Lake Minnetonka Homes For Sale (120 Real Estate Listings)
As of June 9, 2023 there are 120 active Lake Minnetonka lake property listings for sale with an average listing price of $2,298,769. The highest-priced waterfront listing is $14,750,000, while the lowest priced waterfront listing can be purchased for $2,595. Lake Minnetonka lakeshore listings have an average price of $11,172 per square foot, based on listings with an average of 3.6 bedrooms, 3.7 bathrooms, and 3,594 square feet of living space.
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Lake Minnetonka Real Estate Sales - The Dane Arthur Agency
Lake Minnetonka is a picturesque lake located in the western suburbs of Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is one of the largest lakes in the state and offers residents and visitors an abundance of recreational activities, from boating and fishing to swimming and kayaking. It's no wonder that owning a home on Lake Minnetonka is a dream for many people. In this article, we will explore the benefits of buying real estate on Lake Minnetonka and provide tips for finding your dream property.
Benefits of Owning Real Estate on Lake Minnetonka
There are many benefits to owning real estate on Lake Minnetonka. Here are just a few:
Scenic Beauty: Lake Minnetonka is a breathtakingly beautiful lake that boasts stunning sunsets and tranquil waters. Owning property on the lake means waking up to these stunning views every day.
Recreational Activities: As previously mentioned, Lake Minnetonka offers an abundance of recreational activities, from boating and fishing to swimming and kayaking. Owning real estate on the lake means having easy access to all of these activities.
Investment: Real estate on Lake Minnetonka is a smart investment. The lake has been a popular vacation destination for over a century and is only growing in popularity. This means that Lake Minnetonka home values are likely to increase over time.
Tips for Finding Your Dream Property
Work with a Local Real Estate Agent: Your Dane Arthur LakePlace.com real estate agent will have intimate knowledge of the Lake Minnetonka area and can help you find the perfect property that fits your needs and budget.
Determine Your Budget: It's important to have a clear understanding of your budget before beginning your search for a Lake Minnetonka property. This will help you narrow down your options and prevent you from falling in love with a property that is outside of your price range.
Consider Your Needs: Do you want a property with a private dock? Do you want a property that is within walking distance to restaurants and shops? Consider your needs and make a list of your must-haves before beginning your search.
Visit Properties in Person: It's important to visit properties in person before making an offer. This will give you a better sense of the property's location, views, and condition.
Get a Home Inspection: Before making an offer on a property, it's important to get a home inspection. This will help you identify any potential issues with the property before you purchase it.
In conclusion, owning real estate on Lake Minnetonka is a dream come true for many people. The scenic beauty, recreational activities, and investment potential make it a smart choice for those looking to purchase property in the Minneapolis area. By working with a local real estate agent, determining your budget and needs, visiting properties in person, and getting a home inspection, you can find the perfect property on Lake Minnetonka that fits your lifestyle and budget.
Popular Bays of Lake Minnetonka
Wayzata Bay - Located in the city of Wayzata on the eastern side of the lake, known for its marinas, shops, and restaurants.
Excelsior Bay - Located in the city of Excelsior on the southern side of the lake, known for its beach, park, and vibrant downtown area.
West Arm Bay - Located on the western side of the lake, known for its tranquil waters and scenic beauty.
North Arm Bay - Located on the northern side of the lake, known for its fishing opportunities and natural shoreline.
Carson's Bay - Located in the city of Deephaven on the eastern side of the lake, known for its quiet and secluded atmosphere with many private residences.
Smith Bay - Located in the city of Orono on the northeastern side of the lake, known for its boating and fishing opportunities.
Crystal Bay - Located in the city of Shorewood on the southeastern side of the lake, known for its clear waters and recreational activities.
St. Albans Bay - Located in the city of Excelsior on the southern side of the lake, known for its beaches, parks, and recreational amenities.
Browns Bay - Located in the city of Minnetrista on the western side of the lake, known for its calm waters and scenic views.
Halsted's Bay - Located in the city of Mound on the northwestern side of the lake, known for its natural beauty and wildlife sightings.
Phelps Bay - Located in the city of Minnetrista on the southwestern side of the lake, known for its peaceful surroundings and lakefront properties.
Gideon's Bay - Located in the city of Tonka Bay on the eastern side of the lake, known for its secluded location and private residences.
Priest Bay - Located in the city of Mound on the northeastern side of the lake, known for its serene waters and boating opportunities.
Cook's Bay - Located in the city of Wayzata on the eastern side of the lake, known for its calm waters and scenic shoreline.
Maxwell Bay - Located in the city of Orono on the southwestern side of the lake, known for its peaceful atmosphere and lakefront homes.
Spring Park Bay - Located in the city of Spring Park on the eastern side of the lake, known for its recreational activities including boating and fishing.
Harrison's Bay - Located in the city of Mound on the northwestern side of the lake, known for its picturesque views and boating opportunities.
Seton Channel - A narrow channel that connects Priest Bay and Smith Bay, providing a scenic route for boaters.
Grays Bay - Located in the city of Wayzata on the southeastern side of the lake, known for its marina and boat launch, making it a popular boating spot in the Lower Lake Minnetonka area.
Lafayette Bay - Located in the city of Minnetonka Beach on the northeastern side of the lake, known for its serene waters and lakefront homes, also part of the Lower Lake Minnetonka area.
Lake Minnetonka Real Estate & Homes For Sale
It's the gem of Minnesota's metro and one of the most sought-after lake areas in the upper Midwest. Yet despite its fame, Lake Minnetonka is still a surprising oasis in the midst of hectic urban life. The lake - a beautiful maze of interconnected bays and waterways dotted with islands sits only 15 miles from Minneapolis/St. Paul. It's known for unmatched natural beauty, small-town ambiance, historic homes and its ability to transport city-weary dwellers into a magical world of boating, swimming, fishing and relaxing sunsets within a matter of minutes. Lake Minnetonka is also known as a playground for some of Minnesota's most affluent families. That history, the natural beauty and ease of escape from urban life, make it a fascinating place to be.
Lake Minnetonka & Its Communities
Ranked the 10th largest lake in Minnesota, Lake Minnetonka spans 14,004 acres and nestles along 125 miles of shoreline. It lies just west/southwest of the Twin Cities. The lake has a maximum depth of 113' and a 10.9' water clarity level. View the DNR Report.
Despite high-density use, Lake Minnetonka is one of the best trophy largemouth bass fishing sites in the state. It's packed with yellow perch, sunfish, northern pike, walleye and muskies, and is the site of several premier fishing tournaments each season. Anglers find friendly waters and experienced guide services. Numerous public boat landings are available for easy access, as well as private boat charter services.
Tucked along the winding shores, the communities of Deephaven, Woodland, Greenwood, Excelsior, Long Lake, Minnetonka Beach, Minnetrista, Mound, Navarre, Orono, Shorewood, Spring Park, Tonka Bay and Wayzata offer a diversified lifestyle to visitors and lake residents. The surrounding areas are developed and the entire Lake Minnetonka region had a 2005 population of around 100,000. A mix of residential suburban life and small-town lakeside villages, Lake Minnetonka communities offer an eclectic mix of charming antique shops, hip urban cafes, boutiques, marinas, art galleries, sports shops and fine dining.
A Glorious Past
In 1822, two adventurous teenagers, Joe Brown and Will Snelling, paddled their way from Fort Snelling up the Minnehaha Creek and discovered the then un-named lake. For years after, few European settlers visited the blue waters. But the lake and its surrounding land were harvested and held sacred by the Dakotah tribes. (The city of Mound was later named after the presence of Dakotah burial grounds.) It wasn't until the 1851 Treaty of Mendota that the U.S. government acquired 2 million acres of Native American land, including the lake and its surrounding territory. During this time, the area now known as Minneapolis was occupied by the military post, Fort Snelling. During the 1850's the towns of St. Anthony and Minneapolis were established. Lake Minnetonka was named in 1851 after the Dakotah pronunciation "minn-ni-tanka" which meant, "big water."
It didn't take long for settlers to recognize the value of a sprawling lake set so close to a growing population. In 1853 the first hotel was built along the Minnetonka shores. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem, The Song of Hiawatha, published in 1855, mentioned Minnehaha Falls and gave the lake and Minnesota national attention.
By 1861, the first steamboat, Governor Ramsey, was launched on the lake, and in 1867, the St. Paul & Pacific Co. established a rail line to the lake. By the 1880's the lake was a booming resort destination. The first inland steamboat with electric lights was crafted in Wayzata in 1881, and the Belle of Minnetonka, a massive 300 ft. steamboat that could carry 2,500 passengers, sailed the lake by 1882. The early 1900's brought streetcars, more resorts and tour boats to the lake. An amusement park was built on Big Island, which at its heyday was a day trip destination for many area families. As the nation's economy dipped and dived into depression, Lake Minnetonka lost its flock of summer tourists, and many of the tour boats ended their illustrious careers sunk off of Big Island. In 1980, the Minnehaha tour boat was raised to the surface and after years of restoration is back in service today as part of the Minnesota Transportation Museum.
Many of the founders of Twin Cities' commerce, including the Pillsburys, Daytons and Burnetts built mansions along the lake. During its long history, Lake Minnetonka has always drawn an elite crowd, and today many of the top Twin Cities executives own Lake Minnetonka Homes.
The Lake Today
Lake Minnetonka is a prestigious lake, with exclusive real estate ownership. Properties situated on the lake sell for anywhere from $500,000 to over $20 million. The wide range in value depends largely on the quality of the lakeshore and the home, although many homes are from the early 20th century. The history of the home and property can be an intriguing aspect for those looking to own a piece of Minnesota's past. Most Lake Minnetonka Homes have between 40-60 feet of shoreline. Property values continue to rapidly increase as demand soars.
While there are no longer active resorts on the lake, the public access and nearby hotels afford vacationers and weekenders easy access to the water. The lake bustles with families and boaters over the hot summer weekends.
Enjoying Lake Minnetonka
Aside from area shopping and art galleries, the communities around Lake Minnetonka provide fun festivals and wonderful restaurants that draw area residents and visitors alike. Activities are geared toward enjoying the lake, and some of the most popular restaurants sit right on the water. Lord Fletchers on Lake Minnetonka in Spring Park and Maynards in The Port of Excelsior offer excellent cuisine and fantastic lakeside views. A wide range of ethnic restaurants, bars, grilles and clubs offer a variety of tastes. Visitors can charter a boat or partake in a lunch or dinner cruise, which is a unique and relaxing way to explore the lake.
Lake Minnetonka has much to offer those looking for a historic lake atmosphere and modern summer fun. Come to Lake Minnetonka for the fun, experience, history and the delicious cool water that will remind even urban dwellers that Minnesota is a land of natural wonder.