Welcome to Minnetonka
Experience suburban life in a city setting in Minnetonka, where the community has blended the best of urban convenience with space and nature.
Originally home to the Dakota and Ojibwe tribes, Minnetonka has a long and rich history that is thrilling to explore. With numerous corporate headquarters in the area, the city is full of jobs, and residents have easy access to uniquely beautiful natural spaces just outside the city at Lake Minnetonka, as well as amazing restaurants, fun festivals, and a wide variety of shopping. The award-winning schools make the city an excellent choice for families, and most newcomers find it easy to settle into inclusive communities.
What to Love
- Beautiful scenery
- Close to Minneapolis
- Relaxed vibe
- Excellent schools
Local Lifestyle
Living in Minnetonka is like living in the suburbs with only the best parts of the city. There are plenty of upscale restaurants and vibrant nightlife, while still having easy access to plenty of green space and having spacious homes rather than cramped apartments. The beautiful vistas draw people to the area, but a comfortable life with plenty of jobs, entertainment, and a stellar school system is what entices people to settle here permanently.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Minnetonka has some excellent dining options. While the city has local chain favorites like Redstone American Grill and Kona Grill, it also features Ike’s, a locally-owned franchise serving delicious burgers, soups, and sandwiches. Bacio also offers burgers, but the restaurant is better known for their seafood offerings, like walleye Milanese. Local landmark Snuffy’s Malt Shop, still operating nearly 40 years since opening, has burgers, sandwiches, and other diner-style favorites on the menu, but is best known for their amazing milkshakes — locals will tell you they’re the best in Minnesota. If the whole family wants to go out to eat, including the pup, Duke's On 7 features a paw-tio and a canine-approved 3 course menu, with options like a marrow bone, a smoked pig’s ear, and salmon cakes. Humans can enjoy comfort foods like traditional pot roast, macaroni and cheese, and the irresistible donut nachos.
Plenty of shopping can be found in Minnetonka, being so close to Minneapolis the options are endless. Ridgedale Center is an expansive shopping mall with anchor stores like Nordstrom’s and Macy’s, as well as smaller chain stores — American Eagle, Coach, and Williams-Sonoma, to name a few. Also in Minnetonka, you will find two locations of Minnetonka Moccasins, and a number of smaller, locally-owned stores. One favorite is the General Store of Minnetonka, which contains all types of unique gifts, home decor, and clothing.
Things to Do
While Minnetonka has a lot to offer as a city, there’s plenty of nature just a stone’s throw away. Lake Minnetonka is the largest lake in the metro area and offers more coastline than the sate of California. Locals can fish, take boats out on the water, or engage in watersports. The surrounding regional parks offers even more fun, from a children’s play areas, trails for hiking and biking, and snowmobiling in the winter. The 15.8 mile Lake Minnetonka Trail allows people to enjoy a relaxing hike with great views of the water for the bulk of the adventure. The historic Old Log Theatre is nestled on the shores of Lake Minnetonka in Greenwood. This charming theatre has been beautifully renovated and presents the finest in locally cast and produced musical theatre and children's productions. Their Cast & Cru restaurant serves delicious meals and cocktails to theatre patrons along with a special date night menu every Wednesday.
For people who prefer the indoors, The Marsh offers a full luxurious health club and spa experience, from manicures to acupuncture to ensure you’re feeling your best. People with will appreciate the ability to consult with the wide variety of well-trained professionals on staff who can help improve any issues you’re facing.
Minnetonka loves special events. Good times kick off in February with Kids’ Fest and the Home Remodeling Fair. Kids’ Fest is a day of fun activities from crafts and magic shows to dog sled racing. In contrast, the Home Remodeling Fair is geared towards adults as they begin planning any springtime home refreshes. See the hottest new products and home design trends that you can do in your own home. In June, celebrate summer at the Minnetonka Summer Festival, with fireworks and city-wide activities to entertain the whole family. Finish the year at the Turkey Trot, a 5K run raising money for the Minnetonka Track and Field and Cross Country Association.
Schools
Minnetonka is served by the Minnetonka, Wayzata, and Hopkins school systems, and is home to some of the best high schools, both in the state and the country.