We spend about 1 weekend a month as a family and these are some of our FAVORITE spots!
Brophy Park - located right on our lake, a quick 20 minute kayak trip or bike ride away, although with the highway being kind of busy it might be best to just drive there and haul bikes if you've got kids with you. You can access the Central Lakes Trail (the same as Wobegon but a different name once you hit the Alex area.) This park and visitor center is like no other, and my kids adore it. There is a sandy beach, nice clean bathrooms, and you can even rent the space for family events. Most Tuesdays in the Summer there is a free concert there. It's also fantastic for mountain bike trails, cross country ski trails, and sledding in the winter time!
Lake Carlos State Park - If you're into light hiking, these trails are perfect. There are quite a few trails in short loops that allow us to bring the kids or go without them. Bonus that it's very close to Carlos Creek Winery and 22 Norsemen Brewery that you can fill up on after!
Big Ole - Right next to the 205 Grille and Copper Trail Brewing, across from The Depot restaurant, you can't bring your kids to Alexandria and NOT get a photo with this huge 28' Viking Statue.
Legacy of the Lakes Museum - From Thanksgiving weekend through New Years, Thurs-Sun, there is a trail of Christmas lights that our kids love going to every year. I won't exaggerate and call it Bentlyville, but it's a great evening with hot chocolate and a way to pass some time. It's free with an encouraged donation to the museum. It's only a few miles from Brophy Bungalow, and lots of places to eat and drink close by.
Zorbaz - I couldn't not include it on the list. It's something you need to experience for yourself in the summer time, but an afternoon of sand volleyball at Zorbaz just cannot be beat. Admittedly the pizza gets on the pricy side, but a summer without at least a few Zorbaz Sunday Fundays is just a waste of time. We love going there on weekend evenings in the winter and taking in the fun atmosphere as well.
The Depot - This is probably our go-to place to eat. They have a dining area and bar area, and live music every Friday night! Anything from a steak/walleye dinner to bar food, and full salad bar most of the time. We love going here in the winter as well!
Well & Co Spa - They're only open during the week, but Well & Co Med Spa is the most relaxing environment for a facial or treatment. Give yourself a little boost of IV hydration therapy if you've spent too much time in the sun, and get back to enjoying vacation!
Arrowwood Resort - This is our go-to waterpark in the winter. For $25/person (ages 1+) you can spend the afternoon at the waterpark. They do "Birthday Packages" so call ahead. It's perfect for kids ages 12ish and under, but might be a little underwhelming for those teenagers. The spa is also a great place to get a massage!
Brophy Bay Mart - We had no idea this place existed when we purchased Brophy Bungalow, but wow are we glad it does! It's a piece of nostalgia that has been a life saver so many times. Bait, gas, liquor & beer, hot dogs, random groceries, frozen pizza, sunscreen, ice cream -- they've got it! It's literally 0.3 miles from the cabin, and perfect if you need something "real quick" but don't want to drive all the way to town.
For a list of other activities we recommend (personal chef to come to the house, a private shooting range nearby, etc, you can search the little extras page!
Of course, you can also check out the Alexandria official tourism site for more ideas, but these are just some of our favorites!
We also know unexpected things happen on vacation. To help you out, we have compiled a list of "emergency" services you might need -- dentist, pharmacies, pet hospital, taxis, and shuttles! click here to see this list