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

10 Top Things to do Around Lake Minnetonka

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.

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 of 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!

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.

List of 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 of all time, Back Channel brewery 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 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 the insta.

And their apparel is top-notch. High-quality soft shirts, glassware, boatware, 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.

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.

Visit Excelsior: Family Friendly

Excelsior is by far the best lake city on Lake Minnetonka. Walking through main street you catch a feel of old-town America. Local shops, antique stores, watering holes, and ice cream parlors line the streets.

Excelsior is home to the best Fourth of July festival around the lake. 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.

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 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.

Explore Lake Minnetonka by Car

Just because it’s a lake doesn’t mean you have to tour Lake Minnetonka by boat. 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 fall when the leaves are changing. Head down Ferndale Road to see some of the best 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.

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.

Wayzata is home to Bellecour, a fantastic French restaurant owned by Gavin Kaysen. In the morning you can grab brunch or a coffee and pastry to go. (Good luck leaving with just one pastry). Bellecour has a stylish, but laid-back vibe with tiled walls, french farmhouse colors, and fantastic food. They have a wonderful cocktail hour with half-priced apps and cocktails on a discount. Make reservations for dinner, and if it’s nice out, sit on the back patio. They even allow dogs!

Cov is another great restaurant steps 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.

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 for over 20 years now. It’s a great spot to spend a weekend evening to listen 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!

Go to Big Island

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!

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 is 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 toddie and settle in.

Fletchers also has fun weekly specials. From $5 burgers to $22 Maine lobster night, theres a special for everyone.

You can arrive at Lord Fletcher’s by boat, motorcycle, car, bike, walk, snowmobile, and everything in between.

Go to Maynard’s for football and waffle fries

Maynard’s is another dock bar on the lake. 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 excellent dinner that is much fancier than their dock food. Don’t worry, you can still get the waffle fries!

View the wildlife around Lake Minnetonka

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, fox, coyotes, hawks, owls, red-wing black birds, and more.

Check out the parks – Grays 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 Grays Bay Dam Park, they have an awesome boardwalk (pictured above) that allows you to view birds, fish, otters (yes, I’ve seen them), beavers and turtles.

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!

Conclusion on Things to do at Lake Minnetonka

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

What is your favorite thing to do around Lake Minnetonka? Let us know in the comments below.

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