Hundreds of cottages and cabins, mansions and houses line the shores of lake minnetonka, one of minnesotas most beautiful lakes and site of the states most coveted properties. All photos exhibited on this web site are the property of the excelsior lake minnetonka historical society and may not be reproduced. Come explore the unruly and fascinating history of lake minnetonkaminnesotas most famous lake. This web map provides a coverage of section map information within hennepin county. Dan lives on the lake and knows where the fish are biting. Lake minnetonka fishing guide and other west metro lakes. Lake minnetonka images of america excelsior lake minnetonka historical society, wayzata historical society, westonka historical society on. A number of books about lake minnetonka history have been published by the society and are available for purchase from the society online and in local bookstores. A look back at lake minnetonkas early watercraft lake. Go largemouth bass fishing on historic lake minnetonka. Coffee table book of drone photography above lake minnetonka in minnesota. It is home to cargill, the countrys largest privately owned company, the headquarters of carlson companies and united healthcare, the states largest publicly owned company. Many of those that survived to operate today are included.
The number of historic destinations in the area are too numerous to list all of them here, but a brief sampling includes crane island, which is listed on the national register of historic places, lafayette club, minnetonka country club and woodhill country club, the museum of lake minnetonka, and more. The grand era of steamboats and resort hotels at this magnificent lake, once the center of the states resort industry, told through postcards and historic photographs. A new book celebrating the history lake minnetonka lake. Lake access is a huge deal, says lisa stevens, a volunteer at the excelsior lake minnetonka historical society, describing the 19thcentury land grab. Legendary homes of lake minnetonka hammel, bette, melvin, karen on. Come explore the unruly and fascinating history of lake minnetonka minnesotas most famous lake. Lake minnetonka was the site of a ginseng boom in the 1850s and 60s, and southerners brought slaves to work the plants despite laws prohibiting it.
Spectacular drone photography book of lake minnetonka. This spring elmhs is launching an oral history project called voices of excelsior. Historic lake minnetonka invites you to explore the lake s rich history. Boathouses of lake minnetonka by karen melvin, melinda. Enjoy a funfilled evening for adults as we experience bygone days in the historic cahill school, listed on the national register of historic places and one of edinas oldest buildings. Lake minnetonka regional park is nestled on the shores of scenic lake minnetonka. Steinke, namesake captain frank halstead of new jersey came to the lake area in 1855. If youve ever paddled, sailed or boated past a vintage boathouse and wished its rustic walls could talk, youll love this book by photographer karen melvin and writer melinda nelson. Enjoy stunning shots of one of minnesotas most beloved lakes, displayed in a new book. By the waters of minnetonka uncovers remarkable and hidden facts about the lake and those who have lived on its shores, from the regions original dakota inhabitants to the present. Oct 15, 2009 hundreds of cottages and cabins, mansions and houses line the shores of lake minnetonka, one of minnesotas most beautiful lakes and site of the states most coveted properties. The early resorts of minnesota traces the development of minnesotas early resort industry from the first resort hotels along the mississippi in the 1850s to the northern lake resorts in the late 1950s when numbers began declining. Meet up with a local for a coffee or beer, find travel companions to share the journey, or if you want arrange a tour with an independent guide. By the waters of minnetonka university of minnesota press.
Lake minnetonka by excelsiorlake minnetonka historical society. The storied history of lake minnetonka is as interesting and complex as the lake itself. Lake minnetonka is home to some of the most popular restaurants in the area, whether there they be fine dining, or casual. Due to the circumstances of the covid19 pandemic, the wayzata historical society archives and depot museum will be closed until at least may 4, 2020. Readers can discover the fascinating history of how each bay was named and learn about the early settlers, their grand lifestyles, and their incredible estates. A fascinating chapter of lake minnetonka history boathouses of lake minnetonka is a beautiful 240page coffeetable book by awardwinning author and photographer karen melvin and by writer melinda nelson. Lake minnetonkas old boathouses are remnants from another era.
Excelsior lake minnetonka historical society, excelsior, mn. Legendary homes of lake minnetonka invites readers into thirty of these. The societys archives are located in the lower level of the historic excelsior public school building, 261. When people started coming out here there was total access, but lake minnetonka went fast. Lake minnetonka was becoming a popular tourist destination, especially for southerners trying to escape the aftermath of the civil war. Minnetonka historical society membership please consider becoming a member and you will get the triannual newsletter and also now a complimentary copy of the minnetonka historical society book about the history of minnetonka mills written by our past historian betty johnson with our best historic photographs and maps. If youve ever sailed, boated or paddled past a vintage boathouse on lake minnetonka and wished its rustic wooden walls could talk, youll love this beautifully illustrated and meticulously researched volume about minnesotas famed lake. Lake minnetonka is an inland lake located approximately 15 miles 24 km westsouthwest of minneapolis, minnesota. Each section map provides links to pdf documents for. Lore and lure of lake minnetonkas boathouses come to life in new. Excelsiorlake minnetonka historical society to host big island. Lake minnetonka was becoming a popular tourist destination, especially for southerners trying to escape the aftermath of. Jul 15, 2001 picturing lake minnetonka is a fascinating and nostalgic glimpse of the rise of minnesotas largest and most beloved summer lake resort. Minnehaha embarks from the ports of excelsior and wayzata, minnesota just minutes from the twin cities on weekends and holidays from late may through.
The city of orono issued a demolition permit this month for southways, the. Historic lake minnetonka 2619 arcola lane home of the day. Hills grand hotels, railroads, and palace steamers dominated the lake, to the turn of the century when the big island amusement park and the twin. The museum of lake minnetonka is an allvolunteer, 501c3 nonprofit organization which has served the twin cities area with a unique, historical experience since incorporating in 2004. History of hennepin county and the city of minneapolis. Boathouses of lake minnetonka is a beautiful 246page coffeetable book by awardwinning author and photographer karen melvin and by writer melinda nelson. Evocative words and stunning color photographs guide. Close to minneapolis, the little town of minnetonka is a great base to explore the twin cities, without the high cost of a downtown hotel.
Lord fletchers, lake minnetonka, mn ive been there once. Boathouses of lake minnetonka offers an insiders view into nearly three dozen enchanting lakeside retreats nestled on the shores of minnesotas most storied lake. Lake minnetonka is a manysplendored thing, consisting of 125 miles of lakeshore, 25odd bays, more than a dozen towns, a brace of islands, private marinas aplenty, nine liquor stores, seven country clubs, four ice cream shops not counting culvers and dq, two independent bookstores, two pet shops, a sushi bar, and a. Nineteenthcentury plantation owners made minnetonka into a summer vacation playground for the welltodo, and prohibitionera battles led teetotalers to hoax. The sprawling, 15,858squarefoot home was first built in 1920 but underwent a complete remodeling in 20 that added. Never before has a book so carefully documented the interior views and history of lake minnetonkas boathouses, and with over 400 stunning. Mcginnis on march 5, 1853, stephen hull took possession of joseph mcclouds claim on lots 12 section 21, lot 1 section 22, lots 4. Picturing lake minnetonka is a fascinating and nostalgic glimpse of the rise of minnesotas largest and most beloved summer lake resort. Using more than 200 photos, some of which had never before been published, the lake areas three historical societies recently teamed up to compile a short. Where to live the good life around lake minnetonka. Hundreds of cottages and cabins, mansions and houses line the shores of lake minnetonka, one of minnesotas most beautiful lakes and site of some of the states most coveted properties. The history of lake minnetonka paradise charter cruises. Three rivers park district lake minnetonka regional park, minnetrista, mn.
Organized by the bays of lake minnetonka, the book provides a detailed overview of how the lake area was discovered, settled, and developed. Lake minnetonka volunteers from the excelsiorlake minnetonka, wayzata and westonka historical societies came together to share photos, documents and stories. The project will be lead by christian belz, a graduate of minnetonka high school, concordia college and a lifelong area resident. Lake minnetonka by excelsiorlake minnetonka historical.
The society collects, preserves and promotes the history of the lake minnetonka area and operates a museum and archives. According to the book historic lake minnetonka by stephanie larson and nancy p. A landmark historic mansion on lake minnetonka, grand relic of a bygone era, could fall to the wrecking ball very soon. A picture book of the excelsior amusement park from rise to demise, 19241974. An independent publisher book award bronze winner for best midwest nonfiction, lake minnetonka eats is a lifestyle book featuring recipes from 25 lake minnetonka restaurants and bakeries, beer pairings from excelsior brewing company and the stories of how the restaurants got started and thrive. Readers can discover the fascinating history of how each bay was named and learn. Hallsteads bay, halstead bay, halsted bay you will see a lot of different spellings of this bay on the various maps and plans related to lake minnetonka. The crane island historic district is a historic district of vacation properties on crane island in lake minnetonka, part of the city of minnetrista, minnesota, united states. The society also presents lectures and programs on topics of local historical interest throughout the year. Legendary homes of lake minnetonka invites readers into thirty of these dwellings built by families like the washburns, the pillsburys, and the daytons.
Historic lake minnetonka by stephanie larsen, nancy steinke. Lake minnetonka is renowned for its natural beauty as well as the prominent people it has attracted to its shores as a historic site of grand hotels, steamboats, and wealthy visitors from around the world, and as the home of the legendary excelsior amusement park. Jun 07, 2017 the number of historic destinations in the area are too numerous to list all of them here, but a brief sampling includes crane island, which is listed on the national register of historic places, lafayette club, minnetonka country club and woodhill country club, the museum of lake minnetonka, and more. Lake minnetonka s rich boating history dates back to the day in 1822, when two 14yearold boys canoed up the creek now known as minnehaha creek to discover lake minnetonka. May 10, 2019 at the historic 1879 minnehaha grange hall 7. Organized by the bays of lake minnetonka, the book provides a detailed overview of how the lake. From the mound builders the first inhabitance, to the discovery of the. Coworking office spaces in minnetonka, united states. Lake minnetonka fishing guide jasper guide service lake. Stunning shots of lake minnetonka displayed in new book. Sail into history aboard the streetcar steamboat minnehaha on lake minnetonka. Aug 20, 2018 a landmark historic mansion on lake minnetonka, grand relic of a bygone era, could fall to the wrecking ball very soon. If youve ever sailed, boated, or paddled past a vintage boathouse on lake minnetonka and wished its rustic wooden walls could talk, you. History of the property lake minnetonka real estate.
I chose this book to see some of the interior designs of these homes and get an historic perspective. The lake lies within hennepin and carver counties and is surrounded by municipalities. Legendary homes of lake minnetonka bette jones hammel. These antique maps and atlases are part of the historic map works, residential genealogy historical map collection, the largest digital collection of rare, ancient, old, historical, cadastral and antiquarian maps of its type. Three rivers park district lake minnetonka regional park.
It consists of a number of private residential summer cottages and some communal amenities. The project will be lead by christian belz, a graduate of minnetonka high school, concordia college and. A chronicle of the dizzying changes the lake underwent, this richly illustrated book follows the lake from its days in the 1860s when it was still a fishing spot and secret hideaway to the 1880s when james j. One of the complaints you hear today is, theres no way to get on this lake. Q the book includes a map of lake minnetonka, but no key to locating the homes for boaters. Legendary homes of lake minnetonka minnesota historical. Legendary homes of lake minnetonka pdf book library. Digitized plat maps and atlases university of minnesota. The book picturing lake minnetonka is an excellent resource for more information about lake minnetonka and the surrounding area.
If youve ever sailed, boated, or paddled past a vintage boathouse on lake minnetonka and wished its rustic wooden. I felt the historic part was somewhat lacking because of a lot of emphasis on some of the newer, more flamboyant homes. Lake minnetonka is a manysplendored thing, consisting of 125 miles of lakeshore, 25odd bays, more than a dozen towns, a brace of islands, private marinas aplenty, nine liquor stores, seven country clubs, four ice cream shops not counting culvers and dq, two independent bookstores, two pet shops, a sushi bar. At 14,528 acres 5,879 ha, it is minnesotas ninth largest lake and is popular among boaters, sailors, and fishermen. The society also regularly presents programs on topics of local historical interest, offers programs for youth and publishes and sells books about lake minnetonka history.
Merchandise is available for purchase at the whs archives and wayzata depot museum. Located approximately fifteen miles west of minneapolis, minnesota, and composed of numerous bays, islands, inlets, and peninsulas, lake minnetonka has long been one of the upper midwests most popular summertime destinations. Lake minnetonka eats cookbook of restaurant dishes. Other activities on lake minnetonka include swimming, kayaking, and standup paddleboarding during the summer, and ice fishing, snowmobiling, and ice yachting during the winter. Lake access website, lake access, a brief history of lake minnetonka. Lake minnetonka s magnificent homes are a common highlight on these sightseeing, dinner, and brunch cruises. Boathouses of lake minnetonka is a beautiful 240page coffeetable book by awardwinning author and photographer karen melvin and by writer melinda nelson. Historic lake minnetonka invites you to explore the lakes rich history. Read this book and over 1 million others with a kindle unlimited membership. Historic lake minnetonka navigate lake minnetonka and. Settlers began to flock to lake minnetonka s 120 miles of shoreline, clearing the big woods and building new lives in the wilderness. Historic lake minnetonka by stephanie larsen, nancy.
Legendary homes of lake minnetonka invites readers into thirty of these dwellingsbuilt by families like the washburns, pillsburys, and daytons. At some point, the name of the bay was misspelled as halsteds, and it was never changed. Welcome to lake minnetonka, the most famous lake of the northwest. Historic lake minnetonka minnetonka beach minneapolis. Excelsiorlake minnetonka historical society facebook. Minnehaha embarks from the ports of excelsior and wayzata, minnesota just minutes from the twin cities on weekends and holidays from late may through early october. Although it was originally developed by parishioners of the presbyterian church, it is now a secular association that welcomes all. Apr 29, 2011 lake minnetonkas rich boating history dates back to the day in 1822, when two 14yearold boys canoed up the creek now known as minnehaha creek to discover lake minnetonka.
Boathouses of lake minnetonka minnesota historical society. Including the explorers and pioneers of minnesota, by rev. In the 1870s and 1880s, tourists from across the nation came to stay at the resort hotels that prospered on the shores of one of minnesotas most famous lakes. Minnetonka s first steamboat, the governor ramsey, is launched.
If youve ever sailed, boated, or paddled past a vintage boathouse on lake minnetonka and wished its rustic wooden walls could talk, youll love this beautifully illustrated and. Picturing lake minnetonka minnesota historical society. Legendary homes of lake minnetonka minnesota historical society. There are many homes on the lake that i have wondered. Settlers began to flock to lake minnetonkas 120 miles of shoreline, clearing the big woods and building new lives in the wilderness. No matter where youre going, touristlink gives you opportunity to get a real feel of the culture.
Excelsior the excelsiorlake minnetonka historical society is looking to bring the archaeology of big island alive in its next tapping. Lake minnetonka volunteers from the excelsior lake minnetonka, wayzata and westonka historical societies came together to share photos, documents and stories. Lake minnetonka is nationally ranked as one of the best bass lakes in the country by bassmaster magazine. Boathouses of lake minnetonka by karen melvin, melinda nelson. The project will focus on stories surrounding the water street businesses from the 1930s through the 60s. Lake minnetonka pillsbury mansion slated for teardown. From early inns and boarding houses to the magnificent threehundredroom hotel lafayette, during the last decades of the nineteenth century, lake minnetonka was transformed into one of the resort capitals of america. Steele george held hennepin avenue hennepin county hundred illinois indians james january john july june lake lake calhoun lake minnetonka lake pepin lake superior land lived. Sail into history sail into history aboard the streetcar steamboat minnehaha on lake minnetonka. Lake minnetonka images of america excelsiorlake minnetonka historical. Several community festivals are held around the lake each year. Publisher of outstanding books on the history, art, and culture of the upper midwest.
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