9 Reasons We Love Our Hometown
“How the heck are all these great things happening in Alexandria, Minnesota?” This is a question we hear all the time.
Hospitals around the state and country have asked us at Alomere Health how we’ve built such a thriving, successful healthcare organization in our size market. How do we have full-time neurosurgery, a growing number of highly skilled providers, a nationally acclaimed surgical team, the latest 3D mammography equipment in the world, and a full-time dermatology clinic?
The answer is simple: It’s our commitment. And our community.
Here are some of the top reasons to love Alexandria, the place we proudly call home:
1. Our lakes
The chain of 11 lakes that surround Alexandria makes this a year-round destination for outdoor recreation and beauty. People come from far and wide to enjoy thousands of acres of crystal-clear water, sugar-sand beaches, excellent fishing, and nearly 100 miles of beautiful shoreline.
2. Our parks
The 55-mile Central Lakes Trail that connects Alexandria to three nearby cities–through parks, farmland, wetlands, and lakeshores–attracts hikers, runners, and cyclists half the year and cross-country skiers and snowshoers the rest. The Douglas Area Trails Association also maintains 368 miles of groomed snowmobile trails every winter. And these are just two of the many great additions to our parks around town.
3. Our fun
Big Ole, America’s Biggest Viking, welcomes visitors to town and stands as a colorful, 28-foot testament to the spirit of playfulness around Alexandria. Residents and visitors can enjoy live shows, car racing, a petting zoo, a waterpark, ski areas, ice-skating, concerts, a winery, golf courses, multiple breweries, and more. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even “shoot a minnow” at the Corral Saloon and Eatery on the outskirts of town.
4. Our quaint downtown
Historic buildings dating to the 1800s line five blocks of downtown Broadway Avenue with enchanting shops, charming boutiques, antique stores, cozy eateries, and a theater.
5. Our deep history
Alexandria lays claim to several ancient artifacts at the Runestone Museum and has nearly 70 structures and homes listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including the Carnegie Library, Douglas County Courthouse, and the historic post office.
6. Our state-of-the-art high school
Our brand new, 280,000-square-foot high school opened in 2014 and now serves as a model for school districts throughout the state. The school features flexible learning spaces, natural light, and modular walls and furniture with innovative programs that help students prepare for specific career fields. Alomere partners closely with the high school, sending physicians, nurses, and advanced practice providers to teach medical procedures like intubation, applying casts, and suturing. It’s a rare opportunity for high school students to gain early experiences in healthcare.
7. Our people
While the city limits sign says that 13,000 amazing people call Alexandria home, the more realistic number is closer to 24,000 amazing people due to all of the lakes and rural areas people live and enjoy the natural resources. Alomere Health has the privilege of supporting many of the important things these folks are doing—from coaching football and leading Girl Scout troupes, to helping with the basketball boosters and the Annual Band Festival, to supporting the Jaycees and Kiwanis clubs, Habitat for Humanity, Someplace Safe and so much more.
8. Our 15-minute commute
It’s true. Our average commute is shorter than the trailers at the local movie theatre.
9. Our Starbucks drive-through
We’re a small town with big-city amenities, including many nationally known stores and restaurants.
Eddie Reif, Alomere’s Director of Community Relations and Development, says one of the best parts of his job is getting to talk about Alomere Health—and the entire Alexandria area—to talented physicians who are considering joining our team.
“People are consistently amazed by what we have going here,” says Eddie.
Medical professionals come from all over to see our world-class, nationally acclaimed hospital—and they leave feeling blown away by everything this community has to offer. Many end up moving here to stay. They are thrilled that, here, they can build a career they’re proud of, with the lifestyle they want, in a place they love.
But don’t take our word for it. Alexandria was named Best MN Town by Minnesota Monthly Magazine. Read more here
Learn more about Careers in Alexandria, MN at Alomere Health.
