Pictured is the Boatworks Marina at dusk from the Wayzata DepotDocks, taken at 7:30 PM on Sunday, September 29th, 2024, as the last sunlight fades and a peaceful twilight settles over the water.
The weather was picture-perfect for the end of September, featuring calm breezes and cool morning temperatures, with daytime highs reaching the low 80s. Wayzata‘s Panoway, Lakewalk, and restaurant scene were alive with activity nearly all weekend long, as residents and visitors enjoyed the beautiful conditions.
With the forecast indicating more of the same pleasant weather ahead, it’s the perfect time to soak in the sights and sounds of this charming lakeside community.
A group of Maple Grove High School girls gathered on the PanowayBroadway docks, just south of CōVRestaurant in Wayzata, to take pictures ahead of their Homecoming evening. With the picturesque backdrop of Lake Minnetonka and Wayzata‘s new Lakewalk, the girls enjoyed the scenic location before heading off to their night of celebrations.
On the shores of Lake Minnetonka and Wayzata Bay, the Section Foreman House stands as a quiet reminder of the town’s rich railroad history. Built in 1902, the house served as the residence for the railroad’s section foreman, whose job was to maintain the tracks that once powered Wayzata’s growth. From this humble home, the foreman and his crew would oversee inspections and repairs, ensuring that the trains connecting Wayzata to the wider world ran smoothly.
Now, this historic structure has been added to National Registry of Historic Places, and is set to be revitalized as part of Phase 3 of the Panoway Project which is a multi-year effort to enhance Wayzata’s waterfront. The upcoming renovation aims to preserve the house as a symbol of Wayzata’s industrial heritage, ensuring that future generations can appreciate its role in shaping the town. The Section Foreman House will continue to stand watch over Wayzata Bay, linking the past with the future.
Scene in Wayzata: the new Wayzata Lakewalk on a beautiful September day. Image copyright Wayzata.com, reuse prohibited without written consent.
Wayzata.com is thrilled to launch “Scene in Wayzata,” a new initiative offering nearly daily snapshots of life in our beautiful lakeside community. From peaceful moments along Lake Minnetonka to lively downtown scenes, this series captures the essence of our community. We’re inviting readers and photography enthusiasts to join in—submit your favorite Wayzata photos for a chance to be featured! Send your submissions to dan@wayzata.com and help us showcase the charm and spirit of Wayzata through your lens. As always, if you have a story idea or suggestion we would like to hear from you as well!
Our first Scene in Wayzata is the Lakewalk, a key feature of the Panoway on Wayzata Bay project, which offers a scenic pathway along the shores and over the waters of Lake Minnetonka, perfect for walking and simply enjoying the view. This beautiful boardwalk connects the heart of downtown Wayzata to the water’s edge, providing residents and visitors with direct access to the lake while offering stunning vistas of sailboats and sunsets.
Designed to enhance the waterfront experience, the Panoway Plaza also includes seating areas, native plantings, and public art, creating a serene space for recreation and relaxation.
Lake Street in Wayzata. Copyright Daniel Gustafson.Double rainbow. Copyright Daniel Gustafson.Lakewalk. Copyright Daniel Gustafson.Copyright Daniel Gustafson.Copyright Daniel Gustafson.Copyright Daniel Gustafson.Copyright Daniel Gustafson.Copyright Daniel Gustafson.
Assistant City Planner Val Quarles, former City Council Member Jeff Buchanan, Planning Commission Chair Larissa Stockton, City Council Member Jeff Parkhill, Mayor Johanna Mouton, Council Member Molly MacDonald, Council Member Alex Plechash, and City Manager Jeff Dahl celebrate the opening of the Panoway Lakewalk in downtown Wayzata. Submitted photo.
The long-anticipated ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Lakewalk drew an enthusiastic crowd on Saturday.
Andy Mullin and Blake Sandvold celebrate the ribbon cutting on the Lakewalk.
City staff estimated that approximately 700 people attended the event, eager to witness the official opening and enjoy the picturesque views along the shoreline.
Panoway Lakewalk. Submitted photo.Formor Wayzata Mayor Ken Willcox, Dave Dudinsky, Winnie, Willcox, and Charlie Schoen celebrate.
The celebration featured speeches from local officials, live music, and activities for all ages, marking a significant milestone in the community’s ongoing efforts to enhance its public spaces.
Elanie & Bob Ambrose, Andy Mullin, Dan Koch, and Blake Sandvold celebrate the ribbon cutting.
The Lakewalk project has roots stretching back over a century, reflecting the community’s long-standing vision for a vibrant and accessible waterfront.
In recent years, this vision transformed into a concrete plan through nearly two decades of intense planning and fundraising efforts.
Local leaders, residents, and businesses collaborated tirelessly to turn this historic dream into reality, navigating challenges and securing the necessary support to bring the Lakewalk to life.
Their dedication culminated in the creation of a stunning, welcoming space that honors Wayzata’s rich history while offering new opportunities for recreation and connection.
Advertisement for the ribbon cutting, courtesy of the City of Wayzata.
The much-anticipated grand opening of the PanowayLakewalk and Docks is set to take place this weekend, promising a day filled with festivities for all ages.
The official ceremony will commence at 11:00 a.m. at Panoway Plaza, featuring a formal dedication and a ceremonial “first walk” along the newly constructed Lakewalk.
Following the ceremony, family-friendly activities will begin at noon. Attendees can look forward to an array of entertainment, including live music, boat rides, art displays, and delicious food.
Kids will be treated to free ice cream, and everyone can enjoy a project walking tour to learn more about the Panoway Lakewalk.
A Century-Long Vision Comes to Life
The Panoway Lakewalk on Wayzata Bay is the culmination of over a decade of dedicated work by the Lake Effect Initiative.
This initiative engaged thousands of community members through public and private events, meetings, and conversations to assess the needs and desires of the Wayzata community.
After more than ten years of passionate planning and extensive community involvement, the construction of the 1,200-foot-long Lakewalk is now complete.
The $11.5 million project was made possible through a combination of City Tax Increment Financing (TIF) dollars, a grant from the State of Minnesota, and generous donations from The Wayzata Conservancy.
Stretching along the picturesque shoreline of Lake Minnetonka, the Panoway Lakewalk extends from the Depot docks to the Broadway Avenue docks.
The project also includes the replacement and expansion of community docks, offering enhanced access and enjoyment for residents and visitors alike.
Join the Wayzata community this weekend to celebrate the realization of this remarkable vision and experience the beauty and amenities of the new Panoway Lakewalk and Docks.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, this vibrant festival promises a weekend brimming with art, food, music, and family-friendly activities.
Over 150 juried artists from across the country will showcase their creations in various categories, including ceramics, drawing, printmaking, fiber, glass, jewelry, metal, mixed media, painting, photography, recycled art, sculpture, and wood.
Submitted photo.
The art show runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
A highlight of this year’s event is the new Lakewalk, a 1,200-foot boardwalk along Wayzata Bay.
It will feature “Walk in Peace” by Ashley Dull, the festival’s featured artist, and a floral installation by Don & Co.
This multimedia exhibit (Booth #163) aims to immerse visitors in a serene, nature-inspired setting that reflects Dull’s themes of peace and joy.
Foodies will delight in offerings from 15 of the Twin Cities’ best food trucks and a selection of specialty items from local artisans, including gourmet sea salts, award-winning chocolates, premium olive oils, and non-alcoholic cocktail mixers.
Submitted photo.
The Beer + Wine Garden will provide a refreshing array of craft beers, wines, and seltzers.
Music enthusiasts can enjoy performances by top artists such as Alesso and Dillon Francis during WaamFest, held on June 21 and 22 at Wayzata Beach.
The festival also features local talents, including Monica Livorsi, Benny Weinbeck, Tom Hunter, Sam Graber, and Taylor Robert, performing throughout the weekend on the Island of Music.
On Saturday night, the Wayzata Yacht Club will host the Boat Light Parade from 9:15 to 10 p.m., viewable from the new boardwalk, Panoway on Wayzata Bay, or Depot Park.
Submitted photo.
Visitors can also enjoy free boat rides from Tonka Boat Rentals between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on both days.
The Activity Zone offers fun for all ages with aerial performances by Eureka Aerial, interactive chalk art by The Chalk Bloc, creative crafts by The Thinking Spot & Urban Boatbuilders, and free art activities on Ziggy’s Art Bus.
To round out the experience, attendees can dine at one of Wayzata’s award-winning restaurants or shop at the charming lakeside boutiques.
This event, presented by the Greater Wayzata Area Chamber of Commerce and supported by numerous sponsors, promises an unforgettable summer celebration for art lovers, foodies, music fans, and families alike.
The highly anticipated Lakewalk in Wayzata is open to the public today.
Wayzata.com publisher and Coldwell Banker Realtor Daniel Gustafson walked the full length of the Lakewalk today at approximately 4:30 am from the docks at CōV and Panoway Plaza to the Wayzata Depot and Depot Docks, as did other members of the public–as shown in the video below.
No official notification from the City of Wayzata has been issued.
Stretching 1,200 feet along the picturesque shores of Lake Minnetonka, the Lakewalk offers residents and visitors a scenic path perfect for walking along the shoreline of Lake Minnetonka in downtown Wayzata.
Watch for more information on a ribbon cutting and grand opening ceremony in the future.
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