Cruising on Lake Minnetonka - By: Dave Cormack

Lake Minnetonka is located about twenty miles west of the Twin Cities in Minnesota. It boasts over 100 miles of shoreline and was formed by melting glacial ice as evidenced by its irregular shape. Lake Minnetonka is one of the biggest lakes in the state; even its name means “Big Waters” in the Dakota language. In fact, Native Americans made their home on the shores of this vast lake centuries before the English arrived. In 1822 two teenager boys traveled up Minnehaha Creek and into Lake Minnetonka and are the first known white men to visit the lake.

Despite its grand size, it wasn’t until 30 years later that the lake began gaining popularity as a viable place for settlement. In 1852, Governor Ramsey christened the body of water Lake Minnetonka and construction began as people flocked to inhabit the area around the lake. The dam that was built on Minnehaha Creek gave way to a logging boom that helped the new residents construct homes and hotels. The town of Excelsior was founded in 1853 and remains today on the southern end of Lake Minnetonka. Over the next few years, dozens of townships would flourish along the shores of the lake as visitors flocked to wile away their vacation days on the water.

The first steamship took its plunge in Lake Minnetonka in 1881 and since that time, visitors to this fashionable lakeside destination have traveled the waters in luxury. Today, scenic sightseeing tours of the lake are still offered by Paradise Charter Cruises. With 25 years of experience on Lake Minnetonka, Paradise offers a range of services bound to delight. Guided tours tell the history of Lake Minnetonka while passengers nosh on a range of gourmet offerings. Private tours are available, as well as exclusive wedding packages. With a fleet of three luxury yachts, Paradise offers modern day luxuries while visitors take in the sites and the history of this grand lake.

About the Author

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