There's always a charming city in Minnesota awaiting exploration. Whether it's the artsy and dreamy town of Lanesboro or Austin, a friendly destination with big-city amenities, there's no shortage of unique places to discover. Waterfront cities, though, are the most exciting. That's especially true of Albert Lea, which is surrounded by multiple picturesque lakes. Here, the only question you'll be asking yourself is "Which lake do I check out today?" After all, Minnesota is appropriately nicknamed
the "Land of 10,000 Lakes," and it only makes sense to visit several glittering bodies of water in one go. With a calendar loaded with seasonal events and plenty of family-friendly activities, Albert Lea promises fun times for the whole gang.
Named after Albert Lea Lake (which, in turn, was named for topographer Albert Miller Lea), this city started out as a small community in the mid-19th century. Over the years, a public school was established, followed by the formation of the local government. And when the city hall, library, and fire department opened, Albert Lea began to grow much faster. While it still maintains its humble spirit, Albert Lea is anything but slow.
To get to Albert Lea from out of state, fly into Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, which is 90 minutes away. Rochester International Airport (RST) is close, too, just an hour's drive. The underrated city of Waterloo in Iowa is also within driving distance — you'll arrive within two hours. You won't have an issue finding accommodation in Albert Lea. AmericInn by Wyndham, Ramada by Wyndham, and Best Western Plus offer a comfy hotel stay. Holiday Inn Express and Suites is far from the city center, but its proximity to the local state park could make it a great choice.
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Exploring Albert Lea's Lakes
There's a reason why Albert Lea is commonly referred to as "The Land Between the Lakes." Smack dab in the middle of the city is Fountain Lake, taking up 521 acres of space. This is where most people come to jet ski, lounge by Albert Lea City Beach, fish for their daily catches, and enjoy the sunset. The Fountain Lake Mermaid gazes at the glimmering waters, a landmark of the city. Some people prefer admiring the lake views from Pioneer Park, where they can plan a picnic by the pavilions.
Albert Lea Lake occupies the east side of the city, with Myre-Big Island State Park being its biggest draw. Many people choose to camp in the 1,700-acre state park, be it in an RV, a traditional campsite, or a cabin. Anglers take advantage of the water and set their rods to catch fish, while others launch their kayaks and canoes to experience the lake's beauty from another angle. Birdwatching is common, too, with countless species recorded in the park. When you're not spending time by the lake, you're hiking the 16 miles of scenic trails.
The west side of Albert Lea is taken over by the 588-square-acre Pickerel Lake. This smaller lake is teeming with bluegill, black crappie, yellow perch, and northern pike. Other species include white suckers, green sunfish, and fathead minnows. Those who prefer to stay on the dry side can head to Pickerel Lake Park and watch the fishermen's boats bobbing in the water. There's a waterfowl production area near the lake, which serves as a breeding habitat.
Albert Lea Is A Magnet For Festival-Goers
Albert Lea's calendar is overflowing with events. Summertime is when the Bayside Ski Team puts on a show on the water for the whole city to marvel at their risky jumps and synchronized routines. The Albert Lea Public Library frequently hosts music performances for the little ones to encourage interest in the arts. The County Fair is a summer staple, too — many families gather at the fairgrounds to indulge in their favorite bites and win a few toys for their kids. The most eye-catching event, however, is the Albert Lea Minnesota Community Kite Festival, when enormous, colorful kites take to the sky for a performance of a lifetime.
Community members are actively involved in the city's events. Albert Lea organizes the annual Allzin for Alzheimer's Barrel Race to advocate for those affected by the disease. Meanwhile, the Freeborn Mower Relay for Life collects funds for cancer research and treatment, all while entertaining residents and visitors. Another exciting event is Rock-n-Roll the Lakes. Combining rock and roll music with cycling, this fundraiser invites bikers to pedal along the shores on a 10, 30, or 50-mile journey. While you're riding your bike, you'll most likely catch glimpses of eagles, pelicans, and other birdlife.
Many families like going to the Itasca Rock Garden in the city. This verdant space features kaleidoscopic rock sculptures that seem as if they're straight out of a storybook. Open during the summer months, the Itasca Rock Garden makes for a wonderful pit stop on your getaway. While Albert Lea provides easy access to several lakes, everyone knows that Lake Superior is the greatest of the Great Lakes. The next time you're in the state, visit Two Harbors, a city known for unique accommodations, coffee shops, and lakeside adventures.
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