01/08/2024
We're hiring!
The museum is looking for a part-time museum educator to fill a grant funded position.
More details and applications can be found on Indeed.
Legacy of the Lakes Museum
Legacy of The Lakes Museum
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facebook.com/LegacyoftheLakes Our mailing address is PO Box 1216, Alexandria, MN 56308.
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The Legacy of The Lakes Museum celebrates our lake traditions and legacies, and is committed to their preservation for future generations. Discover classic boats, grand hotel and resort history, fishing memorabilia and much more as you stroll through our ever-changing exhibits
The Legacy Gardens, on the Museum's campus, showcases beautiful landscaping, water features, walking paths, gazebos, and quiet alcoves.
01/05/2024
We're starting a new series, Meet the Fleet Fridays! From now until opening day, we'll share some of the amazing boats in our collection.
This week we're showing off Ratus Ratus, a racing shell used by the St. John's University's crew club in the mid-1980s. Racing shells evolved from rowboats in the late 19th century, specifically for team racing. Ratus Ratus (named for the scientific name for the black rat) is a side mount sweep rigger type and has room for 8 rowers. It was donated to the museum by the university in 2014. It resides suspended in our North Gallery.
Have you seen the Boys in the Boat yet? The movie tells the story of the men's eight crew at the 1936 Berlin Olympics and features earlier racing shells similar to Ratus Ratus.
01/01/2024
Happy 2024! We can't wait to show you all what we're preparing for the upcoming year!
As a reminder, our offices will be closed today, January 1. We will be back in office with regular hours tomorrow, January 2.
12/31/2023
What a year it's been at the museum! From boat shows to exhibits and events, we're pleased to celebrate the shared memories and experiences of lake life.
2024 promises to be another amazing year at the Legacy of the Lakes Museum, so give us a follow to keep up with the latest news and information!
12/28/2023
It is the final weekend for the Garden of Lights walking light tour for 2023! If you haven't yet had the chance to walk through this amazing display, don't miss out. Open tonight (Thursday, December 28) through New Year's Eve (Sunday, December 31) from 4:30-8 pm!
ALP Utilities Car Care Program Alexandria Police Department, Alexandria, MN Explore Alexandria MN
12/25/2023
Merry Christmas!
We thought we'd repost our video about the Christmas Tree ships that served on the Great Lakes. Have a safe and happy holiday everyone!
When Christmas trees became popular in the late 1800s, schooner ships helped meet the demand of Great Lakes markets. Here, Legacy of the Lakes Museum gives a...
12/24/2023
Merry Christmas Eve and congratulations to our Broadway Parade of Trees winner, Scandinavian Gift Shop! Downtown shoppers voted this tree their favorite of the participating store display trees.
We can't wait for next year already!
12/22/2023
Looking for last minute gifts? Come check out the museum gift shop! We're open from 10-2:30 today with unique gifts for everyone on your list. Through today, all kid's toys and books are 30% off!
No time to shop in store? Order ahead of time and set your purchase for in store pick up. You can pick up in store until 2:30 pm. Shop here: https://legacy-of-the-lakes-museum.square.site/
12/22/2023
Happy Holidays from the Legacy of the Lakes Museum Board of Directors and staff!
The museum offices will be closed December 25-27, 2023 and on January 1, 2024.
May the spirit of the holidays be with you throughout the New Year!
12/20/2023
We've got kid's toys and books on sale for 30% off now at the museum gift shop! Grab some stuffers for their stockings or a creative gift that will inspire and entertain!
You can shop the museum gift shop in person M-F 10 am to 5 pm (through December 22) or anytime online at https://legacy-of-the-lakes-museum.square.site/. You can set your orders for in store pick up and pick them up at the museum through 2:30 pm December 22. Shipped items are not guaranteed by Christmas.
12/18/2023
For our final week of holiday deals, we're offering 30% off kid's toys and books. Kids can get creative with our sailboat model building kits, pirate map activity, sewing kits, and more! This deal is valid until 2:30 pm on Friday, December 22nd.
Shop the gift shop in person Monday-Friday, 10-5, or anytime online(https://legacy-of-the-lakes-museum.square.site/). Online orders apply the discount in cart. Set your order for shipping or free in store pick up! In store pick up is only available until 5 pm on Friday, December 22.
12/15/2023
Souvenirs are 30% through Sunday night, so add a little summer to your holiday by shopping our gift shop! We're open from 10-5 today (Friday) or you can shop online anytime by visiting https://legacy-of-the-lakes-museum.square.site/.
Online discounts apply in cart. You can set your order for shipping or in store pick up.
12/13/2023
Seeking stocking stuffers? Come check out our gift shop for unique items that are sure to add a little bit of summer to the holiday season! Right now, all souvenirs are 30% off!
You can shop at the museum M-F from 10 to 5 or anytime online at https://legacy-of-the-lakes-museum.square.site/. Online orders can be set for shipping or in store pick up. The souvenir sale lasts until 12/17, so shop now.
Online discounts apply in cart.
12/13/2023
We can't wait for this movie!
This Christmas, the race is on. Watch the official trailer for The Boys In The Boat, from director George Clooney, starring Joel Edgerton and Callum Turner. ...
12/11/2023
Who says souvenirs are only for vacation? For week 3 of our holiday deals, we're offering 30% off souvenirs. We have lake and nautical themed items that are sure to be a hit under the tree!
Shop the gift shop in person Monday-Friday, 10-5, or anytime online(https://legacy-of-the-lakes-museum.square.site/). Online orders apply the discount in cart. Set your order for shipping or free in store pick up!
12/07/2023
There's still time to save 30% off apparel in our gift shop! We've got items for everyone from infants and up!
You can shop in person at the museum from 10 to 5, Monday-Friday, or anytime online by visiting our online store: https://legacy-of-the-lakes-museum.square.site/. Online orders can be set for in store pick up or shipping. Discount applies in cart.
This sale only lasts through Sunday, so shop now for great holiday savings!
12/05/2023
Thank you to the judges of the Holiday Light Parade for awarding our float "Most Creative!" This float was a joint effort from us, the Runestone Museum Foundation and Douglas County Historical Society MN. The museum's handmade faering replica was bedecked in lights to mimic a vessel cutting through water. It even had a trio of Vikings!
Faerings have been built in Scandinavia for over 2000 years, including by the Vikings. Today, they are mostly used by fishermen.
Thanks to Explore Alexandria MN for sponsoring the prizes for the parade!
12/04/2023
It's week two of our holiday deals in the museum gift shop. This week, save 30% off apparel. Hats, sweatshirts, T-shirts, and more! This deal is valid now through December 10!
Shop the gift shop in person Monday-Friday, 10-5, or anytime online(https://legacy-of-the-lakes-museum.square.site/). Online orders apply the discount in cart. Set your order for shipping or free in store pick up!
11/30/2023
As we head into ice fishing season, let's remember to leave no trace and keep our lakes clean!
11/29/2023
Got a bibliophile on your list? We've got books for everyone, from the young to the young at heart!
Right now, all books in the museum gift shop are 20% off. You can shop in person Monday-Friday from 10-5 at the museum or anytime online at https://legacy-of-the-lakes-museum.square.site/. Online orders can be set for in store pick up or shipping.
11/27/2023
We're running 4 weeks of deals in our gift shop for all your holiday shopping needs!
This week, from November 27 to December 3, we're offering 20% off all books! We have a variety of youth, fiction, and non-fiction books, including the recently restocked "And Then Came Summer!" Get them now for 20% off!
Offer is valid in store or online. Museum gift shop hours are 10 to 5, Monday-Friday or anytime online (https://legacy-of-the-lakes-museum.square.site/). Set your order up for shipping or free in store pick up!
11/27/2023
Our winning tree for Parade of Trees is determined by whichever tree has the most monetary donations from the weekend. All the proceeds from voting go to our non-profit of the year, the Alzhiemer's Association. This year, your generosity in voting raised over $500 for the Association! Thank you!
The winning tree for 2023 is Central Lakes Symphony Orchestra!
Rounding out our top 5 trees:
2nd-Papa K’s Rescue BBQ
3rd-Lake Country Meats
4th-Douglas County 4-H
5th-Jan's Place
Thank you to all our participating businesses, clubs, and organizations who helped us spread the holiday spirit during the event! We can't wait for next year!
You can still vote for your favorite Downtown Broadway storefront tree until December 22nd! Instructions for voting are available at participating stores on Broadway!
11/27/2023
Thank you for another amazing Parade of Trees weekend!
We'll be announcing our winning tree tomorrow once we've had a chance to add up all the donations. All the proceeds from voting go to our non-profit of the year, the Alzheimer's Association.
Address
205 3rd Avenue W
Alexandria, MN
56308
Opening Hours
| Monday | 10am - 5pm |
| Tuesday | 10am - 5pm |
| Wednesday | 10am - 5pm |
| Thursday | 10am - 5pm |
| Friday | 10am - 5pm |
| Saturday | 10am - 4pm |
| Sunday | 12pm - 4pm |
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Videos
Looking Back on 2023
What a year it's been at the museum! From boat shows to exhibits and events, we're pleased to celebrate the shared memories and experiences of lake life. 2024 promises to be another amazing year at the Legacy of the Lakes Museum, so give us a follow to keep up with the latest news and information!
Into winter storage they go! We have a wonderful team of volunteers here today helping us put the museum to bed for the winter. This is a 1951 ABW sedan, the only one in existence! It was built for Dick Wiles from the Minnesouri Club on Lake Miltona.
Spin to win! It's time for our annual End of Season sale in the museum gift ship. Stop by and spin the wheel to determine your discount, up to 50% off your purchase!
There's also nothing quite like a ride in a one of a kind Larson Falls Flyer car! The museum is open this fall until October 31. Come give us a visit and check out our Falls Flyer collection and all our other amazing displays and artifacts! #legacyofthelakes #fallsfluer #larsonboats #alexandriamn #explorealex
Gallery Talk: Dodge Boats with Dave Bortner
Repost of our June Gallery Talk with Dave Bortner on Horace E. Dodge Jr and his short lived boat company in honor of the Dodge Dream exhibit, open at the museum for the 2023 season!
Mick Sterling's Bee Gees tribute had the crowd up and dancing in the Legacy Gardens. What a fantastic conclusion to our 2023 Music in the Gardens concert series!
Here's what its like to participate in the Fly By at the conclusion of the Diamond Buick Boat Show. Captain Bortner helms this very special 1932 Gar Wood 28' triple cockpit runabout. Looks like fun! Thank you to our show sponsor, @diamondbuickgmc
There's nothing quite like seeing a classic cruising out on the lake! You can catch classics like these at the Legacy of the Lakes Diamond Classic Boat Show on July 8 at Arrowwood Resort! The show is free and open to the public.
2022 Year in Review
We've had a busy and fantastic 2022! We thought we'd share a look back on just a few of the year's highlights!
The museum gift shop and office will be closing at noon today due to the weather. Stay warm out there!
Great Lakes Christmas Tree Ships
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from Legacy of the Lakes Museum! We thought we'd share the story of Christmas Tree Ships, which helped meet the demand for Christmas Trees in the late 19th and early 20th century. Photos: Bowling Green State University (https://www.bgsu.edu/library/cac/collections/hcgl.html) Chicago Maritime Museum (https://www.chicagomaritimemuseum.org/) Chicago News Tribune (https://www.chicagotribune.com/) Clipper Ship Gallery United States Coast Guard (uscg.mil) Wikimedia Commons Wisconsin Historical Society (https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/)
Our newest Superior Shipwreck in Sixty Seconds, the USS Essex, which was deliberately wrecked in 1931. Make sure to check out our Shipwrecked: Lake Superior exhibit for more information on shipwrecks on Lake Superior, open until October 31! Photos: The Metropolitan Museum of Art (themet.org) Milwaukee Public Library (mpl.org) Washington Navy Yard Library (navymwrwashington.com) Naval History & Heritage Command (history.navy.mil) Maritime Heritage Minnesota (maritimeheritagemn.org) Library of Congress (loc.gov) C. Patrick Labadie Collection Military History of the Upper Great Lakes (ss.sites.mtu.edu/mhugl) University of Minnesota-Duluth Kathryn A. Martin Archive Library (lib.d.umn.edu) Minnesota Historical Society (mnhs.org)
We're under 9 hours remaining in our paddle art auction! Run don't walk to our online auction site at lolm.betterworld.org to score yourself a paddle before the paddle pirate strikes again! Music: Hans Zimmer "He's a Pirate" from "Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl," Walt Disney Company
Bidding with Your Friends
We don't know if Jackie O had one just like it, but we also don't know that she didn't! There's still plenty of time to bid on the amazing paddle art up for auction! Visit lolm.betterworld.org to place your bid! Audio: First Wives Club, Paramount Pictures Terrible Acting: Kaci and Chelsea
Treat Yourself to a Paddle
The Pledge-a-Paddle Fundraising Auction is the perfect opportunity to treat yo self to a one-of-a-kind piece of art and help a non-profit in the process! They also make great gifts if you want to treat someone else too! Visit lolm.betterworld.org to view the available treat options and place your bid!
Have you heard? These amazing paddles are up for auction in the Pledge-a-Paddle Fundraising Auction, happening now! Bidding is open until Friday, October 21 at 9 pm, so place your bid now for your favorite paddles. Visit lolm.betterworld.org to view and bid! We do not own the rights to this song. "Surfin' Bird" by the Trashmen, 1963.
Have you Heard?
Have you heard? These amazing paddles are up for auction in the Pledge-a-Paddle Fundraising Auction, happening now! Bidding is open until Friday, October 21 at 9 pm, so place your bid now for your favorite paddles. Visit lolm.betterworld.org to view and bid! We do not own the rights to this song. "Surfin' Bird" by the Trashmen, 1963.
Carlos Creek Winery Paddle
Check out this awesome paddle, up for auction during our Pledge-a-Paddle Fundraising Auction. Visit lolm.betterworld.org to view the available paddles and place your bid. Bidding is open until October 21 at 9 pm!
This Superior Shipwreck in 60 Seconds is slightly longer than normal, as we've got a twofer, the MM Drake and the Michigan. There's still time to check out our Shipwrecked: Lake Superior exhibit at the Legacy of the Lakes Museum until October 31! Photos: Great Lakes Ships National Museum of the Great Lakes (nmgl.org) Library of Congress (loc.gov) Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society (shipwreckmuseum.com) Canadian Geographic (canadiangeographic.ca) Bowling Green State University (bgsu.edu/library/cac/collections/hcgl.html) Whitefish Point Underwater Preserve (michiganpreserves.org) Wikimedia Commons
Bidding with Betterworld
We've updated our video on Placing a Bid with Betterworld so it reflects recent changes to the Betterworld site. This video will walk you through bidding from start to finish. If you have any remaining questions, don't hesitate to reach out to us here at the museum by emailing [email protected] Don't forget to bid during our Pledge-a-Paddle Fundraising Auction, which goes live on October 17th at 5:00 am! Follow this link to view the available paddles: lolm.betterworld.org.
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The Legacy of The Lakes Museum and Gardens celebrates the shared memories and experiences of Minnesota lake life, and preserves that legacy for future generations. Our Legacy Gardens offer a relaxing setting among flowers, shrubs, trees, water features, and more. Open mid-May through October.
