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Minnesota geography lesson: Al;exandria
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Alexandria's population of 11,000 surges in the summer. The town is in the middle of the central-lakes region of Minnesota, where farms and prairie begin to give way to huge tracts of forest and marsh.
GETTING THERE
Alexandria is about 130 miles northwest of downtown Minneapolis. Take Interstate 94 west all the way.
CHECKING IN
I stayed at the 35-year-old Arrowwood Resort, complete with golf course, boat rentals, water parks and indoor and outdoor restaurants. There are several of these big resorts in the area, which can run a family of four up to $250 per night, including a golf pass. There are several dozen places to stay in the area that range from AmericInn near town to modest lakeside cabins (for as little as $100 per night). Specials abound during the week and in the off season. In addition to the Depot Express, Sixth Avenue Wine & Ale Lounge in the loop is a comfortable, well-appointed lounge. The Traveler's Inn, a downtown Alexandria staple since 1928, gets high grades for its walleye and prime rib dinners, as well as for its well-preserved interior.
MORE INFO
Good traveler's information can be found at www.alexandriamn.org, the website of Alexandria's Chamber of Commerce.
Neal St. Anthony • 612-673-7144
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