In the area:
When ancient glaciers retreated across this land, they left numerous hills and lakes in their wake. Today, vacationers enjoy fishing, boating, sailing, water skiing and windsurfing these waters. In the winter, snowmobile enthusiasts appreciate the extensive network of trails through this rolling countryside.
Alexandria, affectionately known as "Alex," considers itself to be the "birthplace of America." Many here claim that the Vikings explored Minnesota long before Columbus made his voyage. The Kensington Runestone Museum features a large rock with inscriptions that may have been carved by Vikings in the 1300s. Ever since it was found by a local farmer in 1898, there's been ongoing interest and controversy over the authenticity of the stone. The museum also has a large collection of items from the early days of Alex. At the Minnesota Lakes Maritime Museum, classic old wooden boats and resort memorabilia are the highlights.
Near town is the Theatre L'Homme Dieu, a summer theater offering comedies and musicals. The Carlos Creek Winery offers a variety of wines and many special events. For family fun in the area, there are riding stables, miniature golf and go-karts. Lake Carlos State Park is a reserve of woods and meadows, with a sandy beach on the lake. Hometown of golf champion Tom Lehman, the Alexandria area boasts several excellent golf courses, including Arrowwood and the Geneva Golf Club.
The Alexandria Lakes area is one of the prime resort spots in the state. Dozens of fine fishing lakes serve up walleye, bass, northern pike and panfish. Picturesque Lake Osakis is a popular fishing lake, rivaled by Pelican, Miltona, Ida, and Mary. These and many others are home to over 80 resorts and campgrounds. Andes Tower Hills in Kensington has downhill skiing, snowboarding and tubing.
The Long Prairie Country Club is another option for golfers. In town, the 1901 Queen Anne style Christie Home is open for tours during the summer and there's an impressive veterans' memorial. There are several Amish farms along the rural roads near Long Prairie.
Some of the country roads south of Alexandria are part of the 245-mile Glacial Ridge Scenic Byway,Glenwood and Starbuck. There are several resorts, RV parks and additional lakes in the area, as well as two excellent golf courses. The Minnewaska Golf club is a challenging course designed by Joel Goldstrand, and the scenic Pezhekee National Golf Course is a resort course along the shore of Minnewaska. winding through the rolling, rural landscape. Along this route is 13-mile-long Lake Minnewaska, popular for fishing and boating, with access at each end in the towns of
In nearby Glacial Lakes State Park, prairie grasses and wildflowers blanket the hills that cradle Mountain Lake. The tiny village of Terrace is home to a vintage 1902 mill that now houses a gallery and playhouse. A few miles east of Morris, a Wetland Management District visitor center has information on this "prairie pothole" habitat, and a trail leads to a photo blind overlooking a wetland.
Heading northwest from Alexandria, the I-94 corridor leads to Fergus Falls and the peaceful scenery of Otter Tail County, with its charming towns and active arts community. Dozens of resorts and campgrounds border the many lakes, which harbor a variety of fish.
The Central Lakes Trail explores the woods, lakes and farmland between Fergus Falls and Osakis. From there it links to the Lake Wobegon Trail. All together, this network of paved trails provides more than 125 miles of biking.
Fergus Falls, on the banks of the gentle Otter Tail River, is the largest city in the area. Its several lakes, a main street with 19th-century architecture and a walkway along the river all make this city especially attractive. A 1920s theater has been renovated as the Center for the Arts, hosting a variety of performances, and a downtown gallery displays the work of area artists. At the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center, trails wind through the tallgrass prairie and past the wetlands that both define this "prairie pothole" region. You can watch for birds here and at other sites along the 200-mile Pine to Prairie Birding Trail, a driving route with Fergus Falls as its southern anchor.
Fergus Falls is also a point along the 150-mile Otter Trail Scenic Byway, which links several picturesque spots in this lovely countryside. The most impressive view in the area is at Inspiration Peak, which at 1,750 feet is one of the highest points in northwestern Minnesota. The overlook is off Co. Rd. 38 near the village of Urbank. This area is home to numerous artists, and their work is the focus of the Art of the Lakes Gallery in Battle Lake.
At Phelps, a tiny hamlet west of Otter Tail Lake, there's a restored 1889 flour mill in a lovely park alongside the millpond and stream, a great spot for a picnic. Fun, quirky sculptures created by a local metal worker are displayed along the roadside in the tiny town of Vining. Nearby Glendalough State Park features a sand beach, hiking trails and wildlife observation blinds.
The New York Mills Regional Cultural Center features an art gallery, musical performances and literary events, and sponsors the Great American Think-Off philosophy competition. Near town is Finn Creek, with a collection of buildings from pioneer days.
At Wadena, a series of outdoor murals depicts scenes from Minnesota's history. North of town is the Whitetail Run Golf Course, designed by Joel Goldstrand.
Perham is home to In Their Own Words Veterans Museum, with exhibits and videos from interviews with area veterans. Nearby Thumper Pond, a championship course with a log clubhouse, is one of several scenic courses near the Otter Trail. Another is the Perham Lakeside Golf Club, with course design by Joel Goldstrand.
Pelican Rapids claims the "world's largest pelican" (a 15-foot-tall town landmark) along the millpond and dam in town. Nearby are the rolling forests of Maplewood State Park, with several lakes, a swimming beach, boat and canoe rentals, and a scenic overlook. The park is especially pretty in the fall when the forest takes on brilliant hues.