Lakeminnetonkaguide2013

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2013

Lake e t n o n nka i M

Guide

Minnetonka • Wayzata • Excelsior • Greenwood Deephaven • Tonka Bay • Woodland & Shorewood

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Lake Minnetonka Guide

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The Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka area has a long history of being the destination for fun and recreation.

This year is no different, as the community celebrates 160 years in business, and we continue to make it the premier place to live, work and play.

When people visit, they are often pleasantly surprised. It is the type of place where you would dream about living, the vacation locale that you want to drop everything and move your life to, and we are blessed enough to call it our home. This year, you will see many new and exciting things around the lake area.

As we like to say around here, we are “Making History, Again.”

While visiting, you will see new construction at almost every corner, a true sign that the area has not only survived, but mastered the art of the recession.

Small businesses prevailed and customers and visitors stayed true to the community.

This year will bring a new library to Excelsior, new restaurants, commercial developments, a shiny new gas station and much more.

What to do once you get here? There is no shortage of fun to be had. Follow the miles and miles of bike trails, and they will lead you to every corner of the area – the City of Shorewood, the Villages of Tonka Bay, Excelsior, Deephaven, and Greenwood all will open new areas for you to discover.

Laura Hotvet, Executive Director Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Chamber of Commerce Excelsior-LakeMinnetonkaChamber.com Facebook.com/ExcelsiorChamber 952-474-6461

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Lake Minnetonka Guide

EXCELSIOR: HEART OF SOUTH LAKE The heart of South Lake Minnetonka, Excelsior is home to fine dining, retail outlets that can’t be found anywhere else and a charm and history that makes it unique and a destination for many.

The bays of Excelsior and Gideon on Lake Minnetonka surround the one square-mile town, which is less than 15 miles from downtown Minneapolis. The city was settled in 1850 and has been incorporated since 1877. From the earliest days, it has been attracting people. Though popular in summer months, winter around Excelsior offers much to do.

Excelsior is seeing growth with a new retail and grocery store development, a proposed hotel, new restaurants, additional retail and a multi-story hotel. The former Mason Motors building was approved for a grocery store, though no word yet on which store will occupy the space. The surrounding building already is home to Steele Fitness, and a new building will be erected at the corner of Water Street and George Street for more retail.

The Excelsior Farmer’s Market was approved to move from the Mount Calvary Lutheran Church parking lot to Water Street for the first eight weeks of the season. Water Street will be closed to motor vehicles, allowing pedestrians to mingle between vendors and shops.

The effort is designed not only to bring life back into the market, which was struggling due to loca-

tion, but also add to the atmosphere of the community as a whole. After the eight-week trial period it will move to the vacant lot at Water Street and Lake Street. The North American Pond Hockey Championship is held on Excelsior Bay in January.

The event was purchased last year and turned into a charity fundraiser.

Construction on a new Excelsior Library is scheduled to begin at the former Lyman Lumber Co. site on Water Street in downtown Excelsior.

Excelsior’s most prized real estate, the Commons Park, holds events and offers open grass space, a playground, tennis courts and a beach. It is also home to Art on the Lake, 4th of July celebration and many other events throughout the year.

Tommy’s Trolly is a converted historic streetcar that provides “the Twin Cities best ice-cream,” Sebastian Joes, water sport rentals and other snacks and beverages. The area was once home to the Excelsior Amusement park, which operated 19251973.

Excelsior continues to gain in popularity, and that shows in people wanting to invest in the community. Keeping the quaint charm is always on the top of the list of considerations, but enticing more people to enjoy what makes the area so special also shows in the future of Excelsior.

Information: ci.excelsior.mn.us or 952-474-5233 5

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Lake Minnetonka Guide

MINNETONKA: LIFE ON THE LAKE Hundreds of businesses and nearly 50,000 employees call Minnetonka home for their commercial and economic interests. The city will receive an economic boost when the $400 million Ridgedale Center redevelopment project in and around the shopping mall begins this year.

Planning for the project kicked off in fall 2012, and the city envisions a new theater, restaurants, parking structures, an eight-story hotel and conference center, housing units and office space as part of the project. A Nordstrom’s Department Store is expected to open at Ridgedale in 2015, and Macy’s is planning an expansion to its current store.

Minnetonka is also preparing for the coming of the Green Line, a light rail project that will stretch from downtown Minneapolis to Eden Prairie, running through St. Louis Park, Hopkins and Minnetonka. The billion-dollar plus project is expected to begin running in 2018.

In addition to its commercial properties, Minnetonka is home to 50,000 residents and 1,700 acres of parks, recreation areas and preserves.

Its natural scenery includes 51 community parks, mature trees, wetlands and prairies.

Though the city shares its name with Lake Minnetonka, only Gray’s Bay is actually located in the

city. This bay forms the headwaters of Minnehaha Creek, which flows east for 22 miles and empties into the Mississippi River in south Minneapolis.

Ojibwe and Dakota Native Americans first settled the region. Native American tribes signed an agreement allowing settlement of lands west of Fort Snelling, paving the way for Minnetonka’s first settlement. Minnetonka, established in 1852, is located roughly eight miles west of Minneapolis.

Two public high schools exist in the city – Hopkins High School and Minnetonka High School.

Minnetonka High School is home to the Arts Center on 7, a multi-use performing arts center that annually features student productions and several resident performance groups.

Minnetonka has two beaches, Libbs Lake Beach and Shady Oak Beach – popular destinations for west metro residents.

The Minnetonka Community Center on Minnetonka Blvd. encompasses City Hall, the city’s senior citizens program and can accommodate group meetings, luncheons, anniversaries and wedding receptions. City Hall is located at 14600 Minnetonka Blvd.

Info: www.eminnetonka.com or 952-939-8200.

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Lake Minnetonka Guide

SHOREWOOD: HOME OF ISLANDS Mainly residential and home to about 7,500 people, Shorewood is six miles long and one mile wide encompassing around 3,600 acres.

Incorporated in 1956, the city offers beaches, trails and parks; Shorewood also is home to three islands – Spray, Shady and Enchanted. The city has six parks, and the Lake Minnetonka Regional Trail runs through it.

The city of Shorewood provides for year-round recreational activity. The city is in the process of expanding the trails. The first will connect Minnewashta Elementary School to the Lake Minnetonka Regional Trail. Other trails, including a pedestrian bridge over County Road 19, are also being discussed.

The city owns Southshore Community Center, 5735 Country Club Road, which hosts events, activities and other functions. The surrounding communities help finance the building as well.

Shorewood also hosts Arctic Fever, a winterthemed event that takes place in the middle of

January. The event is held in three South Lake cities – Excelsior, Shorewood and Tonka Bay. Arctic Fever was established to celebrate the winter in South Lake and all it has to offer. The event has grown each year with the growing sport of skijoring at the top of the popular activities. Dog sledding was this year’s popular activity, giving people a chance to take a ride with a real musher.

The garden plots in the city will also expand to accommodate growing demand. Gardens will also be added at Freeman Park on the west end of the city.

Free community events are held at Shorewood parks, including the Minnesota Zoo Mobile, karate classes, stand-up paddle boarding, yo-yo classes and much more. It doesn’t matter what season, Shorewood has plenty to offer its residents and visitors.

Information: www.ci.shorewood.mn.us or 952960-7900.

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Lake Minnetonka Guide

WAYZATA: A DESTINATION CITY Wayzata has an estimated 4,000 residents and is known as one of the wealthiest cities in the state.

The city of 3.6 square miles has six parks, swimming beaches and garden.

Wayzata has a popular lakeside shopping district. Visitors and residents can ďŹ nd a great place to eat and unique shops.

From home and garden materials, artwork, bakeries, coffee shops, ice cream parlors and a variety of other businesses, a day or a weekend on Lake Street can go by quickly.

Though the city is a destination itself, several events attract additional people throughout the year. James J. Hill Days is a long-running annual event that honors Hill for his historical impact on the city. Food, entertainment, races, art, car show and a parade are key facets of the late-summer event.

When Hill brought the railroad to Wayzata in

1867, the village really began to thrive. Passengers from Minneapolis arrived on a daily basis, dropped off to hop aboard a steamboat to complete their Lake Minnetonka commute.

With the access and attractions, people from across the Twin Cities discovered Wayzata as a great place for a day trip, a tradition that continues today.

In the 1950s, Wayzata doubled in size when it annexed land from Minnetonka, Plymouth and Orono.

A Summer Concert Series and Crazy Days are two additional popular events. Crazy Days includes four summer days of deals and celebration in downtown Wayzata. A variety of acts perform near the lake Wednesday nights in July for the Summer Concert Series.

Information: www.wayzata.org or 952-404-5300.

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Lake Minnetonka Guide

DEEPHAVEN: HISTORICAL ROOTS Deephaven, a city of just less than 4,000 residents, is tucked up on the Upper Lake west of the city of Minnetonka. Deeply rooted in history, Deephaven is rich with tradition and pride.

With its charm, it offers seven parks, six beaches and the regional trail running along Lake Minnetonka.

Notably in its 2.6 square miles, Deephaven’s most famous attraction is the General Store, which opened in 1895. Visitors can not only get treats including ice cream, sandwiches and other tasty items, the store also contains living history about the surrounding area. The Cottagewood community owns the store. There were 135 resi-

dents who pitched in to buy it and maintain the community treasure after it was put up for sale in 1995. The building has been re-sided at a cost of $13,000.

Deephaven also is passionate about the July 4 celebration, for which hundreds people turn out and pack the streets near Cottagewood.

Deephaven is also home to The Minnetonka Yacht Club, which is located on an island off Carsons Bay and the main lower portion of Lake Minnetonka.

Information: www.cityofdeephaven.org or 952474-4755.

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Lake Minnetonka Guide

GREENWOOD AND WOODLAND Surrounded by St. Albans Bay and Excelsior Bays on Lake Minnetonka, Greenwood is a small residential South Lake Community. Home to about 800 residents and known as “The City on the Lake,” Greenwood, like all the lake communities, is steeped in tradition.

Greenwood is home to the oldest running theater in Minnesota, the Old Log Theater. The theater, owned by Don Stolz who joined the theater in 1941, opened one year earlier. The theater’s future is uncertain, though its legacy will continue to live on with the signing of a recent purchase agreement.

Greenwood is most enjoyed in summer, though winter too offers plenty for those who enjoy the outdoors. The Lake Minnetonka Regional Trail runs through Greenwood popular for runners, bikers, cross-country skiers or those just out for a walk.

Woodland has a population of less than 500, and the small residential Lake Minnetonka community enjoys its peace and quiet. Settled in 1882, 15 years after its first constructed abode, Woodland didn’t become incorporated until 1948. Woodland, just slightly more than a half square-mile, is among the top 50 highest-income places in the United States, making it one of Minnesota’s wealthiest communities.

Woodland comprises approximately 3.6 miles of public roads and nearly 6 miles of shoreline on Lake Minnetonka. Woodland shares the same municipal office building with Greenwood and Deephaven, and it contracts services with Deephaven, Wayzata and Minnetonka.

Surrounded by Wayzata Bay to the north and Robinsons Bay to the east, 50 percent of its residents are lakeshore homeowners.

Information: www.cityofwoodlandmn.com or 952-474-4755.

Information: www.greenwoodmn.com or 952474-6633.

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Lake Minnetonka Guide

TONKA BAY: THE LAKESIDE CITY The one square-mile Tonka Bay is home to a little more than 1,500 residents. Incorporated as a village in 1901, the city has more shoreline on Lake Minnetonka than any other city of its size.

Located in between the upper and lower bodies of Lake Minnetonka connected by the “Narrows,”Tonka Bay is a quiet lakeside city with trails, beaches and parks.

The city’s parks offer year-round activity with beaches and an ice skating rink in the winter.

Manitou Park is the largest of four city parks and is located on County Road 19. It has a hockey rink with warming house, a new sports court, which was paid for by a grant through Hennepin County.

The refurbished court allows for more variety of play in different sports, and its surface makes

it softer and unable to wear down like asphalt or concrete.

The park also holds soccer and baseball fields, picnic shelter, playground and other amenities.

Old Orchard Park, just down the road on County Road 19 from Manitou Park, is located where city hall is.

Here residents have access to the municipal docks, areas to grill, swings and a fishing pier. The city added municipal dock space there in 2011.

Crescent Beach and the beach at Wekota Park have lifeguards on duty during the summer and gives great access and viewing points to the lake.

Information: www.cityoftonkabay.net or 952474-7994.

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Lake Minnetonka Guide

LAKE MINNETONKA: 11,000 YEARS Lake Minnetonka formed some 11,000 years ago when glaciers moved through the area. The Native American word minnetonka means “Big Waters” and the 4,528-acre lake has continued to draw both residents and visitors since it was first discovered.

Unlike typical lakes, Lake Minnetonka has numerous bays making up its irregular shape. It has approximately 125 miles of shoreline. Several Native American tribes such as Dakota Sioux, Cheyenne, Iowa and Ojibwa, occupied the area around the lake until 1862. The grounds were used as burial sites and were highly valued as a spiritual place of importance.

The Minnehaha Creek at the northeast end of the lake where the former Minnetonka Mills were located provided an easy crossing for the Dakota and the Chippewa, thought to be traveling to present-day Shakopee and Lake Mille Lacs.

It wasn’t until 1822 when the first white settlers arrived – two teenage boys named Joe Brown and Will Snelling discovered Lake Minnetonka traveling by canoe up the Minnehaha Creek. The lake would stay relatively quiet for the next 30 years.

That all changed in 1851, when 2 million acres of land was transferred from the Native Americans to the U.S. Government in the Treaties of Traverse des Sioux and Mendota. This allowed for territories to be traded, and though many chiefs refused to sign the treaty due to a denial of request to keep the area around Lake Minnetonka Indian land, the treaty was enacted despite the lack of signatures.

In the 1850s settlers began to return to the settlements of St. Anthony and Minneapolis from an expedition telling of the area’s abundant resources. This led to the growth of settlements, and in 1852 Gov. Alexander Ramsey gave the lake got its name. The area continued to remain vibrant and grow with more people settling there each year. Excelsior was founded in 1853, with many other cities following. It was also in 1853 when the first hotel was built, starting the huge boom in tourism around the area.

On the northeast section, or upper lake, Wayzata was founded in 1854. The name derives from the Dakota language, meaning “North Shore.” It was Oscar Garrison who surveyed and claimed much of what is now Wayzata after building a cabin there two years prior.

The “City of St. Louis,” built in Wayzata in 1881,

was the first inland steamship to have electric lights. The largest ship to ever sail the lake was launched the next year – the “Belle of Minnetonka.” It was 300-feet long and could carry 2,500 passengers.

The railroad was completed to Wayzata, and in 1905 the streetcars began rolling into Excelsior.

Transit would remain an important feature of the area.

With all the area had to offer -- hotels, amusement parks, commerce and events -- the area was a hot spot for a good time. The good times didn’t last forever and in one account, more than 60 hotels and boarding houses opened and closed around Lake Minnetonka between 1853 and 1964.

An area that has seen a lot of change, Lake Minnetonka will always remain an active part of the region, and it still draws tens of thousands of visitors each year. Historical preservation has been a big part of the lake area, and many of its attractions showcase the rich history.

More than 150 years old, the Excelsior Commons was platted as public ground after the area was first settled and remains a popular public place today. The Old Log Theater in Greenwood is one of the oldest running theaters in the country.

A historic walking tour of Minnetonka Mills is offered. The Burwell House, former home of Minnetonka Mills Co. manager Charles H. Burwell, is still a meeting point for city events, just like other historical treasures around East Lake Minnetonka.

Wayzata The first settlers discovered Lake Minnetonka in 1822.

It wasn’t until three decades later - in 1852 that two pioneer families set up camp in what is now Wayzata. Among the first things to arise from the city was a general store, post office and a schoolhouse.

But it wasn’t until 1867 that Wayzata really took off.

That was when James J. Hill and his railroad empire came to the city. Hill built the Wayzata Depot, which today houses the Greater Wayzata Area Chamber of Commerce and Wayzata Historical Society. The Northern Railroad soon began daily runs between Wayzata and Minneapolis. Some of those people called Wayzata their summer home, while others exited the train and 16

Lake Minnetonka Guide

made their way onto the 50-foot steamer -- the Lady of the Lake -- to take them to their homes in other Lake Minnetonka towns.

Wayzata hit its peak as a summer destination location by the late 1890s, complete with a large hotel and multiple resorts.

By the time the Great Depression hit, other newer resorts had replaced the city as a destination spot.

Over time the city transformed from a vacation spot to a place for people and residents to settle.

It’s proximity to both Minneapolis and Lake Minnetonka positioned it as a perfect place for those looking for the best of both worlds.

Today, the resorts are gone and the grand nature of the area has been replaced with small, locally owned shops and restaurants.

Each summer, the city celebrates its history with a festival in honor of the man who helped put Wayzata on the map - James J. Hill.

Historical Societies Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Historical Society 305 Water St., Excelsior Information: 952-473-3631

Archives Old Excelsior Public School Building 261 School Ave., Suite 102, Excelsior Information: www.elmhs.org The museum serves Deephaven, Excelsior, Greenwood, Shorewood and Tonka Bay. Minnetonka Historical Society City of Minnetonka ofďŹ ces 14600 Minnetonka Blvd., Minnetonka Information: 952-930-3962 Wayzata Historical Society 402 E. Lake St., Wayzata Information: 952-473-3631

(Information provided by the City of Wayzata and the Wayzata Historical Society.)

Archives 620 Rice St., Wayzata Information: 952-473-3631 17

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Lake Minnetonka Guide

Lake Minnetonka Guide

Lake Minnetonka Guide

MINNETONKA SCHOOLS EXCEL The Minnetonka School District is one of the largest in the state, serving the communities of Excelsior, Minnetonka, Shorewood, Tonka Bay, Greenwood, Deephaven, Eden Prairie, Chanhassen, Woodland and Victoria.

Minnetonka has invested heavily in technology, including outfitting students with the most up-to-date devices. All of the district’s buildings are wireless accessible with 25,000 system user accounts including students, staff and parents.

The district is also expanding an iPad program that will be in all four grades at the high school, as well eighth-grade, by the 2013-2014 school year.

Access to Excelsior Elementary School was improved when a road was added in back of the structure through a land deal with Hennepin County to ease congestion and provide a safer way of picking up and dropping off kids.

Minnetonka has approximately 8,600 students enrolled in six elementary schools, two middle schools and one high school in the 10 communities it serves. Groveland Elementary School opened its new Commons space in 2012, which features a learning environment where the ma-

jority of the furniture is moveable to encourage collaboration. It also has technology that enhances learning and is able to accommodate more than one group of students.

A total of 329 students earned AP Scholars, and the high school boasts a 99 percent graduation rate, with 93 percent of those heading to college.

The schools district has expanding Chinese and Spanish immersion programs. The program expanded in 2012 to middle school. The students are able to continue with social studies in their second language.

The district’s fine arts program expanded to all six elementary schools and added another performance for the year. Expanding the arts to make sure students are able to get that aspect of learning has been a goal for the district. The music department earned a national award recently.

Athletics are also a strong point in the district.

During the 2012-2013 school year the girls hockey team won back-to-back state championships.

The cheer team earned a national championship.

The boys alpine ski team and boys track team also earned state championships.

Information: minnetonka.k12.mn.us.

22

Lake Minnetonka Guide

WAYZATA SCHOOLS SERVE 10,000 Each fall more than 10,000 students enroll in classes at Wayzata Public Schools.

Those students, who hail from Corcoran, Maple Grove, Medicine Lake, Medina, Minnetonka, Orono, Plymouth and Wayzata, are spread out across 11 schools in the district – seven elementary schools, three middle schools and one high school.

The district is led by its seven-member school board and Supt. Chace Anderson. School board members are elected to four-year terms on an atlarge basis, which helps provide equal representation from throughout the district.

The district also offers a wide range of community education classes, which range from cooking to GED preparation to social networking.

In recent years the district has seen a population shift, with northern cities in the district seeing a population increase.

To deal with that shift, and to help manage class sizes, the Wayzata School Board began working in late 2012 to come up with a multilayered plan to ensure the district’s ongoing success.

Starting at the elementary level, the district changed some of its boundaries to shift students from overcrowded – or those that were projected to be overcrowded – to those with extra space. The same was done, although to a lesser extent, at the middle school level.

Anticipating the need to house an additional several hundred students in the coming years, in March 2013 the district moved forward with purchasing 37 acres of land adjacent to Wayzata High School, with an eye on adding more space. While nothing is imminent, district officials have said an expansion plan could go before the school board in late 2013.

Information: www.wayzata.k12.mn.us.

23

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Lake Minnetonka Guide

PLENTY OF BEACHES ON THE LAKES Deephaven

Shorewood

Deephaven Beach 19405 Lake Ave.

Crescent Beach 240 Birch Bluff Road 952-474-7994

Linwood Beach Linwood Road.

Tonka Bay

Nocomo Beach Robinson’s Bay Beach 3344 Robinson’s Bay Road Rocky Beach 20020 Lakeview Ave. Sandy Beach 20300 Lakeview Ave. Walden Beach 19355 Walden Trail For information on Deephaven beaches: 952-474-4755 or cityofdeephaven.org.

Excelsior E l i Excelsior Commons Beach Commons Park 952-474-5233

Minnetonka Libbs Beach 16515 Park Lane 952-939-8200 Shady Oak Beach 5200 Shady Oak Road 952-939-8200

25

Wakota Beach 300 W. Point Road 952-474-7994

Wayzata Wayzata Public Beach 220 Grove Lane East 952-404-5360 Sandy beach and grassy peninsula, shaded picnic areas, playground equipment, canoe racks, volleyball court, boat slips and playing fields.

Lake Minnetonka Guide

COMMUNITY FESTIVALS & EVENTS strations and strolling musicians. Taste delicious local cuisine. Enjoy art! Shop from more than 100 juried artists, including the unique Garden Art Exhibit showcasing art and ideas for your outdoor living Information: wayzataartexperience.com

Minnetonka Native Plant Market & Eco Fun Fest 3-7 p.m. Wednesday, June 5 Minnetonka City Hall parking lot, 14600 Minnetonka Blvd.

4th of July Flying Pancake Breakfast 8 a.m. to noon, Thursday, July 4 The Depot, 402 E. Lake St., Wayzata Info: 952-473-9595, wayzatachamber.com

Music in the Park 7-8:30 p.m., Tuesdays, June 18 to Aug. 6 Minnetonka Civic Center, 14600 Minnetonka Blvd., Minnetonka.

Information: eminnetonka.com

Summer Concert Series 7-8:30 p.m., Wednesdays, July 10, 17, 24 and 31 The Depot, 402 E. Lake St., Wayzata Info: 952-473-9595, wayzatachamber.com

Burwell Art Fair and Ice Cream Social 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, June 22 Charles H. Burwell House, 13209 E. McGinty Road, Minnetonka Information: eminnetonka.com This event along Minnehaha Creek usually draws around 3,000 people who tour the historic house, eat ice cream, browse the antique market and listen to music. The event also includes an art fair.

Crazy Days July 18-21 Downtown Wayzata Info: 952-473-9595, wayzatachamber.com James J. Hill Days Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 7-8 Downtown Wayzata Info: 952-473-9595, wayzatachamber.com Jamesjhilldays.com For 35 years the James J. Hill Day festival has been the pride of Wayzata. Dachshund races, art, a cart derby, car show and parade always go well with the food and entertainment served during this event that can’t be missed.

Minnetonka Summer Festival 4-10:30 p.m., Saturday, June 22 Minnetonka Civic Center, 14600 Minnetonka Blvd., Minnetonka Information: eminnetonka.com As a follow-up to the day’s activities at the Burwell House, music, food, games, fireworks and more round-out the day and evening during the popular Minnetonka Summer Festival at the Minnetonka Civic Center.

Boo Blast Halloween Trick or Treat 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26 Downtown Wayzata Info: 952-473-9595, wayzatachamber.com

Farmers’ Market 3-7 p.m., Tuesdays, July 2 to Oct. 1 Minnetonka Civic Center, 14600 Minnetonka Blvd., Minnetonka Information: eminnetonka.com

Chilly Open February 2014 Wayzata Bay on Lake Minnetonka Information: wayzatachillyopen.com The largest, most well-known and unusual golf tournament held on a frozen lake.

Tour de Tonka bike rides 7:30 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 3 Races and rides begin at Minnetonka High School 18301 Highway 7, Minnetonka Information: tourdetonka.org

Excelsior Excelsior Farmers’ Market 2-6 p.m., Thursdays, May through October Water Street, between Second and Third Streets Information: 952-474-6461, excelsior-lakeminntonkachamber.com

Wayzata Wayzata Art Experience Saturday and Sunday, June 22-23 Celebrate spring as you shop along the shores of Lake Minnetonka at one of the first outdoor art shows of the season. Experience artist demon26

Lake Minnetonka Guide

Excelsior Girls Night Out 5-9 p.m. Thursdays, June 7 through Oct. 4 Downtown Excelsior Information: excelsiorgirlsnightout.com

Information: 952-474-6461, southlake-excelsiorchamber.com The only public ďŹ reworks show on the shores of Lake Minnetonka. A full day of events begins at 8 a.m. with a 2-mile family run. Music, a parade, contests, and a salute to veterans are among the daylong festival activities.

Art on the Lake Saturday, June 8 and Sunday, June 9 Commons Park Southlake-excelsiorchamber.com Excelsiorartonthelake.com One of the state’s premiere outdoor art shows.

Arts of all types, varieties and descriptions, music and food.

Apple Day Saturday, Sept. 7 Downtown Excelsior Information: 952-474-6461 The name says it all: apples and more apples.

Tracing back 143 years when orchards were a staple of the local economy, apples of all varieties and forms are on hand during this September event. Vendors from around the metro and state line Water Street selling everything from unique clothing, antiques, food and many other products not found anywhere else. Boat and trolley rides, music and other activities also highlight the day.

Excelsior Summer Concerts 6:30 p.m. one Wednesday each month (varies) The Commons band shell Lake Street Information: excelsiordowntown.com Lake Minnetonka Fourth of July Celebration Thursday, July 4 The Commons of Excelsior Lake Street 27

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Lake Minnetonka Guide

COMMUNITY CENTERS, ART CENTERS and a commercial kitchen are included to accommodate many gatherings.

Gatherings include large meetings, an anniversary parties, family reunions, conferences and wedding receptions.

The dining room area is reserved for senior citizen programs between 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on weekdays. Otherwise, the rooms can be reserved during regular hours.

Information: eminnetonka.com or 952-939-8390.

Southshore Community Center 5735 Country Club Road, Shorewood The former senior center, the SouthShore Community Center is now in its fourth year of transforming into a community center. The city of Shorewood, along with the four other surrounding South Lake cities – Deephaven, Excelsior, Greenwood and Tonka Bay – are all part owners of the building and make annual contributions.

Kristi Anderson has resigned her position as director. The center is currently being run by Shorewood Park and Recreation Coordinator Twila Grout (director@southshore-center.org.) Activities and events continue to expand at the center.

In July 2009, the city of Shorewood took over operations of the Southshore Community Center.

While the center has become a popular spot for events such as weddings, reunions, community events and meetings, it still offers the daily senior programs that were the original draw at the center.

Expanding the programs offered at the Southshore Community Center has been a big priority for officials at the center. Dances, the annual Oktober Fest, gardening seminars, woodworking, art, aerobics and cooking classes are only some of the activities intended to attract South Lake Minnetonka area visitors and beyond.

The center hosts many weekly events for young and old, along with classes to cater to just about any hobby. A digital informational sign was installed in 2011 to better showcase the events and make the center more visible to the traffic passing by on County Road 19.

Information: southshore-center.org or 952-4747635.

k Minnetonka Center for the Arts 2240 North Shore Drive, Wayzata The Minnetonka Center for the Arts mission statement says its goal is to provide teaching excellence, quality exhibitions and cultural enrichment for people of all ages, interests and abilities.

The arts center in Wayzata was incorporated in 1952, and offers year-round art classes for adults and children. Classes are offered in a variety of mediums and subjects. Around 4,000 people enroll every year.

As the center grew, it added a painting studio, ceramics studio and sculpture studio with a metal pouring foundry. It still has the only publicly assessable foundry in the upper Midwest outside a university setting.

It moved into its current building in 2002 with 30 percent more room, spaces designed for their intended function and a secure, climate-controlled gallery space.

And, as of February 2010, children can take Minnetonka Center for the Arts’ classes in Minnetonka - in the unlikely setting of the bustling Ridgedale Center.

The Minnetonka shopping center and the Wayzata-based arts center have teamed up to open a satellite location, offering drop-in visual arts classes for children, art birthday parties and a retail space where artwork will be sold to benefit the art center.

The classes cover a variety of projects and mediums including drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, bookmaking, fibers, cartoons and illustration.

k Minnetonka Community Center 14600 Minnetonka Blvd., Minnetonka The city of Minnetonka operates the Minnetonka Community Center, which offers senior citizen programs and is also available for the community in general.

Several meeting rooms, a conference room, art room and a dining and community room are in the center. The City Council Chambers are also in the Minnetonka Community Center.

The community room and dining room can be combined as a banquet room, fitting up to 250 people. Tables and chairs, a podium, dance floor

Information: www.minnetonkaarts.org or 952473-7361, ext. 16

29

Lake Minnetonka Guide

DOWNTOWN WAYZATA CHANGING The look of downtown Wayzata has changed dramatically in the last year.

Gone is the vacant, one-story shopping center that sat at the corner of Lake Street and Superior Boulevard for more than four decades. In its place is the footprint of what will be a 130,000 squarefoot mixed-use development that will include retail, senior housing units, condominiums, office space a hotel and open public space.

Demolition began on the Wayzata Bay Shopping Center last April and within a few weeks all that remained was rubble.

Crews immediately set forth on construction of the first two phases of the Presbyterian Homesowned Folkestone at the Promenade.

Currently, work is being done on two of the five sections of the development - one assisted living area and one senior independent living area. If all goes according to plan, those areas of the development will open by the end of 2013.

Work on two other sections - the West Block and Plaza Condominiums - should get underway this summer, with construction taking about a year.

While progress has continued, the city remains in contact with Presbyterian Homes to make sure the final product matches the vision that both

the city and the developer had in mind when the project first came before the Wayzata City Council in 2008.

One area in particular in which the city has taken an interest is the retail areas of the development and all of the amenities it could offer.

“Interest in the East Block hotel remains high,” Mayor Ken Willcox said in his 2013 State of the City Address. “And it’s an integral part of the plan.”

Since early 2013 when Presbyterian Homes brought more information to the city, the city council has reiterated to Presbyterian Homes the importance of getting good retailers into those spaces and not simply settling for more office space.

“As you know, much of the ground floor of the entire Presbyterian Homes project will be retail,” Willcox said.“It was that 130,00 square feet of new commerce in the city that was the key factor in the council’s granting approval in the first place.”

As the project rolls on toward its completion, the city and the Wayzata business community as a whole will continue watching as the landscape of downtown Wayzata changes forever.

30

Lake Minnetonka Guide

A HISTORY OF HOTELS, OLD AND NEW Throughout much of the recent history of Excelsior there has been discussion about building a hotel in the downtown area adjacent to the shores of Lake Minnetonka.

This past year, a plan has come together. The four-story hotel will have 58 rooms including a restaurant and retail on the ground level and a ballroom on the top floor. Underground parking will also be provided.

The hotel will be located at Lake and Water Streets across the street from the Excelsior Port and the Commons Park. Supporters say the hotel will provide a financial boost for the city.

Hotels are not new to the Lake Minnetonka area, with around 60 hotels being on the lake throughout the history of settlement. In the 1800s, grand Victorian hotels sprang up on every corner of the

lake. Currently, there are no hotels on Lake Minnetonka, which is why many have waited for this facility for years.

The hotel has arrived with much discussion of the impact it would have on the city. Some believe the mass and scale will not be a good fit for the city, while supporters say it’s just what Excelsior needs.

The Heritage Preservation Commission reviewed and denied the developer’s Site Plan assessing the hotel didn’t fit in with the standards of Excelsior. Yet, the city council overturned the commission decision, moving the hotel forward.

Improvements will also be made to the surrounding landscapes and port area. The construction schedule is dependent on final approval though could begin the end of 2013 or beginning of 2014.

31

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Lake Minnetonka Guide

PLENTY TO CHECK OUT AT LIBRARIES Hennepin County libraries in Excelsior, Long Lake, Minnetonka and Wayzata are part of the Hennepin County Library system, which consists of 41 libraries located in Minneapolis and suburban Hennepin County. The libraries are national award-winners for innovative government programs and are recognized as one of the top systems in the United States.

Hennepin County Library offers approximately 5 million books, CDs, DVDs, downloadables and other resources in more than a dozen world languages, plus access to more than 1,900 computers.

Library cards are free and available at your local library.

Hennepin County Library’s award-winning website – hclib.org – offers 24/7 access to the library catalog, online databases, audio and video downloads, eBooks, jobs and small business resources, web pages for children, teens and new immigrants and much more.

Outreach Services provides library options for people who are unable to go to a library due to disability, mobility issues or confinement in County correctional or treatment facilities.

More than 2,000 dedicated volunteers help the Library achieve its mission to nourish minds, transform lives and build community together.

The Excelsior, Long Lake, Minnetonka and Wayzata libraries are small but vibrant libraries offering collections of books, CDs, DVDs and magazines, access to the entire Hennepin County Library collection through the online catalog and free public computers with access to the Internet,

160 databases, online homework assistance and more.

Free programs for children, teens and adults support family literacy and learning and are presented year-round. Storytimes for babies and families introduce and reinforce early literacy skills. Summer programs for children and teens entertain and keep young people engaged in books and reading during the summer break from school. Talks by local authors and other programs are regularly offered for adults.

Each library has an active local Friends group that supports its library by raising funds at sales of books donated and withdrawn from the library, sponsoring library programs and assisting with other needs. New members are always welcomed.

In addition to local Friends groups, many other wonderful volunteers assist with tasks that help the library staffs and keep the buildings attractive and inviting for all patrons.

Hennepin County Library – Excelsior, 343 Third St., 612-543-6350 Hennepin County Library – Long Lake, 1865 Wayzata Blvd. W., 612-543-6425 Hennepin County Library – Minnetonka, 17524 Excelsior Blvd., 612-543-5725 Hennepin County Library – Wayzata, 620 Rice St., 612-543-6150 Hennepin County Library – Ridgedale, located at 12601 Ridgedale Drive, Minnetonka, is a large regional library and part of Hennepin County’s Ridgedale Regional Center.

33

Lake Minnetonka Guide

PLENTY OF PARKS TO ENJOY There is no shortage of areas to take in all Lake Minnetonka has to offer. Beaches, trails, grass and benches line the lake from end to end.

trails.

Excelsior

Big Willow 11522 Minnetonka Blvd.

Amenities at the 90-acre park include a football and soccer field, four baseball fields, two softball fields, playground, picnic area, picnic shelter and trails.

Lone Lake 5624 Shady Oak Road The 146-acre park has several athletic fields, almost two miles of trails, a skate park and two picnic areas.

Meadow 2724 Oakland Road Hockey rinks, a playground, tennis courts and trails are included in the 100-acre park. It also has a warming house for outdoor hockey.

Civic Center 14600 Minnetonka Blvd.

The park is home to City Hall, the police station, a fire station.

Amenities include a football and soccer field, picnic area and

Purgatory 17315 Excelsior Blvd.

Purgatory Park is the largest city park at 155 acres. It has more than two miles of trails and includes picnic areas.

Minnetonka

34

The Commons Lake Street The Commons in Excelsior has been a public meeting place since the 1850s when the town was settled. It is also the location of the Port of Excelsior, which has commercial and municipal dock facilities. The Commons became partially smoke free in designated areas, as well as for the whole park with events that draw 500 or more people. The Commons features a beach, band shell for concerts, playground equipment, tennis courts, softball diamonds and picnic area. The park also features many local events, including a free community Easter egg hunt, Art on the Lake and

Lake Minnetonka Guide the 4th of July celebration.

Excelsior-Studer Park Highway 19 in Excelsior This 15.5-acre park was donated to the city and is now home to the community gardens.

Wayzata Klapprich Park 340 Park St. E. Klapprich Park is one of six parks in the city. It includes an outdoor hockey rink, picnic area, playground and softball field.

Bell Courts Wayzata Blvd. and Minnetonka Ave. N. Tennis courts, grilling facilities (one grill) and two picnic tables, restrooms and a clubhouse that overlooks the courts.

The Big Woods East of the Colonial Square shopping center off Wayzata Blvd.

Fourteen acres of woodland preserve, including walking trail.

City Hall Garden 600 Rice St. E. Overlooks downtown Wayzata with a great view of Lake Minnetonka.

The Children’s Garden 629 Rice St. E. Adjacent to Wayzata Library.

The Depot 402 Lake St. E. Three picnic tables, grassy area and lakefront.

Heritage Park at Baston’s Corner Corner of Wayzata Blvd. and Central Ave. Gardens, landscaping, walking paths, benches, armed forces memorial and heritage park bricks.

Post Office Park Minnetonka Ave. S. across

from Wayzata Post office.

Shaver Park Grove Lane E. near Wayzata Beach Grilling facilities, picnic tables and sand volleyball court.

Deephaven

al activities from tennis, baseball and playground equipment in the summer to hockey and ice skating in the winter. The parking lot also allows many residents to easily access the popular LRT Regional Trail.

Shorewood

Burton Park Burton Park is located next to the back bay of Carson’s Bay. Burton Park is a beautiful nature trail offering scenic views of the back bay of Carson’s Bay and a fishing pier. Located next to the LRT Trail, Burton Park provides hikers with a unique view of Lake Minnetonka.

Cottagewood Children’s Park Cottagewood Avenue between Western Road and Park Place.

It offers two playgrounds, gazebo, picnic tables, sculpture, water fountain Cottagewood Children’s Park provides a wonderful opportunity for small children to play on the two playgrounds with plenty of benches surrounding a beautiful water fountain for parents to relax while watching their kids play.

The Cottagewood General Store is located right across the street for refreshments.

Thorpe Park 3725 Hamilton Ave., Deephaven Thorpe Park is one of 11 parks and beaches in the city.

It includes a picnic shelter, a playground, flower gardens, two baseball fields, two tennis courts, hockey and skating rinks, basketball court and horseshoe pit.

Village Hall Park 20225 Cottagewood Road It offers one modular playground, three tennis courts, gazebo, ice rink, warming house, ball field, benches, walking path to LRT Trail Village Hall Park adjoins Deephaven city offices and provides a variety of recreation35

Badger Park 5745 Country Club Road Next to city hall and the Southshore Community Center, this park has a playground, skating rink and sports field. In the winter, it was used as the snow sculpting arena and holds events such as South Lake Safety Camp.

Freeman Park 25800 Highway 7, Shorewood Free Fridays at Freeman Park Various children’s activities are offered over the summer months in Freeman Park. 2013 summer events include kite making, yoyo class, understanding pet language, music and dancing, puppets, karate, fishing, zoo mobile and more. This is also home to Arctic Fever and other community events.

Manor Park 20630 Manor Road, Shorewood.

One of five parks, Manor Park was revamped in the fall of 2010 getting all new equipment and an updated shelter.

Silverwood Park 5755 Covington Road On the east end of Shorewood, this park features a playground as well as a hill with a slide for use in the summer and a great hill for sledding in the winter.

South Shore Skate Park 5355 St. Albans Bay Road This park features a skate park and the city’s community gardens.

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• 4th of July Flying Pancake Breakfast

Thursday, July 4 • 8 a.m. to noon Watch Revolutionary Soldiers at the Historic Wayzata Depot and begin your day with a festive celebration for patriots of all ages. Guests delight in “catching ‘em if they can” pancakes tossed from the grill. $6, USA Veterans eat free.

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July 10, 17, 24, 31 Enjoy music by the Lake Wednesday evenings in July from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Dine at a local restaurant before enjoying a variety of performers at the Wayzata Depot Park on Lake Minnetonka.

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• Crazy Days

July 18-21 Shop Wayzata for great clearance specials and sidewalk sales all around town the third weekend in July!

• James J. Hill Days

Sat. & Sun., September 7 & 8 Celebrate Wayzata at our largest, annual community festival! The Wayzata Chamber of Commerce and Presbyterian Homes present the 39th Annual James J. Hill Days. Enjoy an open-air street market, kids carnival, dachshund races, car show, parade, fireworks and much more! www.JamesJHillDays.com.

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Saturday, October 26 • 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Wayzata celebrates Halloween! Trick-or-Treat and enjoy spooky specials and family-friendly activities all around town.

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February 8 Join the fun as over 1,000 golfers enjoy winter “golf” on frozen Lake Minnetonka. Sponsors at each of the golf holes provide games, food and fun for this unique event. www.WayzataChillyOpen.com For more information about all Wayzata activities:

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36

Lake Minnetonka Guide

PROTECT, SERVE AND SAVE LIVES South Lake

Department and the Wayzata Volunteer Fire Department.

The Wayzata Police Department is headed up by Police Chief Mike Risvold. In addition, the department has a lieutenant who also serves as detective, a sergeant, eight patrol officers and a school resource officer.

The department also has an active volunteer police reserve unit. The department also provides police services for the city of Long Lake.

The Wayzata Fire Department is a paid, on-call volunteer unit that serves the 3.8 square-miles of Wayzata and has automatic mutual aid agreements with the Plymouth Fire Department for the southwestern portion of Plymouth and the Excelsior Fire District for the city of Deephaven. The department has approximately 30 members, who respond to approximately 300 calls per year.

The department celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2012.

The South Lake Minnetonka residents are kept safe through the efforts of the South Lake Minnetonka Police Department and Excelsior Fire District.

The SLMPD patrols four South Lake cities – Excelsior, Greenwood, Shorewood and Tonka Bay. It was created in 1973 under a joint powers agreement between the four cities. They share common boundaries around Lake Minnetonka.

Chief Bryan Litsey leads the force with 31 years and 14 years as chief on the SLMPD. The governance of the SLMPD is through the Coordinating Committee consisting of the mayors from each member city. The joint powers agreement was extended for an unprecedented 20 years to coincide with the financing of the new public safety building. The building houses both the police and fire departments, and is located in Shorewood.

The SLMPD currently has 14 full-time licensed police officers consisting of patrol officers, investigators and sergeants as well as a deputy chief and emergency management coordinator. There is one full-time community service supervisor, one fulltime administrator, two part-time office specialized and three part-time community service officers.

There is also a volunteer reserve officer program consisting of 20 members. The department handles more than 14,000 activities per year.

k Minnetonka In Minnetonka, the police and fire departments work to ensure the safety of nearly 50,000 residents.

The Minnetonka Police Department is led by Chief Mark Raquet, who became chief in January 2007 and has worked for the department for 28 years.

Raquet oversees a department of 75 people, including 56 sworn officers and 19 support staff members, as well as one K-9 unit. The patrol division protects Minnetonka 24 hours a day and police officers responded to thousands of calls for service ranging from thefts to narcotics violations and suspicious noises last year.

Eight dispatchers and one dispatch supervisor handle all calls for police, fire and medical service in the city. In 2012, dispatchers handled nearly 43,000 total calls for service.

The Minnetonka Fire Department includes 80 paid on-call firefighters and seven full-time firefighters that operate at five fire stations in the city.

Each resident and business in the city of Minnetonka is within six minutes of one of these five fire stations. Longtime Fire Chief Joe Wallin retired in March 2013, and Acting Fire Chief Kevin Fox will oversee the department while the city searches for Wallin’s permanent replacement.

Paid-on-call members of the department handle firefighting and rescue tasks, while the full-time staff carries out fire prevention and support activities. In 2012, firefighters responded to a total of 1,661 calls in Minnetonka.

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Deephaven and Excelsior

Deephaven has its own police department that serves Deephaven and Woodland. It is led by Chief Cory Johnson and has six other full-time officers including a sergeant. There is also a full-time police secretary.

The Excelsior Fire District serves the five South Lake cities – Deephaven, Excelsior, Greenwood, Shorewood and Tonka Bay. The district has been around for more than 150 years. Chief Scott Gerber leads the district as well as 46 members serving the district. Two full-time positions make up the district, chief and fire inspector, as well as a parttime administrative specialist. The district handles about 750 responses annually. A second fire station is located in Deephaven. The average response time is six minutes.

Wayzata

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When it comes to keeping the residents, businesses and property safe in Wayzata, there are two public safety entities to know - the Wayzata Police 37

Lake Minnetonka Guide

FINDING FAITH AMONG THE LAKES Excelsior: Christ Community Church 897 3rd Ave., Excelsior 952-470-7385 Excelsior United Methodist Church, 881 3rd Ave., Excelsior 952-474-5471 The Congregational Church of Excelsior, 471 Third St., Excelsior 952-474-5919 Mount Calvary Lutheran Church 301 County Road 19, Excelsior 952-474-8893 Our Savior Lutheran Church and School 23290 Hwy. 7, Excelsior 952-474-5181 St. John the Baptist 638 Mill St., Excelsior 952-474-5812 Trinity Episcopal Church of Excelsior, 22 Second St., Excelsior 952-474-5263 Westwood Community Church, 3121 Westwood Drive, Excelsior 952-224-7300

Deephaven: Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church of Deephaven 18360 Minnetonka Blvd., Deephaven 952-473-2362 St. Therese Church of Deephaven, 18323 Minnetonka Blvd., Deephaven 952-473-4422

Minnetonka: Episcopal Parish of St. David 13000 St. David’s Road, Minnetonka 952-935-3336 Good Shepherd Presbyterian 15321 Wayzata Blvd., Minnetonka 952-835-6358 Faith Presbyterian Church of Minnetonka, 12007 Excelsior Blvd., Minnetonka 952-935-4481 Immaculate Heart of Mary 13505 Excelsior Blvd., Minnetonka 952-935-1432 Minnetonka Community Church, 13215 Minnetonka Drive, Minnetonka 952-935-8636 Minnetonka United Methodist Church, 17611 Lake St. Extension, Minnetonka 952-474-4114 Northern Oaks Community Church, 16625 Excelsior Blvd., Minnetonka 952-934-6422 West Oaks Community Church, 11901 Excelsior Blvd., Minnetonka 952-938-6406

Shorewood: Minnewashta Church 26710 W. 62nd St., Shorewood 952-474-8995

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Wayzata: Calvary Memorial Church 2420 Dunwoody Ave., Wayzata 952-471-8511 Redeemer Lutheran Church 115 W. Wayzata Blvd., Wayzata 952-473-1281 St. Bartholomew Catholic Faith Community, 630 Wayzata Blvd. E., Wayzata 952-473-6601 St. Edward’s Episcopal Church 865 Ferndale Road N. 952-473-2262 Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Community 155 County Road 24 763-473-7901 Wayzata Free Church 705 County Road 101 N., Plymouth 763-473-9463 Unitarian Universalist Church of Minnetonka, 605 Rice St., Wayzata 952-473-5900 Wayzata Community Church 125 Wayzata Blvd. W., Wayzata 952-473-8877

Synagogues: Adath Jeshurun Congregation 10500 Hillside Lane W., Minnetonka 952-545-2424 Sharei Chesed Congregation 1712 Hopkins Cross Road., Minnetonka 763-545-8800

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