Things To Do
Things to Do In and Near Lake Minnetonka
We have selected The Lafayette Club on beautiful Lake Minnetonka as the venue for our anniversary celebration. Minnesota is lovely in the summer and Lake Minnetonka is a jewel in that crown. It is located about 30 miles west/northwest from the MSP International Airport. Lake Minnetonka means “Big Water” in the Dakota language. It covers about 14,500 acres and at its deepest it is 113 feet. There are several little towns around the lake, with the largest two being Wayzata and Excelsior.
Excelsior
Exelsior is the smaller, quirkier sister of Wayzata. It is home to the “Port of Excelsior” - a Norman Rockwell-esque lakeside park and walking path, with boat rentals and ice cream shops.
The town itself has fun, kitschy shopping with unique, locally owned stores offering vintage merchandise and handmade creations.
Excelsior is also home to The Old Log Theater (where Jim proposed to Jene in 1970!)
(Check performance schedule due to COVID-19 restrictions)
Wayzata
Fantastic restaurants - see our website section “Places to Eat”
Do some Upscale Shopping
Overlook the lake and boats galore as you sip your favorite beverage!
Wayzata has a fabulous train museum in an old train station, right on Main Street. It also has an outdoor model train diorama that is so much fun to watch! Beware, the real train rumbles through town on a regular basis, a real feeling of days gone by!
More Things To Do In and Around Lake Minnetonka
Golfing:
There are a number of public golf courses around Lake Minnetonka.
For those of you staying at The Lafayette Club, golf is available on the grounds.
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
One of my favorite places is not far from Lake Minnetonka, the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.
You can drive through or walk through acres of lovingly cared for plantings. There is a small concession area in the main building for cold drinks.
Go online and reserve your tickets. See: http://arb.umn.edu for more information.
Mall of America
Since opening its doors in 1992, Mall of America® has revolutionized the shopping experience of tens of millions of visitors a year. A leader in retail, entertainment and attractions, Mall of America is one of the top tourist destinations in the country and is known around the world.
See: https://www.mallofamerica.com for more information.