You're driving north. The skyline of the Twin Cities starts to shrink in the rearview mirror, and suddenly, the world opens up. If you're looking for directions to Alexandria Minnesota, you’re likely aiming for that sweet spot in Douglas County where the lakes seem to outnumber the people. It’s a straight shot for some, a winding backroad journey for others. Most folks just punch it into GPS and hope for the best, but there is a specific rhythm to this drive that Google Maps doesn't always tell you about.
Alexandria sits right on I-94. It’s the backbone of the state's westward travel. If you are coming from Minneapolis, you’re looking at roughly 130 miles. Easy? Sure. But anyone who has driven that stretch of pavement in a blinding January snowstorm or a Friday afternoon in July knows it's never just "easy."
Getting There From the Twin Cities
Exit the metro. That is the hardest part. Once you clear the Rogers bottleneck—which, let's be honest, is always a mess—it is smooth sailing. You’ll be on I-94 West for the vast majority of the trip.
You’ll pass St. Cloud about an hour in. This is your last chance for "big city" amenities for a bit. If you need a specific snack or a full tank of cheaper gas, stop here. Afterward, the landscape shifts. You start seeing the rolling hills and the glacial ridges that define this part of the country.
Keep an eye out for the signs. Alexandria has several exits, but Exit 103 is usually your best bet for the main drag. Take a right off the ramp, and you’re heading straight toward the downtown area and the massive statue of Big Ole. He’s hard to miss. A giant Viking holding a shield—kind of the unofficial sentry of the town.
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The Scenic Route: Highway 55
Sometimes the Interstate feels like a conveyor belt. It's boring. If you have an extra thirty minutes, take Highway 55 instead.
It takes you through towns like Buffalo, Annandale, and Eden Valley. It’s two lanes. You’ll get stuck behind a tractor at least once. But you’ll also see the "real" Minnesota—barns with peeling red paint, small-town cafes where the coffee is probably stronger than the Wi-Fi, and a lot of wetlands. This route brings you into Alexandria from the southeast. It’s a bit more "vibey" if you aren’t in a rush to hit the lake.
Coming From the West or North
If you are coming from Fargo, it’s a mirror image. I-94 East. About 100 miles. You’ll cross the Red River and watch the flat farmland of the valley transition into the "lake country" woods. It’s a faster drive generally because you aren't fighting the Minneapolis outbound traffic.
Coming from Duluth? That’s a different beast. You’ll likely take Highway 210 through Brainerd. It’s a gorgeous drive through the pines. Just be careful around Motley where the roads intersect; it can get confusing if you aren't paying attention to the signs for Highway 210 vs Highway 10.
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Navigation Realities and Dead Zones
Don't trust your phone implicitly.
While the directions to Alexandria Minnesota are straightforward on the main highways, once you get off the beaten path to find a specific resort on Lake Miltona or Lake Ida, the signal can get spotty. The "Chain of Lakes" area is dense with winding roads and private drives.
- Download your maps for offline use.
- Watch for deer. Seriously. Between dusk and dawn, Douglas County is a high-traffic zone for white-tails.
- In the winter, the wind whips across the open fields between St. Cloud and Alex, creating "ground blizzards." Even if it isn't snowing, the road can turn into a skating rink in seconds.
The Downtown Layout
Once you arrive, Alexandria is laid out fairly logically. Broadway is the main street. It’s where you’ll find the boutiques, the Copper Trail Brewing Co., and the Runestone Museum.
If you’re looking for the lakes, you generally head north or west from the city center. Lake Winona is right there by the park, but the "big" lakes—Le Homme Dieu and Carlos—require a short drive north on Highway 29.
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Most people don't realize that Alexandria was a major hub for the railroad back in the day. The Central Lakes Trail now follows that old rail line. If you’re arriving with bikes on your rack, you can actually navigate a huge chunk of the area without a car at all. The trail runs right through the heart of town.
Common Pitfalls for First-Timers
Construction. It’s the unofficial fifth season in Minnesota.
MnDOT (Minnesota Department of Transportation) loves working on I-94. Before you leave, check their 511MN website or app. There is almost always a lane closure somewhere between Clearwater and Sauk Centre. If you see a sea of orange cones, don't say I didn't warn you.
Also, watch your speed in the small towns if you take the backroads. Places like Osakis or Freeport take their speed limits very seriously. 10 mph over might not fly there like it does on the freeway.
Practical Steps for Your Trip
- Check the Weather: If it's winter, look at the wind speeds, not just the temperature. High winds mean drifting snow on I-94.
- Gas Up Early: Prices in Alexandria are often a few cents higher than in St. Cloud or the outskirts of the Twin Cities.
- Identify Your Lake: "Alexandria" is a broad term. Are you going to the city or a resort 15 miles out? Verify the exact lake name, as many resorts share similar names.
- Stop at a Rest Area: The Enfield Rest Area (westbound) is actually decent and a good spot to stretch your legs before the final push.
- Use Voice Nav for the Last Mile: The residential streets around the lakes can be confusing with "Dead End" signs and narrow paths that look like driveways but are actually public roads.
The drive is part of the experience. Whether you’re coming for the fishing, the history of the Kensington Runestone, or just a quiet weekend away, the transition from the city's concrete to the blue waters of the north is one of the best parts of living in or visiting this region. Stick to the Interstate for speed, hit the backroads for the soul, and always keep an eye out for the big Viking.