Step back in time.
Written by Emily Baugh. Photos by Emily Baugh
Do you want to step back in time by participating in a scavenger hunt that aids your learning about the past? The scavenger hunt showcases preserved items throughout the history of the area, including exciting information for items as you search through the items of the past. Experience the beginnings through pictures before venturing out to the modern city scape.
The above pictures shows, the welcome sign, as well as the watertower. The bottom three photos shows, pictures that hang in Travelers Inn Restaurant, of the town around when it was built.
The City of Alexandria is in Minnesota. The city didn’t start as a city, but a fort called Fort Alexandria. It has lots of things to do, but to step back in time you must visit the Runestone Museum. It holds the Kensington runestone, that is an authentic Viking script. As well as lots of other older items and artifacts. Look at Big Ole as you exit the museum. Big Ole was built for the world’s fair in 1965, to showcase the “Minnesota, the Birthplace of America”. Visit the historic courthouse that is just about the same age as the city itself.
The above photos show, the Big Ole Statue. The second shows the courthouse that was build in the 1800’s.
Dine in at Traveler’s Inn restaurant, where you can enjoy breakfast through dinner, as well as old photos of Alexandria. Later you can dine at the Depot, which is a historic train depot turned into a restaurant and bar, which sits with a perfect view of the lake. If you fancy wineries or breweries, there are several places that can be visited in Alexandria area, but only one located in Alexandria. If your sweet tooth is bothering you, there is a candy shop on main street of Alexandria, called the Candy Shack. After you settle the sugar rush, you can browse the Scandinavian giftshop that resides right next door.
For activities to participate in there is a large trail system in Alexandria, as well as all the water related activities, since Alexandria is located around a lot of lakes. Unrelated to being outdoors, there are a good few antique stores in the area. One of which being in an old bank building, which has four levels full of antiques of all sorts.
With all Alexandria has to offer, let it be your travel destination. This city definitely has something for everyone, with the plethora of options available. You won’t regret making this trip! Have fun!
Alexandria, Minnesota basics
This town has been around for 160 years. It has a lot of history, and places to view the history. It’s also a place that can be visited to stay on the lakes, as well as having fun on the lakes, making it easily accessible because it’s surrounded by lakes.
For further information: Contact Explore Alexandria Minnesota (320-763- 0102), info@explorealex.com, 324 Broadway Street, Suite 101, Alexandria, MN 56308
Getting there:
You can get a direct flight into Alexandria, but it might cost you more. As well as being able to fly into Minneapolis St. Paul (MSP). MSP might be cheaper, but then you’ll have to get transportation to Alexandria.
Transportation: There are buses, as well as being able to rent a car. The bus system is Jefferson lines, they have one bus that goes to Alexandria daily. You can also get a rent a car directly from the airport.
When to come:
The best time to explore Alexandria is during the summer months. There’s more lake activity during the summer months. As well as not having to experience the cold winters of Minnesota, which aren’t for everyone.
Accommodations:
There are several hotel options in Alexandria, ranging from the cheap ones, where it’s just a place to sleep, to others more luxurious. The price range can be from $60 dollars a night to around $200 a night. The lower end hotel would be Super 8, where they still include breakfast, Wi-Fi, and pets. To book a room contact Super 8 at (1-800-536-1211). The higher end hotel a range but Arrowwood Resort and Conference Center is the most expensive per night, at around $180 a night. They have a lot of amenities like a pool, a beach, a gym, free Wi-Fi, bar and lounge, and a golf course, as well as lots of nice goodies in the rooms. To Book call (320-762-1124).
Food:
If you want to experience Alexandria’s small-town restaurants, there are a few that are homey. Travelers Inn Restaurant, and the historic old train depot that was turned into a restaurant called the Depot. The Depot is also a saloon, so it’s more prepared for “pub food” than it is for a high course meal. There is also a candy shop called the Sugar Shack, which showcases ice cream, cookies, candy, fresh fudge.
Expenses:
If you are planning on staying comfortably, as well as for a few days you might be looking at around $300 or more. If you eat out at restaurants consistently during your stay you might be looking at around $100 dollars a person, you might be able to lessen the blow if you go food shopping. While depending on your shopping wants, you can spend a good chunk of money.
For entertainment:
They do have a movie theater, as well as an escape room, and an arts theater. During the summer they have an amusement park. They also have several lakes where you can spend the day on, either the lake, or the beach. But if you are a history lover, there are a couple museums, the Runestone Museum, as well as the Legacy of the Lakes Museum.
Shopping:
Regarding actual shopping there are several antique places in the area, Past and Present Gallery, Now and Then Antiques, Yesterday’s. Including secondhand stores, Someplace Safe Thrift Store, Krupkes Konsignments, Goodwill, Endless Treasures, Narlie’s Secondhand Consignment, and Klothes Kloset. If you’re a book lover, there are a couple bookstores in the town. Cherry Street Books, Hidden Treasures Collectibles and Comics. As well as several giftshops: Magpie, Hello Beautiful (coffee shop and boutique), Creative Touch Boutique, and one being especially unique the Scandinavian Gift Shop.
Helpful Websites:
https://explorealex.com/https://www.downtownalexandria.com/entertainment/explore-alexandria-tourism/
Emily Baugh is a travel writer and explorer, who isn’t afraid to try different things, even if for the first time. She lives in Minnesota with her dog Blaze, who is an energetic husky, who has a heart as large as he is. She dedicates her free time to pursuing her various hobbies of reading, writing, yarn crafts, and learning all she can about living sustainably.
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