Lake
MINNETONKA
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Shorewood , Tonka Bay : Lake Minnetonka essentials
Shorewood
The rural community of Shorewood is home to more than 7,700 residents , hosting one of the largest populations across the Lake Minnetonka cities . Originally the city was part of the former Excelsior Township , but in 1956 the area was incorporated as its own city .
When thinking about some of the characteristics that make Shorewood shine , some of its several small islands come to mind like Enchanted Island , Shady Island and Wawatosa , also known as Boy Scout Island . Across approximately 265 acres on the other side of Highway 7 is Christmas Lake , the city ’ s other major lake body .
The views of Lake Minnetonka and Christmas Lake make up a lot of the city ’ s appeal , but the city also offers a variety of outdoor amenities . Six city parks stretch across nearly 100 acres , which include recreational activities like basketball , volleyball and tennis courts , walking trails , ice skating rinks and playgrounds . The 14-mile long Lake Minnetonka Regional Trail is also nearby , and runs from Hopkins to Carver Park Reserve through Shorewood .
One South Lake Minnetonka winter staple is Arctic Fever , a collaborative event between Shorewood , Tonka Bay and Excelsior held the third weekend in January . The winter festival is a local must-have regardless of how cold or warm the weather is . Some of the event ’ s activities typically include feeding and walking llamas , visits and sled rides from the dogs who compete in the Klondike Dog Derby race and fun winter crafts .
The Shorewood Community and Event Center has been a central community gathering space since 2017 , offering a location for rent and many weekly activities for all ages . For more information , visit shorewoodcec . com .
The city is working to improve itself in a variety of ways , including Strawberry Lane road reconstruction and Birch Bluff Road reconstruction . Shorewood is also one of the communities involved in a Highway 7 corridor coalition featuring all of the mayors and engineers along the entire corridor in an effort to make it safer . The coalition was formed following the results of an MnDOT study where residents were able to provide input regarding safety concerns and improvement ideas .
The city council meets at Shorewood City Hall , 5755 Country Club Road .
Information : ci . shorewood . mn . us
Tonka Bay Tonka Bay is one of the smaller South Lake Minnetonka cities at 1-square-mile . The city has more than 1,400 people housed between the upper and lower lakes of Lake Minnetonka . The town sits beside Gideon ’ s Bay with scenic snapshots of Echo Bay and nearby hub Excelsior . The oblong-shaped community is known for having more Lake Minnetonka shoreline than other comparable cities inside the lake area .
All around the city are four different parks , including primarily Manitou Park , a central area for both community and sporting events . The other park areas include Old Orchard Park , Wekota Beach and Park as well as Pleasant Park . Within the city ’ s parks , visitors can expect a variety of playground equipment , sporting fields , trail access and outdoor activity opportunities . For additional water access , there is Wekota ’ s Beach adjacent to West Point Road and Crescent Beach adjacent to Birch Bluff Road .
Caribbean Marina on Echo Bay is a fun spot for lake visitors , offering tasty food and beverages alongside spectacular Lake Minnetonka views . Along Manitou Road include eateries like Joey Nova ’ s Pizzeria and Hazelwood Food + Drink . Visitors looking for something to do can stop in nearby Country Club Lanes for a game or two of bowling .
The city council meets at Tonka Bay City Hall , 4901 Manitou Road .
Info : cityoftonkabay . net
Community Guide 2024 | LAKE MINNETONKA | 13