Lake Minnetonka: A Family Getaway in Minnesota’s Land of the Lakes

If you’re looking for the kind of lake vacation that blends family fun, vibrant towns, sandy beaches, and on-the-water adventure — then Lake Minnetonka absolutely deserves a spot on your radar. Located just 20 miles west of Minneapolis (so an easy trip over if you plan to fly in), this huge 14,500-acre lake with over 100 miles of shoreline is the perfect destination for a Midwest summer escape.

We recently returned from a great little family trip to Lake Minnetonka and stayed at the charming and centrally located Shoreline Hotel in Excelsior. From boating to beaches, ice cream to bike rides, Minnetonka delivered on every level — and then some.

Here’s everything we loved (and everything you should add to your family’s itinerary) when planning your own Lake Minnetonka adventure.

Where We Stayed: Shoreline Hotel – Perfect Location, Family Vibe

Our base camp for the week, the Shoreline Inn in Excelsior, is exactly what a family-friendly lake trip home should be: centrally located, comfortable, and full of local character.

What Makes It Special:

• Location, Location, Location
  10 minutes from the road from the Excelsior Commons Beach, the downtown strip, and casual dining—nothing beats an easy jaunt to ice cream, great food options and shops. The picturesque lakeside views from the back deck off our room are the kind of thing you daydream about.
• Private Dining & Gathering Space
  The Shoreline Inn has a great lakeside restaurant below called Cabana Anna’s with casual dining—great for laid-back breakfasts, pizza nights, or celebratory dinners. I could totally picture someone booking out the space for a retreat or family gathering: adults visit over wine and flat breads while the kids burn off dinner running between the back deck and the beach.
• Perfect Footprint for Retreats
  With cute hang out spots, a relaxed bar area, and both indoor and patio seating, the Shoreline Hotel makes a great venue for smaller corporate getaways, writing retreats, or reunion-style gatherings. Cozy doesn’t mean cramped—it’s intimate in all the right ways.

Notes to Keep in Mind:

• Right next door is the police station—great for peace of mind but fair warning if you’re bringing any rowdy energy.
• The beach on the property at the Shoreline Hotel is small and has some nice chairs to hang out with shaded umbrellas, but during our stay it had some seaweed buildup. It’s raked daily (seriously—they’re on it!) but tend to come prepared with towels or footwear if you’re sensitive to that.

Excelsior Commons Beach: Sand, Swims & Sunset Views

If you’re traveling with kids, Excelsior Commons Beach is a must. It’s a sandy, family-friendly beach right off the downtown strip with a park, shady trees, and swim areas marked for safety. The water was clean, the sand soft (for Midwest standards, that’s really impressive), and the vibe was relaxed and community-focused.

We loved grabbing coffee in town and starting the morning at the beach, or walking down after lunch and dinner to let the kids run around and catch the sunset over the lake.

Boating the Lake: Rent with Electric Shores

One of the best ways to explore Lake Minnetonka is by boat — and Electric Shores is an easy and fun way to do this even if you’re not an experienced boat captain. Whether you want to anchor and swim, tour the luxury homes along the shoreline, or hang out in the sun, this is the way to go.

For families who aren’t quite ready to captain a boat, Electric Shores also has captained charters, so you can enjoy the water stress-free.

More Fun on the Water

Beyond boat rentals, Lake Minnetonka is a water lover’s paradise. Here are a few more fun ways to enjoy the lake:

• Paddleboarding or Kayaking: Calm bays and easy access points make this doable for all ages.
• Fishing: The lake is stocked with bass, walleye, and northern pike — great for first-timers and pros. There are also a lot of chartered fishing options on this lake if you want to really experience their fishing with a pro!
• Lakeside playgrounds: Several beaches have attached play areas, including Excelsior Commons and Surfside Park in Mound.

Downtown Excelsior: Ice Cream, Boutiques & Breweries

Downtown Excelsior is as cute and welcoming as it gets. Think historic storefronts, great coffee, fun shops, and a variety of dining options — all walkable and just a block or two from the lake.

Our Family Favorites:

• Licks Unlimited – The ultimate stop for ice cream. The lines can get long, but the flavors are worth the wait.
• Lago Tacos – Great for lakeside Mexican with a family-friendly vibe.
• Coalition – Upscale yet approachable, with great kids’ menu options.
• Excelsior Brewing Co. – A fun spot for parents to grab a pint while kids enjoy live music or play on the lawn.
• Shiki– A great Ramen option with delicious pot stickers even my picky eating kids loved!

Also, don’t miss Excelsior Bay Books — an indie bookstore with a great children’s section and the kind of small-town charm you don’t find just anywhere.

Nearby Wayzata (North End of the Lake)

Want to mix it up with a short drive north? Wayzata also has beautiful lake access, adorable shops, and variety of things to do to complement your stay in Excelsior:

What to Do:

• Wayzata Beach & Pier – Cleaner and larger than Excelsior Commons, with picnic tables and open lawn space
• Bay Center for the Performing Arts – Great for evening concerts or community theater nights
• Wayzata Bay Trails – Bike or walk the easy lakeside path with gorgeous views
• Wayzata Farmers Market – Seasonal weekend market for local food, crafts, and entertainment

Unique Family Experiences Around the Lake

Lake Minnetonka is more than just beach days and boating. Here are a few of the most unique experiences that are sure to entertain the whole family:

• Streetcar Rides with the Excelsior Streetcar Line – Ride a restored 1906 streetcar along a scenic track near the lake. It’s educational, fun, and only a few bucks per person.
• Big Island Nature Park – Only accessible by boat, this natural island is great for a peaceful escape for a picnic or hike.

Where to Eat with Kids on the Water

Dining by the water is always a highlight, and Lake Minnetonka delivers some great options. In addition to Excelsior’s in-town eateries, here are a few more we recommend:

• Maynard’s in Excelsior – Classic lakefront dining with a huge patio, casual food, and room for kids to move around.
• Lord Fletcher’s Old Lake Lodge – A Minnetonka institution known for its summer energy, large outdoor patio, and easy boat-up access.
• Al & Alma’s Supper Club – A bit of a throwback feel with excellent food and views of Cook’s Bay. They run dinner and brunch cruises, which are a fun experience for families.

Tips for Planning Your Family Trip to Lake Minnetonka

• Stay central: Excelsior is the best base for easy access to everything.
• Book boat rentals in advance — summer weekends fill fast.
• Bring scooters or bikes — Excelsior and the surrounding lake towns are very walkable and bike-friendly. There are trails EVERYWHERE and cars are great about stopping for bikers going through the trail crosswalks!
• Keep an eye on the event calendar — summer concerts, farmers markets, and movies in the park are frequent.
• Pack layers — lake weather can change quickly, especially in the evenings which are known to get cooler.

Make Lake Minnetonka Your Summer Tradition

Lake Minnetonka surprised us in the best way — it’s upscale with tons of beautiful multi-million dollar houses to see along the shorelines, but approachable, family-focused and still fun for adults. It has that perfect blend of nature, activity, and community that we love in a lake vacation.

We came for the beach days and boating — we left already dreaming of coming back!