Minnetonka Beach MinnesotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Minnetonka Beach, Minnesota.
1. Noerenberg Memorial Gardens
SERENE LAKESIDE GARDENS
Noerenberg Memorial Gardens offers visitors a tranquil escape with its beautifully maintained gardens situated on the shores of Lake Minnetonka. Visitors can stroll through various themed garden areas featuring a diverse collection of plants, flowers, and artistic elements. The gardens provide stunning views of Crystal Bay and serve as a peaceful retreat for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts alike.
2. Minnetonka Center for the Arts
CREATIVE ARTS HUB
Minnetonka Center for the Arts serves as a vibrant community arts center offering classes, exhibitions, and workshops for all ages. The center features rotating art galleries showcasing works by local and regional artists throughout the year. Visitors can participate in various art lessons ranging from painting and ceramics to photography and sculpture.
3. PaddleTap
PEDAL-POWERED LAKE CRUISES
PaddleTap offers a unique way to experience Lake Minnetonka on a pedal-powered pontoon boat that combines recreation with sightseeing. Guests can enjoy scenic tours of the lake while pedaling at their own pace and stopping at various points of interest along the shoreline. The boat tours provide a fun, eco-friendly way to explore the lake's bays and inlets while enjoying time with friends and family.
4. Ridgedale Center
PREMIER SHOPPING DESTINATION
Ridgedale Center is a major shopping mall featuring over 100 stores, restaurants, and entertainment options under one roof. Shoppers can browse popular national retailers, specialty boutiques, and department stores offering everything from fashion to home goods. The center regularly hosts community events, seasonal displays, and special promotions throughout the year.
5. Purgatory Park
NATURAL WOODLAND RETREAT
Purgatory Park encompasses over 155 acres of natural woodland featuring scenic trails, wetlands, and open spaces for outdoor recreation. Visitors can explore miles of paved and unpaved trails ideal for hiking, jogging, and nature observation in all seasons. The park includes picnic areas, playground equipment, and recreational facilities that make it perfect for family outings.
6. Burwell House
HISTORIC LANDMARK SITE
Burwell House stands as a beautifully preserved historic home dating back to the 1880s that offers a glimpse into Minnesota's past. The Greek Revival style house features period furnishings, original architectural elements, and exhibits that tell the story of early settlers in the region. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about local history and the significance of this landmark in the development of the Minnetonka area.
7. Dakota Rail Regional Trail
SCENIC LAKESIDE PATHWAY
Dakota Rail Regional Trail stretches 28.1 miles from Wayzata to Lester Prairie along the former Hutchinson Spur of the Great Northern Railway. The paved multi-use trail offers spectacular views of Lake Minnetonka and passes through charming lakeside communities. Visitors can enjoy cycling, walking, inline skating, and cross-country skiing while experiencing the natural beauty of the lake region.
8. St. Albans Bay Bridge
PICTURESQUE LAKE CROSSING
St. Albans Bay Bridge carries Minnetonka Boulevard over a scenic inlet of Lake Minnetonka, connecting Excelsior and Greenwood. The bridge offers spectacular views of the bay and surrounding shoreline, making it a popular spot for photographers and sightseers. Visitors can enjoy watching boats passing beneath the bridge and witnessing stunning sunsets over the water.
9. Carver Park
RIVERSIDE RECREATIONAL AREA
Carver Park provides an expansive outdoor space where Clear Creek meets the Clackamas River, offering multiple water recreation opportunities. The park features open green spaces, walking paths, and areas for fishing and picnicking along the scenic waterfront. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful natural setting while observing local wildlife and aquatic ecosystems.
10. Crystal Bay Viewpoint
STUNNING LAKE PANORAMA
Crystal Bay Viewpoint offers visitors an exceptional vantage point to appreciate the beauty of Lake Minnetonka from the Dakota Rail Regional Trail. The lookout provides panoramic views across Crystal Bay, with particularly spectacular sunsets that paint the sky in vibrant colors. Photographers and nature enthusiasts frequently visit this spot to capture the changing seasons and reflections on the lake's surface.
11. Mall of America
ICONIC SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
Mall of America stands as one of the largest shopping and entertainment complexes in the United States, featuring over 500 stores, restaurants, and attractions. The massive complex houses Nickelodeon Universe, an indoor theme park with 27 unique rides and attractions that delight visitors of all ages. Beyond shopping, visitors can explore the SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium, mini-golf courses, and numerous entertainment venues all under one roof.
12. Target Field
PREMIER BASEBALL STADIUM
Target Field serves as the home of the Minnesota Twins baseball team, offering fans an outstanding open-air baseball experience in downtown Minneapolis. The stadium features excellent sightlines, modern amenities, and unique Minnesota-themed food options that elevate the traditional ballpark experience. Visitors can enjoy tours of the facility on non-game days to learn about the stadium's architecture, sustainable design features, and baseball history.
13. University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
HISTORIC ACADEMIC CAMPUS
University of Minnesota, Twin Cities campus spans both Minneapolis and St. Paul, featuring impressive architecture, museums, and cultural venues open to the public. Visitors can explore the Weisman Art Museum designed by Frank Gehry, stroll through the historic Knoll area with buildings dating back to the 1880s, or attend performing arts events at Northrop Auditorium. The campus offers beautiful riverside walking paths along the Mississippi and numerous gardens that showcase seasonal plantings.
14. Minneapolis Convention Center
MODERN EVENT VENUE
Minneapolis Convention Center stands as a premier event space in downtown Minneapolis hosting conferences, exhibitions, and cultural events throughout the year. The facility features over 475,000 square feet of event space, state-of-the-art technology, and artistic installations including the remarkable "Prophecy of the Ancients" sculpture. Visitors attending events can appreciate the center's sustainable design elements and convenient skyway connections to hotels, restaurants, and downtown attractions.
15. Nickelodeon Universe
INDOOR THEME PARK ADVENTURE
Nickelodeon Universe offers 27 unique rides and attractions in an impressive indoor amusement park located within Mall of America. The park features themed areas based on popular Nickelodeon characters like SpongeBob SquarePants, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Dora the Explorer. Visitors can enjoy everything from gentle rides for small children to thrilling roller coasters that twist and loop through the massive indoor space beneath a soaring glass ceiling.