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What Were the “Big Woods?”
The Big Woods: How they formed, what happened to them, and the history wedged between the logs!
How to Grow a Lake
The formation of Minnetonka through glaciers, sediments, and human activity!
A Crystal Bay Flyover
Crystal Bay seen in a rare bird’s eye view and all that has changed along its shores!
Early Days — the Narrows Channel
The original Narrows channel and its modern successor connect Lake Minnetonka’s local economies!
Settling Minnetonka — Lydia Ferguson
Early settlers William & Lydia Ferguson's harrowing experiences on the shores of Lake Minnetonka!
The Legacy of a Lake
An overview of Lake Minnetonka’s history. National acclaim, inventions, and industry which have shaped Minnesota and U.S. development throughout the past 175 years!
The Legend of Wawatosa
The enchanting story behind the name of Wawatosa Island. One that’s not commonly known but certainly worth learning!
The Forgotten Legend of Love
A native tale shows how love can find prosperity, even among the most strenuous of circumstances.
The Biggest & Brightest: Belle of Minnetonka
A full timeline of the Belle of Minnetonka. From Kentucky to Minnetonka, and afterlife in Alaska!
Maple Heights Inn & the Human Connection
Mound’s Maple Heights Inn returns for a review and the words of a 1905 tourist are memorialized in writing!
Big Island & Back: Ferries Steam Ahead!
Three titanic steamers ply the waters, ferrying tourists to Big Island Park! What’s their role in history and how did it come to an end?
Making Minnetonka: Charles Burwell & the Mills
Making Minnetonka: The history of Minnetonka Mills and the Charles Burwell House.
The Purest Milk in Minnesota!
The Woodend Dairy farm helps transform food safety practices in the United States, all while enjoying views of Lake Minnetonka!
The Perfect Summer Retreat!
A fictional story with sprinklings of true Lake Minnetonka history peppered throughout. Follow 12 year old Esther and her family as they take a day trip to Big Island Park!
Essential Read! Hotel Saint Louis & the Douglas Family
An essential read!!
Deephaven’s Hotel Saint Louis, Quaker Oats, and RMS Titanic meet at one property along the shore of Lake Minnetonka. . .
Gifts From Mother Nature
A wonderful, yet forgotten, 122 year old tale of the dichotomy between boaters and iceboaters on Minnetonka!
Evolving Pathways
Come along as we walk along Lover’s Lane in Spring Park! This unique pathway is destined to become part of a larger road network in the future.
Remembering Big Moments
Reposted article as seen in Tonka & Skipper Living Magazines. November, 2025. If you don’t get these publications, here’s your chance to catch up on the latest from the Minnetonka Minute!