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

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Community Guide 2015

Lake Minnetonka

2015-16 Guide to the Lake Minnetonka area The Lake Minnetonka area is known for its rich history, which attracted hunters, fishermen and settlers to its shores in the mid-1800s. Later, it became a tourist destination for the well-to-do. Thousands of visitors came by street car or train, to visit Big Island Amusement Park, or to stay in one of the grand hotels.

Today, life near the lake continues to be a major draw for many different reasons – boating, sightseeing, fishing, wakeboarding and fine dining – to name a few.

Lake Minnetonka has more than 125 miles of lakeshore, covering 14,500 acres. It is home to thousands of people who enjoy life in communities that surround the lake, places like Wayzata, Excelsior, Minnetonka, Tonka Bay, Deephaven, Greenwood, Cottagewood and Woodland. The bustling area attracts business, industry, shoppers and tourists from throughout the region.

This guide to the Lake Minnetonka area is meant to help you discover some of the reasons why this area is so desirable. You’ll find information about the area’s award-winning public school systems, parks, beaches, museums, community centers and community festivals. We have also profiled area police and fire departments, city government and local libraries.

We hope this guide will be a helpful tool to existing residents interested in finding a new feature in the area, as well as to potential residents and business owners. Explore the Lake Minnetonka area – the area has so much to offer.

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10917 Valley View Road Eden Prairie, MN 55344 Sailor.mnsun.com Editor ........................................................................ Paul Wahl Writers.... Stephanie Helseth, Jason Jenkins, Alyssa Krekelberg Photography........Paul Wahl, Stephanie Helseth, JasonJenkins, Matthew Hankey Layout & Design................... Keith Anderson, Matthew Hankey Cover Design ............................................................Elli Martin Sales................ Robbie Shoemaker, Veronica Vagher-Palmquist Advertising Director ....................................... Cheri O’Bannon Executive Editor ................................................ Peggy Bakken Director of News ..............................................Keith Anderson General Manager ..................................................Mark Weber

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Community Guide 2015

Welcome

Lake Minnetonka

Excelsior Chamber welcomes all The Lake Minnetonka area has a long history of being the area’s premier destination for fun and recreation.

In addition to the 10,000-plus acres of Lake Minnetonka water, the town of Excelsior on the lake’s south shore is particularly known for its historic main street and its events throughout the year.

Water Street, the town’s very walkable main street, features numerous buildings from the days of horsedrawn wagons and streetcars, and is today filled with retail shops and restaurants of all kinds. Whether you are in search of an ice cream cone or fine cuisine, you are in store for a treat.

Excelsior is also an event town, featuring at least three days of races and fun runs. If you’re not into the runs, don’t worry; there is Art on the Lake, a Concours d’Elegance, a fun-filled Fourth of July, and several great events in the fall. You’ll even find a couple winter events for true lovers of the outdoors.

This is not just a resort area. Excelsior and the surrounding towns of Shorewood, Greenwood, Deephaven and Tonka Bay are wonderful communities that we are blessed to call home. Be warned – if you visit, you might just want to live here! ... and we welcome you.

If you have children, there is no better place to grow up because of the highly ranked Minnetonka p in n part p schools.

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You might consider bringing your bicycle, or perhaps ride to town on the Lake Minnetonka LRT Regional Trail, which approaches Excelsior from Hopkins and Minnetonka to the east and stretches to Victoria to the west.

Speaking of transportation, you can also step back in time with a ride on a historic trolley or take a lake cruise on the vintage Steamboat Minnehaha or a modern luxurious cruise boat. You can even rent a kayak or paddleboard. There is so much to do here!

By the way, you don’t have to wait for a weekend to visit. Our Farmer’s Market is held on historic Water Street 2-6 p.m. Tuesday afternoons May through October, and there is nothing better than exploring the streets on any beautiful Minnesota summer afternoon or evening. Even on a cloudy day, visit the shops, enjoy the restaurants, coffee shops, micro-brewery or stop in the Chamber office.

As we like to say around here, we are “Making History, Again.” Come, be a part of it. We look forward to seeing you.

Joe Schwartz - President Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Chamber of Commerce Excelsior-LakeMinnetonkaChamber.com 952-474-6461

Lake Minnetonka

Community Guide 2015

Welcome

Wayzata Chamber: Spend the day with us Only 12 quick miles west of Minneapolis, no visit to the Twin Cities is complete without a trip to Wayzata, the Gateway to Lake Minnetonka and a picture perfect setting to discover all we have to offer. Browse through a large selection of retail shops or enjoy a meal at one of many unique restaurants (the Star Tribune has dubbed Wayzata “The Land of New Restaurants”). Rent a paddle board and try out the new concession stand at the beach or explore our quaint village rich in history through a self-guided walking tour. The trolley will be back on Wednesday nights, Thursdays and Sundays to help visitors explore both uptown and downtown Wayzata.

Don’t forget to bring your bike or lace up your shoes and hit one of our many trails. Wayzata is the trailhead of the 44-mile Dakota Trail and is on the Luce Line, which runs all the way from west central Minnesota to the Minneapolis lakes. The scenic parks and trails make for a great way to spend an afternoon. Finish the day by catching the historic Steamboat Minnehaha for a tour around the lake.

Our community events draw people to the lake area from all over the nation. The Chilly Open takes place every February where visitors play a round of nine hole golf, enjoy live music and all-you-can-eat chili – all on the frozen ice of Wayzata Bay. Wayzata Art Experience allows you to experience exquisite art, live music and delicious cuisine along scenic Lake Street in a two-

day festival in June. Summer concerts take place every Wednesday in July at Depot Park with free music from a variety of artists who perform fun music for the whole family. Then, round out the season with James J. Hill Days offering something for everyone from carnivals to fireworks. Stay tuned for this year’s big concerts on Friday and Saturday night, sure to be comparable to the great entertainment of the past – Big & Rich, Billy Currington and the Goo Goo Dolls.

As a growing destination, we look forward to new additions. We are excited to welcome visitors to Wayzata’s brand-new Farmers Market, which will run 1-5 p.m. Thursday afternoons May through October. The city of Wayzata is underway with its 10-year project to improve the access and use of the beautiful north shore of Lake Minnetonka. This summer, new boat slips will be added to both ends of town to ease access for lake visitors.

There is a lot of excitement with the current development in Wayzata. Next time you make a stop in town, come visit us in the historic Wayzata Depot. We are excited to greet you and share this jewel on the lake.

Becky Pierson - President Greater Wayzata Area Chamber of Commerce WayzataChamber.com 952-473-9595 7

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Lake Minnetonka

Community Guide 2015

Excelsior

Excelsior: Heart of South Lake Excelsior, the heart of the South Lake community, captures the attention of historians, tourists and residents alike. It offers unique historical relevance and charm that truly make it a destination.

Unique fine dining and retail outlets line Water Street, and new businesses such as the city’s first grocery store in decades, Kowalski’s, are continually transforming Excelsior into a unique gem on Lake Minnetonka.

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 from all walks of life. Though popular in summer months, winter around Excelsior is also action-packed.

Excelsior is seeing growth with a new retail and grocery store development, new restaurants, additional retail and a multi-story hotel. The Excelsior Hotel site is located on the old Pizza Hut lot next to Dock Cinema.

Though the project’s planning phase has spanned several years, the developer continues to work on the details of the final plan.

On the other end of Water Street, the former Mason Motors building was demolished and Kowalski’s Market began rising in its place. Oppidan Investment Co. moved its headquarters across the parking lot from the grocery store, occupying the second floor of a new retail building that will be home to at least one restaurant and retail shops.

The Excelsior Farmer’s Market was moved from a church parking lot to Water Street to provide a more personalized atmosphere and to accommodate foot traffic during the popular community event. Water Street will be closed to motor vehicles, allowing pedestrians to mingle between vendors and shops. The effort is designed to bring life back into the market, which was struggling due to location.

Major events include Art on the Lake, the Fourth of July celebration and Apple Day. It is also home to regular events such as Girls Night Out on Thursdays during the summer, attracting visitors from around the Twin Cities and beyond. Christkindlmarkt, which takes place over Thanksgiving Day weekend behind Water Street, is another unique German-themed shopping experience that kicks off the holiday season.

The North American Pond Hockey Championship is held on Excelsior Bay in January. The event was purchased three years ago and turned into a charity fundraiser.

Construction on the new Excelsior Library wrapped in 2014, and the new location on Water Street is busy introducing new programs and serving the public even more efficiently than before. Excelsior is in talks about how to move its City Council Chambers to the old library space on Third Street, though no final plans have been made.

Excelsior’s most prized real estate, 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, the Fourth of July celebration and many other events throughout the year.

The adjacent Port of Excelsior has municipal and commercial docking. Tommy’s Tonka Trolly is a converted historic streetcar that provides “the Twin Cities best icecream,” Sebastian Joes, water sport rentals and other snacks and beverages. The area was once home to the Excelsior Amusement park, which operated 1925-1973.

Commons Park is in line for $5 million in improvements, a project that may be funded through a state bonding bill, a local food and beverage tax or a levy increase. The Commons have not been improved in more than 40 years. In the plan are new sidewalks, an improved softball field and volleyball court, an improved beach, new park signs and a historical kiosk, a park shelter and even updated picnic tables and grills.

Excelsior continues to gain popularity, and that shows in people wanting to invest in the community. Keeping the quaint charm is always on the top of 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.

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Community Guide 2015

Minnetonka

Lake Minnetonka

Minnetonka: Live, work, shop Diversity is a key to the future of Minnetonka. Hundreds of businesses and nearly 50,000 employees call Minnetonka home. Multinational companies such as United Health Group, Carlson Companies and Medica provide a solid platform for jobs.

To keep up with the ever-changing faces of the West Metro, Minnetonka is anticipating an economic boost with the $400 million Ridgedale Center redevelopment project in and around the shopping mall that began in 2014.

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. The Macy’s expansion project was completed during phase 1 of the Ridgedale redevelopment in winter 2014. A 138,000 square-foot Nordstrom’s Department Store is scheduled to open at Ridgedale shortly.

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 $2 billion Southwest Light Rail Transit project is expected to begin running in 2020.

In addition add to its commercial properties, Minnetonka is home tto 50,000 residents and 1,700 acres of parks, rec10

reation areas and preserves. Its natural scenery includes 51 community parks, mature trees, wetlands, prairies and diverse wildlife.

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.

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 multiuse performing arts center that features student productions and several resident performance groups. Hopkins High School is home to the Lindbergh Center, a community exercise facility and the Hopkins High School Auditorium, which features dozens of student and professional productions each year.

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.

The city-owned Minnetonka Ice Arena offers public skating, skating lessons and adult hockey leagues. The ice arena is located at 3401 Williston Road.

Information: eminnetonka.com or 952-939-8200.

Lake Minnetonka

Community Guide 2015

Wayzata

Wayzata: Revitalizing the North Shore With an increasingly exciting selection of specialty shops and an expanding restaurant scene, it’s no wonder Wayzata has become a popular destination to visit on Lake Minnetonka.

From home and garden materials, artwork, bakeries, coffee shops, ice cream parlors and a variety of other businesses, a day on Lake Street can come and go in an instant.

And while Wayzata may only be three square miles and home to around 4,000 residents, it’s a city that plays larger than its size would suggest.

Though the city is a destination itself, several events attract additional visitors throughout the year. Since 1984, thousands of Minnesotans have headed to Wayzata for the Chilly Open, a unique frozen golf outing on Lake Minnetonka. The Wayzata Art Experience in June features the work of some of the best artists from the region’s art scene. In July, a variety of musical acts perform near the lake on Wednesday nights for the Music by the Lake Summer Concert Series at Depot Park.

The longest running community in event in Wayzata

is James J. Hill Days. The three-day festival will mark its 41st year this September. More information on the festival appears elsewhere in this guide.

Wayzata has always been a city that’s given great consideration to its relationship with Lake Minnetonka. A 10-year framework called the Lake Effect was approved in 2014 to help guide upgrades to Wayzata’s lakefront.

More information on recent progress related to the Lake Effect appears elsewhere in this guide.

Wayzata is also in the process of bringing back a hotel to the shore of Lake Minnetonka for the first time in 50 years. Plans for the 89-room boutique hotel and accompanying restaurant are included in the fifth and final block of the Promenade of Wayzata - the largest redevelopment project in the city’s history. The new building, called The Landing, will also include condos, a spa and 14,000 square-feet of retail space. Construction is anticipated to begin this summer with a late 2016 or early 2017 opening.

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

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Lake Minnetonka

Community Guide 2015

Deephaven/Greenwood

Deephaven & Greenwood - Lake gems Deephaven Deephaven, a quiet historical community, is home to fewer than 4,000 residents. Nestled quietly on the Upper Lake west of Minnetonka, it is deeply rooted in history and is rich with tradition and pride. With its charm, it offers seven parks, six beaches and a regional trail running along Lake Minnetonka.

Deephaven’s most famous attraction is the Cottagewood General Store, which opened in 1895.

Visitors can find treats such as ice cream, sandwiches and other tasty items at the store seasonally, as well as learn about the history of the surrounding area.

The Cottagewood community owns the store. A total of 135 residents pitched in to buy it and maintained the community treasure after it was put up for sale in 1995.

The building was recently resided at a cost of $13,000.

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

The Minnetonka Yacht Club is located in Deephaven on an island off Carson’s Bay and the main lower portion of Lake Minnetonka.

Information: cityofdeephaven.org or 952-474-4755.

Greenwood If small-town pride and historical relevance appeal to you, Greenwood is your ideal home.

Surrounded by St. Albans Bay and Excelsior Bay on Lake Minnetonka, Greenwood is home to about 800 residents. Known as “The City on the Lake,” Greenwood, like all the lake communities, is steeped in tradition.

Greenwood is home to the Old Log Theatre, the oldest running theater in Minnesota. The theater, formerly owned by Don Stolz who joined the theater in 1941, opened one year earlier. The theater was recently purchased by Greg and Marissa Frankenfield who look forward to continuing the legacy the Stolz family built for 73 years. Don Stolz passed away in 2015 at 97 years old, and the Frankenfields honored his legacy by temporarily adopting his tradition of speaking to the audience before each show.

In summer Greenwood is most enjoyed, though winter too offers plenty for those who enjoy the outdoors.

The Lake Minnetonka Regional Trail runs through Greenwood and is popular for runners, bikers, crosscountry skiers or those just out for a walk.

Information: greenwoodmn.com or 952-474-6633.

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Lake Minnetonka

Community Guide 2015

Shorewood

Shorewood residents learn, play, grow Shorewood is a unique, mostly residential city that is home to around 7,500 residents. It offers a quiet lifestyle for those who still want to be a part of the action. In the last year, Shorewood City Council has approved the change of the mayoral term from two to four years, it adopted a bee-safe ordinance and planted clover and other pollinator-friendly plants on city property.

Shorewood is six miles long and one mile wide, encompassing around 3,600 acres. Incorporated in 1956, it 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 is in the process of expanding the trails around the city. The first trail will connect Minnewashta Elementary School to the Lake Minnetonka Regional Trail. A Lake Minnetonka Regional Trail bridge over County Road 19 was approved in 2014, but extremely high construction bids forced Shorewood, Tonka Bay and Three Rivers Park District back to the drawing board.

Shorewood City Council, in collaboration with beeadvocacy group Humming for Bees, approved a resolution in 2014 to support pollinators in the community by planting bee-friendly foods such as clover and simultaneously vowing not to use neonicotinoid pesticides on city property. Shorewood encourages residents to follow

in the city’s footsteps and support the goals of Humming for Bees.

The Southshore Center, nestled near city hall and Badger Park at 5735 Country Club Road, hosts events, activities and other functions year-round. The surrounding communities help finance the building, and are looking into rebranding the center to help it become a true community center welcoming to all ages and activities.

Shorewood hosts Artic Fever, a winter-themed 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, and in 2015, Shorewood offered residents a unique winter activity – playing with llamas.

The city council and staff have been working with a contractor to determine possibilities to incorporate renewable energies in the city. Shorewood is considering everything from solar panels to simple changes that could be made in city hall to reduce the building’s carbon footprint.

The community garden plots in the city have grown to accommodate demand. More gardens were also added at Freeman Park on the west end of the city.

Information: ci.shorewood.mn.us or 952-960-7900.

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Lake Minnetonka

Community Guide 2015

Tonka Bay/Woodland

Tonka Bay, Woodland are jewels Tonka Bay Those seeking quiet lake life yet love to be a part of the action find true happiness in Tonka Bay. A small, onesquare-mile city home to a little more than 1,500 residents, Tonka Bay is a jewel on Lake Minnetonka.

Incorporated as a village in 1901, the city has more shoreline on Lake Minnetonka than any other city of its size. Located 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.

Manitou Park is the largest of four city parks and is located on County Road 19. It has a hockey rink with warming house and a new sports court that 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.

The Lake Minnetonka Regional Trail that runs by Manitou Park was expecting a face-lift in 2014, but the proposed bridge over County Road 19 was scrapped following unexpectedly high construction bids. Three Rivers Park District, Tonka Bay and Shorewood are currently working to finalize plans that would make the current at-grade crossing safer.

Old O Orchard Park, just down the road on County Road 19, is loc located where city hall is. Here residents have ac16

cess 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 952-474-7994.

Woodland The quiet lakeside city of Woodland has a population of fewer than 500 people, and the small residential Lake Minnetonka community enjoys its peace and privacy.

Settled in 1882, 15 years after its first constructed abode, Woodland didn’t become incorporated until 1948.

Slightly more than a half square-mile, Woodland 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 Woodland residents are lakeshore homeowners.

Information: woodlandmn.org or 952-474-4755.

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Community Guide 2015

History

Lake Minnetonka

Photo provided by Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Historical Society

Lake Minnetonka rich with history Lake Minnetonka formed some 11,000 years ago when glaciers moved through the area. The Native American word minnetonka means “Big Waters,” and the 4,528acre lake has remained a draw for 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. G Go vernm Government in the Treaties of Traverse des Sioux and 18

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 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 a word in 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

Lake Minnetonka and could carry 2,500 passengers.

The railroad eventually 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 – it was a hot spot for a good time. The good times didn’t last forever, and in one historical account, more than 60 hotels and boarding houses opened and closed around Lake Minnetonka 1853-1964.

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, similar to 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 be built were a general store,

Community Guide 2015

History 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 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 those in Wayzata as a destination spot.

Over time the city transformed from a vacation heaven 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.

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

Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Historical Society 305 Water St., Excelsior • Information: (952) 221-4766 Old Excelsior Public School Building - The museum serves Deephaven, Excelsior, Greenwood, Shorewood and Tonka Bay. 261 School Ave., Suite 102, Excelsior Information: www.elmhs.org Minnetonka Historical Society City of Minnetonka offices 14600 Minnetonka Blvd., Minnetonka • Information: (952) 930-3962 Westonka Historical Society 5341 Maywood Rd., Mound • Information: 952-472-9800 Wayzata Historical Society 402 E. Lake St., Wayzata • Information: (952) 473-3631 Historical Society Archives 620 Rice St., Wayzata • Information: (952) 473-3631

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Lake Minnetonka

Community Guide 2015

Parks

Lake area abounds with parks, trails 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.

Excelsior The Commons, Lake Street The Commons in Excelsior has been a public meeting place since the 1850s. It is also the location of the Port of Excelsior, which has commercial and municipal dock facilities. 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 the Fourth of July celebration.

Excelsior Parkland, Highway 19 in Excelsior This 15.5-acre park was donated to the city and now includes community garden plots and a large wetland, Studer Pond, which is bordered by trees and vegetation that are habitats for woodland animals. College Lake, Mitten Pond, Mud Lake and Galpin Lake also provide opportunities for observing and appreciating nature.

Deephaven Burton Park, 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.

Cottagewood Children’s Park offers two playgrounds, gazebo, picnic tables, sculpture and water fountain. The park also 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 across the street for refreshments.

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

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

Village Hall Park , 20225 Cottagewood Road Village Hall Park offers one modular playground, three tennis courts, gazebo, ice rink, warming house, ball field, benches and awalking path to LRT Trail. The park adjoins Deephaven city offices and provides a variety of recreational activities from tennis, baseball and playground equipment in the summer to hockey and ice skating in the winter.

PARKS - TO PAGE 23 21

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Lake Minnetonka

Community Guide 2015

Parks

Parks feature playgrounds, trails PARKS - FROM PAGE 21 Shuck Park, Cottagewood Avenue next to Jefferson Street In 1937, the Village of Deephaven bought six lots in Cottagewood for public grounds that they later named Shuck Park in honor of Bob Shuck. He came to Deephaven in the mid-1880s and became the caretaker for and right-hand man to Hazen J. Burtons. He spent the rest of his life helping the Burtons and serving the village in various capacities. Shuck Park offers play areas, a small basketball court, tennis courts and a picnic area.

Minnetonka 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.

Civic Center, 14600 Minnetonka Blvd.

The park is home to City Hall, the police station, a fire station and events like Minnetonka Summer Fest and the Minnetonka Farmers Market. Amenities include a football and soccer field, picnic area 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.

Purgatory, 17315 Excelsior Blvd.

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

Shorewood Badger Park, 5745 Country Club Road Next to city hall and the Southshore 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. Shorewood is in the process of considering updates or a complete remodel to Badger Park.

Freeman Park, 25800 Highway 7 Various children’s activities are offered over the summer months in Freeman Park. Events have included kite-making, yo-yo class, understanding pet language, music and dancing, puppets, karate, fishing, zoo mobile and more. The park is also home to Arctic Fever and

other community events.

Manor Park, 20630 Manor Road Manor Park was revamped in the fall of 2010 and received 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.

Wayzata Klapprich Park and Field, 340 Park St. E. Klapprich Park includes an outdoor hockey rink, picnic area, playground and softball field.

Bell Courts Park, 340 Park St. E. Tennis courts, grilling facilities and two picnic tables, restrooms and a clubhouse that overlooks the courts.

Big Woods Preserve, 1223 Wayzata Blvd. E. Fourteen acres of woodland preserve, including walking trail.

Broadway Docks, Broadway and Lake Street Short-term public docks, fishing and benches.

Children’s Garden, 620 Rice St. E. Overlooks downtown Wayzata with a great view of Lake Minnetonka. Adjacent to Wayzata Library and City Hall.

Wayzata Depot & Railroad Museum, 402 Lake St. E. Picnic tables and lakefront. Wayzata Historical Society’s railroad museum inside the 1906 historic train station.

Heritage Park, 1106 Wayzata Blvd. E. Gardens, landscaping, walking paths, benches and an armed forces memorial.

Post Office Park Minnetonka Ave. S. across from Wayzata post office Shaver Park, Grove Lane E. near Wayzata Beach Grilling facilities, picnic tables, sand volleyball court, walking path and historic Trapper’s Cabin.

Margaret Circle Park, 320 Margaret Circle Benches, picnic areas and an outdoor hockey rink.

23

Community Guide 2015

Map

24

Lake Minnetonka

Lake Minnetonka

Community Guide 2015

Map

25

Community Guide 2015

Excelsior Chamber

Lake Minnetonka

Chamber brings life to South Lake From Art on the Lake to the Fourth of July, the ExcelsiorLake Minnetonka Chamber of Commerce has its hands in almost every community activity in the South Lake area.

The Chamber is a nonprofit that serves to enliven the Excelsior area through celebrations and gatherings that draw people from the entire metro area to join the fun.

The biggest event of the year, the Fourth of July celebration, has been a staple in the community for longer than 135 years. The entire day costs the Chamber approximately $150,000, which funds everything from the Firecracker 5K Run to the fireworks show at dusk.

Apple Day, a one-day festival held in September to commemorate the success of apples in the area in the mid1900s, is another major draw to the area. People compete in the apple pie eating contest and the baking contest, as well as shop the booths and enjoy a walk throughout charming downtown Excelsior with a refreshing fall breeze off the lake.

The Chamber organizes the Girls Night Out season, which invites women from Excelsior and the surrounding community to gather for activities, shopping and entertainment. An annual fashion show is the highlight of the event. In 2014, Girls Night Out partnered with the AmeriHea Association’s Go Red for Women campaign and can Heart m offered mammograms and other health resources to participants at several events. In 2015, Girls Night Out will 26

partner with Meals on Wheels.

Not even a rainy day could cancel a Chamber event.

The forecast was bleak for Art on the Lake 2014, but artists and community members weathered the storm to keep the event alive. The same is true for the remainder of the Chamber’s events – the Person of the Year party, Crazy Days and the St. Patrick’s Day Luck o’ the Lake 5K Fun Run will continue to thrive regardless of the forecast.

The Person of the Year party, at which Chamber members and the public celebrate one individual for their contributions to the community, is one of the ways the Chamber connects to the community. The event brings people together for conversation and camaraderie and encourages people to help others. Chamber volunteer Martie McGlasson was named Person of the Year in 2014.

From ribbon-cuttings to fundraising efforts, the Chamber is almost always out in the community furthering its reach. The Chamber is eager to acquire more members, welcoming 42 new members in 2014 alone. The Chamber also rolled out a new Ambassador Club in 2014 that serves to welcome new businesses to town, make on-site visits and identify businesses to feature at member meetings.

In the years to come, the Chamber’s impact on the community can only be expected to grow stronger.

For more information on the Chamber, visit excelsiorlakeminnetonkachamber.com

Lake Minnetonka

Community Guide 2015

Wayzata Chamber

Chamber adds buzz to Wayzata life The Greater Wayzata Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to provide the bookends of summer in Wayzata, from the Wayzata Art Experience to James J. Hill Days, it’s non-stop fun.

The Chamber is a nonprofit that serves to enliven Downtown Wayzata and the surrounding areas by supporting the business community and through celebrations and gatherings that draw people from the entire metro area to join the fun. The biggest event of the year, James J. Hill Days, has been a staple in the community for 40-plus years.

This year’s festival, to be held Sept. 11-13, is the 41st annual celebration. James J. Hill Days features a giant carnival, reminiscent of the Big Island and Excelsior Amusement Parks, a Ferris wheel and a real midway.

There’s also a street parade, plenty of live entertainment, a water ski show on Lake Minnetonka and a fireworks show held at dusk on Saturday night and more.

While James J. Hill Days is one of the biggest events of the year in Wayzata, it is just one of many the Greater Wayzata Area Chamber of Commerce organizes. It also coordinates the Wayzata Summer Concert Series, which brings musical acts to Depot Park along Lake Minnetonka every Wednesday evening in July from 7-8:30 p.m.

On a day with nice weather, a huge crowd will gather – a sea of people sitting on the grass next to The Depot on blankets and towels, or lawn chairs, right by the lake.

There’s also Crazy Days from July 16-19, when people

can shop for great clearance specials and sidewalk sales offered by Wayzata businesses and Boo Blast, which brings trick-or-treaters and their parents annually to the city’s businesses, this year held on Oct. 31.

The Chilly Open is perhaps the largest, most wellknown and unusual golf tournament held annually on the frozen lake. Competitors make their way through one of three 9-hole courses, hitting tennis balls with everything from golf clubs and hockey sticks to baseball bats and sticks. The unique frozen ground event has been held on Lake Minnetonka annually since 1984.

The Greater Wayzata Area Chamber of Commerce also host events that cater to the business community throughout the year. These include speaker luncheons, young professional mixers, Wayzata Women in Business events, the Roger Miller Golf Classic held every September and alternating between Wayzata Country Club and Woodhill Country Club, ribbon-cuttings and boat cruises on Lake Minnetonka where networking and connections take place, and a whole lot more.

The Chamber is out in the community furthering its reach and welcomes new members interested in being a part of building the future together.

In the years to come, the Chamber’s impact on the community can only be expected to grow stronger. For more information on the Chamber, visit wayzatachamber.com.

27

LAKE

MINNETONKA

WAYZATA 6 Smith 294 East Grove Lane Wayzata, MN 55391 952-698-7900 Lake views â&#x20AC;˘ Outdoor Seating

Ben & Jerryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wayzata Scoop Shop 593 E. Lake Street Wayzata, MN 55391 952-473-1705

Blue Point Restaurant and Oyster Bar

Chipotle Mexican Grill

739 East Lake Street Wayzata, MN 55391 952-475-3636

1313 Wayzata Blvd E #103 Wayzata, MN 55391 952-473-7100

Brueggerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bagels 1179a E. Wayzata Blvd.

Wayzata, MN 55391 952-476-6587

Caribou Coffee

Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Amico & Sons

Jade Fountain

810 E. Lake Street Wayzata, MN 55391 952-476-8866

838 Lake St E, Wayzata, MN 55391 952-473-4646

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Jimmy Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sandwiches

700 E. Lake Street Wayzata, MN 55391 952-473-5253 Lake views â&#x20AC;˘ Outdoor Seating

635 E. Lake Street Wayzata, MN 55391 952-404-1100 Lake views â&#x20AC;˘ Outdoor Seating

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At Adeleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, we make every batch of our rich, creamy, delicious frozen custard on-site fresh daily.

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Lunds & Byerly’s Kitchen

Wayzata American Legion Post 118

Jake O’Connor’s Public House

250 Superior Blvd.

Wayzata, MN 55391 952-476-1122

949 E. Wayzata Blvd.

Wayzata, MN 55391 952-473-7678

200 Water Street Excelsior, MN 55331 952-908-9650

Lord Fletcher’s

Wayzata Bar & Grill

Joey Nova’s PizzaTonka Bay

747 Mill Street Wayzata, MN 55391 952-473-5286

5655 Manitou Road Tonka Bay, MN 55331 952-405-2700

3746 Sunset Drive Spring Park, MN 55384 952-471-8513 Lake Views • Outdoor Seating

Maggie’s Family Restaurant 844 East Lake Street Wayzata, MN 55391 952-476-0840

McCormick’s Pub & Restaurant

Bayside Grill at BayView Event Center

Peoples Organic 755 E Lake St STE 120 Wayzata, MN 55391 952-473-0509

Punch Neapolitan Pizza

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1179 Wayzata Blvd. E. Wayzata, MN 55391 952-473-0993

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318 Water Street Excelsior, MN 55331 952-401-7902 800 Excelsior Blvd.

Excelsior, MN 55331 952-470-0035 Outdoor Seating

Noodles & Company

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318 Café

331 Broadway Ave Wayzata, MN 55391 952-767-2417 Lake views • Outdoor Seating

1450 E. Wayzata Blvd.

Wayzata, MN 55391 952-475-0258

EXCELSIOR

1313 Wayzata Blvd East Wayzata MN 55391 952-476-7991

Sakana Sushi 683 East Lake Street Wayzata, MN 55391 952-476-7000 Lake Views • Outdoor Seating

Starbucks Coffee 740 Lake Street E Wayzata, MN 55391 952-249-1555

Sushi Fix 862 E. Lake Street Wayzata, MN 55391 952-473-1364

687 Excelsior Blvd.

Excelsior, MN 55331 952-470-8439 Lake Views • Outdoor Seating

B Grizzly’s Pizza 2407 Highway 7 Excelsior, MN 55331 952-470-0641

Coalition Restaurant

Lago Tacos 30 Water Street Excelsior, MN 55331 952-300-8495

Licks Unlimited 31 Water Street Excelsior, MN 55331 952-474-4791

Maynard’s 685 Excelsior Blvd.

Excelsior, MN 55331 952-470-1800 Lake Views • Outdoor Seating

McDonald’s 770 Excelsior Blvd.

Excelsior, MN 55331 952-474-4998

Olive’s Fresh Pizza Bar 287 Water Street Excelsior, MN 55331 952-474-4440

Patisserie Margo

227 Water Street Excelsiior, MN 55331 952-283-1952

284 Water Street Excelsior, MN 55331 952-746-2232

Dunn Bros. Coffee – Excelsior

The Suburban

11 Water Street Excelsior, MN 55331 952-401-8004

Excelsior Brewing Company 421 3rd Street Excelsior, MN 55331 952-474-7837

Haskell’s Port of Excelsior 1 Water Street Excelsior, MN 55331 952-474-0937

Wuollet Bakery

Hazellewood Grill & Tap Room

795 E. Lake Street Wayzata, MN 55391 952-473-8621

5635 Manitou Road Tonka Bay, MN 55331 952-401-0066

342 3rd Street Excelsior, MN 55331 952-283-1663

Victor’s on Water 205 Water Street Excelsior, MN 55331 952-474-8879

Wine Republic 287 Water Street Excelsior, MN 55331 952-283-1058

Yumi’s Sushi Bar 217 Water Street Excelsior, MN 55331 952-474-1720

Lake Minnetonka

Community Guide 2015

Faith

Lake Minnetonka’s faith community 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 & School 23290 Hwy. 7, Excelsior (952) 474-5181 St. John the Baptist 638 Mill St., Excelsior (952) 474-5812 Trinity Episcopal Church of Excelsior 322 Second St., Excelsior (952) 474-5263 Westwood Community Church 3121 Westwood Dr., Excelsior (952) 224-7300

Bet Shalom Congregation 13613 Orchard Road, Minnetonka 952-933-8525 Bethlehem Lutheran Church 5701 Eden Prairie Road, Minnetonka 952-934-9633 Episcopal Parish of St. David 13000 St. David’s Road, Minnetonka 952-935-3336 Good Shepherd Presbyterian 15321 Wayzata Blvd., Minnetonka 952-835-6358 Fairview Evangelical Lutheran Church 4215 Fairview Avenue, Minnetonka 952-935-2044 Faith Presbyterian Church of Minnetonka 12007 Excelsior Blvd., Minnetonka 952-935-4481 Immaculate Heart of Mary 13505 Excelsior Blvd., Minnetonka 952-935-1432 The Mills Church 13215 Minnetonka Drive, Minnetonka 952-935-8636

Deephaven:

Minnetonka Lutheran Church 16023 Minnetonka Blvd., Minnetonka 952-935-3419

Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church of Deephaven 18360 Minnetonka Blvd., Deephaven (952) 473-2362

Minnetonka Seventh Day Adventist Church 3510 Williston Road, Minnetonka 952-935-4551

St. Therese Church of Deephaven 18323 Minnetonka Blvd., Deephaven (952) 473-4422

Minnetonka United Methodist Church 17611 Lake St. Extension, Minnetonka 952-474-4114

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

Minnetonka: Adath Jesherun Congregation 10500 Hillside Lane, Minnetonka 952-545-2424 All Saints Lutheran Church 15915 Excelsior Blvd., Minnetonka 952-934-3550

Northern Oaks Community Church 16625 Excelsior Blvd., Minnetonka 952-934-6422 Oak Knoll Lutheran Church 600 Hopkins Crossroad, Minnetonka 952-546-5433 Old Apostolic Lutheran Church 5617 Rowland Road, Minnetonka 952-930-0957 Redeemer Bible Church 16205 Hwy. 7, Minnetonka

952-935-2425 Ridgewood Church 4420 County Rd. 101, Minnetonka 952-474-0858 Sharei Chesed Congregation 1712 Hopkins Crossroad, Minnetonka 763-545-8800 Slavic Baptist Church of Transfiguration 16625 Excelsior Blvd., Minnetonka 763-639-6718 St. David’s Episcopal Parish 13000 St. David Road, Minnetonka 952-935-3336 St. Paul’s Lutheran Church 13207 Lake Street Ext., Minnetonka 952-938-4683 West Oaks Community Church 11901 Excelsior Blvd., Minnetonka 952-938-6406

Wayzata: 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 the Confessor Episcopal Church 865 Ferndale Road N., Wayzata 952-473-2262 Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Community 155 County Road 24, Wayzata 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. E., Wayzata 952-473-8877 31

Community Guide 2015

Festivals

Lake Minnetonka

Community festivals & events Excelsior Excelsior Farmers’ Market 2-6 p.m., Tuesdays, May through October Water Street, downtown Excelsior Information: 952-474-6461, excelsior-lakeminntonkachamber.com Excelsior Girls Night Out 5-9 p.m. Thursdays, June through August Downtown Excelsior Information: excelsiorgirlsnightout.com Art on the Lake 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, June 13 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 14 Commons Park Southlake-excelsiorchamber.com Excelsiorartonthelake.com One of the state’s premiere outdoor art shows.

Come to experience culture, good fo ood and great company while enfood 32

joying arts of all types, including sculpture and painting.

Excelsior Summer Concerts 6:30 p.m., June to August The Commons band shell Lake Street Information: excelsiordowntown. com Lake Minnetonka Fourth of July Celebration Friday, July 4 The Commons of Excelsior Lake Street Information: 952-474-6461, excelsior-lakeminnetonkachamber.com The only public fireworks event on the shores of Lake Minnetonka.

A full day of events begins 8 a.m. and continues through the annual fireworks show at dusk. Run a 5K or a 10K, participate in the children’s parade and enjoy the July day on the lake.

Crazy Days Thursday July 16 through Saturday, July 18 Downtown Excelsior Information: 952-474-6461 “Fantastic bargains, fantastic food and tons of fun” are to be had at this collaborative event between Excelsior businesses. Enjoy the Girls Night Out, the Farmer’s Market, a flea market, walking tours and early bird sales on the streets of downtown Excelsior.

Apple Day 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19 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 are on hand during this September event. Vendors from around the metro and state line Water Street

Lake Minnetonka 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.

Minnetonka Native Plant Market & Eco Fun Fest Early June Minnetonka Civic Center parking lot, 146000 Minnetonka Blvd.

Information: eminnetonka.com Theater in the Park Mid-June Minnetonka Civic Center outdoor amphitheater, 14600 Minnetonka Blvd., Minnetonka Information: eminnetonka.com Music in the Park 7 p.m., Tuesdays, early June Minnetonka Civic Center, 14600 Minnetonka Blvd., Minnetonka.

Information: eminnetonka.com Burwell House Festival & Art Fair 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Saturday, June 27 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.

Minnetonka Summer Festival 4-10:30 p.m., Saturday, June 27 Minnetonka Civic Center, 14600 Minnetonka Blvd., Minnetonka Information: eminnetonka.com As a follow-up to the dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.

Farmers Market 3-7 p.m., Tuesdays, July 30 through Sept. 29

Community Guide 2015

Events Minnetonka Civic Center, 14600 Minnetonka Blvd., Minnetonka Information: eminnetonka.com Movie in the Park Mid-August Minnetonka Civic Center campus, 14600 Minnetonka Blvd., Minnetonka Information: eminnetonka.com Tour de Tonka bike rides 7:30 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 1 Races and rides begin at Minnetonka High School 18301 Highway 7, Minnetonka Information: tourdetonka.org

Wayzata Farmers Market 1-5 p.m., Thursdays, May 28 through Oct. 15 Wayzata American Legion, 949 Wayzata Blvd. E., Wayzata Information: wayzatafarmersmarket.weebly.com Wayzata Art Experience 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 27-28 Lake Street, Downtown Wayzata Celebrate spring as you shop along the shores of Lake Minnetonka at one of the first outdoor art shows of the season. Experience art demonstrations and live musicians while tasting delicious local cuisine.

Shop from more than 120 top artists, including garden art showcasing ideas for your outdoor living.

Information: wayzataartexperience.com 4th of July Flying Pancake Breakfast 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 4Â The Depot, 402 E. Lake St., Wayzata Watch Revolutionary Soldiers at the Historic Wayzata Depot and begin your day with a festive celebration for patriots of all ages. Guests delight in trying to catch pancakes tossed from the griddle.

Info: 952-473-9595, wayzatachamber.com

Music by the Lake Summer Concert Series 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays, July 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 The Depot, 402 E. Lake St., Wayzata Enjoy live music by the lake every Wednesday evening in July.

Info: 952-473-9595, wayzatachamber.com Crazy Days Thursday through Sunday, July 16-19 Downtown Wayzata Shop Wayzata for great clearance specials and side walk sales.

Info: 952-473-9595, wayzatachamber.com James J. Hill Days Friday through Sunday, Sept. 11-13 Downtown Wayzata Celebrating its 41st year, the James J. Hill Day festival is the pride of Wayzata. Enjoy an open-air street market, music acts, carnival, waterski show, dachshund races, car show, parade, fireworks and much more.

Info: jamesjhilldays.com Boo Blast Halloween Trick or Treat 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31 Wayzata Trick-or-Treat and enjoy familyfriendly activities all around town.

Info: 952-473-9595, wayzatachamber.com Cinema & Skates and Wayzata Chilly Open Friday, Feb. 5 and Saturday, Feb. 6 Wayzata Bay An open ice-skating event on the lake for families and a movie on a big screen Friday evening. On Saturday, more than 1,000 golfers enjoy a winter golf tournament and a chili cookoff on frozen Lake Minnetonka.

Info: wayzatachillyopen.com

33

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Lake Minnetonka

Community Guide 2015

Wayzata Lake Effect

A plan to reshape Wayzata’s waterfront Wayzata is continuing to take steps toward creating a revitalized, destination waterfront through its 10-year Lake Effect initiative.

The 100-page framework for the project was approved by the city council in March 2014 after two years of community feedback was collected through special meetings, group sessions, committees, surveys and online forums. More than 600 ideas were gathered while putting together the outline on how to improve the city and its lakefront.

With such an extensive selection of potential changes to consider and new features to explore, the city decided to seek help and hired a consultant with extensive experience in developing civic projects of this scale.

This past December, an implementation strategy was created and Wayzata’s central lakefront, from Wayzata Beach to the Section Foreman’s House, was identified as a “signature project.”

Work is underway to select a design team for the “signature project” with a goal to publicly unveil the concept in early 2016.

While the second phase of the Lake Effect is being pieced together, the city and community leaders have already begun work on several initial projects.

In June 2014, community volunteers and nonprofit St. Paul-based Great River Greening planted 1,000 native grasses, shrubs and wildflowers for a shoreline restoration project. The work was completed on the waterfront near the Section Foreman’s House, which is also being considered for restoration. The Section Foreman’s House was built around 1900 for a railroad foreman and his family and purchased by the city in 1988.

As outlined in the Lake Effect framework, ideas for enhancing the Section Foreman’s House include restoration to the building, integrating year-round food vendor service and being used as a warming house for ice skaters in the winter.

Wayzata is also working toward finding more room for visitors arriving by car with plans to add more parking space to handle the increasing amount of traffic arriving to enjoy the area. Efforts are also underway to create more bike lanes, secure more docks for boaters and add amenities to Wayzata Beach like a food concessions and a swimming dock.

Wayzata Lake Effect is the third attempt in 100 years to craft a lakefront plan, following a development plan in the 1920s and a boardwalk plan in the 1980s.

Information: wayzata.org or wayzata.dev.implex.net.

35

Community Guide 2015

James J. Hill Days

Lake Minnetonka

All aboard for James J. Hill Days Since 1975, Wayzata has held an annual celebration honoring its past and remembering historic figure James J. Hill. In 1867, Hill brought his Great Northern Railroad to the small village.

Along with the railway came daily gaggles of visitors from Minneapolis and St. Paul who were dropped off to board the Lady of the Lake, a 50-foot side-wheeler steamboat, which carried passengers to other villages and summer homes on Lake Minnetonka. People from Minneapolis and St. Paul began to make Wayzata their weekend retreat.

In 1906, Hill built Wayzataâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s train depot, which still stands on the lakefront, and is largely credited with helping transform Wayzata into the popular destination it is today.

Presented by the Greater Wayzata Area Chamber of Commerce, the James J. Hill Days festival continues to attract increasing numbers of visitors annually. Around 40,000 visitors made their way to James J. Hill Days in 2014 with organizers pulling out all the stops to celebrate its 40-year milestone.

New additions to the 2014 festival included a Fridayn ni night ght co concert held at Wayzata Beach, a craft brewery sampling event and a walking tour of Lake Street hosted 36

by the Wayzata Historical Society.

Each year, thousands of festival-goers also enjoy food from street vendors, food trucks and local restaurants while shopping at the open-air street market or heading to one of the concerts that feature a national music act. The past two yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s headliners have included Big & Rich and Goo Goo Dolls.

A Lake Street parade, dachshund races, car show, waterski show and fireworks over Wayzata Bay also keep visitors coming back to the late-summer event.

The 41st-annual James J. Hill Days is Sept. 11-13.

For more information and a full schedule of events, visit jamesjhilldays.com.

Lake Minnetonka

Community Guide 2015

Wayzata Schools

Wayzata Schools continue to grow Each fall approximately 10,000 students enroll in classes at Wayzata Public Schools.

Students are from Corcoran, Maple Grove, Medicine Lake, Medina, Minnetonka, Orono, Plymouth and Wayzata and are spread across 11 schools in the district â&#x20AC;&#x201C; seven elementary schools, three middle schools and Wayzata High School, which is the largest high school in the state.

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

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

In the next three years, officials expect to see more than 2,000 new single-family homes and the development of more than 300 market-rate apartment units in the district.

Work is underway to meet the needs of the growing number of residents. In February 2014, voters in the school district said yes to $109 million in bond funding for a 172,000 square-foot expansion to the high school, building of an eighth elementary school and districtwide infrastructure improvements.

Construction will include a four-story classroom and lab addition, a music and performing arts addition, physical education addition, locker room expansion, cafeteria expansion and new upper and lower commons areas. Once completed, the addition will add classroom space for 700 more students and increase the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s capacity to 3,900.

The new 83,000 square-foot elementary school will be located southwest of the Lawndale Lane and County Road 47 intersection, immediately north of Wayzata High School, and will host approximately 675 students K-5.

The new elementary and key portions of the high school additions are scheduled to open in fall 2016.

Wayzata Public Schools is nationally recognized for its quality educational programs that produce a high percentage of college-bound graduates each year.

Athletics are also a highlight in the district. High school sports fans can watch the Wayzata Trojans compete in the Lake Conference along with Eden Prairie, Edina, Hopkins and Minnetonka.

Wayzata High School sponsors 30 boys and girls athletics teams, and approximately 1,900 students compete for the Wayzata Trojans each school year.

Information: wayzata.k12.mn.us 37

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Lake Minnetonka

Community Guide 2015

Minnetonka Schools

Tonka Public Schools focus on success 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 is invested heavily in technology, including outfitting students with the most up-to-date electronic devices. All of the district’s buildings are wireless accessible with more than 21,000 system user accounts for students, teachers, staff and parents.

Minnetonka has 9,850 students enrolled in six elementary schools, two middle schools and one high school in the 10 communities it serves, as well as nonresident students through Minnesota’s Open Enrollment Program.

Groveland Elementary School opened its new Commons space in 2012, which features a learning environment where the majority of the furniture is moveable to encourage collaboration.

Dr. Paula Hoff replaced Dr. William Sommers as Minnetonka Middle School West principal, and Stacey DeCorsey replaced Lee Drolet as Excelsior Elementary School principal in 2014. Minnetonka High School Principal Dave Adney retired following the 2012-2013 school year. Jeff Erickson is the new principal.

In the 2013-2014 school year, a total of 414 students earned honors status, including AP Scholars and students of distinction. In the 2013-2014 school year, 48 stu-

dents earned International Baccalaureate Diplomas. The high school boasts a 97 percent graduation rate.

The school district has been expanding Chinese and Spanish immersion programs. During the 2015-2016 school year the district will mark the inaugural immersion class that began the program as first-graders.

The district’s fine arts program expanded to all six elementary schools in 2011-2012, including music and theater. The district was named Best Community for Music Education in 2013 and 2014. Three Minnetonka High School artists were named National Medalists from the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards of 2015. Similarly, two other high-schoolers were named Minnesota Public Radio’s Classical Artist of the Year in 2015.

Athletics are also a strong point in the district. In 201314, Minnetonka High School varsity athletic teams celebrated four state championships: Girls Soccer, Cheer Team, Girls Alpine Ski and Girls Alpine Ski Individual.

High school teams were runners up in state championships in three sports and the Cheer Team came in second in international competition and third at the national championship. In the 2014-2015 school year, the Boys Swim and Dive and Girls Hockey teams placed second at state, and the Varsity Cheer team were state champions.

Information: minnetonka.k12.mn.us.

39

Community Guide 2015

Police & Fire

Lake Minnetonka

Police and fire crews put safety first The South Lake Minnetonka residents are kept safe through the efforts of the South Lake Minnetonka Police Department and the 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 led the force for 15 years and retired at the end of 2014 with 33 years experience in the field. Upon Litsey’s retirement, former Edina Police Chief Mike Siitari arrived to serve as interim chief and help guide the department through the transition, determining goals for the future and the best possible structure for the force as a whole.

Deputy Chief David Pierson also retired, ending his tenure at the South Lake Minnetonka Police Department in Spring 2015.

The governance of the department is handled through the Coordinating Committee consisting of the mayors from each member city. The joint powers agreement was extended for an unprecedented 20 years to 2023 to coincide wit with the financing of the new public safety building. The building houses both the police and fire departments an and is located in Shorewood.

40

The department 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 support service manager, one full-time office manager, four part-time community service officers and one part-time office specialist. There is also a volunteer reserve officer program consisting of 10 members.

The department handles more than 13,000 activities per year.

Deephaven has its own police department that serves Deephaven and Woodland. It is led by Chief Cory Johnson and has six 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 with 46 paid oncall firefighters. Two full-time positions make up the district, chief and fire inspector, as well as a part-time administrative specialist. To work more efficiently with the ever-increasing number of summer activities in the district’s service area, Gerber has been searching for a part-time fire inspector to ease the workload on the full-

Lake Minnetonka time inspector.

The district handles around 750 responses annually. A second fire station is located in Deephaven. The average response time is six minutes.

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

Jeff Sebenaler became the Minnetonka Chief of Police in June 2014. He has worked for the Minnetonka police department since 1990 and was a captain prior to becoming chief.

The police chief oversees a department of 82 people, which includes 58 sworn officers and 24 support staff members, as well as two K-9 unit. One K-9 unit was added to the department in 2014.

The patrol division protects Minnetonka 24 hours a day, and police officers respond to thousands of calls for service ranging from thefts to narcotics violations and suspicious noises annually.

Eight full-time and three flex part-time dispatchers and a dispatch supervisor handle all calls for police, fire and medical service in the city. In 2014, dispatchers handled 43,469 total calls for service.

In Minnetonka, the fire department is a versatile and well-oiled unit. It handles fire suppression, rescue operations, fire code enforcement and public fire education.

At full strength, the Minnetonka Fire Department has 80 paid-on-call firefighters and five full-time staff that operate at five fire stations in the city. Each resident and business in the city of Minnetonka is within six minutes of one a station.

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 2013, firefighters responded to a total of 2,236 calls in Minnetonka.

Wayzata When it comes to keeping the residents, businesses and property safe in Wayzata, there are two public safety entities to know – the Wayzata Police Department and the Wayzata Volunteer Fire Department.

The Wayzata Police Department is headed 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 that pitches in to help when needed. The department also provides police services for Long Lake.

In the last few years, the department has embraced social media and frequently uses Facebook to get the word out about public safety news within the city, share accident photos and release crime alerts to more people. The

Community Guide 2015

Police & Fire department can be found at facebook.com/WayzataPD. The Wayzata Fire Department is a paid, on-call volunteer unit that serves the 3.8 square-miles of Wayzata. It contracts with the City of Woodland for their fire coverage and the City of Orono for fire coverage to the eastern portion of their city.

The Wayzata Fire Department also has auto aid as well as mutual aid agreements with all cities within Hennepin County. The department is headed by Fire Chief Kevin Klapprich, who has served as chief since 2006. Klapprich comes from a family of five-generations of firefighters in Wayzata. His father, Paul, was fire chief and served 48 years in the department. Kevin’s brother, Kurt, serves as assistant fire chief.

The department has approximately 30 members, who respond to approximately 300 calls per year. The department celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2012.

Hennepin Sheriff’s Water Patrol The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Water Patrol has served Lake Minnetonka for more than five decades.

From the start, the Water Patrol was about volunteerism. In 1955, there were 18 water fatalities on Lake Minnetonka. In response to these tragedies, a group of boaters formed the Minnetonka Water Safety Patrol. They used their own boats and supplied their own uniforms and equipment. The patrol promoted safety, but had no actual enforcement authority.

In 1959, the Minnesota State Legislature approved the Minnesota Boat and Water Safety Act, which required the county sheriff to maintain a program of search, rescue and patrol. To meet the requirements of the new law, the sheriff deputized members of the Lake Minnetonka Water Safety Patrol, thus creating the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Water Patrol.

The duties and responsibilities of the Water Patrol have evolved to keep pace with the needs of the citizens. Water Patrol deputies are extensively trained in water rescue, law enforcement, firefighting and advanced firstaid.

What has not changed is the dedication of both the volunteer special deputies and the licensed deputies and staff. Under the leadership of Sheriff Richard Stanek, today’s Water Patrol consists of eight full-time personnel, including a lieutenant, sergeant and six licensed deputies supplemented by up to 50 sworn and commissioned special deputies and one administrative support specialist.

Special deputies are civilians that have the power to arrest and issue citations for water related violations. pecial deputies are men and women that come from a variety of backgrounds. There are business owners, salesmen, airline pilots, doctors, registered nurses, paramedics, and others involved in law enforcement.

The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Department Water Patrol is headquartered at 4141 Shoreline Drive, Spring Park.

Information: waterpatrol.org; hennepinsheriff.org

41

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Lake Minnetonka

Community Guide 2015

Community Centers

Centers a place to gather, learn Southshore Center 5735 Country Club Road, Shorewood What was once a senior center is now the Southshore Community Center, currently in its sixth year of transformation. 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.

The owner cities have been considering proposals over the last year to make the once-profitable community center thrive, including a suggested “The Cove” concept from Minnetonka High School VANTAGE students and other proposals that would bring community education classes or other events to the center to increase community participation.

In 2014, Shorewood asked the other owner cities if they would consider terminating their participation in the community center cooperative agreement to allow the city to make improvements and continue operating the center on its own. Capital improvement funding has been a topic of discussion, and the cities are still working out the details of who would be responsible to fund the improvements the building needs to remain functional.

No matter which cities remain in participation with

the center, the goal is to transform the Southshore Center into a self-sustaining, lively community center. To date, Deephaven and Greenwood have opted out of participation but remain part-owners.

The center is being run by Shorewood Park and Recreation Coordinator Twila Grout (director@southshorecenter.org.)

While the center has become a popular spot for events such as weddings, reunions, community events and meetings, it continues to offer the daily senior programs that were the original draw. Classes ranging from Zumba to quilting and even woodcarving entertain the center’s guests on a weekly basis.

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

The League of Women Voters South Tonka also takes advantage of the center’s central location and hosts informative events at the center regularly. The center hosts many weekly events for young and old, along with classes to cater to many hobbies.

Information: southshore-center.org or (952) 474-7635.

CENTERS - TO PAGE 45 43

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Lake Minnetonka

Centers

Community Guide 2015

Community Centers

FROM PAGE 43

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

The Community Center houses the City Council Chambers and also features several meeting rooms, a conference room, art room and a dining and community room.

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 and a commercial kitchen are included to accommodate gatherings of all kinds.

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

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

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

Minnetonka Center for the Arts 2240 North Shore Drive, Wayzata The Minnetonka Center for the Arts mission statement is to provide teaching excellence, quality exhibi-

tions and cultural enrichment for people of all ages, interests and abilities.

The Wayzata venue was incorporated in 1952 and offers year-round art classes for adults and children.

Around 4,000 people enroll each year in classes in a variety of mediums and subjects.

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.

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

Classes at the center are offered for children and teens and teach solid art fundamentals with a focus on fun and age-appropriate activities. Through the school year, there are also after-school and Saturday series classes in most disciplines for ages 5-17.

In the summer, more than 130 Summer Arts Camp classes offer an opportunity to build creativity and confidence in young artists.

A variety of workshops in every medium for adults and for families are also offered at the arts center throughout the year.

Information: minnetonkaarts.org or 952-473-7361, ext. 16.

45

Lake Minnetonka

Community Guide 2015

Beaches

Area beaches 952-474-5233

Deephaven Deephaven Beach 19405 Lake Ave. Linwood Beach Linwood Road Nocomo Beach Walden neighborhood Robinsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bay Beach 3344 Robinsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bay Rd. Rocky Beach 20020 Lakeview Ave.

Tonka Bay Wekota Beach 300 W. Point Road 952-474-7994

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

Sandy Beach 20300 Lakeview Ave.

Wayzata

Excelsior

Wayzata Public Beach 220 Grove Lane East 952-404-5360

Excelsior Commons Beach Commons Park

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