Wayzata is not a large suburb but it is an economic powerhouse. This small city, located at the northeast tip of Lake Minnetonka, is one of Minnesota's wealthiest and most affluent communities. Strolling through Wayzata's beautiful scenery, lakefront garden, wooded lots, and meandering shoreline is enough to realize why the city has such a strong draw. The city has a sizable and growing trade area complete with specialty shops, boutiques, professional services and restaurants. Wayzata offers some of the best waterfront property around Lake Minnetonka and has easy access for water recreation activities.

History

The name Wayzata comes from the Dakota tribe and, directly translated, means "God of the North." The name obviously arose from the location of Wayzata on the northeast tip of Lake Minnetonka. The Dakota lived along the shores of Lake Minnetonka for hundreds of years until pioneering families began moving into the area in 1852. The new settlers turned this area into a village by establishing a general store, log schoolhouse, post office, and other establishments that made their lives more comfortable. The introduction of the Northern Railroad in 1857 increased the city's progress. A train arrived daily from Minneapolis, and soon residents of Minneapolis were coming to Wayzata and neighboring cities to spend weekends on the lake. The city was a resort town until the end of the nineteenth century when a changing economy and national landscape forced the city to shift to a trade area. 

Lakefront Attractions

Wayzata is built on the shores of Lake Minnetonka. The city has embraced this proximity to the lake and used it to its full potential. Visitors can get to town by boat or by vehicle. There is a great view of the downtown area from the lake and vice versa. The Wayzata Historical Museum, located in the historic Wayzata Depot, can be found near the lakefront. You can also consider riding the Minnehaha Steamboat between Excelsior and Wayzata during the summer months. 

Parks and Recreation

With the shorelines of Lake Minnetonka easily accessible to Wayzata residents, it may come as no surprise that water sports are the number one activity enjoyed by the people. Waterskiing, fishing, boating, ice fishing, and snowmobiling are just a few of the popular recreational activities. Another popular activity enjoyed by residents and visitors alike is the Red Trolley service. The Red Trolley is a free service offered be Wayzata in an attempt to make shopping and exploring easier by offering an unusual form of transportation. Wayzata is not without several city parks many of which feature beautiful garden areas and a view of the lake. 

Schools

Wayzata School District #284 serves all of Wayzata in addition to portions of eight west suburban municipalities. Unique strengths include dedicated staff of which 65% hold Master's degrees and outstanding community and parental involvement. Students in Wayzata Schools consistently score at the highest levels of statewide-standardized testing. There are seven elementary schools, three middle schools, and one high school. Wayzata Schools offer a full-range of activities at all levels including science fairs, math and problem solving teams, yearbook, student leadership, drama and musical productions, band, choir, orchestra, debate, business, language travel programs, video clubs and volunteer programs. In addition, the athletic program offers 27 interscholastic sports for boys and girls.

-Home Owner's Resource Gude