chain around the city includes Lake Carlos, Lake Darling, Lake Le Homme Dieu, Lake Geneva, and Lake Victoria. The perfect way to experience a lakes country summer! Watercraft rentals can be found HERE.
17. Explore Lake Carlos State Park
Lake Carlos State Park has 1,231 acres of beautiful landscape that sits in the hardwood transitional zone between the prairies to the southwest and the coniferous forests of the northeast. The park’s glacial topography allows visitors to explore dense forest through rolling hills, woodland ponds, marshes, wet meadows and lakes. There are over 14 miles of trails, picnic areas, swimming beach and more! The park makes your adventure easy by offering great amenities including canoe rental, boat dock, paddleboat rentals, fishing kits, children’s discovery kits, educational programming and lots of special events throughout the year.
18. Lakes Country Sunset & Sunrise
There is always something magical about them. Need we say more?
19. Enjoy the Wide Open Space
Sometimes the simple things in life are some of the best….like this stunning view at Lake Brophy Park.
20. Evening by Fire
Nothing quite like a calm summer night around a fire!
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