This is a guide to the city of Tonka Bay, Minnesota, situated in Hennepin County, between the upper and lower lakes of Lake Minnetonka.
Incorporated as a village in 1901, Tonka Bay has more shoreline on Lake Minnetonka than any other city of its size.
Before the village was founded, a man named Peter Gideon took a claim on 160 acres in what would later become Tonka Bay, at the area now known for him, as Gideon's Bay. While there, Gideon propagated a variety of apple known as The Wealthy, named for his wife's maiden name, Wealthy Hull. Another early settler was Stephen Hull, who built the first channel connecting the lower and upper lakes, known as Hull's Narrows, although it was south of the current narrows, in the area of West Point Road.
The Lake Park Hotel was built on Echo Bay in 1879, one of the first hotels on the lake. Later known as Tonka Bay Hotel, it featured two hundred rooms.
Although the city has a total land area of only 0.94 square miles, it consists of a variety of distinct neighborhoods and included several large estates by the time it was incorporated as a village. Clay Cliffe, across from the Tonka Bay City Hall, was constructed in 1890 and was once situated on twenty-eight acres. Another historic home, Old Orchard, was built for John F. Wilcox, the village's first mayor, in 1887.
The area that now includes County Road 19 was once planted in apple orchards. The first bridge, connecting Tonka Bay with Spring Park and Minnetonka Beach, was constructed in 1911.
Originally, the village attracted a large number of tourists, who came by train to vacation on the lake. Once the era of steamboating died out, the tourists left, and a permanent population of residents began to build homes in the village.
A school was opened in 1909, although attendance dropped considerably in the winter, as many families wintered in the Twin Cities. During the 1920s, just over thirty families resided year-round in the village.
Currently, the city has a stable population between one and two thousand, and is primarily residential. County Road 19 is the only route through the city, although various city street connect its neighborhoods.
Tonka Bay abuts Shorewood to the south, Old Channel Bay to the west, Echo Bay and Gideon Bay to the east, and Lafayette Bay to the north, all of which are part of Lake Minnetonka.
The focus of the resources included in this category is the city of Tonka Bay, Minnesota. Websites representing the city government, as well as local businesses, churches, schools, organizations, and individuals are appropriate for this category.
Recommended Resources
Owned and operated by the Koch family since 1960, the Caribbean Marina is located on Lake View Avenue in Tonka Bay, just west of Excelsior on Echo Bay. Its seasonal restaurant offers grill and beverage services, and its menu is posted to the site. The restaurant, mooring, and slips are highlighted, along with its storage. service, and repair services, and gas dock are highlighted, and contacts are posted to the site.
http://thecaribbeanmarina.com/
City of Tonka Bay: At the Heart of Lake Minnetonka
The official municipal website features a history of the city, and an introduction to the city council, meeting agendas and packets, minutes, ordinances, and public hearing notices. Its data access policies, zoning classifications, and announcements. City hall and public works hours, recycling dates, and a calendar of events are noted. Also included is a map of the city and its parks, as well as other cities on the lake.
https://www.cityoftonkabay.net/
Located on Manitou Road, Tonka Bay, Minnesota, the bowling alley features league play for anyone four years old and up, as well as a junior bowling club, the facility’s schedules for open bowling, glow bowling, group bowling, and league play are published to the site, along with its pro-shop, upcoming tournaments, and high school bowling. Its policies for birthday parties, or other events, are included.
http://www.countryclublanesmn.com/
Joey Nova’s Pizzeria and Grilled Subs
Offering in-house, delivery, and catering services, Joey Nova’s is located on Manitou Road in Tonka Bay, Minnesota. Directions and a map showing its location are published to the site. Its hours of operation and telephone numbers are listed, and its menus and prices may be viewed online, including delivery hours. Its catering policies and menus are included. Gift cards may be available on request.
http://joeynovas.com/
The small private marina on Lake Minnetonka has been in operation for more than seventy years and features forty-two slips right next to Big Island. Directions, a map showing its location, a dock layout, and a list of features that the marina offers are listed, and include watercraft access, boat slips up to 32 feet, boat lifts on request, on-site security, and restrooms. Contacts are posted to the site.
http://www.lindbo-landing.com/
Designed and constructed by Scott Estrem, a long-time resident of Tonka Bay, Minnesota, the artisan business produces stone fountains, above-ground carved stone basins, and below-ground basins, made from natural stones and boulders. Commissioned products are also available. Its products are highlighted in photos, and places in which the products may be found are featured on the site.
http://www.tonkabayfountains.com/
Situated just southwest of Big Island, the Tonka Bay Marina is the largest full-service marina on Lake Minnetonka, with two others operated by the same company, Excelsior Marinas and Shorewood Yacht Club. An overview of the facilities, staff, and amenities are posted, including its docks, dry stack, and clubhouse. Its boat sales services are highlighted, and available boats are pictured, with asking prices.
https://www.tonkabaymarina.com/
