Whether you live in the Twin Cities or are just here on a visit, you can’t miss getting to know the beauty of Lake Minnetonka. Though the Land of 10,000 Lakes – a misnomer, since it actually has closer to 12,000 – has plenty of watery beauty to see, this large and centrally located attraction is one of its best.
Plus, it has a storied history as a settlement of indigenous peoples from the time of the last Ice Age in 8,000 BCE, as well as a destination for European settlers as far back as 1822. With so much history at its command, as well as dazzling displays from morning to sunset, you can’t miss it.
Geography of Lake Minnetonka
Lake Minnetonka is located inland, about 15 miles southwest of Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is located near the Eastern border of Wisconsin, and has the distinction of being Minnesota’s ninth-largest lake. Boasting more than 14,500 acres (22 square miles) and surrounded by 13 different cities, it is a huge destination for Minnesotans and those who live further abroad.
Lake Minnetonka’s outlet is Minnehaha Creek, into which its waters pour before winding through southern Minneapolis and finally ending up in the Mississippi, after a glorious trip over the Minnehaha Falls – which are especially spectacular when frozen into blue-green sheets in the wintertime. You can also walk behind them.
It has more than 100 miles of shoreline, settled with some of the wealthiest and most beautiful communities in the entire state. Just as it is quite popular with residents, it is also popular with boaters, sailors and fisherman, who appreciate the variety of weather conditions and fish the lake’s size and depth attract.
History of Lake Minnetonka
The lake was formed approximately 10,000 years ago by the Laurentide Ice Sheet receding north at the end of the last Ice Age. Shortly thereafter, it was settled by people who traveled over the land bridge from Europe (or so the reigning theory of how America was settled goes). Ancient peoples built homes and boats, fishing and living off the bounty of its fruitful waters, as well as surrounding streams and smaller lakes.
One of the most notable peoples from the lake’s history are the Mound Builders, who lived in the area for roughly 5,000 years, between 3,500 BCE and 1,500 CE. The people is so named because of their history of building large, ceremonial structures out of earth. These take the shape of small hills, terraced platforms and even winding “serpents,” and represent a huge undertaking in a time before heavy machinery. These are still around today, a beloved destination for archeologists and tourists alike.
Thereafter, and until white settlers forced them out of the area in the mid-1800s, the area was settled by the Dakota, also known as the Eastern Sioux. Afterwards it was settled by people of European descent and officially named Lake Minnetonka by Alexander Ramsey in 1852. The name comes from the Dakota phrase for “big water,” or Minn-ni-tanka.
Towards the end of the 19th century and into the 20th, construction around Lake Minnetonka boomed in response to a rapid influx of people entranced by its winter beauty and summer water adventures. Yacht clubs, summer homes and grand estates sprung up around its shores, increasing in density as the Twin Cities – Minneapolis and St. Paul – began to grow in size and density.
The first major boat service in the area opened in 1906, when the Twin City Rapid Transit Company launched a “streetcar boat” service out of Excelsior, which transported commuters and visitors from establishments around the lake to Big Island and the Twin Cities. A mere 5 years after its opening, though, it could no longer fund itself and had to shut down.
The number of historic destinations in the area are too numerous to list all of them here, but a brief sampling includes Crane Island, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Lafayette Club, Minnetonka Country Club and Woodhill Country Club, the Museum of Lake Minnetonka, and more.
Destination Station
Many people head to the lake in the summer for boating, fishing, waterskiing and other summer sports. In the winter, when the lake’s surface freezes to a depth of 12-18 inches, it is a popular haunt for ice fishers. But while boating and fishing are very popular on the water, here is so much more to do on Lake Minnetonka than simply cruise around.
Of course, that’s not to minimize the popularity of boating or fishing here. The lake contains a huge range of fish, from Northern pike and largemouth bass to walleye and blue gill to yellow perch and black bullhead fish. No matter where your tastes lie, if you like fish, you’re bound to pull something you love out of Lake Minnetonka’s waters.
People routinely enjoy the country clubs and resorts, which offer golfing, pools, spas and more. It is a frequent destination for honeymooners and vacationers and plays host to a wide variety of restaurants in the area. Those who love to sun on beaches will find plenty of accommodation, while those who enjoy an old-fashioned slice of Americana will enjoy attractions such as the Old Log Theater, opened in 1940, or Paisley Park, the recording studio and residence of Prince. Hiking and biking trails abound, and camping in the area is plentiful, so those who enjoy the outdoors will find no shortage of fun activities and vistas.
Pleasure cruisers can be seen everywhere. In fact, perhaps the lake’s most appealing draw is the beauty of its coastline as seen from the water. If you’re enjoying a party or celebration from the deck of a lovely ship, you’ll get the full effect of one of America’s prettiest destinations.
See Lake Minnetonka the Way It’s Meant to Be Seen
Paradise Charter Cruises offers one of the best ways to view the lake. We serve a huge range of audiences, from children’s parties and senior events to weddings, corporate events, family reunions and more. No matter what the goal of your get-together is, you’ll find a friendly and welcoming environment aboard our modern and well-appointed cruise liners.
If you’re a large group, you can book a private cruise to maximize the intimacy of your event … perfect for weddings or family parties. On the other hand, if you’re just a couple or a small group, you can still enjoy this popular experience by joining one of our public cruises.
We travel around Lake Minnetonka on the Paradise Princess II, the Paradise Grand and the Paradise Destiny II. Alternatively, you can journey up the mighty Mississippi River on the Paradise Lady or the Minneapolis Queen. With a range of boats and travel times to choose from, you’ll never lack for choices when it comes to hopping aboard. We also offer combined land-and-sea events, such as ceremonies under our gazebo and receptions aboard one of our vessels.
If you’re ready to book a stunning cruise on one of our ships for any occasion, we invite you to get in touch today. We would love to help you make your day, big or small, as special as it can be.