You may be familiar with Alexandria Minnesota as a summer destination with it’s rolling hills, vineyards and lakeside resorts. But, what about winter in Alexandria? Imagine sledding, outdoor ice skating, snow tubing, cozy nights at a cabin, and cold beer by a fireplace. This is Alexandria’s other side and here’s why you should experience it!
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Best Places to Stay in Alexandria in Winter
There are a lot of cabins and places to stay in Alexandria, but many cater towards summer stays and long days on the lake. Here are my recommendations for winter:
Modern Cabin Lake Life: Located just 5 minutes from town and nestled right between two lakes, this modern cabin is perfect for a winter girl’s trips or friends getaway.
Lake Darling Resort: Highly rated and has great winter activities right onsite, including an ice rink on the lake, ice fishing equipment and snowmobile rental.
The Darling Cabin: This quaint lakeside cabin has 60’s flair and is just 10 minutes from town.
The Lake Place: If you love a-frame cabins, this is for you! A bit north of town, but a beautiful modern lakeside cabin with 3 bedrooms.
9 Reasons to embrace winter in Alexandria MN
Meet the wintry side of Alexandria with this combination of outdoor fun and hygge.
Enjoy laugh out loud fun tubing, skiing or snowboarding.
Looking for something the whole crew can agree on? An afternoon at Andes Tower Hills is it! There is something for everyone, ranging from downhill skiing and snowboarding to snow tubing.
We had the best time tubing! There are five different tubing runs, each with slightly different terrain. If you ask, the employees at the top of the hill will give you a good push if you want extra speed!
Gear rentals are available for all activities!
Go for a winter hike at a nearby state park.
One of my favorite ways to spend a snowy day is winter hiking at one of the many Minnesota State Parks. Lake Carlos State Park is just 11 miles from Alexandria, making it a great option. The terrain is relatively flat and includes a mix of forest, prairie, wetlands and lakeshore. In winter you can hike across the frozen wetlands (always follow designated trails).
Pro Tip: The trails were marked with blue flags tied to trees to help you stay on the designated paths in the snow.
About 40 minutes from Alexandria, Glacial Lakes State Park also has great winter hiking. The terrain here includes rolling prairies and a number of unique glacial landforms. In the summer, this park has very little shade and can be difficult to hike in the hot sun. So, winter is a great time to explore the park!
Both parks offer cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and hiking in winter
Sip wine at one of the many vineyards in Alexandria.
Alexandria is home to a number of vineyards, but the most well known is Carlos Creek Winery. Just outside of town is a lovely tasting room with indoor and outdoor seating. They host very fun seasonal events like a wine and chocolate pairing for Valentine’s Day! Check their online calendar before you visit to see what they have planned.
Pro Tip: On the same property as Carlos Creek Winery, right next door is 22 Northmen Brewery. Step inside for a Viking inspired log cabin, roaring stone fireplace and live musicians playing. In warmer months they have a large outdoor patio as well.
Many of the vineyards close their tasting rooms in winter, but Rolling Forks Vineyards is also open year-round. In addition to wine, they have a full food menu as well.
Go ice skating outdoors at Noonan Park.
There’s something kind of magical about ice skating on a frozen pond or lake. In Alexandria, Noonan Park is the place to do it!
The pond is big enough that there is plenty of space to skate for all skill levels. If you need to take a break from the cold, stop in the warming house for a bit!
Pro Tip: Rentals are not available at Noonan Park. However, Cowing Robards Sports on Broadway Street nearby has them available. (Note: Their website is confusing, just go in to the store. They are closed on Sundays.)
Cozy movie night at the cabin.
Winter getaways are always made better with a cozy movie night! Stock up on snacks and drinks, put on your sweatpants, and get out all the blankets. Grab pizza while you’re at 22 Northmen and Carlos Creek Winery and bring it back to munch on during the movie.
Go sledding at Kensington-Runestone Park.
Bundle up and head out for a fun afternoon of sledding at Kensington-Runestone Park. The sledding hill is next to the Visitor Center, which is heated and has indoor restrooms you can use to warm up. They do not have sleds to rent, so bring your own or purchase one at a store in town!
If you haven’t gone sledding in a while, I highly recommend it! It’s hard not to smile and feel like a kid again.
Pro Tip: They also have groomed cross-country skiing and fat tire biking trails. Here’s a map of the winter trails!
Stop in and try a local craft beer.
While you’re in Alexandria, be sure to stop in at Copper Trail Brewing for a local craft beer. Long wooden family style tables make it a great stop for groups or to meet new people. They often have live music in the evenings and even a cribbage league!
They have a fun selection of beer, seltzers, cocktails and mocktails plus a full food menu. Be sure and try the Bavarian pretzel!!
Snap a photo with Big Ole.
Have you been to Alexandria if you don’t take a photo with Big Ole? The 28-foot tall Viking statue was originally built for the 1965 New York World’s Fair. It’s a nod to the Scandinavian heritage of the area. Find Big Ole just across the street from Copper Trail Brewing along Lake Agnes in downtown.
Enjoy a tasty meal or coffee at a local restaurant.
While you’re in Alexandria, be sure to try some of the local restaurants and coffee shops. The Garden Bar on 6th has a wonderful aesthetic and delicious menu featuring fresh and flavorful options. The harvest bowl with salmon was just what I needed after a day of adventures! The cocktail menu also has fun options. Reservations are recommended for weekends.
La Ferme offers fresh, seasonal, locally sourced, farm to table meals. Be aware that they are not open every day, so check their website for their latest schedule.
For coffee, there are many options but I recommend Common Ground Coffee House and The Edge. The Edge is a boutique plus coffee shop, which is a unique concept, and it’s woman-owned.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a fun winter getaway with friends, don’t sleep on Alexandria. While it may be known as a summer destination, there’s a lot of outdoor fun to be had during winter in Alexandria MN.
Disclaimer: My stay during this trip was hosted by Modern Cabin Lake Life. My opinions, however, are my own. I am under no obligation to write a positive review.
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