WAYZATA — One of Wayzata’s most beloved celebrations returns earlier than usual this year, as Light Up the Lake welcomes residents and visitors to Lake Street on Friday, November 21, 2025, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
The annual gathering — a hallmark of Wayzata’s lakeside charm and community spirit — takes place the Friday before Thanksgiving this season, offering families and friends a festive kickoff before the holiday week.
Along the newly reimagined Lake Street and the Panoway shoreline, guests will enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides, real reindeer, holiday refreshments, live music, and the much-anticipated Town Lighting Ceremony. As always, the evening concludes with the spectacular Parade of Lights featuring area fire departments — a tradition that brings children and adults alike to the water’s edge each November.
Mayor Andrew Mullin invited the community to gather for the celebration, writing that he’s “so excited to invite you to join me for our cherished annual tradition” as Wayzata lights the lakefront and welcomes the season together.
Give Back This Season
In keeping with Wayzata’s long legacy of generosity, the event includes two holiday drives:
IOCP Food Drive — Please bring a non-perishable item to the Panoway collection area.
Toys for Tots — A new, unwrapped toy may be placed beneath the community tree.
These contributions support families across the community during the holidays — a reminder that Wayzata’s celebrations are rooted not only in tradition, but in shared care for neighbors.
A Tradition on the Shoreline
From its earliest days as Dakota homeland to its rise as a steamboat and rail resort town, Wayzata’s shoreline has always been a gathering place. Light Up the Lake carries that heritage forward each year, inviting the community to return to the water’s edge for an evening of warmth, music, and lights.
This year’s celebration promises to be another magical Wayzata moment — a simple, joyful pause before winter settles in.
Wayzata’s lakeshore will come alive September 5–7 as the community gathers for the 51st annual James J. Hill Days, a celebration that honors the town’s history while showcasing its vibrant present. Organized by the Wayzata West Metro Chamber of Commerce, the festival is expected to draw more than 80,000 visitors to Lake Street and downtown Wayzata, where music, food, family fun, and history meet on the shores of Lake Minnetonka.
The Empire Builder’s Legacy
The railroad first reached Wayzata in 1867 with the St. Paul & Pacific line, linking the village to Minneapolis and St. Paul. More than a decade later, James J. Hill took over the struggling railroad and expanded it into the Great Northern, securing Wayzata’s place along a transcontinental route. Known as the “Empire Builder,” Hill championed the power of rail to shape communities. For Wayzata, that meant the arrival of summer tourists, thriving commerce, and ultimately the construction of the iconic Wayzata Depot—a landmark that still stands as a testament to the city’s rail era.
The festival bearing his name, founded in 1975, has grown into a regional tradition. Each September, Wayzata’s downtown transforms into a living reminder of its past—yet with a decidedly modern flair.
Music, Food, and Fireworks
Festivities begin Friday, September 5 at 5 p.m. with live music on the Sandvold Stage at Minnetonka and Lake Street. The weekend lineup includes acts like Private Oates, Stereo Kitchen, High & Mighty, Powertap, and Taylor Robert with Roll N Soul, along with family favorites like Dance Esteem and ACES & 88’s Dueling Pianos.
Submitted image.
The Rails & Ales Craft Beer Festival, also Friday evening, offers unlimited tastings from 25 breweries paired with live music by Coyote Wild. Foodies can explore more than 20 food trucks along the festival corridor. That same evening, families will gather on the Great Lawn for a free outdoor screening of Cars, featuring Lightning McQueen presented by Wayzata Sailing.
Submitted image.
Carnival rides will run all weekend along the lakeshore: Friday 5–10 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.–10 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Discounted tickets are available at Lunds & Byerlys Wayzata until Thursday, September 4.
Wayzata Traditions, Old and New
Submitted image.
Some of James J. Hill Days’ most beloved traditions return for 2025:
The Grand Parade, Sunday at 3 p.m., will close the festival with marching bands, floats, and community groups.
Dachshund Races and Costume Contest, Saturday from 12–2 p.m., following the Lake Walk Pack Walk at 10 a.m..
The Coaster Cart Derby, a throwback to small-town Americana, Saturday morning 9am -12:30pm on the hill by Broadway Avenue.
The T-6 Thunder Airshow, Sunday at 2:45 p.m., with vintage aircraft flying over Wayzata Bay.
Guided Historical Walking Tours, hosted by the Lake Minnetonka Historical Society, weaving tales of the Dakota people, early settler Oscar Garrison, the grand hotel era, and the city’s railroad years.
At every turn, the festival nods to Wayzata’s layered story: from Dakota homelands to steamboat docks, from James J. Hill’s rail line to today’s thriving lake community.
A Marketplace by the Water
The James J. Hill Days Street Market will bring 175 vendors to Lake Street, offering everything from handcrafted goods to local foods (Friday 5–9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.–7 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.–4 p.m.). New in 2025, festivalgoers can sample free pizza at the Frigidaire Platinum Sponsor Showcase, featuring the launch of the Frigidaire Gallery Range with Stone-Baked Pizza Mode.
For athletes, the Battle of the Paddles Pickleball Tournament returns September 6–7 at the Wayzata Depot Pickleball Plaza, while boat lovers can enjoy free rides on Lake Minnetonka, courtesy of Your Boat Club, on Saturday from 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
Panoway and the Lakewalk: Wayzata’s Front Porch for Festival Weekend
During James J. Hill Days, the Panoway on Wayzata Bay and its Lakewalk become a natural gathering place for the community. Visitors take in views of Lake Minnetonka, stop along the shoreline to enjoy food and music, or simply wander the open spaces with family and friends.
The Lakewalk offers a direct connection to the same waterfront once lined with steamboat docks and railway depots. Today, it reflects both Wayzata’s history and its future, framing the festival with panoramic lake views that remind everyone why this town has long been a place to come together.
Community Spirit
At its heart, James J. Hill Days is about more than music and markets. It’s about community pride. Organized by the Chamber and supported by dozens of local sponsors—including presenting partner Sandvold Financial Group—the festival is staffed by volunteers who keep the three-day event free and welcoming.
Wayzata’s tradition of gathering at the water’s edge is centuries old. From Dakota encampments to steamboat arrivals, from Gilded Age summer cottages to today’s bustling main street, the town has always been defined by shared moments on the shore. James J. Hill Days carries that forward, reminding residents and visitors alike that Wayzata is both historic and alive, rooted and rising.
For the full schedule, visit JamesJHillDays.com or follow @jamesjhilldays.
On the morning of July 4th, more than 1,100 neighbors and visitors gathered at the Wayzata Depot & PanowayLakewalk for one of Wayzata’s most beloved Independence Day traditions: the Flying Flapjack Breakfast, hosted by the Lake Minnetonka Chapter of the Children of the American Revolution.
Now in its 20th year, the event served up hot pancakes with a side of patriotism—flipping flapjacks high into the summer sky and landing them neatly on plates below. The morning’s highlight came with a thunderous colonial gun salute over Lake Minnetonka, a stirring reminder of the country’s origins as early rays shimmered across Wayzata Bay.
All proceeds from the breakfast support suicide prevention efforts for veterans—an enduring cause for the young organizers, who honor service past and present with each plate served.
As one longtime resident put it, “There’s something about hearing muskets crack over the water, a pancake in your hand, and the flag rippling above the lake. It’s Wayzata at its finest.”
—Stay tuned for more Fourth of July scenes, and pick up the printed edition of Wayzata.com for the full text of the Declaration of Independence.
At its May 14 meeting, the Lake Minnetonka Conservation District (LMCD) Board voted to deny the City of Wayzata’s application to convert two transient slips at the Depot docks into private rental slips for use by Tonka Bay Rentals. Despite code compliance and city support, the board cited recent noncompliance, public access concerns, and broader policy implications in its decision.
A Modest Request with Big Implications
The City of Wayzata, in partnership with Tonka Bay Rentals, sought approval from the LMCD to reclassify two existing transient boat slips at 402 Lake Street East into rental slips for the 2025 boating season. The slips—measuring 11 by 24 feet—were identified by the city as the least-used of the 53 transient BSUs (boat storage units) approved under a 2023 dock expansion.
Transient slips are intended for short-term use, typically no overnight storage, and are considered public access points. Rental slips, by contrast, can be leased for longer-term or overnight use, often through private enterprise.
Slips to be reclassified.
Parks Planner Nick Keiser, speaking on behalf of the City, framed the proposal as a one-year pilot designed to expand access to Lake Minnetonka for residents who lack the means to own or store a boat. “It would be a great way to enhance public access,” Keiser said. The Wayzata City Council had previously approved the arrangement, contingent on LMCD approval.
Tonka Bay Rentals co-owner Eric Harbin described the partnership as a community-minded initiative. “We’re not taking away—we’re adding,” Harbin said. “We want to provide access to people who otherwise wouldn’t be able to enjoy the lake.”
Precedent, Noncompliance, and Public Access
Despite the proposal’s alignment with LMCD code, the board was sharply divided over whether this marked a permissible evolution in municipal dock use—or a dangerous precedent.
Director Rich Anderson raised concerns about the City of Wayzata’s compliance with the 2023 license approval, citing specific violations including improper deicing procedures, deviation from the approved dock ramp angle, and the use of large slips to store multiple jet skis, and lack of as-built survey. “Quite honestly, the City of Wayzata has not lived up to what we already approved,” Anderson said.
Director Brian Malo echoed the sentiment, suggesting that the request appeared to prioritize city revenue over public benefit. “This feels like a way for the city to earn revenue,” he said, “and I struggle with that being a good enough reason to grant a variance.”
Staff acknowledged that the application was technically permissible but declined to issue a formal recommendation, citing its broader policy implications. LMCD Technician Tom Tully noted, “This is more of a board’s decision for the future of the lake, how they see municipalities operating.”
Directors also worried that approving the request could encourage other cities—like Excelsior or Shorewood—to reclassify public docks for private enterprise. “If I were a city manager,” one board member commented, “I’d say, hey, let’s get a multiple dock license and rent it out to three companies.”
Boat Rental Rules and Local Ordinances
The board discussed whether the request conflicted with its recently adopted boat rental ordinance, which was intended to curb unregulated rentals launched from public landings. Director Mark Kroll questioned whether the City of Wayzata was merely following the LMCD’s own new guidance by applying for formal slip designation.
Tully clarified that while the ordinance focused primarily on charter operations and public launch congestion, the Wayzata proposal represented a novel case—rentals from municipally controlled docks with private involvement.
Notably, Tonka Bay Rentals had paid the LMCD application fee, a fact that added complexity to the “public benefit” discussion.
Final Motion and Vote
A motion to approve the request on a one-year trial basis was initially made by Director Jim Kroll and seconded by Director Denny Newell. However, the motion was withdrawn after further discussion.
Director Rich Anderson then moved to deny the application, directing LMCD legal counsel to prepare findings of fact citing noncompliance with previous approvals. Director Brian Malo seconded. The motion passed, with Kroll voting “no” and Director Matt Thompson abstaining.
What’s Next
The denial will be formally memorialized in a vote scheduled for the LMCD’s next board meeting on May 28, 2025. Wayzata may revise and resubmit an application in the future, but several directors emphasized that a demonstrated record of compliance would be essential before any new requests are considered.
Editor’s Note: This application was the first test of LMCD’s evolving posture on boat rentals originating from municipal docks. The board’s decision—despite code compliance and stated public purpose—suggests a growing insistence on accountability and transparency on Lake Minnetonka.
Wayzata — A year after boaters first raised concerns about damage sustained while docking at Wayzata’s Panoway, the City is piloting a fix: vertical dock bumpers designed to better protect vessels from rubbing or striking against exposed edges during waves or wind.
The trial comes after a full season of feedback and growing frustration. “Last summer, we heard feedback that the original dock bumper design does not serve our boaters well,” the City wrote in a recent social media update. “The City’s dock working group, which includes boaters and users of Lake Minnetonka, reviewed the feedback and came up with a new design.”
These new vertical bumpers have now been installed on select slips for a short-term trial. The goal is to evaluate how they perform across a variety of boat sizes and weather conditions. Boaters using the trial slips are encouraged to scan a QR code and provide feedback to the dock masters. If the design proves effective, the remaining slips will be updated—or an alternative solution will be implemented.
New vertical bumpers are being tested by the City of Wayzata on the Panoway Docks.
But the dock bumper issue is only part of the story. Beneath the surface lies a larger question: How did Wayzata get from collaborative dock committee meetings to a finished product that many now say was initially incomplete?
Design Presented, Then Changed
A member of the city’s Dock Design Committee, who agreed to share background information for this article, said the committee had originally reviewed and discussed multiple design options—including ones with more robust protective elements like vertical bumpers and rail systems.
“There were examples shown, slides of dock designs with better bumpers,” the committee member explained. “I remember thinking the docks weren’t done—that this wasn’t the final product.”
According to the committee member, the vertical bumpers were ultimately removed during a “value engineering” phase to save on cost, but this decision was never clearly communicated back to the committee. “Once our recommendations were submitted, everything went into a black box. There was no final review. The next thing we knew, the docks were under construction.”
Aesthetic Meets Engineering
The city’s decision to switch from traditional wooden piling docks to a floating dock system on steel pilings was rooted in practical constraints. In order to accommodate more slips and reach deeper water—especially at the Broadway and Depot docks—longer, more stable pilings were needed. Wooden ones wouldn’t suffice.
The floating docks were also meant to address a prior issue: low lake levels had caused smaller boats to get wedged beneath the old docks, especially in choppy conditions. But the new docks, while functional, introduced a new problem—especially for boats with exposed rub rails or less-than-perfect fender placement.
“It’s not that floating docks are bad,” the committee member said. “It’s that they need to be properly outfitted for Lake Minnetonka conditions, and they weren’t. That includes vertical bumpers.”
A Breakdown in Process
According to multiple accounts, the Dock Design Committee’s focus had largely been on slip layout and overall usage—such as staying within LMCD’s 150-foot dock restriction, allocating longer slips to the right depths, and solving for better transient boat access. Detailed finishing elements like cleats and bumpers were not part of the blueprint-level designs the committee saw.
And when the LMCD initially rejected the dock plan in 2023 for exceeding the length restriction, the committee hadn’t been made aware that such a limitation even existed. “We could’ve saved the city months of process if we had known,” the committee member said. “We just weren’t looped in at that level.”
The current trial of vertical dock bumpers at Panoway adds another layer to the ongoing scrutiny surrounding the project’s execution—echoing concerns raised during the November 13, 2024, Wayzata City Council meeting, when councilmembers authorized a series of change orders despite reservations about budget transparency and process oversight.
At that meeting, officials acknowledged frustrations from both residents and advisory committees over communication gaps and shifting project details. The bumper issue appears to reflect those same tensions, as dock committee members now say their early recommendations were quietly altered or omitted without clear follow-up—raising questions not just about design choices, but about how public input is being managed in the broader Panoway rollout.
Moving Forward
Despite the rocky rollout, the City is now actively working to correct course. The trial bumpers represent what some hope is the first step toward improved dock safety—and a more transparent public process.
“There’s a lot of energy going into making this right,” the committee member said. “The good news is they’re listening now. But this should’ve been caught before boats got damaged.”
In speaking with the dock masters on-site, most of the initial feedback from boaters regarding the new vertical bumpers has been positive. Many appreciate the added protection along the slip edge and say it’s a noticeable improvement over last summer’s configuration.
Will hallow bumpers stand up to the rigor of Lake Minnetonka? Photo by Daniel Gustafson.
That said, this reporter observed that the plastic bumper inserts are hollow and appear lightweight—raising questions about long-term durability. If regularly subjected to impact from larger boats or harsh wave action, the material may compress or crack over time, potentially requiring replacement, reinforcement, or ongoing maintenance in future seasons.
Whether the current trial leads to a broader retrofit or another round of redesign remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: last summer’s complaints are shaping this summer’s solution.
Panoway’s Wild Success—Even with a Few Bumps Along the Way
Despite the growing pains and process questions, the Panoway plaza, Lakewalk, and docks have been an undeniable success for Wayzata. The revitalized lakefront has transformed the heart of the city into a vibrant gathering place—welcoming residents, visitors, and businesses alike to linger by the water, explore local shops, and enjoy unparalleled views of Lake Minnetonka. Whether arriving by boat, bike, or stroller, the Panoway experience has quickly become a signature part of summer in Wayzata. If you haven’t visited yet, there’s never been a better time to see it for yourself.
Editor’s Note: A member of the Dock Design Committee contributed background information for this article. The individual agreed to be identified if asked, but requested not to be named in print to avoid unnecessary public backlash. Wayzata.com has verified the source’s role and participation in the committee process.
WAYZATA — The Wayzata West Metro Chamber of Commerce has officially announced the return of the Wayzata Art Experience (WAE) for 2025, promising more artists, more live music, and an expanded footprint for one of Lake Minnetonka’s signature summer events.
Set along the scenic shores of Wayzata Bay, the annual festival will take place Saturday and Sunday, June 22–23, transforming Lake Street into a celebration of regional art, music, and lakeside living.
Over 150 juried artists are expected to showcase their work this year, alongside live performances from local and regional musical acts, dozens of food trucks and vendors, a beer and wine garden, a classic wooden boat exhibition, and the crowd-favorite vintage and exotic car show. As always, the event is free and open to the public.
“This is one of our premier events, and each year it grows in both participation and community impact,” said Brooke Beyer, President of the Wayzata Area Chamber. “We’re especially excited about the enhancements in 2025—including extended music programming, additional interactive art stations, and a larger footprint along the newly revitalized Panoway.”
In partnership with the Wayzata Conservancy and local sponsors, the Chamber expects to see record-breaking attendance, buoyed by the event’s lakeside location and increasing popularity with both residents and visitors.
Now in its 19th year, the Wayzata Art Experience began as a modest sidewalk show and has grown into a regional destination event celebrating creativity, community, and the charm of Wayzata.
For more information, artist registration, or to view the full event lineup, visit wayzataartexperience.com.
WAYZATA — With summer approaching and scooter use surging along the Dakota Rail Regional Trail, the Wayzata City Council has unanimously adopted Emergency Ordinance 850, requiring all persons under the age of 18 to wear helmets while riding electric-assisted bicycles, motorized bicycles, and motorized foot scooters within city limits.
The new rule, introduced at the May 20 council meeting, was fast-tracked under emergency authority to take effect immediately—bypassing the typical two-reading process. Council members cited growing public safety concerns, especially downtown and along the Panoway, where juveniles have been observed riding recklessly at speeds exceeding 30 miles per hour.
“This makes as much sense as seat belts do,” said Council Member Jeff Parkhill. “It gives parents an enforceable reason to tell their kids: ‘Put your helmet on—it’s the law.’”
Deputy Police Chief Jamie Baker, who prepared the ordinance, said the department has fielded increasing complaints over the past five years related to unsafe operation of fast-moving e-bikes and scooters. The ordinance empowers officers to both educate young riders and take enforcement action when needed.
“This is consistent with what other Lake Minnetonka communities are already doing,” Baker said. “Given Wayzata’s status as a regional trail hub, we felt it was time.”
The ordinance does not extend to non-motorized bicycles—though several council members expressed support for broader helmet requirements in the future.
“This should be a cultural norm,” said council member Alex Plechash, recalling his own near-fatal bike crash. “If I hadn’t been wearing a helmet, I wouldn’t be here.”
Mayor Andrew Mullin added an emotional appeal to parents: “Please, if you’re going to buy your kid something that can go 30 miles an hour, give them the guidance to operate it with respect—especially downtown.”
The emergency ordinance comes as part of a broader slate of public safety measures this season, including increased police staffing, a new gate at the Mill Street Parking Ramp, and higher penalties for reckless behavior. Speed enforcement and signage along the lakewalk may be explored in future discussions.
Ordinance 850 passed 5–0, with unanimous roll call votes approving both the preamble and the ordinance itself. The law is effective immediately.
WAYZATA, Minn. — It’s a picture-perfect Friday morning in downtown Wayzata, and the weekend forecast couldn’t be more inviting. With just a slight chance of showers late this afternoon and clear skies returning tonight, now’s the time to plan your visit to the lakeside charm and luxury of Wayzata and the Panoway on Lake Minnetonka.
Weekend Forecast:
Friday Forecast Highlights: Highs in the mid-80s today, mostly sunny skies, and a calm south-southwest breeze make for ideal patio weather. After 5 p.m., there’s only a 10% chance of a pop-up shower—nothing to keep you from dinner by the water. Tonight cools to a refreshing 53 degrees under mostly clear skies.
Weekend Outlook: Saturday and Sunday are tailor-made for lakeside living. Expect sunshine all weekend with highs near 77 on Saturday and pushing 88 on Sunday. Bring your sunglasses, plan your brunch, and don’t forget to explore Wayzata’s boutiques and boardwalk.
The newly built Panoway invites you to walk, bike, or simply sit and take in the view. Start your morning with coffee and a lakeside breeze on the Lakewalk or relax on the Panoway Plaza as sailboats glide past the docks.
Shop Local
Wayzata’s walkable downtown is home to an array of distinctive shops:
Evereve for on-trend women’s fashion
Five Swans for gifts, home decor, and accessories
Judd Frost for classic men’s apparel
Dine with a View
Make your weekend reservation now—lakeside restaurants fills fast:
Scene in Wayzata: A flawless 77-degree Sunday on Wayzata Bay—boats fill the Broadway docks at Panoway, flags flutter lightly in the 8 mph breeze, and not a cloud interrupts the sky. It’s the kind of afternoon that once greeted summer passengers stepping off the Great Northern Railway, drawn here by word of cool lake breezes and steamboat rides from the finest harbor on Minnetonka. Today, the rhythm is quieter, but the welcome is just as timeless.
It was the kind of April evening that reminds you why we live here.
At 66 degrees, with sunshine pushing through soft clouds and barely a whisper of wind, the Panoway Plaza and Lakewalk came alive with the quiet joy of spring. My wife, our middle daughter, and I set out just before sunset and found Wayzata at its best—warm, welcoming, and beautifully unhurried.
ChadwickRock50 provides the soundtrack to a beautiful evening.
Locals and visitors strolled the boardwalk, stopped for scoops at Ben & Jerry’s, and listened to live music drifting through the air. Couples cozied up on benches, families lingered by the lake, and clusters of friends laughed together in the golden light. Over at CoV, the patio buzzed with early diners soaking in the view.
One highlight? Loki, Wayzata’s beloved K-9, out for a well-earned leg stretch near the Section Foreman House, reminding everyone who’s really in charge of lakeside charm.
Loki, Wayzata’s K-9 stretches his legs.
The walk reminded us of something simple and true: in Wayzata, even a casual evening stroll near Wayzata Bay can feel like a small celebration.
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