A Lake Unlike Any Other
Lake Minnetonka isn't just a lake — it's an experience. Sprawling across more than 14,000 acres in the western suburbs of Minneapolis, Minnetonka is a labyrinth of interconnected bays, channels, and inlets stretching across parts of nine different cities. With over 120 miles of shoreline, you could spend an entire summer exploring it and still find a new cove you'd never noticed before.
The name itself comes from the Dakota Sioux language: mni tanka, meaning "great water." And great it truly is — in both size and spirit.
A Rich History
Long before the resort era and the grand estates, Lake Minnetonka was home to the Dakota people, who revered its waters for centuries. European settlers arrived in the mid-1800s, and it wasn't long before the lake's beauty caught the attention of wealthy Minneapolitans looking for an escape from city life.
By the late 19th century, Lake Minnetonka had become a bona fide tourist destination. Steamboats ferried passengers across its waters, and grand hotels — most famously the Hotel Lafayette — dotted the shoreline. The railroad made the lake accessible to the masses, and for a time, it rivaled famous East Coast resorts in prestige and popularity.
The grand hotel era faded, but the lake's allure never did.
Prince and the Purple Lake
No mention of Lake Minnetonka is complete without a nod to the artist who immortalized it in pop culture. Prince's 1984 hit "When Doves Cry" from the Purple Rain soundtrack famously references the lake, and the movie itself features an iconic scene set on its shores. Though the lyric "jumping in Lake Minnetonka" was apparently just for show — Prince himself admitted the film scene was shot in a different lake — the connection stuck. Lake Minnetonka and Prince are forever linked in the cultural memory of Minnesota and beyond.
Things to Do
Whether you're a year-round local or a first-time visitor, Lake Minnetonka has something for everyone:
On the Water: Boating is the lifeblood of the lake in summer. Pontoons, sailboats, kayaks, and jet skis all share its expansive waters. Several marinas offer rentals if you don't have your own vessel. Fishing is equally popular — walleye, bass, northern pike, and panfish are all plentiful.
On the Shore: The lake is ringed with charming communities like Wayzata, Excelsior, and Mound, each with their own distinct character. Wayzata's downtown offers boutique shopping, upscale dining, and a beautiful lakeside park. Excelsior charms visitors with its small-town feel, vintage carousel, and the beloved Adele's Frozen Custard.
In Winter: Minnesotans don't put the lake away when the temperatures drop. Ice fishing shanties pop up across the frozen surface, and ice skating, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing are all part of the winter culture here.
On Foot: The Dakota Rail Regional Trail runs along the lake's northern shore, offering miles of paved path for cyclists and walkers with stunning water views.
The Communities Around the Lake
Part of what makes Minnetonka special is the patchwork of distinct communities surrounding it. Wayzata (pronounced why-ZET-ah, to the amusement of out-of-towners) is perhaps the most well-known, with a vibrant downtown and the stunning Wayzata Beach. Excelsior feels like a step back in time, with its historic Main Street and the famous Excelsior Amusement Park's legacy still felt in its community events. Deephaven, Minnetonka Beach, and Orono offer some of the most spectacular — and expensive — real estate in all of Minnesota, with sprawling lakefront estates that have housed Minnesota's most prominent families for generations.
Why It Matters
In a state with over 10,000 lakes, it takes something special to stand out. Lake Minnetonka does it through a rare combination: it's large enough to feel wild and expansive, yet close enough to the city to be woven into everyday life. It's a place where fourth-generation families share the water with newcomers discovering it for the first time. Where a Tuesday evening sail feels as magical as a big summer weekend.
For Minnesotans, Lake Minnetonka isn't just a geographic feature — it's a feeling. The smell of sunscreen and lake water, the sound of a boat engine fading into the distance, the golden light of a summer evening turning the bay to copper. It's the kind of place that gets into your blood.
And once it does, you'll understand why people have been coming back to its shores for over 150 years.
Have you visited Lake Minnetonka? Whether you're a lifelong local or planning your first trip, the lake has a way of making everyone feel at home.
