Welcome to Wayzata
Highly desirable destination with outstanding amenities.
Wayzata is an ultra-desirable community considered by many to be the jewel of Lake Minnetonka. Wayzata’s name comes from a Lakota Sioux phrase meaning ‘north shore,’ and Wayzata’s picturesque setting on Lake Minnetonka’s northern shoreline offers some of the lake area’s best views and recreation. Wayzata is a popular tourist destination with a bustling downtown that has lake views, unique shops, upscale restaurants, and a sandy swimming beach.
Wayzata was one of the main communities to benefit from the glory years of Lake Minnetonka tourism in the latter half of the 19th century, with many luxury hotels constructed along the lakeshore. The homes within this historic community are now just as grand and desirable as the luxury lake resorts that once dominated Wayzata. Here you’ll find renovated turn-of-the-century estates and cottages alongside elegant, contemporary custom-builds, all with stunning views over the lake. Wayzata’s real estate is some of the most desirable anywhere in the Lake Minnetonka region.
What to Love
Beautiful homes
Gorgeous lakefront scenery
Excellent public schools
Great shopping and dining
People & Lifestyle
Lake Minnetonka’s north shore jewel has a huge amount going for it. Wayzata boasts gorgeous homes, stunning scenery, exquisite dining, and outstanding public schools. This lakeshore community is a stunning place to visit and a highly desirable place to live.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Many stylish shops and restaurants are located along Wayzata’s Lake Street with great views over Lake Minnetonka. Head to the patio at 6smith to take in some gorgeous lake views or dine in its industrial-chic interior during the winter months. The menu at 6smith includes the finest quality steaks and seafood, plus great cocktails and craft beers. McCormick’s Irish Pub and Restaurant also offers patio dining along with an inviting interior where you can enjoy elevated and internationally influenced gastropub eats and an extensive drink selection. CōV Wayzata combines stunning lake views with a stylish dining space, and seafood evocative of the best of Nantucket or the Hamptons. Along with lakefront dining and shopping, Wayzata has plenty of options for accessing Lake Minnetonka’s waters. Boat storage and a full range of service and maintenance options are offered at Northshore Marina, Your Boat Club, Brown’s Bay Marina, and Gray’s Bay Marina. Wayzata Marine and River Valley Marine are reliable local businesses for purchasing new and used boats. Many models are on display at these boat dealerships’ showrooms, and their staff has received excellent reviews online for their commitment to service.
Things to Do
Annual events in Wayzata include September’s weekend-long James J. Hill Days. Named for the 19th-century railroad tycoon who helped spark the first development of resorts on Lake Minnetonka’s shores, this three-day celebration offers much to see and experience. Things kick-off with a night market on Friday and continue with street markets on Saturday and Sunday, featuring more than 225 vendors. Other highlights include a Sunday street parade, Friday’s Rails and Ales craft beer-focused event, and a carnival with thrilling rides open throughout the weekend. There are also food trucks along Eat Street, a retrofit car show, logrolling, an outdoor movie night, a coaster cart derby, live music, and more. June’s Wayzata Art Experience is another weekend-long festival featuring art and food vendors and live music. December’s Annual Holiday Celebration at the Wayzata Country Club brings the community together to celebrate the festival season in style.
Schools
Wayzata is covered by Minnetonka Public School District and Wayzata Public School District. Highlights include:
Gleason Lake Elementary, Public, K-5
Sunset Hill Elementary, Public, K-5
Wayzata West Middle, Public, 6-8
Wayzata High School, Public, 9-12 (ranked in Newsweek’s top public schools)