Tag: Wayzata Bay

James J. Hills Days Complete Schedule for 2022

August 29th, 2022

All Aboard! Lake Minnetonka’s Largest 3-day Festival Moving Full Steam Ahead!

The whistle’s blowing and the 47th Annual James J. Hill Days is just around the bend, coming September 9, 10 & 11 to the shores of Lake Minnetonka in Wayzata.

The proud residents, businesses and community of this small town will roll out the welcome mat for 75,000 guests over three jam-packed days of exciting events.

James J. Hill Days in Wayzata. There’s Something for Everyone!

From Engine to Caboose, There’s Something For Everyone!

Friday, September 9th, 2022

We kick off the weekend with LIVE MUSIC & STREET DANCE featuring Viva Knievel from 6 – 10 pm. Be sure to bring your dancing shoes, grab a beverage from the Beer + Wine Tent and tell your friends to meet you at the Sandvold Stage off of Minnetonka/Lake St.! Our live music line-up is one to celebrate.

For the BEER LOVERS, get your tickets to RAILS & ALES CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL. This year’s line-up is stacked! Enjoy unlimited samples from 20 breweries, live music by the Billboard-charting Avey Grouws Band, and some casual games to wind down from the week (5-9 PM).

Step Right Up! The Lake Minnetonka CARNIVAL (5-10 pm) will be in full force with ride after ride offering fun for all ages. Purchase presale discounted tickets at Lunds & Byerlys Wayzata. Also available at the gate.

Lake Minnetonka Carnival at James J. Hill Days. Submitted photo.

You can test out your LOGROLLING skills throughout the weekend starting Friday (5 – 9 pm) and into Saturday (10 – 7 pm), and Sunday (10 – 4 pm). Experienced rollers will provide instruction and encouragement to any interested participant. Check it out!

Logrolling event at James J. Hill Days. Submitted photo.

Be sure to check out the full line-up of activities added to the weekend including the outdoor NIGHT MARKET. Shop local vendors (5-9 PM), enjoy food trucks along Lake Street under the twinkling lights. A perfect end to summer.

Foodtrucks at James J. Hill Days. Submitted photo.

Saturday, September 10th, 2022

Find that special something as you SHOP 150+ VENDORS (10 am–7 pm) at the open air street market. Sip and stroll from 20 food trucks, beer + wine tents, or grab a fresh lemonade as the CARNIVAL continues all day Saturday (10 am–10 pm).

Attention dog lovers, this one’s for you! Grab a hot dog and watch wiener dogs race, jump hurdles and dress up in costume at the ever-popular DACHSHUND RACES (12 pm). BYOD (Bring Your Own Dog) and get ready for your close-up as you pose for pictures with your pup in the DOGGY KISSING BOOTH (10 am).

Dachshund races. Submited photo.

New puppy or want to brush up your dog’s training? Drop-in to an ONSITE OBEDIENCE CLASS (9:30 am). Enjoy pupperific treats and register to win pup-tastic prizes from our sponsors (10 am – 2 pm). If cute animals are your thing, make sure to stop by our Lovin’ Llama Experience to take selfies and share hugs with the Llama Squad (12 pm – 4 pm).

SHOCKWAVES WATER SKI SHOW team will bring the fun on Saturday (3 pm – 4 pm) on Wayzata Bay. The Shockwaves’ performers do pyramids, ballet, barefooting, jumping, and more. You won’t want to miss their show!

Shockwaves Waterski Show. Submitted photo.

Take a break from all the activities and enjoy incredible FREE LIVE MUSIC, dancing and fireworks! The Sandvold Stage will feature local band favorites including – Stereo Kitchen, Pandora’s Other Box, Powertap, Sam Graber, and Wayzata Symphony Orchestra (10 am-10 pm).

The Sandvold Stage will have live music all day long. Submitted photo.

Bring the kids to the Great Lawn to catch a MOVIE ON THE LAWN (7:30 pm) hosted by Wayzata Sailing. Enjoy the sweet story of Disney Pixar’s ‘Luca’ and stick around for the WAYZATA BAY FIREWORKS (8:45 pm) bursting over Wayzata Bay in celebration of all the fun.

Wayzata Bay Fireworks at James J. Hill Days. Submitted photo.

Sunday, September 11th, 2022

If you haven’t noticed, it’s all about the dogs in Wayzata. So, you and your pup are challenged to join the DOGGY OLYMPICS! Bring your pup and participate in a series of engaging games that will show off your pup’s skills and earn the winners pup-tastic prizes (12 pm – 2 pm). Is your doggo the adventurous type? Try PADDLEBOARDING WITH YOUR DOG (11 am – 1 pm). Get some quality time at the MEET & GREET WITH WAYZATA K9 OFFICER LOKI (11:30 am – 12 pm).

September 11, 2022 marks the 21st Anniversary of 9/11. We invite you to spend time at the 9.11 MEMORIAL on the Panoway throughout the day. The space offers community members a place to remember and reflect. The 9/11 memorial honors our community members lost and the lives of all victims of the Sept. 11th attacks.

Other activities special to Sunday, include the T-6 THUNDER AIRSHOW a fascinating display of WWII planes swiftly flying over Lake Street and Wayzata Bay (2:45 pm).

Air show. Submitted photo.

The same afternoon features the hometown PARADE (3 pm). Special thanks to all the sponsors who keep this event on the tracks. We will see you at James J. Hill Days!

Lake Minnetonka Carnival. Submitted photo.

MAJOR SPONSORS: Sandvold Financial Group, RE/MAX Results, BNSF Railway, Lunds & Byerlys Wayzata, Youngstedts, River Valley Power & Sport, 6Smith, Polaris Adventures, Icon Aircraft, THN Enterprises

SUPPORTING SPONSORS: Guaranteed Rate – Chris Carr Team, Ulrich Real Estate/Regency Homes, Colonial Square/Regency Centers, Maison Realty Group, JomsVikings, Northwestern Mutual, The International School of Minnesota, The Brost Clinic, Renewal by Andersen, Mediacom, Wings Financial Credit Union, New Spaces Design-Build-Remodel, Coldwell Banker Realty, Maveriiick Lead Generation, Trails of Orono.

Visit JamesJHillDays.com for details, tickets, and more information.
All activities located on/near Lake Street, Downtown Wayzata.
Wayzata Chilly Open Schedule 2022

February 8th, 2022

Stretch, train, assemble your squad! The 38th Annual Chilly Open, the largest most well-known and unusual golf tournament held on a frozen lake, will be here in just a few short days. What started as a small crazy idea on how to have a little fun during the coldest month of the year has evolved into one of Minnesota’s most unique winter events. We are looking forward to hosting 1,800 golfers, in themed Olympic costumes and bar sleds, hitting tennis balls with hockey sticks and tee ball bats. 27 hole sponsors will decorate and host three-9 hole courses. This is a winter festival you won’t want to miss.

Cinema & Skates ($10 | LIMITED TICKETS AVAILABLE!) – Thursday and Friday, February 10 & 11, 4:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Skate the Lake! Experience Lake Minnetonka’s infinity skating loop – a 45,000 sq. ft on-ice venue. It’s perfect for a date night or a night of family fun! So bundle up, bring your skates (or a lawn chair) and enjoy music or one of the featured films on the big screen while skating Wayzata Bay (Thursday – Cool Runnings & Friday – Frozen). Tickets are required and limited per session. Two Hour Ticket Reservations on sale now until each session sells out. NEW this year – The Fab Tap will be on the ice selling hot cocoa, hot cider, and treats. Admission is $10 per person

Snowga (open to public) – Saturday, February 12, 9:00 a.m.

Namaste on Wayzata Bay … Come Snowga with us! Anyone can do Hot Yoga, but only true Minnesotan’s can say they have done SNOWGA (yoga on the ice) yoga on the ice). First 100 attendees will get a complimentary Crisp & Green beanie, along with free heated agua frescas. Bring your own mat and winter gear and start the day with free yoga flow. Access to the on-ice venue is through Depot Park. Free and Open to the Public.

Golf Tournament (SOLD OUT!) – Saturday, February 12, Tee Times: 10 am, 12 noon & 2 pm. Theme: The Olympics

In true Olympic fashion, the 2022 Golf Tournament broke a record and sold out of all tickets a couple of weeks ago! Golfers will play a round, head to the 19th Hole tent and enjoy live music by ”PowerTap” band on the Edina Realty stage while tasting some of the best chili from over 10 local restaurants competing in the Chili Cookoff Contest. The 2022 celebrity judges include: Stephanie March, Paul Buttenhoff, Cody Matz, Chef Amalia Moreno Damgaard, and Erik Eastman.

Breakfast Buffet & Ice Bar (reservations strongly encouraged)– Friday, February 11, 4 – 10 pm – Saturday, February 12, from 9 am – Close

Stop by 6Smith on your way to and from “The Open”. Be sure to make a reservation for the Chilly Open Brunch Buffet on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. For pricing and the menu visit 6Smith.com.
Snowkite Races & Nite Kite (open to public) – Friday, February 11 at 5 pm | Saturday, February 12, 11 am – 2 pm | Sunday February 13, 11 am – 2 pm

Experience a beautiful backdrop of colorful kites flying through the air during the Chilly Open weekend. Or better yet, try it out for FREE! Wind dependent, (minimum 7mph)

Want in?! See WayzataChillyOpen.com for all the details. Follow along @WayzataChillyOpen on Facebook and Instagram for all the up to date details and announcements. This frozen event is sponsored by many local businesses.

Call 952-473-9595 or info@wayzatachamber.com

Jeff Shore catches 45" muskie in Wayzata Bay

October 19th, 2014

Wayzata resident Jeff Shore caught this 45″ muskie in Wayzata Bay over the weekend. Submitted photo.

Send a quick note or photo of your accomplishments to dan@wayzata.com for publication.

Wayzata.com is your source for news and information in Wayzata, MN, 55391, and the Wayzata School District.

Zebra mussels spreading quickly

July 5th, 2011

Unscientific survey finds them on 1 out of every 2-3 rocks in Wayzata Beach swimming area

Zebra mussels growing on a rock found in the Wayzata Beach swimming area this weekend. Photo Dan Gustafson.

Many local families spent time swimming and boating in Lake Minnetonka this holiday weekend. My family spent several days swimming, playing and picnicking at Wayzata Beach. To our dismay, we discovered zebra mussels. Lots of zebra mussels. A lot more zebra mussels than I thought we would find during the first summer with the invasive species.

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Our unscientific survey went like this: walk out past the initial rocks on Wayzata Beach, to water that was higher than waist deep, pick up a rock, and evaluate. Our results were surprising: we found that just about every other rock had a zebra mussel, or two, or three, or more on them.

Zebra mussels on a rock at Wayzata Beach. Photo Dan Gustafson.

The questions for the Lake Minnetonka community:

How quickly is the first wave of zebra mussels going to grow from babies to adults?
How quickly are they going to spread?
What can be done at local beaches if zebra mussels live up to their reputation and grow on every hard surface in the lake?
Is this going to make it impossible to swim without protective footwear?

While I don’t have the answers to questions, I sure admire the problem.

Five zebra mussels on a rock at Wayzata Beach. Photo Dan Gustafson.

A pile of rocks at Wayzata Beach with any number of zebra mussels on them. Photo Dan Gustafson.

Have some insight into zebra mussels around the lake, or in the area? Found some at your beach? We would love to hear from you. Email wayzata@gmail.com or use the comment box below.

Street cleaning dust causes commotion on south shore of Wayzata Bay

June 29th, 2011

Dust floats in the air over Wayzata Bay. Photo Dan Gustafson.

The Wayzata Fire Department responded to a call on the south shore of Wayzata Bay just after 8 pm this evening after what appeared to be smoke hanging in the atmosphere startled residents and boaters alike. Upon further review, it was determined the cause of the particulate matter was a street cleaner at a home that was under construction in the area.

While the dust was found to be harmless by authorities, this photographer didn’t want a good opportunity for funky light to go unused.

View a number of photos of the dust over Lake Minnetonka here.

Stay tuned to Wayzata.com, your dust in the air causes commotion leader.

Summer has arrived

June 6th, 2011

In case you missed it, summer has officially arrived in Wayzata. Saturday and Sunday were beautiful days, and a great opportunity to take part in all Wayzata and Lake Minnetonka has to offer.

Boaters on Wayzata Bay. Photo Dan Gustafson.

Youngsters jumping from the bridge at the marina. Photo Dan Gustafson.

Baby Nicole soaks in the rays. Photo Dan Gustafson.

A mother and daughter enjoy Wayzata Beach. Photo Dan Gustafson.

Pontooning. Photo Dan Gustafson.

Young love. Photo Dan Gustafson.

A yacht near 60 feet long. Photo Dan Gustafson.

Soggy Sunday

May 23rd, 2011

Clouds Sunday evening. Photo Dan Gustafson.

It was another soggy weekend here in Wayzata. Here is a photo full for wonderful colors as they appeared over Wayzata Bay on Sunday evening. Enjoy!

Storm rolls through Lake Minnetonka area

May 22nd, 2011

Storm rolls over Lake Minnetonka late Saturday evening. Photo Dan Gustafson.

Apparently a tornado touched down in the Medina area around 6:30 this evening–at least that is what Mike Lynch from AM 830 WCCO indicated earlier.

After taking photos of the Wayzata Art Experience winners, I wandered down to the docks on Wayzata Bay and watched dark cloud after dark cloud roll through and over the Wayzata area.

Take a look at the photos as the storm rolled through: May 21, 2011 Storm on Lake Minnetonka.

Email your photos of the storm to wayzata@gmail.com!