Art Shows
The Albert Lea Art Center is located in the “Heart of the City” on Broadway Ave. Each month a different and unique exhibit is featured in the Gallery, such as students art exhibit, Winter Art Show, Art on Broadway and the Christmas Tree Review.

All Albert Lea Art Center exhibits are free and the public is encouraged to visit and enjoy. (507) 373-5665.

Land Between the Lakes Triathlon
May 18
The City of Albert Lea is excited to announce the 4th
Annual Land Between the Lakes Triathlon. The race will
begin with a .5 mile open water swim in Edgewater Park,
then a 19.8 mile bike through Albert Lea area countryside
and will finish with a 4.2 mile run. Come join the fun.

Eddie Cochran Weekend/Low Bucks Car Show
June 13 & 14
Step back to the 1950’s era and celebrate our very own rock n’ roll legend---Eddie Cochran! Celebrated on the second weekend of June. You can expect to see such hiphopping activities including: car show and swap meet, contests, dancing, car rally and cruise, picnic and more!

Don’t miss the permanent Freeborn County Historical Society museum exhibit of Eddie’s memorabilia which is evidence that his home town hasn’t forgotten Eddie.

3rd of July Parade
Celebrate the 4th of July weekend begining with the largest parade in Southern Minnesota with over 100 units. Thousands of visitors and residents gather on the streets of Albert Lea to attend this huge event!

4th of July Fireworks
The annual 4th of July fireworks display is one of the largest in Southern Minnesota and Northern Iowa. Enjoy this wonderful display from your boat or car and watch the most beautiful reflection off of Fountain Lake!

Doc Evans Jazz Festival
July 5
Join us for annual salute to Minnesota's "Doc" Evans. Second to be inducted in the Minnesota music hall of fame "Doc" forged a music tail with his concerts and recordings. Located at the beautiful Fountain Lake Gazebo. This fesitval offers a full afternnon of only the finest of Minnesota's Jazz & Dixieland bands!

April Sorensen Memorial Half Marathon
July 12

Freeborn County Fair
July 29 - August 3
Held in August, the Freeborn County Fair features nationally known musical talent, tractor pulls, 4-H displays, “threshing bee” and much more! Following is the tentative line up for the 2008 Freeborn County Fair. Grandstand shows are at 8:30 pm unless listed differently. Tuesday, July 29th The Oakridge Boys; Wednesday, July 30th Craig Morgan; Thursday, July 31st The Guess Who; Friday, August 1st 7:30 pm Emerson Drive with Ashton Sheperd; Saturday, August 2nd Jason Aldean; Sunday August 3rd 4 pm Demolition Derby.

Big Island Barbeque
Kansas City Barbeque Society
August 22-23
The Big Island Barbeque, a Kansas City Barbeque Society Sanctioned Competition will be hosted in Albert Lea, Minnesota on Friday and Saturday, August 22-23.

Cooks from throughout the Midwest and as far away as Texas, will be competing for the best overall cook as well as the different categories of best Ribs, Pork Shoulder or Butt, Chicken or Beef Brisket. There will also be contests for the best BBQ sauce, desserts and showmanship.

The winners of the competitions are vying for over $10,000
in cash prizes and trophies. The overall winner will be invited to the Royal American Barbeque in Kansas City and also be in contention for an application to the Jack Daniel’s Barbeque in Lynchburg, Tennessee.

Get your BBQ grill smoking and work on your BBQ sauce and compete with your friends. Invite all your relatives and friends to come to a feast on a BBQ extravaganza.

Come and taste BBQ Ribs, Chicken, Brisket and sauces served by the food vendors at the Freeborn County Fairgrounds from 5-10 pm on Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 8 pm.

22nd Annual Big Island Rendezvous & Festival
October 4 & 5
Minnesota’s largest award-winning early America and fur trade reenactment. Over 1,000 participants from Canada and 16 states attend. Ethnic foods and culinary specialities such as buffalo, smoked turkey legs, stuffed baked potatoes with pork, cheese and sour cream toppings, kettle korn, wild rice soup and homemade root beer are available. Visit a homestead or voyageur camp or step inside a Native American Tipi. Watch rounds of live cannon balls hit a target 150 yards away shot from an original Civil War cannon by the New Ulm Battery. State entertainment will include Tanglefoot from Canada (winner of this year's Folk Musicians of the Year), Cajun Hot Soles, the Wild Goose Chase Cloggers and Dick Kimmel & Company plus more. The Royal Scottish Dance Society will be performing both days as well. Colonial crafts for sale include pottery, woodworking, jewelry, clothing, fiber arts, hand-dipped candles (that you can dip yourself), blacksmithing, ironwork and artwork. Demonstrations and street performers including jugglers and actors plus Benjamin Franklin and his wife will be in attendance each day. Over 250 tipis, lodges and canoe camps fill the wooded city park.

Discounted family passes are available as well as discounted advance tickets. Contact www.bigislandfestival.org or email pvining@smig.net or call 1-800-658-2526 for more information and tickets.

The cost at the gate is$9.00 per person, $5.00 per child 6-11 and $25.00 for a family daily pass. Big Island Rendezvous and Festival is winner of the State Office of Tourisms "One of the
State's Best Events."

Itasca Rock Gardens
Itasca Rock Garden is a truly unique privately owned rock
garden with beautiful foliage, waterfall, stone bridges and a pond. You’ll see two small structures resembling castles.

Story Lady Doll & Toy Museum
131 N. Broadway. (507) 377-1820
The Story Lady Doll & Toy Museum, located in downtown
Albert Lea, is the only doll museum in southern Minnesota. The museum features 1500 dolls including antiques, storybook characters, designer dolls, handcrafted dolls and much more, also there are antique toys and a 70 year old handcarved dancing doll display. The gift shop offers a wide variety of unique dolls and speciality toys. The museum is open from noon to 4 pm Tuesday through Friday & Saturday 11 am to 3 pm or by appointment to the public. Group tours are available year round by appointment.

Admission is $2.00 for adults, $1.00 for children age 12 and under.

Arts
Albert Lea Art Center
224 South Broadway Ave.
(507) 373-5665
The Albert Lea Art Center is located in the “Heart of the City" on South Broadway Avenue. Each month a different and unique exhibit is featured in the Galleries, such as student art exhibits, Festival of Arts, Christmas Tree Review, All Member Show, and don’t forget to visit the Art on Broadway gift shop for original art and art supplies. All Albert Lea Art Center exhibits are free and the public is encouraged to visit and enjoy. Call (507) 373-5665 for more information or email artcenter@mcleodusa.com.

Office, Gallery & Gift Shop Tuesday through Friday 12 pm to 4 pm, Saturday 10 am to 2 pm, Closed Holidays.

Freeborn County Historical Society Museum,
Library, Pioneer Village
1031 Bridge Ave.
(507) 373-8003
Located two miles south of I-90 (Exit 157). The Freeborn County museum, Library, and Historical Village is rated as one of the finest history complexes in Minnesota.

The exhibits range from a mammoth tooth to Rock ‘n Roll. From the 1853 Livedalen cabin – the first one built in Freeborn County to Marion Ross of “Happy Days” memorabilia, this museum and village bring memories, learning, and fun to visitors.

Have a spelling bee in the Country School House, compare the General Store with today’s megamalls, and learn about farming when the work was done by man and horse power not computers. The metal rimmed, wooden wheels on the wagons, the pump on the dry sink in the kitchen, the square grand piano in the Victorian Living Room all tell of life the way it was in the 19th century Southern Minnesota.

You can spend hours enjoying the exhibits, researching in the library, or enjoying the park like setting of the Historical Village.

Admission – adults $5.00, students 12 to 18 $1.00, children 11 and under are free. The library is open year round Tuesday through Friday 10 am to 5 pm. The museum, library, and historical village are open May through September, Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tours are available by appointment.

For more information check the website at www.smig.net/fchm. Check website for Saturday openings.

Museums Within Freeborn County
Alden Museum
1-90 Exit 146, Alden, MN: (507) 874-3462
Step back into the early 20th Century, “Like When Grandpa was a kid.” See first hand the old time country store exhibit, 20th century home with furniture, and artifacts from the farming of yester-year. Open Memorial Day to Labor Day or call for an appointment.

Hollandale Heritage Huis
Hollandale, MN: (507) 889-3921
Experience the taste of the
“Dutch” country. Tour the one room museum where you will find authentic Hollandale memorabilia. See the history of Hollandale and its Dutch immigrants come alive! Open by appointment.

Myrtle Museum
Myrtle, MN: (507) 448-3465
Come and see the local memorabilia. Old photos dating back 70-80 years; antique organ; church pew and much more. Open Labor Day and Memorial Day from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm or by appointment.

Greibrok’s Mini History Farm and County Fair
5 miles south of Oakland on County Road 34. Come and see the rare and unique family farm home of Dorothy Greibrok. Forty rooms of over 700 toys from extensive steam engines, threshing machines, a variety of old farm equipment, old cars, each in a different scene. Animated county fair, Fantasy Island, African room, Garden of Eden and a variety of unique dolls. Call for appointment. (507) 433-4880.

Czech Brick Hall National Historic Register
2 1/2 miles North of Myrtle on County Rd. 30, (507) 373-3751. Come see the old Brick Hall where many happy events have taken place. Old photos, historic hand painted stage screen. Call for appointment 373-3751.

Discover more about the world we live in...
Audubon Science Center
Albert Lea, MN • 507-373-3027
www.albertleaaudubon.org
Science has something for everyone to ponder, enjoy
and wonder about. Audubon Science Center is science
you can touch with interactive displays, exhibits, and programs otherwise unavailable in the region for Citizen Scientists. Our outreach staff will come to your location to present programs. We offer school programs and classroom visits, after school classes, Science on Saturdays - discovery time for young scientists and summer programming. Visitors may enjoy live animals, birds, and aquariums with many interesting creatures.

Even as we recognize the need to keep our planet healthy for future generations, we see the necessity to repair the wear and tear of the past. Audubon’s mission is to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife and their habitats for the benefit of humanity and the earth’s biological diversity. Our goal is to foster a culture of conservation, where everyday decisions are influenced by an understanding of the natural world and a heart-felt responsibility for its stewardship.

Audubon Science Center is an education outreach branch of Albert Lea Audubon Society - non-profit, member-supported, organization. The Albert Lea Audubon Society also offers a 12-acre Nature Preserve/Sanctuary open to the public on the west end of Oregon Street. Hikers may view abundant wildlife on the mowed walking trails. Visitors and school field trips are always welcome.

The Marion Ross Performing Arts Center
147 North Broadway • (507) 377-4372
The Theatre was renamed in 2008 in honor of actress Marion Ross, famous for her role as Mrs. Cunningham on "Happy Days". Marion Ross grew up in Albert Lea and has generously donated to the Freeborn County Historical Museum.

Built in 1909 and extensively remodeled in 1995, the Marion Ross Performing Arts Center is home to the Albert Lea Community Theatre, and also features many performances throughout the year, including concerts, tributes, and comedy specials.

Albert Lea Community Theatre (ACT) was created in 1965 to serve the community through live theatre performances. As a community theatre, ACT considers those on both sides of the footlights as part of their theatre family. In addition to presenting live performances that audiences find entertaining and stimulating, ACT offers hands-on theatrical experience for cast and crew. These include acting, directing, costuming, makeup, lighting, sound, set design and construction, publicity and sales.

Soak up the Sun and Swim at the Aquatic Center
In June the Albert Lea Family Aquatic Center opens its doors for another fun and splash filled summer! The Family Aquatic Center features a zero depth pool with interactive play features for children, including tumble buckets, lemon drops, an umbrella water fall, bubblers, and a five arm water fountain. And best of all, don’t miss the 226 foot water slide! For our patrons comfort, there are several large, colorful, shade structures so that you can get out of the sun while you watch the kids play, or take a break from your trips down the slide. A family bath house is located adjacent to the splash pool. The newly renovated main pool ranges
in depth from 3 and a-half feet to 13 feet and has two one meter diving boards. The pool is also handicap accessible. All these features and a highly trained staff, make the Albert Lea Family Aquatic Center one of the best aquatic facilities in the Southern Minnesota area and a great place to spend those hot days of summer!!

Swimming lessons and special events are also offered at the Family Aquatic Center throughout the summer. Please take a look at the Parks and Recreation Department’s Summer Brochure for a listing of activities, or call the Parks and Recreation Office at 377-4370 for more information on pool programs.

The City of Albert Lea's Family Aquatic Center is located at 321 James Avenue and is open from the beginning of June until the end of August. The phone number is (507) 373-3328.
Public Swimming Hours:
Daily 12 pm to 7:00 pm

Daily Admission Fees:
Adults $3.75
Youth (17 & Under) $3.25
2 & Under $1.00
Admission Packages available - Call for details.

Albert Lea Public Library
211 East Clark St. • (507) 377-4350
Located in City Hall
Hours:
Monday - Thursday 10 am to 8 pm
Friday 10 am to 6 pm
Saturday 10 am to 5 pm
Sunday 1 pm to 5 pm

Welcome to Albert Lea! If you are traveling through and would like to use the Internet, come to the Albert Lea Public Library.

Our Internet service is free and easy to use. Please bring current ID and the library staff will issue you a temporary card or, bring your laptop and enjoy our free wifi. The Library also has many local newspapers and a large collection of magazines.

Pelican Breeze II Cruise Boat
Enjoy a breathtaking cruise on picturesque Albert Lea Lake on the new Pelican Breeze II Cruise Boat.

The Pelican Breeze is celebrating over ten years of cruising one of the largest natural bodies of water between Lake Minnetonka and the Gulf of Mexico. Sit back and relax on our 60' river boat replica.

Enjoy wildlife and the historic sites as your guides describe the area and history behind this charming natural area.

The new boat seats approximately 60 passengers, is handicap accessible, has on-board bathrooms, minibar
and is enclosed for inclement weather. Catering, bar and entertainment are available on request with a cruising season of late May until late October.

Blazing Star Trail
The Blazing Star Trail began in 1995 as a grass roots effort by local citizens, Albert Lea Parks & Recreation Department and the CVB. The name of the trail, Blazing Star, is named after a native wild flower. In the near future, the Blazing Star Trail will hook up with Shooting Star Trail going east and eventually give riders the ability to ride from Albert Lea to the Mississippi River!

The Blazing Star Trail currently consists of 6.5 miles of paved trail. The trailhead is located in Frank Hall Park, which is also the home of the Pelican Breeze II Cruise Boat. The trail will be very unique when it’s completed, winding by lakes, through a state park with eskers and historic Indian artifact collections, through flat farmland and quaint Hayward, then will travel north past the KOA and Par 3 golf course, into very hilly terrain where bikers will enjoy historic stops at "Vanishing Villages" and will actually be able to see original wagon wheel ruts from the settlers moving west. Visit the Blazing Star Trail and enjoy Southern Minnesota’s finest scenery including wildflowers, prairie grass, lakes and abundant wildlife.

Bayside Skiers

Local water skiing enjoyment and entertainment is provided by the talent and dedication of our area youth and their families. Bayside Skiers have had a long history of helping our area youth learn to ski. We are a teaching club with an emphasis in show ski acts including jump, wakeboard, multiple pyramids, doubles, trios, swivel, barefoot tricks and many individual acts. We start with beginners in many cases and warmly welcome all levels of skiers. Our team is unique in that we have families participating at all levels and with all aspects of the show.

Bayside Skiers enjoy performing every Thursday evening at 7 pm during the summer months of June through August. The dream team performs prior to all home shows and features our team members who are working on new tricks to entertain the crowd. We also perform on the 4th of July and Labor Day, both shows at 2 pm. In addition to performing locally, we take our show on the road to compete in the Midwest Region Tournament and the Division II National Tournaments. At the Midwest Tournament we have placed in the top 3 of the last 5 tournaments.

Membership is open to any individual or family who is interested in learning how to ski, specifically show ski. Non-skiing members are also welcome and encouraged to join. For further information and to see pictures of our team, please check out our web site at www.baysideskiteam.org.