Good to know: Visit and neighborhood recommendations in Alexandria
Where to look for an Airbnb in Alexandria
Downtown Alexandria
Downtown Alexandria offers walkable streets, art galleries, coffee shops, and access to Lake Agnes and Lake Henry. Vacation rentals in Alexandria in this area include loft apartments and renovated historic homes close to restaurants and events. Guests can browse antique shops, attend live music nights, and visit the Runestone Museum. This neighborhood works well for visitors who want charm and convenience.
Lake Le Homme Dieu Area
Located northeast of downtown, the Lake Le Homme Dieu Area features some of Alexandria’s most popular lakefront properties. Airbnbs in Alexandria in this neighborhood include waterfront homes with docks, decks, and easy access to boating and swimming. Visitors can enjoy sunset cruises, water skiing, or lakeside barbecues. This location is perfect for summer fun and scenic relaxation.
Carlos State Park Vicinity
Near Lake Carlos State Park, this area offers quiet surroundings with proximity to trails, campgrounds, and clear blue lakes. Vacation rentals in Alexandria near the park range from rustic cabins to modern homes perfect for outdoor lovers. Guests can hike, fish, or birdwatch right from their doorstep. This neighborhood is ideal for travelers seeking adventure and nature.
Maple Lake Area
The Maple Lake Area provides a peaceful lakeside environment west of the city with access to boating and fishing. Airbnbs in Alexandria here often include wooded backyards, fire pits, and lake access for kayaking or canoeing. Visitors can enjoy private mornings by the water and relaxed evenings under the stars. This spot suits couples, families, and anyone who loves the outdoors.
Geneva Golf Club Neighborhood
Located near the city’s championship golf course, this neighborhood blends luxury and recreation in a scenic setting. Vacation rentals in Alexandria near Geneva Golf Club offer modern interiors, fairway views, and easy access to both golf and downtown amenities. Guests can tee off in the morning and relax with dinner by the lake. This area is great for golfers and travelers who enjoy upscale comfort.
What to do if you spend a vacation in Alexandria
Runestone Museum
The Runestone Museum showcases local history and the mystery of the Kensington Runestone, said to be evidence of Norse explorers in the 14th century. Visitors can explore exhibits, pioneer-era buildings, and Viking artifacts. The museum includes outdoor areas and a children’s discovery center. This is a must-visit for history buffs and families.
Lake Carlos State Park
Lake Carlos State Park offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and a sandy swimming beach on one of the region’s clearest lakes. Guests can explore wooded paths, rent canoes, and enjoy birdwatching across multiple habitats. The park also offers campsites and seasonal programming. Outdoor lovers will find plenty to do in this natural gem.
Big Ole Central Park
Big Ole, the giant Viking statue, greets visitors to this downtown park featuring trails, a lakeside gazebo, and summer events. Visitors can enjoy festivals, food trucks, or a relaxing lakeside stroll. The Central Lakes Trail also connects here, making it a great starting point for biking adventures. This landmark adds personality and fun to the town center.
Carlos Creek Winery
Located just outside Alexandria, Carlos Creek Winery offers tastings, vineyard tours, and a full event calendar including the annual Grape Stomp Festival. Guests can sample local wines, enjoy live music, and stroll through scenic grounds. The winery is family-friendly and includes outdoor seating. Wine lovers will appreciate this laid-back yet lively venue.
Central Lakes Trail
The Central Lakes Trail stretches over 50 miles through lakes, farmland, and wooded areas with paved paths for biking, walking, and skating. Visitors can travel through Alexandria and on to nearby towns for scenic day trips. The trail is well-marked and safe for all ages. It is a favorite for both casual riders and serious cyclists.
Legacy of the Lakes Museum
This museum celebrates the area’s boating culture with exhibits on classic wooden boats, fishing, and lake life. Guests can explore restored watercraft, engines, and memorabilia. The gardens on-site provide a relaxing backdrop with sculptures and floral displays. It’s an engaging experience for anyone interested in lake heritage.
Broadway Street Shopping
Broadway Street is the main shopping district, filled with independent shops offering gifts, clothing, books, and locally made products. Visitors can sip coffee, browse handmade goods, and take in historic architecture. The street often hosts seasonal events and sidewalk sales. It captures the friendly spirit of the town.
Andes Tower Hills
Andes Tower Hills is a short drive away and provides winter sports fun with skiing, snowboarding, and tubing runs. Guests can rent equipment, take lessons, and enjoy the lodge’s café and scenic views. The resort also offers summer mountain biking trails. It’s a great year-round attraction for active travelers.
Where to find a vacation rental near Alexandria, Minnesota
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Located about two hours southeast, Minneapolis is a major cultural and economic center filled with museums, theaters, and urban lakes. Visitors can explore the Walker Art Center, catch a show at the Guthrie Theater, or bike around Lake Calhoun. After a day of exploration, unwind in an apartment in Minneapolis near the scenic Chain of Lakes. Minneapolis’s cosmopolitan energy and rich arts scene make it a dynamic counterpart to the small-town charm of Alexandria.
St. Cloud, Minnesota
Just over an hour east, St. Cloud offers riverfront scenery, college town vibrancy, and outdoor fun. Guests can visit Munsinger Clemens Gardens, kayak on the Mississippi River, or enjoy campus events at St. Cloud State University. Make your stay easy with a vacation rental in St. Cloud close to riverside parks and local cafés. St. Cloud’s mix of nature and student life provides a youthful and accessible option near Alexandria.
Fergus Falls, Minnesota
Located 45 minutes northwest, Fergus Falls is a welcoming town surrounded by lakes and prairies. Visitors can explore the Otter Tail County Historical Museum, bike along the Central Lakes Trail, or view local art at Kaddatz Galleries. Settle into a house in Fergus Falls near the water for a relaxing escape. Fergus Falls’ tranquil setting and cultural touchpoints make it a peaceful and engaging destination close to Alexandria.
Brainerd, Minnesota
About 90 minutes northeast, Brainerd is a classic Minnesota lake destination known for boating, fishing, and family resorts. Guests can visit Paul Bunyan Land, hike in the Crow Wing State Park, or play golf at championship courses. Enjoy lakeside evenings from a cabin in Brainerd tucked near forest trails. Brainerd’s deep-rooted lake culture and outdoor fun make it an excellent option near Alexandria.
Detroit Lakes, Minnesota
Roughly 90 minutes northwest, Detroit Lakes is a lively destination with beaches, music festivals, and four-season recreation. Visitors can relax at Detroit Lake Beach, attend the WE Fest country music festival, or ski at Detroit Mountain in winter. Soak up the local charm from a vacation rental in Detroit Lakes just minutes from the waterfront. Detroit Lakes’ festive atmosphere and scenic setting make it a lively getaway not far from Alexandria.
Explore a wealth of natural spaces and serene lakeside retreats across America
In Alexandria, MN, nature enthusiasts can revel in the verdant landscapes and serene parks perfect for hiking and picnicking—ideal for those who love to immerse themselves in the great outdoors. From the lush, mountainous terrains surrounding rentals in Logan to the captivating coastal charm of Fort Bragg holiday homes, there’s a wealth of natural beauty to explore. For a different vibe, you might choose to find an airbnb in Oshkosh, where you can enjoy the beauty of Lake Winnebago and its bustling waterfront. Meanwhile, Visalia rental properties offer proximity to the stunning Sequoia National Park, ensuring breathtaking views of giant sequoias and rugged landscapes.
For those seeking the tranquility of lakeside settings, Alexandria offers picturesque vistas that echo throughout its sparkling shores. Across the country, holiday homes at Bass Lake provide a peaceful retreat amidst towering pines in the Sierra National Forest, while the expansive waters promise excellent fishing and wildlife spotting adventures near find holiday homes at Toledo Bend Reservoir. Alternatively, you can relax in Geneva-on-the-Lake rental properties positioned along the scenic shores of Lake Erie, bustling with charming vineyards and historical attractions. Lastly, the breathtaking views from Lake Arrowhead airbnb options, nestled in the San Bernardino National Forest, offer an escape into tranquility and pristine natural beauty.