14 Best Things to do Around Lake Minnetonka | Top Activities

These are some of the best things to do around or on Lake Minnetonka for all seasons.

Lake Minnetonka is a sprawling city lake that is full of history, charm, and things to do. There are plenty of things to do no matter the season. When deciding what to do around Lake Minnetonka think about what kind of experience you want to have.

It’s one of the best things to do in Minnesota and is filled with a variety of activities no matter the season and makes for a great day trip from downtown Minneapolis.

• Are you a family of four? Head to Excelsior.
• Group of college students? Head to Big Island.
• Somewhere in the middle? This whole list is for you.

We gave you the best things to do along the Minneapolis riverfront. Let’s head to one of the most well-known lakes in the North. Read on for tips on things to do around Lake Minnetonka from some locals.

What to know about Lake Minnetonka

Lake Minnetonka is located just 20 minutes west of Minneapolis. It is one of the largest lakes in Minnesota with over 100 miles of shoreline.

Lake Minnetonka is one of over 10,000 lakes in Minnesota which makes the landscape unique. Lush greens, extensive wildlife, and interesting history make Lake Minnetonka a unique place to visit.

There’s a lot to do around Lake Minnetonka, but there’s also a lot to learn. Lake Minnetonka was formed by glaciers millions of years ago. In fact, all of Minnesota was at the bottom of the ocean back then. You can even dig for dinosaur bones in some areas!

A brief history of Lake Minnetonka

The lake was formed by glaciers millions of years ago, but Lake Minnetonka became a popular vacation destination when the steam engine became popular. Families who lived downtown would come out to the lake for weekend trips and summer vacations.

Then in the mid-1800s, a railway was built from Minneapolis to Wayzata. You can tour the Wayzata train station. The rails are still in use today! Once the railway was built and trade from the lake to downtown blossomed, people began to move out to Wayzata, Minnetonka, and Deephaven to live full-time.

Today Lake Minnetonka is one of the most desirable places to live in all of Minnesota. Lake Minnetonka has activities, fairs, concerts, museums, parks, top restaurants, and shopping. Put simply, Lake Minnetonka has everything you need to have an enjoyable visit.

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Best Things To Do Around Lake Minnetonka

There is something for everyone around Lake Minnetonka. We’ve traveled the world but we choose to live in Minnesota and near Lake Minnetonka so we can experience all of these things.

These are some of our favorite things to do on, around, or in Lake Minnetonka.

Grab a Delicious Beer at Back Channel Brewing

They say save the best for last, but we’re putting it first. One of our favorite breweries in the Twin Cities, Back Channel Brewing is hidden far west on the lake. It might be a bit of a drive, but it is well worth it. You can get there by boat or on land.

Back Channel specializes in small-batch beers and imperial stouts. Our favorite is the Dublin Irish stout. We’ve driven 45 minutes out of the way just to have one. Their beers are always changing. You can even have a beer in a bowl – just try one for Instagram.

And their apparel is top-notch. High-quality soft shirts, glassware, boat gear, and everything in between that will stand the test of time.

Highly recommend spending an afternoon on this patio. You can bring in your snacks or enjoy whatever food truck is stopping by. There’s a great drive-in nearby too.

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Ride the Steamboat Minnehaha

The Steamboat Minnehaha was raised from the bottom of Lake Minnetonka. Yes, it sank. The steamboat was built in 1906, sank in 1926, then was raised in 1980. Then in 1996, the boat came back to sail across Lake Minnetonka.

You can ride the steamboat Minnehaha on weekends and holidays from late May through early October. It is a family-friendly activity that teaches a bit of history about the lake while sailing on a piece of history yourself. The steamboat picks up and drops off in Wayzata and Excelsior. Plan to spend an hour or two on the boat.

While you are on the boat, you’ll get a chance to see a handful of iconic landmarks on the lake, including watching sailboats at Minnetonka Yacht Club, the old location of Hotel Lafayette, and the lake’s jaw-dropping shores.

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Family Friendly Thing To Do: Lake Minnetonka Regional Park

Lake Minnetonka Regional Park is a park in Lake Minnetonka, Minnesota that’s part of the Three Rivers Park District. Lake Minnetonka Regional Park was created in the 1950s and 1960s before Lake Minnetonka was built.

With a wide variety of activities for kids, this park has rock walls, bridges, tunnels, ladders, stairs, and slides. This is a great place to have your kids get some energy out.

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Fun Things to do Around Lake Minnetonka: Visit Excelsior

Excelsior is by far the best lake city on Lake Minnetonka. Walking through the main street you catch a feel of old-town America. At one point it was Excelsior Amusement Park was the top tourist attraction in the area.

Now, local shops, antique stores, watering holes, and ice cream parlors line the streets. Excelsior is home to plenty of events, including the best Fourth of July festival around the lake, Apple Day in the Fall, and beer festivals in the Spring.

With two beaches and a small carnival, Excelsior has the most space to view fireworks and lay out a blanket. One of the highlights of Excelsior is the ice cream selection. There are two competing ice cream parlors: Adele’s and Lick’s Unlimited.

The locals have a favorite and they are loyal. My husband loves Adele’s while I love Lick’s Unlimited. Lick’s Unlimited has chocolate-dipped waffle cones and unique ice cream flavor mixes like cotton candy, turtle, and so forth. They are always thinking up something new. Right on the main street, this ice cream shop is easy to stop in, when the line isn’t around the corner.

Adele’s is frozen custard. Soft, creamy, with a flavor of the day that will always make you smile. Adele’s has a drive-through that will weave up and through the neighborhood to get a taste. It’s easy to walk to, just a short 10-minute walk from downtown Excelsior.

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Explore Lake Minnetonka by Car

Just because it’s a lake doesn’t mean you have to tour Lake Minnetonka by boat. The lake is such a beautiful place to tour by car. Riding around the outside of Lake Minnetonka by car helps you see more of the lake fast, and you can skirt down side streets to find hidden neighborhoods.

Lake Minnetonka is home to the most prestigious neighborhoods in all of Minnesota. Long, winding roads, surrounded by lush forests, and breathtaking wildlife next to huge mansions built to resemble every era. No matter which side road you take it will surely surprise you.

We recommend taking a drive in the fall when the leaves are changing. Head down Ferndale Road to see some of the beautiful homes in the area.

The landscape is beautiful and the wildlife is out and about. Otherwise, rent a limo to go light-looking around the lake. You can view all the gorgeous homes and their holiday lights.

While exploring Lake Minnetonka by car you can stop at some local drive-ins. Also, stop at viewpoints along the way.

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Visit Wayzata: an upscale lake town with a new-age vibe

Wayzata is the place to be seen on Lake Minnetonka. Swarming with upper-class wasps and finance moguls, Wayzata is home to some of the wealthiest people in Minnesota.

This means two things: great restaurants, and great people-watching. Cov is another great restaurant steps away from Lake Minnetonka. This patio is outstanding, with views of the lake and a Saturday afternoon happy hour. Come hungry, their portions are large – including their wine pours.

Wayzata Beach is a great spot to rent paddleboards and other beach activities. A small beach with few visitors (most people own boats in Wayzata) this beach is a great way to experience Lake Minnetonka.

Wayzata has a historic train station right off the lake. This station was used back when people would travel by rail from Minneapolis to spend their holiday in Wayzata.

Now, the train station is a small museum. Just outside the museum is a model train that runs. You can read funny names of local businesses across it. Wayzata also has different festivals. From Cinco de Mayo and St. Patricks Day to the Chilly Open, there is something for every season.

When visiting Wayzata make sure to stop by Woulettes. They have the best cakes and cupcakes in town. Like what you hear? These are some of the best things to do in Wayzata.

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Go to the Narrows: a re-imagined dive bar

The Narrows Saloon is a Lake Minnetonka classic. A few years ago it was a sticky-floored dive bar with live music and pull tabs. Today, it’s cleaned up and opened an upscale restaurant next door.

The Narrows Saloon has been popping up for over 20 years now. It’s a great spot to spend a weekend evening listening to a local band and invest in some pull tabs for the table. They have great beers on tap and a full menu to choose from.

Next door is The Lake Room with an upscale, modern interior and a homey vibe. Their food is outstanding – from the seasonal soups to steaks to mushrooms – they will not disappoint. Have some dinner, then head next door for live music and drinks!

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Go to Big Island Park for Camping and Hiking

There are a ton of islands on Lake Minnetonka and “Big” island is well, the biggest obviously. Big Island Park is a perfect location for camping, fishing, and hiking.

The park offers 20 campsites with fire pits, picnic tables, and grills. Some of the campsites are handicapped and accessible with paved trails to the area. Lake Minnetonka offers great fishing opportunities inside and outside the Big Island Park boundaries.

Lake Minnetonka has a large variety of fish including bass, walleye, northern pike, perch, and crappie. This is one of the best areas to do it on land while also camping and taking some time away from the crowds.

In the summer, it’s a great place to stay overnight in a tent, swim, and see the stars.

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Go to “Big Island” for Partying

This is the opposite end of the island and is clearly where boaters from all over the Twin Cities come together to party their hearts out. Not for the faint of heart, especially on a sunny Saturday, Big Island is in the middle of Lake Minnetonka and is a hangout spot for people who like to drink on boats.

One side of the island is great to visit for camping and relaxing. The other side is for day drinking and lounging. If you’re on the lake stop by for a bit. You may get spotted by “Tonka Paparazzi,” a professional photographer who boats around and takes impromptu photos of all the Minnetonka gossip. You can purchase photos online.

If you go to Big Island bring a pair of Tevas or flip-flops of sorts. We’ve found these shoes are helpful. There are a lot of people and the bottom of the lake can have sharp rocks. It is best to protect your feet so you can enjoy your day!

See Related: Best Things to do in Brainerd

Visit Lord Fletcher’s Wharf for Live Music

Lord Fletcher’s is one of the most iconic places on Lake Minnetonka. It’s a great place for people-watching, good drinks, great food (inside, the food outside is general bar food), and awesome live music.

Fletchers is a great spot for every season. In warmer months you can sit on the wharf, play volleyball, and listen to live music. Fletchers are popular – be prepared to search for a table in the summer. It is worth it though, just keep your eyes open and don’t be shy.

In the dead cold of winter, you can ride a snowmobile and play ice hockey on the lake. The inside of Fletchers is a totally different vibe than the wharf. Warm and cozy cabin vibes come from every corner. Sit by the fire and order a hot toddy and settle in.

Check out how Lake Minnetonka looks in this footage and tour of the lake from our YouTube channel. Fletchers also has fun weekly specials. From $5 burgers to $22 Maine lobster night, there’s a special for everyone. You can arrive at Lord Fletcher’s by boat, motorcycle, car, bike, walk, snowmobile, and everything in between.

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Visit Enchanted Island

Enchanted Island is a great spot to swim, fish, kayak, or boat when Lake Minnetonka is warm enough. It’s a nice escape from the crowds at the park and beach and you can relax on the sand or explore the area.

There are picnic tables for those who come by land and it is a good place to stop for lunch if you’re making your way around Lake Minnetonka.

This is one island that can be accessed via car rather than a boat.

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Go to Maynard’s for football and waffle fries

Maynard’s is another dock bar on the lake. It’s a similar style to Fletcher’s but a completely different atmosphere. Maynard’s is in Excelsior which is home to traditional Minnesotans who like their beers big and no-frills.

Maynard’s has the best waffle fries around – and they serve them with homemade seasoned sour cream. Their bar food is fantastic and makes any football game better. Maynard’s has great specials on football Sundays and throughout the week. It is a completely different scene, though, for dinner and holiday brunch.

Maynard’s has the best Mother’s Day, Easter, and any holiday brunch around. It is buffet style and their food is outstanding. If you’re looking for a nice date night too – Maynard’s has an excellent dinner that is much fancier than their dock food.

Don’t worry, you can still get the waffle fries!

See Related: Best Minnesota Family Vacation Ideas

View the Lake Minnetonka area wildlife

Lake Minnetonka is surrounded by small lake towns and large mansions, but it’s also home to a lot of wildlife. In the winter you can see coyotes walking across the lake (just don’t get close).

In the summer you will see and hear the Minnesota Loon – our state bird. Loons can dive 90 feet down to catch fish. They are fast and slim in the water but walk funny on land.

Around the lake, you can see deer, foxes, coyotes, hawks, owls, red-wing blackbirds, and more.

See Related: Things to do in Two Harbors, MN

Free Things to Do: Check out the Three Rivers Park District parks – Gray’s Bay Dam Park & Nuremberg Gardens

If you are looking for free or cheap things to do, look no further than the parks to get some exercise, see amazing houses and soak in the lake views.

At Gray’s Bay Dam Park, another part of the Three Rivers Park District, they have an awesome boardwalk (pictured above) trail that allows you to view birds, fish, and otters (yes, I’ve seen them), beavers, and turtles. This is another spot for swimming if you don’t have a boat.

If you do have a boat, this park also features a boat launch for you to start your cruising journey. The dam is the start of Minnehaha Creek, which curves all the way through the Twin Cities to eventually end up at Minnehaha Falls.

Minnehaha Falls then feeds into the Mississippi River, so… Lake Minnetonka travels a very very long way. If you think about it, in a way, people from all over the U.S. are “purifying themselves in Lake Minnetonka” as Prince famously said.

Nuremberg Gardens has a garden (obviously) as well as a Chinese-styled pier. Both of these parks are great for setting up a lakeside picnic during sunset. It will save you a few bucks along the way. If you are in the area, check out these best things to do in Minnetonka.

See Related: Best Minnesota State Parks

Final Thoughts

Lake Minnetonka, Minnesota’s ninth-largest lake, is a true gem of Minnesota. The architecture and the living offer a true north experience. There is a cultural mix of free, paid, and family-friendly things to do. If you are visiting Minnesota, it’s truly a must-do activity.

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