LAKE MINNETONKA
COMMUNITY GUIDE 2023
Lake Minnetonka and its abundant history
One important element to the Lake Minnetonka community is its extensive history . Local leaders and historical organizations have treasured it for more than 160 years . Interested residents can dive into the history and learn about the many historical locations that still surround the lake .
Lake Minnetonka is full of relics from the past with several sunken vessels siting at the bottom of the lake . The 1906 steamboat Minnehaha bustled with use on the lake until the late 20th century when it was restored . The steamboat Minnehaha used to carry people on boat rides all around Lake Minnetonka . The launch previously used for the steamboat stopped being available and the search for a new launch site has been going since 2019 . A steamboat launch will hopefully be found sometime this summer .
The Lake Minnetonka area is full of history . Both visitors and residents can take a drive , walk or bike ride to get a peek of the historic homes and buildings ranging from the Excelsior Elementary School to the Cottagewood General Store in Deephaven , established in 1895 .
For music-loving locals or visitors , step into Red Sauce Rebellion on Water Street , which was once the Bacon ’ s Drugstore . Mick Jagger once stood in line outside the store , behind local legend Jimmy “ Mister Jimmy ” Hutmaker . The store ran out of Cherry Coke and Hutmaker said , “ You can ’ t always get what you want ,” which led to the famous Rolling Stone ’ s song .
The Excelsior Streetcar Line offers a ride back in time to bask in the days when it brought people from the Twin Cities to Lake Minnetonka . The line is running again after being temporarily closed due to the pandemic . An updated schedule can be found at https :// trolleyride . org / excelsior-streetcar / schedule /.
“ Tapping History ” is a fun and educational event regularly hosted at Excelsior Brewing Co by the Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Historical Society . Local historians highlight Lake Minnetonka ’ s past , engaging participants while they enjoy a craft pint .
National Register of Historic Places :
• Excelsior ’ s Downtown Commercial District , with buildings dating back to the lath 19th and early 20th centuries
• Excelsior Elementary School , 261 School Ave ., Excelsior , built 1899-1901
• “ Wyer-Pearce House ,” 201 Mill St ., Excelsior , built circa 1880
• Peter Gideon Farmhouse , 24590 Glen Road , Shorewood , used 1854-1899
• Steamboat Minnehaha , built in 1906
• Great Northern Railroad Depot ( Wayzata Depot ), 402 East Lake St ., built in 1906
• Charles H . Burwell House , 13209 McGinty Road East ,
Minnetonka , built in 1883 Historical organizations Historical organizations provide communities with valuable historical locations and information about their rich past . These organizations include historical societies , the Museum of Lake Minnetonka and the Minnesota Streetcar Museum , some of which are open by appointment . Check historical society websites for updates .
The Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Historical Society is celebrating its 50-year anniversary this year .
The society has a walking tour that features sites within the blocks of its main Excelsior office . It also hosts the “ Tapping History ” series , typically on the second Monday of the month , September-May at Excelsior Brewing Co . Updates on topics and dates can be found at elmhs . org .
The Wayzata Historical Society has a walking tour , which begins at its historic depot . James J . Hill Days is one of Wayzata ’ s largest annual celebrations .
The festivities honor the historic figure and the railroads that made Wayzata well-known . For updates on the event visit its website jamesjhilldays . wayzatachamber . com .
A virtual Lake Minnetonka History Tour has more than 20 historical sites around the lake that participants can visit by bike or car . The tour is a partnership between six historical organizations , the Excelsior- Lake Minnetonka , Deephaven , Minnetonka , Wayzata and Westonka historical societies and the Museum of Lake Minnetonka .
The tour can be accessed on any of the participating organizations ’ websites . There are also a few recorded online presentations available free for members . Check it out at elmhs . org .
A list of Minnetonka landmarks is available at minnetonkamn . gov / our-city / about-minnetonka / history . Lake Minnetonka : a sacred place In 1851 , the U . S . government acquired land from the Dakota people through the Treaty of Mendota . The Dakota
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Community Guide 2023 | LAKE MINNETONKA | 47