About

The Lake Minnetonka Historical Society tells the story of Lake Minnetonka by collecting, preserving and sharing its history.

The Society is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization that was formed in October 2023 through the consolidation of the Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Historical Society, the Museum of Lake Minnetonka, the Wayzata Historical Society and the Westonka Historical Society.

The new organization has one of the largest archival and three-dimensional collections of Lake Minnetonka history available in-person and online and maintains a Research Archive in Wayzata, as well as Museums in Excelsior, Mound and Wayzata.

The Society also shares the history of the lake through a variety of public programs and experiences, publishes and sells a number of books about the history of the area and is committed to returning its historic 1906 streetcar steamboat Minnehaha to active operation on Lake Minnetonka to continue her life as a floating museum. 

Visit us in Wayzata at the Historic Wayzata Depot Museum and Garden Railroad:

402 Lake St E, Wayzata
Open May-October
Weekends, Noon-4pm
Garden Railroad Hours:
Weekends, 1-4pm (weather permitting)