Friday evening I got to enjoy a cruise around Lake Minnetonka. With the summer weather breaking and fall temperatures beginning, it was the perfect evening to enjoy the change of seasons.
From the category archives:
Minneapolis Lake Living
The new design the last couple years for custom built homes in Minneapolis combines many different types of architecture. This home, built by Stonewood Builders, is almost whimsical. It has touches of Victorian with the multiple gables, style of a cottage, and hints of Arts & Craft. Stone and rock are integrated in many of today’s homes making the home feel more in tune with nature and the surrounding landscape. It doesn’t hurt to have a beautiful lake in the backyard for some additional eye candy!
We are spending Labor Day enjoying the River. The weather has been great and there is nothing like anchoring on a sandy beach and taking a swim at the end of summer. The Mississippi River, at least the northern portion consists of “Pools” between each lock and dam. We were in Pool 9 today, which is where the below video was shot, and about 3 hours from Minneapolis. Flanked on either side by towering bluffs of rock, you can enjoy cruising down the main channel or take time exploring the backwaters. The little town we cruised by was Lansing, Iowa.
If you need that special something to finish off your local Minneapolis lake boat house, but haven’t quite found it yet, then check out these Water Ski Chairs that I read about in the local Lakestyle magazine.
They are made from vintage wood water skis, so no two are alike. According to the owner’s website, “We build each chair from “scratch”. Non-ski parts such as seat slats are made from white pine, primed and then painted with 3 coats of exterior enamel in colors to match graphics on the skis. The chairs are then assembled with stainless steel fasteners to avoid any rust or corrosion”.
Since the chairs are handmade, expect to pay a pretty penny for each chair. At $1049 per chair, make sure you plan on putting them to good use. What a great way to recycle old skis…I never would have thought of it!
When you live on one of Minnesota’s 10,000 lakes, most likely you have some sort of watercraft to enjoy on the water. Whether it be jet skis, fishing boat, or yacht, one thing is for sure, safety is key to preventing accidents.
The Personal Watercraft Industry Association (PWIA) reports that the leading cause of watercraft accidents is user error. Inexperience and distraction are two of the most common reasons. In turn, most boating injuries resulting in death see the victim not wearing a life jacket.
Each state has it’s own boating rules and Minnesota is no exception. Here are some rules to live by:
- always wear a USCG approved life jacket
- operate watercraft from only 9:30 am to one hour before sun set
- take boating safety course if under 18 years of age (everyone should do this anyway)
- follow each lakes own boating rules
- keep watercraft safety inspections up-to-date
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has an excellent site that lists a boating guide and personal watercraft laws for the state.
- children under 13 cannot operate a boat, even if adult is present
- children 13 years of age must have a 21 year old adult present at all times
- children 14-17 must either have a boaters permit, or have a 21 year old on board
Of course much of it is common sense, but even the experienced can have accidents. Think before you drink and have a sober driver at the wheel, keep a first aid kit on board, and watch your gas level. Don’t forget that it is illegal in Minnesota to harass wildlife with a personal watercraft. Be mindful of you neighbors, too.
Even though there is alot to think about with boat safety, make sure you have fun too!
Being the largest lake around, it makes sense that Lake Minnetonka would be home to a couple of yacht clubs. During the summer months, especially on the weekends, you can enjoy some of the sailboat regattas on Wayzata Bay. I have always loved sailboats and I can remember my first ride on a very windy day. It seemed the captain of the boat was trying to get me in the water as a joke, but thankfully I did not fall overboard.
If you like to sail, Minntonka offers three options:
- Minnetonka Yacht Club – 19800 Minnetonka Blvd., Deephaven, MN 55331 Call (952) 473-9935
- Upper Minnetonka Yacht Club
4165 Shoreline Drive, Spring Park, MN 55384Call (952) 471-8783 - Wayzata Yacht Club
1100 East County Rd 16, Wayzata, MN 55391 Call (952) 473-0352
When locals think of ultimate luxury homes, they immediately point to Lake Minnetonka, just 20 minutes west of downtown Minneapolis.
As one of the largest lakes in the state, it is steeped in history. The Dakota Indians called the lake home and gave it the current name, meaning “Big Waters”. It was a great secret until discovered in 1822 by frontier men. There are a couple historical sites available online to learn more about the unique history of the area:
- The Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Historical Society
- The Minntonka Historical Society
- The Wayzata Historical Society
To understand just how large the Lake Minnetonka area is, with all it’s smaller lakes and various bays, view an online map.
If you are looking for something fun to do this summer, look no further then one of the most popular lakes in the Twin Cities. Lake Minnetonka has the privilege of Captain Terry Junger and his famous paddleboat, Lady of the Lake.
Private or public 3 hour tours are available as the historic sternwheeler circles Big Island. Enjoy views of the island, the beauty of the lake, and the massive mansions dotting the banks.For the summer tour schedule, visit the Captain’s website.
