Lake Minnetonka Historical Society

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Wayzata, MN
Lake Minnetonka Historical Society

Telling the story of Lake Minnetonka by collecting, preserving and sharing its history.

05/29/2026

Congratulations on your historic 30th birthday Excelsior Bay Books! By our count, you've operated longer than any bookstore in Excelsior history!

05/25/2026

Memorial Day, 1949, Oak Hill Cemetery, Excelsior, MN
Memorial Day, 1957, Commerce Boulevard, Mound, MN
Memorial Day, 1946, Lake Street, Wayzata, MN

05/24/2026

Visit Oak Hill Cemetery in Excelsior tomorrow and participate in South Lake Minnetonka Memorial Day Events including our self-guided cemetery tour following the Oak Hill Cemetery Graveside Ceremony at 11:30 am. Learn more about local cemeteries and download our Oak Hill tour brochure at LakeMinnetonkaHistory.org/OnlineResearch

[Image from "Excelsior Cottager," Decoration Day, 1896.]

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05/23/2026

We LOVE our volunteers! Come see their latest handiwork at our spruced-up Excelsior Museum at 305 Water Street, open Saturdays, Noon-4pm. Learn more about our Museums at LakeMinnetonkaHistory.org/Museums and sign up to Volunteer at LakeMinnetonkaHistory/Volunteers!

05/08/2026

What's in a Name? Mound & the Upper Lake with Jeff Magnuson, Monday, May 11, 7pm, Back Channel Brewing Co., Spring Park.

Learn the origin of the unique names of Lake Minnetonka's Upper Lake - Mound, Coffee, Priest, Navarre - Jeff Magnuson will name names and tell you what you need to know to amaze your friends! Still a couple of spots left - free registration requested: upperlakenames.eventbrite.com.

05/06/2026

Memories of Haskell's from better days!

04/27/2026

See the site of the lovely veranda encircled, lakeside Arlington House hotel during our Historical Trolley Tour of Wayzata, Sunday, May 17, 11:30am, 12:15pm & 1:45pm.

Led by historians Joanie Holst and Sue Sorrentino, and sponsored by the Wayzata Heritage Preservation Board, this 40-mintinue tour will feature four of Wayzata's most historic spots. There will be fascinating facts about those that no longer stand, as well as those that do. Tickets $5.00 at wayzatatrolleytour.eventbrite.com. All proceeds benefit the Lake Minnetonka Historical Society.

[Image Arlington House, ca. 1880.]

04/23/2026

Spend some time this summer in a bustling town on Lake Minnetonka sharing its rich history. Volunteer as a LMHS Museum Host to meet fellow history-lovers and share the story of Lake Minnetonka with them. Museum Host training will be held this weekend.

LMHS offers volunteer opportunities all around the lake in our Excelsior, Mound and Wayzata Depot Museums and archives in Wayzata. Learn more about our museums at LakeMinnetonkaHistory.org/museums and sign up to volunteer at LakeMinnetonkaHistory.org/volunteer.

[Image: Wayzata Depot.]

04/19/2026

Remember Lake Minnetonka When . . .?

If you enjoy reminiscing with others about Lake Minnetonka’s past, volunteer as a
LMHS Museum Host to meet fellow Lake Minnetonka lovers and share the story of the lake with them.

Museum Host training is the last weekend of April. Learn more about our Museums in Excelsior, Mound, and Wayzata at LakeMinnetonkaHistory.org/museums and sign up to volunteer at LakeMinnetonkaHistory.org/volunteer.

[Image: Gordon and Scott Batdorf and Tonka truck, Mound.]

04/16/2026

Steamboat "Minnehaha" welcomed a very special visitor this week! Follow us at Lake Minnetonka Historical Society for future updates!

Address

PO Box 672
Wayzata, MN
55391

Telephone

+19524742115

Website

http://lakeminnetonkahistory.org/

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