Things to Do in Alexandria MN
Wondering what to do in Alexandria Minnesota on your next visit? This simple Alexandria MN visitor guide highlights local favorites, seasonal fun, and family activities Alexandria MN visitors can enjoy in every season. From lakes and trails to shops, wineries, and winter recreation, you’ll find plenty of Alexandria Minnesota things to see and do.
1. Explore the Chain of Lakes
One of the classic things to do in Alexandria MN is spending time on the water. The Chain of Lakes is perfect for swimming, boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding on warm days. Visitors can enjoy sandy public beaches, sunset views, and easy lake access that make this an essential stop on any Alexandria MN tourism guide.
2. Stroll Downtown Alexandria Shops & Restaurants
If you’re asking what to do in Alexandria Minnesota on a cloudy or cooler day, head downtown. Browse local boutiques, grab coffee or ice cream, and try one of the local restaurants or breweries. This walkable area gives visitors an easy way to experience Alexandria MN local activities without leaving town.
3. Visit Carlos Creek Winery & 22 Northmen Brewing
A popular highlight in many Alexandria MN visitor guide lists, Carlos Creek Winery and 22 Northmen Brewing offer tastings, brick-oven pizza, events, and live music. It’s a relaxed spot to gather with friends or family, enjoy the scenery, and add something special to your list of Alexandria Minnesota things to see.
4. See the Runestone Museum & Big Ole the Viking
For family-friendly places to visit in Alexandria MN, the Runestone Museum and Big Ole Statue are must-see attractions. Learn the story behind the Kensington Runestone, explore regional history, and grab a picture with the towering Viking that has become one of the signature Alexandria Minnesota things to see.
5. Hike & Relax at Lake Carlos State Park
Lake Carlos State Park offers some of the best Alexandria MN outdoor recreation. In the warmer months you’ll find swimming, hiking, picnics, and camping. In the winter, visitors enjoy snowshoeing and cross-country skiing through peaceful snow-covered trails, making it a great option for all-season Alexandria MN local activities.
6. Play a Round at Alexandria Area Golf Courses
In the spring, summer, and fall, golfing is one of the most relaxing things to do in Alexandria MN. Courses such as Arrowwood and Geneva offer tree-lined fairways, water views, and options for both casual and experienced players. It’s a scenic way to spend a day outdoors.
7. Enjoy Summer Festivals & Community Events
When the weather warms up, Alexandria’s calendar fills with art fairs, live music, winery events, and the county fair. These festivals belong on any Alexandria MN tourism guide because they combine food, local vendors, and family activities Alexandria MN visitors love.
8. Try Ice Fishing & Snowmobiling in Winter
When the lakes freeze, winter becomes one of the most unique seasons for Alexandria MN outdoor recreation. Try guided ice fishing on local lakes or explore the area’s snowmobile trails. These cold-weather adventures give visitors a different way to answer the question: what to do in Alexandria Minnesota in winter?
9. Visit the Arrowwood Resort Indoor Waterpark
Looking for year-round family activities Alexandria MN visitors can enjoy? Arrowwood Resort’s indoor waterpark is a favorite with kids and parents alike. Slides, pools, and splash areas make it a great option on rainy days, chilly evenings, or winter weekends.
10. Walk or Bike the Central Lakes Trail
The Central Lakes Trail is a paved path stretching through scenic countryside and small towns. It’s one of the best places to visit in Alexandria MN for walking, biking, jogging, and casual sightseeing. In spring and fall, it’s a beautiful way to enjoy Alexandria MN local activities and the changing seasons at a slower pace.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer stay, this page gives you a quick Alexandria MN visitor guide with easy ideas for things to do in Alexandria MN. From lakes and trails to wineries, museums, and family activities Alexandria MN visitors love, you’ll find options for every season and every pace.
Use this list as your personal Alexandria MN tourism guide as you explore local shops, seasonal festivals, and Alexandria MN outdoor recreation. Mix and match activities so your trip includes relaxing lake time, a bit of small-town charm downtown, and a few memorable Alexandria Minnesota things to see along the way.
- Get inspired with practical ideas for what to do in Alexandria Minnesota.
- Pick a few places to visit in Alexandria MN that match your schedule.
- Fill in extra time with easy Alexandria MN local activities near your hotel or cabin.
Flying into MSP and then heading to Alexandria? Citywide offers private, flat-rate transportation between Alexandria and Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport. After you plan your things to do in Alexandria MN, you can arrange your Alexandria ⇄ MSP Airport transportation here so getting to and from town is just as simple as planning your activities.
Things to Do in Alexandria MN – FAQs
What are the must-see things to do in Alexandria MN?
Some of the most popular things to do in Alexandria MN include enjoying the Chain of Lakes, visiting downtown shops and restaurants, exploring Carlos Creek Winery and 22 Northmen Brewing, seeing the Runestone Museum and Big Ole Viking statue, and walking or biking the Central Lakes Trail. These highlights give first-time visitors a quick start on what to do in Alexandria Minnesota.
Are there good family activities in Alexandria MN?
Yes. There are plenty of family activities Alexandria MN visitors enjoy, such as lake days at public beaches, easy hiking at Lake Carlos State Park, museums and Big Ole photo stops, the Arrowwood indoor waterpark, and seasonal festivals. Many of these Alexandria MN local activities are simple to reach from hotels, cabins, and vacation rentals.
What outdoor recreation is available around Alexandria MN?
This area is known for Alexandria MN outdoor recreation: boating, fishing, swimming, and paddling in summer; hiking and camping at Lake Carlos State Park; plus snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing in winter. If you’re building an Alexandria MN tourism guide for your trip, plan at least one day outside enjoying the lakes and trails.
What can I do in Alexandria MN during winter?
If you’re wondering what to do in Alexandria Minnesota in winter, consider guided ice fishing, snowmobiling, snowy walks at Lake Carlos State Park, the Arrowwood indoor waterpark, and cozy downtown dining or shopping. These cold-weather options give you a mix of Alexandria Minnesota things to see indoors and outdoors.
Is this page a good Alexandria MN visitor and tourism guide?
Yes. This page is designed as a quick Alexandria MN visitor guide so you can skim ideas and build your own itinerary. It combines places to visit in Alexandria MN, easy Alexandria MN local activities, family activities Alexandria MN, and seasonal Alexandria MN outdoor recreation into one simple overview.
How do I get between MSP Airport and all these things to do in Alexandria MN?
If you’re flying into Minneapolis–St. Paul and then heading to Alexandria, Citywide offers private Alexandria ⇄ MSP rides with flat-rate pricing. That makes it easier to enjoy the things to do in Alexandria MN on this page without worrying about rental cars or driving after a long travel day. You can learn more on our Alexandria MSP Airport Transportation hub page.
Alexandria ⇄ MSP Route Pages
Choose a private ride route between Alexandria, Minneapolis, and MSP Airport:
- 🚗 Alexandria MSP Airport Transportation
- ✈️ Alexandria to MSP – Private Airport Transportation & Flat-Rate Car Service
- 📊 Alexandria Corporate Airport Transportation
- 🎓 Alexandria MN College & Student Airport Transportation
- 🚌 Alexandria MN Group Private Transportation
- 🚘 Alexandria MN Long-Distance Private Car Service
- 🩺 Alexandria MN Non-Emergency Medical Transportation
- 💍 Alexandria MN Wedding & Event Transportation
- 🛬 Alexandria Private Airport Transportation
- ❓ Alexandria MN Transportation FAQ
