Looking for the perfect Minnesota day trip? Alexandria, MN, offers an incredible mix of wineries, distilleries, cider flights, and farm-fresh fun—all within a two-hour drive of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Whether you’re planning a girls’ day out, a couples’ escape, or a solo adventure, this itinerary delivers the ideal blend of relaxation and local flavor.
Quick Snapshot of Our Itinerary
📍 Location: Alexandria, Minnesota
⏱️ Drive Time from Minneapolis/St. Paul: ~2 hours / ~130 miles
👯♀️ Perfect For: Couples, solo travelers, friend groups
💰 Budget: $–$$
🍽️ Tip: Plan a proper lunch! Many stops offer snacks, but next time I’ll make a reservation at Le Ferme – Farm to Fork for their cozy lunch menu (Tuesday–Saturday, 11am–2pm). They also offer The Crowded Table, a farm-to-table dinner featuring ingredients from Minnesota growers.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I only recommend places and products I truly enjoy.
Your Perfect Daycation: Alexandria, MN Itinerary
1. Country Blossom Farm — Bakery, Cider Bar & U-Pick Fun
📍 1951 Englund Rd SW, Alexandria, MN 56308
Kick off your Alexandria adventure at Country Blossom Farm, a charming stop offering a bakery, hard cider bar, and seasonal u-pick experiences. It’s family-friendly, but we came for one thing: cider flights, and they did not disappoint. We also grabbed a Mac & Cheese and Chicken Pot Pie savory hand pie, both perfect after our ciders. If you love a cozy farm atmosphere with great flavors, you’ll want to make this your first stop, too.
2. Panther Distillery — Minnesota’s First Legal Distillery
📍 300 E Pike St, Osakis, MN 56360
Next up: a whiskey lover’s dream. Panther Distillery holds the title of the first legal distillery in Minnesota since Prohibition. Their process incorporates cold aging, giving their spirits a unique Minnesota character. Our host guided us on an informative, fun tour before a tasting where we sampled three spirits (out of eight options!) and even received a complimentary shot glass. I enjoyed every whiskey I tried, but the Minnesota Maple 14 was especially memorable.
3. Ida Graves Distillery — Prairie-Inspired Spirits
📍 5422 Lake Ida Way NW, Alexandria, MN 56308
Recommended by the team at Panther Distillery, Ida Graves was an unexpected gem. This minimalist, prairie-style distillery offers indoor and outdoor seating—and even a sandbox for kids.
Their cocktail menu features vodka, gin, aquavit, amaro, and their standout Sumac Limoncello. I tried the Prairie Smoke, described as:
“A botanical complexity from aquavit, hickory smoke reminiscent of distant burning trees, and tropical pineapple notes—just as fire enhances the prairie.”
4. Carlos Creek Winery — Wine Flights & Weekend Fun
📍 6693 County Rd 34 NW, Alexandria, MN 56308
End your day at Carlos Creek Winery, Minnesota’s largest winery—and home to the famed annual grape stomp. It was busy when we arrived, but grabbing wine flights was surprisingly quick and smooth.
I opted for the All Sweet flight and enjoyed every last drop! Outside, you can enjoy garden chess, bean bags, and plenty of photo-worthy spots.
Food Options at Carlos Creek:
- Stoke Pizza
- The Sizzle Food Truck
- Sunday Brunch
Tip: If you’re visiting on a Saturday, order food early. Lines get long, and kitchen hours vary. I missed out on pizza because they stopped serving sooner than expected.
Final Thoughts: Why Alexandria Makes the Perfect Day Trip
Alexandria offers a delightful mix of Minnesota-made spirits, scenic Midwest charm, and farm-fresh flavors. Whether you’re sipping cider, sampling whiskey, or strolling through a vineyard, this itinerary delivers a full day away from the Twin Cities.
If you go, let me know your favorite stop! And if you try Le Ferme or The Crowded Table, I’d love to hear about your experience for next time.