At your fingertips, a fun outdoor adventure destination

Explore Alexandria offers many family-friendly biking, hiking, and paddling opportunities. Christened the “Birthplace of America,” Alexandria or Alex is home to Big Ole, the Viking. The statue that welcomes those who come to this central lakes community stands at the trailhead in downtown Alex, next to Lake Darling.

Located in west central Minnesota, along Interstate I-94, where the prairie meets the forest, you will find over 375 glacier-formed lakes here. Many trails and quiet county roads here offer views of the pristine waterways, just waiting for you to explore. Then, after a day of fun, you will find a friendly atmosphere to guarantee your stay here will be enjoyable and memorable.

Touring the scenic bike-friendly roads in the Alexandria Lakes Area

Places to ride

Alex’s scenic circuit loop, city trails, and other loop routes

Enjoy the Alexandria Area/HFB Map below for comfortable rides around town or out, around many lakes in Douglas County. From the 8-mile Scenic Circuit Loop around Alex to the 22-mile or 35-mile road/trail tours. See more here.

Central Lakes Trail

This Central Lakes Trail is a 55-mile trail system that allows you to pedal or stroll along the rolling landscape dotted with lakes that extends between Osakis and Fergus Falls.

To the east, Osakis is about 11 miles from downtown Alexandria. A trip to Osakis offers visitor ice cream, a Norwegian lefse treat, or a cool dip at the city beach. Here the Central Lakes Trail also connects to the Lake Wobegon Trail for an additional 72 miles of riding southeast to St. Cloud, Minnesota.

Riding northwest west from Alex, travel the rail trail through several towns before arriving in Fergus Falls. As you pass through Garfield, Brandon, and Ashby, you will experience lakes, bogs, and waterfowl activity.

Mountain Biking the forest trail

Lake Brophy County Park

This park is relatively new, with a multi-use trail system wandering through the upland prairie fields that take 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 adrenalin fun experience.

Kensington Runestone County Park

This 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.

Available Maps

HaveFunBiking (HFB) Map

Central Lakes Trail Map

Kensington Runestone County Park Map

Lake Brophy County Park Map

Walk Hike Opportunities

Alexandria City Parks Info.

Lake Carlos State Park Info.

Central Lakes Trail Map

Kensington Runestone County Park Map

Lake Brophy County Park Map

Paddle Opportunities

Arrowwood Resort  Rentals | 2100 Arrowwood Lane, Alexandria, | 320-762-1124 | Website 

Long Prairie River State Waterway Trail Info.

Area Bike Shops, Clubs, Rentals &  Transport Services

Alex Bike Shop |  611 3rd Avenue East, Alexandria, MN, 56308|320-219-6868 | Website

Alexandria Gear Rentals | 1410 South McKay Avenue, Alexandria, MN, | 320-762-3310 ext 4242 | Website

Big Ole Bike Club | Website

Central E-bikies Rentals| 403 Broadway Street, Alexandria, MN | 320-762-8811 | Website

Central Lakes Trike Rental & Shuttle Service |  Osakis, MN, | 320-760-8033 | Website

Jake’s Bikes | 419 North Nokomis Street, Alexandria, MN, 56308 | 320 – 219-7433 | Website

Where to play when not biking

2100 Arrowwood Ln, Alexandria MN, 56308

320-763-7576

Website

1305 N Nokomis NE, Alexandria, MN 56308

320-763-7576

Website

6693 County Rd 34 NW, Alexandria, MN 56308

320-846-5443 

Website

 

Carlos Creek Winery 6693 County Rd 34 NW, Alexandria, MN 56308 link

Casey’s Amusement Park 1305 N Nokomis NE, Alexandria, MN 56308 link

Big Splash- Arrowwood Resort 2100 Arrowwood Ln, Alexandria MN, 56308 link

Big Viking Statue Central Lakes Trail, Alexandria, MN 56308 link

Events

Throughout the year, check out the Explore Alexandria Calendar for many activities and events to enjoy.

Where to eat

A blueberry brioche with maple syrup drizzled over at Cedar Rose Inn Bed & Breakfast

Alexandria offers several exciting eateries and charming coffee shops ideally suited to an outdoor adventurer’s interest. For the most up-to-date listing, visit Dine in Alex.

Here are some options you may enjoy

La Ferme 613 Broadway St, Alexandria, MN 56308  link

Doolittles Woodfire Grill 4409 MN-29, Alexandria, MN 56308 link

Coffee Pot 1504 Broadway St, Alexandria, MN 56308 link

Zorba 2710 N Nokomis NE, Alexandria, MN 56308 link

Where to sleep

Alexandria has several B & B’s along with charming and exciting motels. For the most up-to-date listing, visit Explore Alexandria Hotels.

WI-FI Hotspots and the Library

You will find Wi-Fi access in many coffee shops, restaurants, and hotels. The public library is another good option. The Alexandria Library is at 720 Fillmore St, Alexandria, MN 56308; their phone number is 320-762-3014.

See the Alexandria Tourism Bureau for more detailed information on your next trip to explore Alexandria Lakes Area.