Your Alexandria, MN Weekend Guide: Lakes, Antiques, Airbnbs & a Massage

Why Alexandria, MN is worth the drive

Alexandria sits at the heart of Minnesota lake country, about 130 miles northwest of Minneapolis. With over 300 lakes in Douglas County, it's one of the most densely lake-packed regions in the state. But it's not just the water — Alexandria has a genuine small-town downtown, great local restaurants, serious antique hunting, and enough to fill a long weekend without driving more than 15 minutes from anywhere.

The lakes: where to go and what to do

Lake Carlos State Park

The crown jewel. Lake Carlos State Park sits about 9 miles north of Alexandria and wraps around one of the clearest lakes in the region. The park has swimming beaches, hiking trails through mixed forest, a campground, canoe/kayak rentals, and incredible sunset views. If you're visiting in summer, get there before 10am on weekends — the beach fills up.

Lake Geneva

Quiet, clean, and close to town. Lake Geneva is a favorite for locals with pontoon boats and families looking for a slower pace. Good fishing for walleye and bass. Several vacation rental cabins sit right on the water here — one of the best options for an Airbnb stay if you want direct lake access.

Lake Ida, Lake Agnes & Lake Latoka

These three lakes form the central cluster closest to downtown Alexandria. Good for kayaking and paddleboarding without the boat traffic. Plenty of rental cabins on all three.

Where to stay: Airbnbs and lake cabins

Alexandria has a surprisingly deep inventory of vacation rentals. Search Airbnb or VRBO for "Alexandria MN lake cabin" and you'll find everything from a basic one-bedroom on a quiet bay to a full lakefront home that sleeps 12 with a private dock.

• Book early. Memorial Day through Labor Day fills up fast. For summer weekends, book 6–8 weeks out minimum.
• Look for "lake access" vs "lake view." The difference matters.
• Check for a dock. If you're bringing a boat or renting one, a private dock is worth the extra cost.

Antique hunting in Alexandria

Alexandria's downtown Broadway has become a destination for antique hunters from across the region. You'll find everything from vintage furniture and old farm equipment to small collectibles, vintage clothing, and local art. Plan at least a couple of hours if you're into antiques.

Things to do in Alexandria beyond the lake

• Runestone Museum — The famous Kensington Runestone is here, plus exhibits on Alexandria's history.
• Carlos Creek Winery — A working winery just north of town with tastings, a patio, and live music on summer weekends.
• Viking Statue "Big Ole" — The giant Viking on Broadway has been a landmark since the 1965 World's Fair.
• Golf — Arrowwood Resort has a well-kept 18-hole course with lake views.
• Farmers Market — Summer Saturdays downtown. Local produce, baked goods, honey, and crafts.

Getting a massage at Katie's

Here's the thing about a lakes-area weekend: it's physical. Even if you're "just relaxing," you're paddleboarding, hauling coolers, riding in a boat for hours, sleeping in a different bed. By Sunday afternoon your neck, shoulders, and low back have an opinion about all of it.

Katie's Massage and Thai Bodywork is right in Alexandria at 815 Broadway — walking distance from downtown antique shops and a short drive from any of the lakes. Katie is a licensed massage therapist with 9+ years of experience, specializing in Thai bodywork, deep tissue, and Swedish massage.

Sample Alexandria weekend itinerary

Friday: Arrive, check into your cabin or Airbnb. Grab dinner on Broadway. Walk the lake at sunset.

Saturday: Morning at the lake — paddleboarding, kayaking, or just sitting on the dock with coffee. Afternoon: antique shops on Broadway and a stop at Carlos Creek Winery.

Sunday: Morning massage at Katie's (book in advance). Lunch downtown. Head home feeling better than when you arrived.

That's the Alexandria weekend. You'll be back.