Welcome to Wayzata
Wayzata is a bustling yet small city located around nine miles west of Minneapolis and situated on the northwestern shore of Lake Minnetonka. This sophisticated city is development-driven and restaurant forward, and there is a fine selection of eateries located close to the shoreline. The lakefront location provides this upscale city with an abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities on and around the water.
Several waves of development from the 19th century onward have given Wayzata an eclectic mix of housing options. Large hotels first appeared on the lakeshore in the late 1800s and were followed by summer cottages and grand country estates at the turn of the century. In the 1990s, new condominium developments began appearing close to the shopping and dining options of Lake Street. In the decades since, there has been a continued trend of older properties being replaced by new and larger single-family homes, which offer a luxurious living space in a beautiful lakefront setting.
What to Love
- Lake Minnetonka views and recreation
- Lake Street restaurants
- James J. Hill Days and Wayzata Beach Bash
Local Lifestyle
Wayzata’s beautiful lakefront views, premier boating opportunities, and exceptional restaurant scene have all helped make it one of the top tourist destinations in Minnesota. The year-round lifestyle this captivating city offers residents is hard to beat.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Dining Highlights:
- Cōv Wayzata — Located on Lake Street East in downtown Wayzata, CōV Wayzata brings a coastal‑inspired American eatery to the shores of Lake Minnetonka. covwayzata.com
- 6Smith — 6Smith, situated along the shores of Lake Minnetonka offers a modern, artisan‑inspired steak and seafood experience. 6smith.com
- Macanda — created to be more than just a dining spot — the founders describe it as “the art of connection,” combining Latin American and contemporary Japanese cuisine in a lakeside setting. macandawayzata.com
- Josefina — Nestled just off Lake Minnetonka, the restaurant offers a warm, inviting space with a mix of wood‑fired oven pizza, house pastas, and a full bar. josefinawayzata.com
Entertainment:
- Wayzata Beach — A premier lakeside destination, Wayzata Beach features a wide sandy shore, picnic tables, volleyball nets, a playground, and public boat docks. It’s ideal for swimming and casual lakeside fun on the shores of Lake Minnetonka.
- Panoway on Wayzata Bay — Panoway is a transformative lakefront development along Wayzata Bay with a boardwalk, transient docks, plaza park and walking trails.
- Norenberg Memorial Gardens — Set on the shores of Lake Minnetonka, this public garden features seasonal flower displays, ornamental plantings and a peaceful lakeside setting.
Things to Do
Since 1975, the weekend after Labor Day has marked James J. Hill Days, Wayzata’s signature end-of-summer celebration. Named after the influential Great Northern Railroad magnate who helped put Wayzata on the map, this vibrant three-day event celebrates community and heritage with a grand parade, live music, carnival rides, a classic car show, artisan markets, food trucks, and even the Lake Minnetonka dog dock-jumping competition. One of the main attractions is the Wayzata Beach Bash, a lakeside concert series that has featured national acts such as Sammy Hagar, Goo Goo Dolls, ZZ Top, and Darius Rucker, all performing against the scenic backdrop of Lake Minnetonka. A dazzling fireworks show over the water caps off the weekend.
In early summer, the city hosts the Wayzata Art Experience, a juried art festival that draws over 150 national artists, alongside food vendors, live music, family activities, and interactive art installations. It transforms Lake Street into a vibrant celebration of creativity and community.
Throughout the summer, Music by the Lake brings free outdoor concerts to the Great Lawn at Panoway on Wayzata Bay every Wednesday evening. These lakeside performances feature local and regional artists and provide the perfect backdrop for picnics, dancing, and sunset views by the water.
In the heart of winter, Wayzata embraces the cold with the Chilly Open, one of the most unique golf events in the country. Held right on the frozen surface of Lake Minnetonka, this whimsical winter festival includes three themed golf courses, costume contests, a chili cook-off, live music, and fun for the whole family — all enjoyed in the crisp Minnesota air.
