Welcome to Lake Minnetonka
Luxury lakeside living and recreation minutes from Minneapolis
From its picture-perfect small towns to its multimillion-dollar mansions, Lake Minnetonka is the epitome of luxury lakeside living in the Twin Cities. Located less than 40 minutes from downtown Minneapolis, Lake Minnetonka has been considered Minnesota’s premier vacation destination since the Gilded Age. Nestled between Hennepin and Carver Counties, Lake Minnetonka is set on over 14,500 acres of water, with 13 municipalities surrounding it.
With a rich history dating back to the 1860s, Lake Minnetonka has been a playground for Minnesota’s elite for generations. Today, it remains one of the most highly sought-after communities, with CEOs, celebrities, and professional athletes owning waterfront property along its shores.
What to Love
- Its multimillion-dollar lakefront mansions
- A beautiful lake with recreational activities
- Easy commute to downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul
- Sophisticated small towns with upscale restaurants and shops
Local Lifestyle
With over 13 municipalities surrounding the water, Lake Minnetonka is the perfect place for those who desire small-town living on the water. Some of the area’s best-known towns are Wayzata, Excelsior, Orono, Minnetonka, and Mound. Each city has its unique ambiance, catering to nearly everyone who values lakefront living.
Lake Minnetonka is an immense lake where people engage in water sports and recreational activities, including boating, water skiing, fishing, sailing, and more. It is also quite popular in winter since it’s famous for ice fishing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Beyond recreational activities, Lake Minnetonka is one of Minnesota’s premier waterfront destinations, with plenty of upscale shops and restaurants. As a result, Lake Minnetonka has some of the most highly sought-after real estate in the Twin Cities, with many properties selling in the low seven figures.
Dining, Entertainment, & Shopping
In its early history, Lake Minnetonka was known as a vacation destination for Minnesota’s elite. While Lake Minnetonka has evolved over the years, it has retained much of its resort-community ambiance, featuring various upscale shops and restaurants. Those who love waterfront dining will find no better place to be than Lake Minnetonka. For exceptional lakefront views, live music, and excellent food, check out Lord Fletcher’s Old Lake Lodge. Their specialties include steak, burgers, and seafood.
Over in Excelsior, there’s Maynards, an upscale eatery on the Wharf. With spectacular waterfront views and a romantic ambiance, there’s no better place for a romantic date night. Located just two blocks from the port is Coalition, an upscale American restaurant featuring signature cocktails and chic, industrial decor.
For those searching for a fun, laidback place to hang out, check out Excelsior Brewing Company. Known for its locally-sourced drafts, Excelsior Brewing Company is ideally located in downtown Excelsior. Red Sauce Rebellion has some of Excelsior’s best Italian cuisine and is a great place for date night with its cozy atmosphere and excellent menu.
For a fabulous weekend brunch, Hazelwood Food & Drink is a must-try. Their specialties include breakfast cocktails, eggs Benedict, and the Hazelwood breakfast burrito. Airy and inviting, Hazelwood Food & Drink is also a wonderful place to get dinner and cocktails.
Things to Do
For Lake Minnetonka residents, much of life centers around the lake. Whether exploring the area’s small towns or participating in recreational activities, there is never a dull moment near Lake Minnetonka. Over in the small town of Excelsior, there’s Excelsior Public Beach, one of the lake’s most popular public beaches. Located just steps from the bustling downtown, Excelsior’s Public Beach is the place to be during the summer.
Right next to the beach is Excelsior Commons, one of Lake Minnetonka’s most beautiful city parks. Excelsior Commons boasts picnic areas, stunning waterfront views, ball fields, and a playground. Located south of Excelsior Commons is Port of Excelsior, a picturesque park with public boat landings and ports. Port of Excelsior is a popular stopping point for those on the water.
Along with its beautiful beaches and parks, Excelsior is known for some of Lake Minnetonka’s most exciting events and festivals. Over at the Old Log Theatre is the Excelsior Bay Concert Series, a series of live concerts and shows held throughout the summer. At the end of summer, one of the area’s most popular events is Excelsior Apple Day, which celebrates the area’s bountiful apple harvest. Excelsior Apple Day is an exciting event featuring food, wine, and entertainment.
Schools
For those considering moving to the Lake Minnetonka area, the surrounding towns are part of the Minnetonka School District. Some of the area’s top educational opportunities include:
