The Lake Minnetonka Historical Society is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of the Lake Minnetonka area in Minnesota. Established to document and safeguard the region’s unique cultural and historical heritage, the society offers resources such as archives, photographs, and exhibits that highlight the lake’s evolution from its Native American roots to its development as a bustling resort community in the 19th and 20th centuries. Through educational programs, publications, and events, the society connects visitors and locals alike with the stories that shaped Lake Minnetonka’s past.
402 Lake St E
Wayzata, MN 55391
(952) 473-3631
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Wayzata Depot Celebrates 120 Years of History
A century-old railroad landmark welcomed visitors Sunday with cake, memories and a look back at the building that helped shape Wayzata WAYZATA, Minn. — There was a birthday celebration at the Wayzata Depot on Sunday, but the guest of honor was 120 years old. The Wayzata Depot Museum, located at 402 Lake Street East along the…
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M.G. Gullixson: The Teacher, Publisher and Civic Hand Behind the Minnetonka Herald
M.G. Gullixson probably would not have described himself as a man behind the town. That would have been too much. But there he was. At the Minnetonka Herald office on Lake Street. At the Masons smorgasbord. Around the schools. Around the athletic fields. Around young people who needed a job, a little encouragement, or a…
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Lake Minnetonka Historical Society Program Revisits Old Orchard and the Wilcox Legacy
The Lake Minnetonka Historical Society hosted an evening program titled “Old Orchard and the John Wilcox Family” on Thursday, October 16 at 7:00 p.m. in the Wayzata Community Room at Wayzata City Hall, 600 Rice Street East. Admission was free, with attendees registering in advance. The presentation explored the remarkable life and legacy of entrepreneur…
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Lake Minnetonka Historical Society to Present “Old Orchard and the John Wilcox Family”
The Lake Minnetonka Historical Society will host an evening program titled “Old Orchard and the John Wilcox Family” on Thursday, October 16 at 7:00 p.m. in the Wayzata Community Room at Wayzata City Hall, 600 Rice Street East. Admission is free, but registration is requested at oldorchardwilcox.eventbrite.com. Seating is first come, first served. The presentation will explore the…
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Wayzata, LMHS Formalize Loan Agreement for “America the Beautiful” Mural
At its July 15 meeting, the Wayzata City Council unanimously approved a formal loan agreement with the Lake Minnetonka Historical Society (LMHS), securing the long-term public display of the mural America the Beautiful in City Hall’s Community Room. The nearly century-old artwork was originally gifted to the Wayzata schools by the graduating classes of 1927 and 1928.…
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Cruising Through History: Deephaven Celebrates 125 Years on Lake Minnetonka
DEEPHAVEN — The Lake Minnetonka Historical Society is inviting the community to celebrate Deephaven’s 125th anniversary with a summer evening cruise rich in stories, scenery, and local legacy. On Monday, July 14, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., guests will board the Lady of the Lake in Excelsior for a two-hour narrated journey through St. Louis Bay. The…
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Lake Minnetonka Historical Society to Host Big Island History Cruise and Walking Tour
EXCELSIOR — The Lake Minnetonka Historical Society will offer a special history cruise event and walking tour of Big Island on Sunday, June 22, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., combining lake breezes, local lore, and guided exploration. Participants will board the steamboat-style “Lady of the Lake” at the Port of Excelsior for a narrated…
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Wayzata State Bank: A Century of Trust at the Heart of Town
For nearly a century, Wayzata State Bank stood as Wayzata’s financial institution. It was a civic anchor—quietly reliable, locally owned, and woven into the fabric of downtown life. From a humble corner at Barry Avenue to a mid-century modern structure on Wayzata Boulevard, the bank’s evolution reflected the growth of the lakeside town it served.…
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‘Remembering the Tornadoes of 1965’: Historical Society to Host Commemorative Program in Mound
MOUND — On Tuesday, May 6, the Lake Minnetonka Historical Society will present a special evening program commemorating the devastating tornadoes that struck the Lake Minnetonka area 60 years ago. The event, titled “Remembering the Lake Minnetonka Tornadoes of 1965,” will be held at 7 p.m. in the Lost Lake Room at the Gillespie Center,…
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Upcoming Historical Event: Exploring Wayzata’s 20th Century Transformation
The Lake Minnetonka Historical Society invites residents and history enthusiasts to take a journey through time with its upcoming presentation, “Welcome to the 20th Century – Wayzata and the North Shore,” featuring local historian Joanie Holst. The event will take place on Thursday, February 13, at 7:00 p.m. in the Wayzata Community Room at City Hall. Admission is free, though registration…
