There is no shortage of fun when planning a trip to Alexandria, MN for your next adventure exploring the trails and lakes there. Better known by the locals as Alex, here find the perfect blend of peaceful relaxation and full-service comfort. When exploring the endless outdoor adventures around the lakes and woods, with excellent trails below. Also, enjoy the vibrant downtown, arts, museums, and great shopping, along with parks, wineries, and a local whiskey distillery.
· Alexandria’s Lakes – Many interconnected, allowing paddlers to explore multiple bodies of water
· Central Lakes State Trail – Enjoy picturesque landscapes for biking, walking, and in-line skating
· Kensington Runestone Park – Add a historical element while hiking and mountain biking here
· Lake Carlos State Park – Provides opportunities for wildlife observation and nature immersion
· Lake Brophy County Park - An excellent spot for both casual walks and strenuous mountain biking.
With gear packed, Alexandria is approximately 130 miles (about a two-hour drive) northwest of Minneapolis on I-94. The perfect place to park the car at a select lodge and use a bicycle to get around when visiting.
Pack Your Bike For A One-Tank Destination
Looking at the latest Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide, with all the maps, we wanted to see how Alex stacked up as a one-tank, multi-modal, round-trip destination from the Twin Cities. With increased gas prices taking a bite out of every motorist’s wallet. We found that the Alexandria Lakes Area fits the criteria well, and there is plenty to do riding your bicycle.
Available Maps for exploring Alex
HaveFunBiking Alex Map
City of Alexandria Street Map
Douglas County Road Map
Central Lakes Trail
MTN Bike Runestone Park
MNT Bike Lake Brophy Parkl
Biking Around in Alexandria
Using the above maps from the Alexandria Area, find many routes and scenic loops that take you out and around the many lakes in Douglas County. Also, check out these bike routes for more options.
The 8-mile Historic Alexandria Route option
From the Central Lakes Trail, north of the downtown area, the scenic Alex Loop utilizes the quiet north-south neighborhood streets that parallel the main highway, also known as Broadway Street, from 30th Avenue. If you start at the trailhead, take a selfie with Big Ole, then visit the Runestone Museum, Fort Alexandria, and the Legacy of the Lakes Museum & Gardens. Further along this loop, the route passes the Douglas County Historical Society and several parks, where ducks, geese, and pelicans are nearby for viewing.
The 22-mile Garfield Loop
The Garfield Loop uses a series of streets and county roads around a couple of lakes up to the town of Garfield. Here, you will find the Central Lake Trail, which will take you back to Alex.
The 35-mile North Lakes Loop
This route winds around the picturesque lakes north of Alex, offering broad paved shoulders on the designated bike-friendly routes. As you ride your bike past the lakefront communities, options for stops include Carlos Creek Winery, the 23 Northman Brewery, and several eating establishments along the way.
Ride the Central Lakes Trail?
From Big Ole, head east to Osakis or west on the Central Lakes Trail to several towns before Fergus Falls. To the east, Osakis is 11 miles away and is connected to the Wobegon Trail, which leads to St. Cloud. On the Central Lakes Trail west, Garfield is 8 miles, Brandon is 14 miles, and Fergus Falls, at the far end, is 44 miles.
Mountain Biking in the Alexandria Area
Would you prefer to bring your mountain bike on your next visit to Alex?
Off-road biking is a growing sport in the Alexandria Area, and you can find great single-track trail riding out at Lake Brophy County Park and Kensington Runestone County Park.
Lake Brophy Park is a relatively new multi-use trail system that winds through the upland prairie fields, taking you to some of the best views in the county. A highlight of the park is that using the main trail gets you to the high point. At the top of the hill, 140 feet above Lake Brophy, you can choose from the easy, medium, and challenging trails to descend for an adrenaline-filled experience. See the map and further details here.
Runestone Park is near Kensington, and the mountain bike trails here are tons of fun with easy-to-follow signs and many add-on loops to make a ride a little longer if you want. See the map and further details here.
Walk/Hike Opportunities
The area offers a variety of walking and hiking opportunities, catering to different preferences and fitness levels.
Lake Brophy County Park
Kensington Rune Stone Park
Spruce Hill Park
Chippewa Park
Deputy Sheriff Curtis A Felt Memorial Park
Wayside Park
Lake Le Homme Dieu Beach
Pilgrim Point
Rotary Beach
Paddling Opportunities
Alexandria offers lakes and a beautiful river trail for those who want to enjoy the water and cool off.
Alexandria Area Lakes & Recreation Map Long Prairie River State Water Trail
Area Bike Shops and Clubs
Alex Bike Shop – 611 3rd Ave E, Alexandria · (320) 219-6868 (Rentals) Big Ole Bike Club – Mountaineers – Cycling Without Age Alex Central E Bikes – 403 Broadway St, Alexandria · (320) 808-0975 Jake’s Bikes – 419 N Nokomis St, Alexandria · (320) 219-7433 (Rentals) Outdoor Rentals – Alexandria Public School (Rentals)
When You Need a Break
There will come a time when you’ll need a break from taht Alex adventure you are persuing. But you don’t want to sit in your hotel room. Alexandria has many places where you can go for a nice break. And thanks to the city’s bike-friendly atmosphere, you can still get some pedaling in on your way by clicking here.
Where to Eat
Whether you’re craving Mexican, sushi, pizza, or wings, the Alexandria area offers a diverse array of local flavors and familiar favorites. Don’t forget dessert!
For more places to eat when in the area, click on Food & Drink in Alex.
Where to sleep
A good night’s sleep makes all the difference to get the most from your outdoor adventures. The Alexandria Lakes Area offers countless lodging options to kick back and relax after a hard day of exploring. Many of these places offer various amenities as well. Whether you want to relax in the hot tub or just enjoy a good book in your room, find a wide selection of lodging options Here.
WI-FI Hotspots and the Library
You will find Wi-Fi access in many coffee shops, restaurants, and hotels. The Douglas County Library is another good option. The library is at 720 Fillmore Street, in Alex. | (320) 762-3014
Nearby Airports
Alexandria Munincple Airport, is at 2604 Aga Drive, Alexandria, | (320) 762-2111
See more on visiting Alex
Contact the Alexandria Tourism Bureau for more detailed information on visiting Alexandria, MN. | (320) 763-0102