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Big Ole Central Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 65 Google reviews · Running trail in Alexandria, Minnesota · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Big Ole Central Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Clean park featuring walking, biking and hiking trails and clean bathrooms.
What runners say about Big Ole Central Park
“Recently built public restrooms are generally clean and 100x better than the porta potties that used to be at the park.”
I see Big Ole Central Park and Lake Agnes Park as parts of the same place – a great place. These parks a perfect for relaxing during your lunch break, or bringing the whole family. If you have kids, be sure to search out what I call the xylophone park. It's the only one of its kind that I've encountered.
Right on the Central Lakes Trail and across the street from Copper Trail Brewing, The Depot, and The Runestone Museum. A paved trail also connects to City Park that runs alongside the east shore of Lake Agnes. Farmer's Market every Tuesday, Thursday and, Saturday Spring through Autumn.
The Big Olé land,ark is in the park. Nice clean bathroom. Hiking/biking trail. On the lake - fishing allowed. Good place for a break.
Nice park. Clean bathrooms. Several pavilions. Paved path around the lake.
Trail conditions & character
“Recently built public restrooms are generally clean and 100x better than the porta potties that used to be at the park.”
“This wide, 55-mile paved trail is a former Burlington Northern RR grade so it's mostly flat with brief climbs.”
“After the fair, the statue was brought back to Alexandria, where it became a beloved landmark and symbol of the area's strong Norwegian and Scandinavian roots.”
Plan your run at Big Ole Central Park
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
- Websiteexplorealex.com
- Phone+1 320-763-6678
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Alexandria
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Alexandria City Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 469 reviews
A lakefront beach & fishing pier attract families to this hangout with a playground & tennis courts.
Noonan Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 503 reviews
Wooded area with a playhouse & playground, picnicking, flower beds & a duck pond with ice skating.
Terry Ferguson Memorial Trail
5 ★★★★★ 1 reviews
Lake Brophy County Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 329 reviews
Playground for all ages at a park with a beach and bike trails, plus sledding.
