The city of Minnetonka is probably most well known for the massive lake that shares the same name. Everybody who is anybody spends at least a little bit of the summer on Lake Minnetonka and, as a result, some time in Minnetonka (at least on the drive to the lake). Minnetonka is more than the lake that shares the same name. This Hennepin County suburb is located just 10 miles west of Minneapolis. The city is a well-planned blend of single and multiple family residences with an ample supply of retail, commercial and industrial development. Several major corridors run through Minnetonka making it easy to travel for residents as well as visitors. 

History

Minnetonka received its name from the Dakota and Objibway tribes who believed that the lake and the area around it was the sacred home of an ancient race. The Dakota named it after their words for big and water (mine = water, tonka = big). Settlers eventually came into the area and in 1852 staked a claim on Minnehaha Creek near McGinty Road and it became the first privately-owned mill in the state west of the Mississippi River. A settlement built around the mill was suitably named "Minnetonka Mills." The mill closed and a few decades later a flour and grist mill opened and was eventually owned by Charles H. Burwell. His home, the Burwell house, is a Victorian home on the north bank of Minnehaha Creek and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Between 1883 and 1956 the area within the original 36 square mile township grew smaller as Wayzata, Hopkins, Deephaven, Woodland and St. Louis Park incorporated or annexed portions of Minnetonka. In 1956 the remaining 28 square miles were incorporated as Minnetonka Village and in 1969 Minnetonka became a city by charter. Lake Minnetonka The city is much more than just a lake, but the lake is impressive for so many reasons. The first is the size of the lake, a whopping 14,000 acres making it one of the larger lakes in this land of 10,000 lakes. Boats of all sizes can be seen on the waters of Minnetonka including cruisers normally found on the ocean. It is not all motorboats, however, as the lake is home to numerous regattas during the summer and is a sailboat captain's paradise. The anglers love this lake as well because it is the premier largemouth bass fishery in the state and also boasts healthy populations of muskie, crappie, pan fish and walleye to name a few. 

Parks and Recreation

Whether you are a resident or a visitor to Minnetonka you will never be at a loss for things to do. With over 30 park and recreation areas, numerous lakes, creeks, and wetlands, there is always an abundance of outdoor activities to choose from. There are over 40 miles of biking, walking and running tracks many of which pass through scenic locations. The Minnetonka Center for the Arts is a place for Minnetonka residents of all ages to delve into their creative sides. The center provides instruction of photography, painting, drawings, clay and many other art mediums. 

Schools

Minnetonka is served by three area school districts including Minnetonka School District #276, Hopkins School District #270 and Wayzata School District #284. All of these school districts are well known for producing high achieving students and college worthy graduates. Each of these schools is also known for possessing a strong tradition in a variety of athletic pursuits including football, basketball, hockey and baseball.

-Home Owner's Resource Guide