Howards_Point_SUNSET_12.jpg

Lake Life: Summer Fun on the Shores of
Lake Minnetonka

Howard’s Point is just one of the many great attractions on the lake. Explore our favorite communities all around the lake and discover what locals love about living here. You don’t even need to step on land to find a new favorite place—or revisit an old one. Just pull up to the dock at jaunty lakeside establishments like Lord Fletcher’s and Maynard’s Wharf and enjoy a bite to eat and your favorite beverage.

Excelsior

The Sweet Life

Our quaint lakeside hometown may be the unofficial confectionery capital of Lake Minnetonka. Treat yourself after a long day on the lake with something for your sweet tooth.

On Water Street, Licks Unlimited delights ice cream lovers with homemade waffle cones and chocolate-forward flavors like Mackinac Island Fudge. If you want to check out their competition at the Port of Excelsior, the concessions offerings at Tommy’s Tonka Trolley includes Sebastian Joe’s gourmet ice cream.

Elsewhere on Water Street, Red Bench Bakery offers flaky croissants and mouthwatering pastries, along with a full barista menu to satisfy your caffeine cravings. On Excelsior Boulevard, Adele’s Frozen Custard dishes out delectable sundaes, malts, and pies that are worth every single calorie.

Minnetonka

The Outdoor Life

The city of Minnetonka offers so much more than shoreline. Within city limits, you’ll find five community parks, plus 44 neighborhood parks. You’d need almost a year’s worth of weekends to explore them all. These are some of our favorites.

Jidana Park is a hidden gem that’s ideal for hiking, bird-watching, and canoeing. This 60-acre park features a boardwalk trail for viewing wetland vegetation and easy walking paths. Grills and picnic tables are available for dining al fresco. Dogs are welcome.

Purgatory Park offers 2.2 miles of kid-friendly trails through prairie, wetland, and woodland terrain. Visit during late spring or early summer for unforgettable displays of wild flowers. It’s a popular place for locals and their canines.

Boulder Creek Park offers athletic fields, ball parks, and sport courts for summer fun. In the winter, residents return for outdoor hockey and the skating rink. Minnetonka’s first park, Gro-Tonka Park, is another sporty spot, with its softball field, tennis court, and soccer field.

Lone Lake Park is a 146-acre expanse of parkland that’s ideal for family bike rides. There’s also a playground, ball fields, a skate park, and sport courts. Its trails connect to Bryant Lake Regional Park and Shady Oak Beach.

Wayzata

The Luxe Life

Because the glamorous Wayzata restaurant scene gets all the buzz in the local press, the upscale shopping rarely gets the love it deserves. Spend a pleasant hour or two strolling the length of Lake Street and discover treasures you never knew you desperately needed.

Dress the part with a stop at J. McLaughlin. The Wayzata outpost of this classic preppy clothier fits in perfectly with the nautical vibe of Lake Minnetonka. Merilou Boutique features well-curated, fashion-forward women’s wear. Accessorize with something sparkly from Monique of Switzerland Jewelers. It’s not only a great place for diamonds; it’s also where Wayzatans bring granddad’s heirloom timepiece for expert repairs.

For 50 years, Five Swans has been the place to go for hostess gifts, shower gifts, and tableware galore. Find gorgeous linens and towels for bed and bath at Highcroft. Jewelweed concocts artisan-made aromatherapy, beauty, and wellness products.

The towns on the shores of Lake Minnetonka come to life in the summer months. You can spend a whole day on the lake, stay for dinner at The Grocer’s Table or 6Smith (known for its artisan inspired meat and seafood) then hang out at the wharf at Lord Fletcher’s for drinks and live music. We’re less than an hour from downtown Minneapolis—but it’s a whole different world out here.

TOP