Skip to Main Content

Replica Runestone.

Giant Replica Runestone

Field review by the editors.

Alexandria, Minnesota

At the former eastern entrance to Alexandria (before I-94 bypassed it) stands a hard-to-miss landmark: a giant granite runestone, 16 feet tall, erected by the Alexandria Kiwanis Club in 1951. It's a crowd-friendly, 18-ton, five-times-the-size replica of the runestone exhibited in the city museum, which was discovered nearby in 1898. We wish that all runestones really were this gigantic....

Supposedly carved in 1362, the original runestone is key to Alexandria's claim to be the "Birthplace of America." Tales of ancient Scandinavian maps of Minnesota (now lost), and blond-haired, blue-eyed Indians seen locally by early explorers are nice -- but the runestone is still here, and the city wanted everyone to have a chance to look at it even when the museum was closed. The giant replica is carved from real rock, not an imitation made of cement or fiberglass, which is especially impressive.

Also see: Runestones - Vikings in America

Giant Replica Runestone

Address:
Runestone Drive, Alexandria, MN
Directions:
East of downtown on the south side of Hwy 27/3rd Ave. To walk to the Runestone, turn south from Hwy 27 onto McKay Ave, then left onto to 6th Ave./Lincoln Ave.
Hours:
Lit at night. Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Admission:
Free
Save to My Sights

Nearby Offbeat Places

Big Fish Atop a SignBig Fish Atop a Sign, Alexandria, MN - 2 mi.
Spotty the Stuffed DogSpotty the Stuffed Dog, Alexandria, MN - 2 mi.
Runestone MuseumRunestone Museum, Alexandria, MN - 2 mi.
In the region:
Replica of Runestone at Discovery Spot, Kensington, MN - 17 mi.

More Quirky Attractions in Minnesota

Stories, reports and tips on tourist attractions and odd sights in Minnesota.

Explore Thousands of Unique Roadside Landmarks!

Strange and amusing destinations in the US and Canada are our specialty. Start here.
Use RoadsideAmerica.com's Attraction Maps to plan your next road trip.

My Sights

My Sights on Roadside America

Save Cool Vacation Destinations! ...Try My Sights

Mobile Apps

Roadside America app: iPhone, iPad Roadside America app for iPhone, iPad. On-route maps, 1,000s of photos, special research targets! ...More

Roadside Presidents app: iPhone, iPad Roadside Presidents app for iPhone, iPad. POTUS landmarks, oddities. ...More

Minnesota Latest Tips and Stories

Latest Visitor Tips

Sight of the Week

Sight of the Week

JFK's World Famous Twine Ball, Highland, Wisconsin (Mar 18-24, 2024)

SotW Archive

USA and Canada Tips and Stories

More Sightings