Choose wisely. Connect locally.Add your business 
Minnetonka is a city of about 54,000 people in the western suburbs of Minneapolis, Minnesota, about 10 miles from downtown. Despite its name, only a small part of the city touches Lake Minnetonka, at Gray's Bay, where Minnehaha Creek begins its journey east to Minnehaha Falls and the Mississippi River. The rest of the city is a wooded, rolling landscape of small lakes, wetlands and quiet neighborhoods.
The area was settled in the 1850s around a sawmill and later a flour mill on Minnehaha Creek, at a spot still called Minnetonka Mills. The 1883 Burwell House, built for the mill's manager, is preserved as a historic site with summer tours. The city has a strong park system, with places such as Purgatory Park, Lone Lake Park and Big Willow Park offering trails, wetlands and open fields.
Shady Oak Beach is a popular summer swimming spot, and Ridgedale Center is one of the region's main shopping malls. Lake Minnetonka's towns of Wayzata and Excelsior, with lake cruises and waterfront dining, are a short drive west.
The small dam at Gray's Bay of Lake Minnetonka where Minnehaha Creek begins its 22-mile run to Minnehaha Falls in Minneapolis. A small park and bridge give views of the lake and creek. In spring and early summer, paddlers launch canoes here when water levels allow; check flows before you go.
An 1883 Italianate house built for Charles Burwell, manager of the Minnetonka Mills flour mill, restored with period furnishings and set on grounds beside Minnehaha Creek near the old mill site. Tours are offered on summer weekends; the grounds are pleasant to visit anytime.
A large nature park around the Purgatory Creek wetlands, with mowed and paved trails through prairie, woods and marsh and a boardwalk over the water. It is good for birdwatching and dog walking. Trails are easy and mostly flat; bring bug spray in early summer, when mosquitoes are thick.
A city park around small Lone Lake, with wooded hills, open fields and a popular network of mountain bike and walking trails. It is a quiet, local spot for a walk or ride. Trails can be muddy after rain; stay on marked paths to protect the woods.
A large park along Minnehaha Creek with sports fields, picnic shelters, a playground and trails along the water and through the woods. The creek path is pretty in fall. It is a good stop for families and for a walk by the creek, and it connects to other trails in the city.
A sandy swimming beach on Shady Oak Lake run by the cities of Minnetonka and Hopkins, with lifeguards, a swimming dock, a concessions stand and a playground. It is a favorite with local families. It is open in summer only and charges a small daily fee.
A large indoor shopping mall in Minnetonka with department stores, many national chains, restaurants and a food court, plus a library and regional services nearby. It is a handy year-round stop in the cold months. Parking is free; weekends and the holiday season are busiest.
No reviews yet. Been to Minnetonka? Be the first to share your experience.
Share what you loved, what to skip and tips for other travelers.
Log in to write a reviewBeen to Minnetonka? Add your best shots to the gallery.
Log in to add photosPhoto: Bobak Ha'Eri, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: Bobak Ha'Eri, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: Tony Webster from Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: TheRoadDudeMN, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: TheRoadDudeMN, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Mnkittycat, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Elkman, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Tony Webster, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Tony Webster from Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Appraiser at English Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Elkman, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: McGhiever, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Tony Webster from Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
