Special Events
Check our calendar for specific dates!
April Sorensen Memorial Half Marathon
82017 Cty. Rd. 46, Hayward, MN
507-377-2568 www.livelaughloverun.com
Art Shows
Albert Lea Art Center, MN
507-373-5665
Each month, the Center features a different and uniquely special exhibit in the Gallery. Free and open to the public.
Big Island Bar-B-Que
Freeborn County Fairgrounds, Albert Lea, MN
Taste the Best Barbeque from the Midwest’s Best Cooks! Stage entertainment, door prizes, admission free to the public.
www.bigislandfestivalandbbq.org pvining@smig.net
Cowboy Mounted Horse Shoot
Freeborn County Fairgrounds, Albert Lea, MN
Friday, August 20-Sunday, August 22. Mounted shooting is the fastest growing equestrian sport! Riders shoot black powder blank cartridges from 45 caliber pistols at balloons and are scored on accuracy and time.
Eddie Cochran Weekend/Low Bucks Car Show
Freeborn County Museum, Albert Lea, MN
507-373-2316
Celebrate the 1950s and Albert Lea’s very own rock ‘n roll legend Eddie Cochran. Low Bucks car show, rally, swap meet, dancing, picnic, cruise.
Freeborn County Fair
Freeborn County Fairgrounds
(Bridge Ave. & Cty Rd. 22), Albert Lea, MN
www.freeborncountyfair.com
“Six Best Days of Summer!” Late July – Early August features nationally known musical talent, antique tractor show, 4-H displays, 4-H, FFA, and open class livestock shows, fabulous foods, and much more! Scheduled entertainment includes national acts.
4th of July Fireworks
Fountain Lake, Downtown Albert Lea
This annual fireworks display is one of the largest in Southern Minnesota and Iowa. Watch from your car, boat or shoreline.
Hambone Blues Jam
Location to be determined
507-373-2316
A great mix of music, including Blues, Classic Rock, Funk, Soul, R&B and Reggae. Food and beverage vendors on site.
Land Between the Lakes Triathlon Starting line at Edgewater Park,
Albert Lea, MN
507-373-2461
The race begins with a 5 mile swim, then a 19.8 mile bike ride through the Albert Lea countryside, finishing with a 4.2 mile run.
3rd of July Parade Downtown, Albert Lea, MN • 507-373-2316 July 3. The largest parade in Southern Minnesota with over 100 colorful units and thousands of visitors.
 24th Annual Big Island Rendezvous & Festival Exit 157 off I-90, follow signs. Free shuttle at Freeborn County Fairgrounds. Albert Lea, MN Sat. & Sun., First weekend in October. Minnesota’s largest award-winning fur trade and early America re-enactment, with over 1,000 participants. Ethnic foods, live cannon, voyageur camp, crafts and entertainment. www.bigislandfestivalandbbq.org pvining@smig.net
Arts
Albert Lea Art Center
224 S. Broadway, Albert Lea, MN,
P.O. Box 313
507-373-5665
Historic downtown building with a charming gallery featuring local and regional artists. Gift shop, classes, and workshops too! artcenter@mcleodusa.net
CEC Mall 7 Northbridge Mall, Albert Lea, MN 507-373-7039 cectheatres.com
 The very best in first-run movie entertainment. Convenient mall setting, seven screens, family friendly environment. Come see a movie!
Marion Ross Performing Arts Center 147 N. Broadway Ave., Albert Lea, MN 507-377-4370
www.city.albertlea.org Newly restored historic downtown theater dedicated to Albert Lea native Marion Ross of “Happy Days” fame. Check our website for a detailed list of performances.
Casino
Diamond Jo Casino
777 Diamond Jo Lane, Northwood, IA
877-323-5566
www.diamondjo.com
965 slots & video poker machine; Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, plus 7 table Poker Room featuring Texas Hold’Em. Woodfire Grille & The Kitchen Buffet. Live Entertainment.
College
Riverland Community College
1900 8th Avenue NW., Austin, MN
800-247-5039
www.riverland.edu
Enjoy the visual and performing arts a Riverland, including an art gallery and music and theater productions.
Facilities
Albert Lea City Arena
701 Lake Chapeau Dr., Albert Lea, MN
507-377-4374
Albert Lea Thunder Junior A Hockey. Meeting rooms and arena are available for rent.
Nightlife
American Legion Post 56
142 N. Broadway Ave., Albert Lea, MN
507-373-7993
Weekly entertainment.
Crescendo
118 S. Broadway Ave., Albert Lea, MN
507-377-2425
www.CrescendoDining.com
A memorable dinner before a show, or an event itself, Crescendo features exquisite food, fine wines and live piano entertainment. |
Museums, Galleries and Learning Centers
Albert Lea Public Library
211 E. Clark St., Albert Lea, MN
507-377-4350
www.alplonline.org
Free WiFi in the library and lobby. Internet access computers available. Computer Classes.
Freeborn County Museum
1031 Bridge Ave., Albert Lea, MN
507-373-8003
www.smig.net/fchm
An exceptional history complex! Exhibits include Marion Ross and Eddie Cochran memorabilia, with early settler displays. Historical village and resource library.
Freeborn County Museum, Library & Historical Village
1031 Bridge Ave., Albert Lea, MN
507-373-8003
www.smig.net/fchm
Step back in time! Visit our historic church, log cabin, schoolhouse, general store and farm machinery. Museum, tours and resource library.
Greibrok’s Mini History Farm & County Fair
5 miles S. of Oakland on Cty. Rd. 34
507-433-4880 (Call for appointment)
Hollandale Heritage Huis
Hollandale, MN
507-889-3921
Dutch heritage, Hollandale memorabilia.
Story Lady Doll & Toy Museum
131 N. Broadway Ave.,
Albert Lea, MN
507-377-1820
Featuring over 1,000 dolls and toys, including antiques, storybook characters, designer dolls and much more. See ad for cost and hours.
Parks
Albert Lea Parks & Recreation
701 Lake Chapeau Dr., Albert Lea, MN
507-377-4370
Our community has abundant natural and historic areas that have been developed into over 300 acres of quality parks, recreation areas, and open space. All of the parks are open to the public, free of charge.
Unique Attractions
 Albert Lea Farmer’s Market Downtown, Albert Lea – (Marion Ross Performing Arts Center Parking Lot), Wed. and Sat. May-Oct. Fabulous produce, flowers, crafts and entertainment.
Bayside Skiers
Fountain Lake, Albert Lea, MN
507-377-2919
Regionally recognized, this outstanding water ski team performs a wide variety of jumps, tricks and skills. Every Thursday at 6:30 p.m., June-August.
Calico Hutch 20520 810th Ave., Hayward, MN 507-377-1163 Huge selection of quilt fabrics. Hundreds of kits.
Crescendo
118 S. Broadway Ave., Albert Lea, MN
507-377-2425
www.CrescendoDining.com
Located in the historic downtown district, Crescendo features exquisite food, a relaxing atmosphere, an extensive wine list and live piano music.
Garden Diva Design Studio
80920 Cty. Rd. 46, Hayward, MN
507-377-2579
www.gardendivadesignstudio.com
Unique displays of plant material, garden accents and home decor. Professional landscape design from the classic, formal garden to the modern contemporary oasis.
Itasca Rock Gardens
2129 Itasca Rd., Albert Lea, MN
507-373-2316
A unique, privately-owned rock garden with stone bridges, a waterfall, pond, “castlelooking” structures, and beautiful foliage. Visitors welcome.
Minne•Soy•Ta Nice
120 E. Main St., Glenville, MN (4.5 mi. SE of Albert Lea on Hwy. 65)
507-448-2753
Factory outlet for soy candles, soaps and lotions. Becoming a favorite for groups to tour. Make your own candles and soaps.
Pelican Breeze II
Frank Hall Park boat dock, Albert Lea, MN
507-373-9084
www.pelicanbreeze.org
Take a historic guided-cruise on lovely Albert Lea Lake! 60’ river boat, handicapped accessible, on- board bathrooms. May-Oct.
Something Special In the Nest
 Something Special in the Nest 501 W. Main, Albert Lea, MN
507-377-2954 • 877-377-2954
Located in an 1887 historic church. We offer a charming gift gallery featuring decorating accessories and unique gifts. |
