Alexandria’s lakes have begun to hum with the sound of boat motors as temperatures reach toward 80 degrees this week and we are loving the summer vibes! This is always an exciting time in Alexandria as many of our resident snowbirds return and visitors from all over the country (and beyond) fall in love with Alexandria’s charm and endless things to do.

If you are planning to enjoy Alexandria’s beautiful lakes- and we hope you are- here are some tips and resources to make your trip safe and enjoyable.

Many of our area resorts and private vacation rental homes offer boat rentals for your convenience. You can view all area properties on the Explore Alexandria website to make finding and booking your stay a breeze. If you’re planning to bring your own boat, there are public boat accesses throughout Douglas County. You can view or download a map of lake accesses from the MN DNR here. Please be aware of aquatic invasive species and review the steps you can take to help stop the spread of these species from one body of water to another. To ensure your time on the water is enjoyable and safe, please also review the Minnesota Boating Guide, which provides an overview of state boating laws and regulations as well as safety tips. Most importantly, always wear a life jacket when out on the water and make sure children are wearing theirs too.

Fishing licenses can be conveniently purchased online here or at a number of local gas stations and retailers. Christopherson Bait & Tackle is a one-stop shop for fishing licenses, supplies, and recommendations on the best spots to fish and bait to use.

If you’re looking to swim or catch some rays, look no further than Alexandria’s eight public beaches. Bring a picnic and spend the afternoon splashing, sunning, and more.

We wish everyone a safe and fun-filled summer on the lakes, whether fishing, swimming, paddling, or just relaxing with a good book and soaking in the sunshine!