A fur trader encampment at Albert Lea's Big Island Rendezvous is a trip back in time . At the junction of I-35 and I-90, Albert Lea is easy to get to for a low-key getaway for a little bit of history, shopping and strolling.

One unique stop is the Story Lady Doll Museum right downtown. The name refers to the collection of dolls donated by a librarian who used them when she read stories to children; dozens of dolls represent familiar storybook characters. Many others have also donated dolls to the small, two-room museum, including a Kewpie doll, Shirley Temple doll, Jackie Kennedy dolls, an 1890s China-headed doll, and hundreds more.

For a perfect complement to the dolls, stop for tea or lunch at the Turtle Dove Tea House in an 1880 home on Main Street. Across the road is Something Special in the Nest, a shop full of gift and decorating items in a former church. Though Main Street is closed for construction, both businesses can be reached by side streets.

Other shops to check out are The Heart of the Artichoke, with antiques and collectibles, and Adams Originals, housed in the front room of a Victorian home and crammed with small antiques, pottery and other gift items. Art on Broadway has both an exhibit gallery and small shop with the works of area artists. Two downtown antique shops offer glassware, furniture, toys and much more.

For a look at many more items from the past, visit the Freeborn County Historical Museum; several old buildings have been moved to the site to create a pioneer village. The complex is open Tuesdays through Saturdays through September. On Sept. 15, there will be demonstrations of pioneer skills and crafts at the village.

To really engross yourself in the past, come the weekend of Oct. 2-3 and visit the Big Island Rendezvous, a large fur trade encampment of costumed eenactors at Bancroft Bay Park in town.

Just outside of Albert Lea, Big Island State Park is a mix of hardwoods, prairie and marsh, a habitat that attracts a wide variety of birds. There are 16 miles of hiking trails, and 7 miles of trail for mountain biking. Or, you can rent a canoe and paddle the peaceful, secluded east end of Albert Lea Lake.

Back in town, you can board the Pelican Breeze pontoon boat for a tour of the lake. It runs weekend afternoons through September, plus Friday evening pizza cruises.

Two turn-of-the-century homes overlooking Fountain Lake are now bed-and-breakfasts, the Victorian Rose Inn and Fountain View Inn. There are several motels in town and campgrounds nearby. You can pick up visitors information at some of the motels and at Trail's Travel Center restaurant at exit 11 off I-35.

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Media Contact: C-J Johnson +1 651-297-3488 curt.johnson@state.mn.us