Lake Culture Museum

The Legacy of the Lakes Museum focuses on something Alexandria knows better than almost anywhere — lake life. Located in a historic building on Lake Agnes, the museum houses a collection of vintage boats, motors, lake memorabilia, and exhibits on the history of recreation in the Alexandria lakes area.

The Boats

The boat collection is the highlight. Restored wooden boats from the early and mid-1900s show how lake recreation evolved from work to leisure. There are fishing boats, runabouts, canoes, and motors spanning decades. Even if you’re not a boat person, the craftsmanship is impressive and the history is interesting.

Lake Life History

Exhibits cover the development of resorts, the fishing industry, ice harvesting, and how the lakes shaped the community’s economy and identity. Old photos of the lakes and shorelines show how much — and how little — has changed over the decades.

Visiting

The museum is open seasonally, primarily during summer months. It’s a smaller museum — plan for 30 to 45 minutes. The lakeside location is part of the appeal. Admission is reasonable, and it pairs well with a walk along the lake or a stop at nearby City Park.