Alexandria MN Attractions
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.
PLAN
Number
minutes
Price
Price for 1 minute
Your text
Basic Car Service
To From MSP Pricing
$380
Daytime Rides (8am to 8pm)
for 1 - 3 people
Gratuity not included
-
Prices DO NOT Include a Driver Gratuity
Request pricing over 3
*(8pm to 8am)
After Hours
$455
Zone 16
Black Car Service
To From MSP Pricing
$455
Daytime Rides (8am to 8pm)
for 1 - 3 people
Gratuity not included
-Prices DO NOT Include a Driver Gratuity
Request pricing over 3
*(8pm to 8am)
After Hours
$545
ID 28
15 Passenger Private Van
To From MSP Pricing
$480
Daytime Rides (8am to 8pm)
for 1 - 8 people
Gratuity not included
-
Prices DO NOT Include a Driver Gratuity
Request pricing over 9
*(8pm to 8am)
After Hours
$595
5.75
Quick Summary: Alexandria, MN is a year-round lake destination known for the Chain of Lakes, downtown shopping and dining, wineries/breweries, family attractions, and easy access to trails and outdoor recreation.
This guide highlights the most popular things to do in Alexandria MN—from beaches and boating to museums, hiking, festivals, winter recreation, indoor attractions, and the Central Lakes Trail. It’s a simple starting point for weekend getaways, family vacations, weddings, and seasonal events in the Alexandria area.
Need an airport connection? Citywide offers private, flat-rate, pre-scheduled (never shared) Alexandria ⇄ MSP Airport transportation with service to MSP Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. One-way pricing is per vehicle/per ride: Basic Car $380, Black Car $455, Large Van $480.
- Private ride: your group only—never shared.
- Flat-rate pricing: one-way, per vehicle/per ride (no surge).
- Pre-scheduled pickup: reliable timing for flights, weddings, and events.
- Terminal coverage: MSP Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
- Direct service: a stress-free alternative to driving or coordinating multiple vehicles.
For full route details, pickup planning, and booking info, visit the Alexandria MSP Airport Transportation hub page.
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.
Popular things to do in Alexandria MN include exploring the lakes, downtown shopping, wineries, museums, hiking at Lake Carlos State Park, biking the Central Lakes Trail, and attending summer festivals.
First-time visitors should explore the lakes, stroll downtown, visit the Runestone Museum and Big Ole, enjoy wineries or breweries, and spend time outdoors on trails or beaches.
Yes—family-friendly activities include beaches, the indoor waterpark at Arrowwood, hiking trails, Big Ole, museums, festivals, and lakeside recreation.
Outdoor recreation includes boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, biking, golfing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing depending on the season.
Yes—this page acts as a complete Alexandria MN visitor guide, summarizing local attractions, family activities, outdoor recreation, and seasonal things to do.
