Officially known as the City of the Village of Minnetonka Beach, and known locally as "The Beach," Minnetonka Beach is in Hennepin County. County Road 15 is the main route through the city. Minnetonka Beach is on a peninsula on Lake Minnetonka, with Lafayette Bay to the south, Crystal Bay to the north, and a larger portion of the lake to the east. A bridge connects the city with the city of Crystal Bay to the north, while it is connected by land to Spring Park to the west. Other nearby communities include Deephaven, Excelsior, Greenwood, Mound, and Tonka Bay. Mahpiyata Island and Big Island are south and southwest of the city. Minnetonka Beach is largely residential, except for the Lafayette Club and St. Martin's Church. Although there were white settlers on Minnetonka Beach as early as 1855, it was not officially opened for settlement until 1872. The village was platted and named in 1883. James J. Hill had chosen Minnetonka Beach as the site of the Great Northern Railroad's first great summer resort, which catered to the rich and famous. The Hotel Lafayette played an important part in shaping the town, as the railroad restricted development of other parts of the peninsula. A road was built through the peninsula in 1887. In 1897, the hotel was destroyed by fire and, a couple of years later, the Minnetonka Club was formed at the former site of the hotel, although its name was later changed to the Lafayette Club. Minnetonka Beach was incorporated as a village in 1894, and became a city in 1922, and is one of the smallest incorporated cities in the state, with a peak population of 614 in 2000.
 
 
Recommended Resources
City of the Village of Minnetonka Beach
Minnetonka Beach is situated on a boot-shaped peninsula on Lake Minnetonka. With fewer than 250 homes, it is one of the smallest cities in the state. The official municipal web site offers a profile and brief history of the community, a map, a calendar of events, newsletter, and the city charter and code of ordinances, meeting agendas and minutes, and administrative contacts. Employment opportunities are posted to the site.
http://www.ci.minnetonka-beach.mn.us/
Situated on thirty-eight acres on the shores of Lake Minnetonka, the private club features a clubhouse built in 1925, a nine-hole golf course, outdoor pool, docks, and a tennis facility. Its history and several photographs, including aerial views, are put forth, along with the benefits and costs of membership, a calendar of events, and resources for event planners. A private login for members is included.
http://www.lafayetteclub.com/
The full-service dock company specializes in the installation and removal of residential docks, boat lifts, and boat houses, and also offers new and used docks for sale, as well as boat houses, boat lifts, and dock accessories. Barge services are also available. Its location, hours of operation, and an overview of its products and services are put forth, described in detail and in photographs.
http://www.minnetonkadocks.com/
St. Martin's By-the-Lake Episcopal Church
St. Martin's is located on the shores of Lake Minnetonka, on Westwood Road in the Village of Minnetonka Beach, Minnesota. As the only church in Minnetonka Beach, St. Martin's welcomes people of all faiths, or with no church background at all, and all baptized Christians may participate in all of its worship life, including communion. Its history and a profile of the church are offered, with an overview of its ministries and programs.
http://www.stmartinsbylake.org/