🎡 Minnesota State Fair (August 27 – September 7, 2026) If you’ll be spending a few extra days in Minnesota, the Minnesota State Fair in St. Paul is a must-see! Enjoy classic fair food, live music, rides, and one of the largest agricultural fairs in the country. It’s about a 2-hour drive from Alexandria and a fun stop if you’re flying in or out of Minneapolis.
If you’re staying in the Alexandria area for the weekend, Lake Carlos State Park is a perfect spot to enjoy nature. Go for a hike, have a picnic, swim, or rent a kayak and explore the lake.
Explore local shops, boutiques, and cafés, or stop by art galleries and enjoy the charming small-town vibe.
Spend a day out on the water with pontoon, kayak, or paddleboard rentals at Lake Carlos Marina. Located next to Lake Carlos State Park.