Aerial Image of Downtown Wayzata
Downtown Wayzata
Aerial Image of Wayzata Bay
Aerial Image of Wayzata Bay
Carlson Towers from Wayzata Bay

WAYZATA BAY HOMES FOR SALE

DNR Lake ID: 27013302

Location Highlights:

Wayzata Bay is located on the northeastern side of Lake Minnetonka, nestled between Lower Lake and Grays Bay. Surrounded by the city of Wayzata and served by the award-winning Wayzata School District, this bay offers an ideal blend of historic charm and modern amenities. Wayzata Bay boasts a rich history, dating back to the 1800s when it emerged as a tourist hotspot. It was once home to some of the grandest hotels on Lake Minnetonka, attracting visitors from across the region. In the early 1900s, the area transitioned into a summer retreat for Minneapolis residents who built charming cottages along the shoreline. Today, Wayzata blends its storied past with vibrant present-day amenities, including upscale shopping, fine dining, and elegant lakefront homes overlooking the scenic bay. Notable neighborhoods on the bay include Bushaway, Ferndale, Highcroft, Lookout Point, and Maplewood Circle

Water Quality:

Wayzata Bay reaches a maximum depth of 87 feet and has been awarded an A rating by the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District. This top-tier rating reflects excellent water clarity and overall quality, making the bay ideal for swimming, boating, and recreation throughout the year. 

Boating Restrictions:

None

Lake Access:

The high demand for lake access is reflected in the number of boat slips and facilities around Wayzata Bay. The Wayzata Bay Public Launch, located on McGinty Road, offers public access with limited on-street parking. For residents, the City of Wayzata provides 100 municipal boat slips at Barry Avenue and Grove Lane. These are awarded through an annual lottery system, with better odds given to applicants who reapply year after year. In addition, the Wayzata Yacht Club, though not a marina, serves as a nationally recognized community sailing center. It supports one of the largest sailboat racing programs in the country, offering opportunities for both youth and adult sailors to participate in competitive racing and sailing education. 

Amenities:

Wayzata Bay’s central location and lively atmosphere offer year-round entertainment and lifestyle opportunities. During the summer, the area hosts several signature events, including the Wayzata Art Experience, Sunday Music in the Park, and James J. Hill Days. The Wayzata Art Experience is a two-day event that takes place the last weekend of June in the heart of downtown Wayzata, shutting down the main road, Lake Street East. The art fair attracts vendors and art enthusiasts from across the Twin Cities. Sunday Music in the Park takes place every Sunday from 4:30 to 5:30 pm all summer outside of Hotel Landing, showcasing local artists. Wayzata's largest annual celebration, James J. Hill Days, features a carnival, fireworks, logrolling competitions, live music, and more, taking over downtown each fall. In the winter, the frozen bay transforms into the course for the Chilly Open, a beloved lakeside golf tournament held on the ice. Wayzata shines year-round with its distinctive lakeside charm, providing a scenic backdrop to the community's upscale shopping, dining, and vibrant lifestyle offerings. 

Sources:

Source MN DNR® 
Source Minnehaha Watershed District® 
 

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