Venture to the Upper Lake

Today, we move west of the Narrows Channel, into the Upper Lake. This postcard, dated in early 1906, depicts what much of the Upper Lake looked like around the turn of the 20th century.

Upper Lake Minnetonka’s shoreline was largely untamed and in much of its natural state. With all the historical focus that we put on Lower Lake’s towns, steamboats, prominent figures, and activities, it’s easy to forget that not all of Minnetonka was this way. Large swaths of Upper Lake remained largely undeveloped until the 1930’s, with some plots having remained forested until the 2000’s. Of course, there were still a great many houses, farms, and enterprises along the Upper Lake’s shores, but it wasn’t developed to nearly the same extent as Lower Lake.

As a result, Lake Minnetonka had two distinct sides with two distinct feelings. Lower Lake gave the impression of progress and glamor while Upper Lake gave the impression of being quaint, peaceful, and largely removed from the bustle of regular society. This effect can still be seen today in the number of smaller, older, homes that dot the shoreline. However, they are becoming fewer and further between with each passing year.

The Upper Lake also went through an era of being less desirable than the Lower Lake. That can still be felt today when thinking of the old "swear words" of Lake Minnetonka. Almost all of which are West of the Narrows Channel & firmly in the Upper Lake area.

If you ever find yourself wondering what the shores of Minnetonka once felt like over 100 years ago, I’d suggest looking to the Upper Lake.

A number of public islands can be appreciated for being kept in their natural state by the Three Rivers Park system. Here, large ash and cottonwood trees loom over the sandy shoreline with their branches swaying in the breeze. It’s near these islands that you’d be most likely to find calm tranquility in the same way that, at one time, could be found in nearly any corner of the lake.