Civic Center Park hosts many events over the year that brings together members of the community. There are plenty of amenities, including a canoe landing, an indoor skating rink, and a football/soccer field. There is also a playground for the younger set and a picnic area if you want to take a break and pull out a picnic basket. There is an outdoor amphitheater (weather permitting) which houses the Entertainment in the Park. There are biking and walking trails if that is more your speed.
Ford Park is a favorite of the members in the community. There are walking and biking trails upon which you can meander as you enjoy the foliage around you. There is a playground for the younger set that is filled with fun equipment for them to play on. There is also a picnic shelter with picnic tables so you can rest up and have a bite to eat.
Jidana Park is 60 acres and a community preserve that is perfect for enjoying a day out in nature. There is a canoe landing and dock, and this is a great way to enjoy the surrounding beauty. There are no fields or courts in this preserve, but there are plenty of ways to soak in the flora and the fauna. There is the Jidana Boardwalk Trail along with other walking trails. There are picnic tables so you can stop and have a rest/bite to eat. Dogs are allowed as long as they remain on a leash, and what a better way to tromp on the trails than with a canine companion?
Lone Lake Community Park and Reserve is 144 acres on the shore of Lone Lake, obviously. There is plenty to do in the park besides just walking around, soaking in the nature. There is fishing if you like sitting on the pier. If you prefer to be more active, there are tennis courts, a full-court basketball court, and a football/soccer field. There is also a play area for the younger set and a picnic area when you want to relax. There are also plenty of trails to go hiking and biking.
Lone Lake Community Park and Reserve is a 146 acres of lush greenery through which you can walk, savor, and enjoy. There are so many things available for you to do, no matter what your interests. If you are athletic, there is a full-court basketball court, pickleball courts, tennis courts and more. There is a place for fishing, bike trails, and walking trails, too. The trails are connected to other parks' trails, too. There is a picnic area with grills where you can rest and have a nice lunch.
Meadow Neighborhood Park and Community Preserve is over a hundred acres of environmental beauty that you can walk through and enjoy. There are hiking and biking trails to assist in this goal, and they are handicap accessible. If you're the more active type, there are activities for you to enjoy as well. They have a roller hockey rink, a skating rink, a tennis court, and a playing field. There is also a picnic area as well as a picnic shelter (both handicap accessible).
Purgatory Community Preserve is 155 acres, which makes it the largest of Minnetonka's five community parks. It's known for its trails which wend around Purgatory Creek. As for the unusual name, legend has it that the early settlers were faced with mosquitoes and swamps while hiking the trail and one said it was worse than hell, it was purgatory. There's nothing hellish about it now that it's filled with lush greenery and plenty of flora and fauna to explore. In addition to the plethora of trails, there is a picnic area, a picnic shelter, and grills when you want to take a break from hiking/biking and relax.
Purgatory Community Preserve is the largest of the five community parks in Minnetonka at 155 acres. It's full of lush, green, scenery through which you can hike and bike. There is more than 2 miles of formal trails, and this includes a 1.2 trail loop within the park that allows you to see wetlands, prairies, and woodlands. The name comes from an apocryphal story about how early settlers traveling to nearby Excelsior came across this swampy, mosquito-plagued area and said, "This is hell!" Another settler retorted, "No, it's worse. It's Purgatory." There is also a picnic area so you can take a break and have a bite to eat.
Woodgate Park is a quiet neighborhood park that is enjoyable to walk through as a break from your busy day. There are several things you can do in this park, including playing tennis, football, and anything that you can play on a 'hard court'. There are walking trails, leafy green trees, and a picnic area in which you can have a sit down and a bite to eat. There is a playground area for the younger set as well. It's a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon.
Bacio is an upscale Italian restaurant in the Bonaventure Mall. They believe in local sourcing whenever possible and in fresh products. They have seasonal dishes and cuisine that is influenced by Italy, the Mediterranean, and Asia. The decor has arches and contemporary stylings. The staff members are attentive and the atmosphere is relaxed, despite the environment. There is a patio for outdoor dining when the weather is pleasant. The menu includes Bacon Wrapped Scallop Lollipops, Salsiccia (pizza), The Aristocrat (burger), Black Cod Bouillabaisse, and Linguini with Lamb. They have chicken and steak as well.
Bacio is an Italian restaurant owned by Bob and Jill Tinsley. They buy local in order to provide the freshest dishes possible. The decor is modern and has clean lines, while simultaneously being warm and welcoming. The dishes are made by hand, and the menu consists of customer favorites, new dishes, and seasonal picks. the service is friendly, too. There is both in-door dining and patio dining, weather permitted. The menu includes Parmesan Crusted Shrimp, Beef Carpaccio, Miso Glazed Salmon, New York Strip, Lamb Sausage Risotto, and more. They also have a dessert menu if you want to finish your meal with something sweet.
Ike's Minnetonka is a restaurant with its inspiration in steakhouses. They are both casual and fine dining, and the decor is classic with a touch of modern. It's a family-owned business, and it has both indoor and outdoor dining--weather permitting. Staff members are welcoming and warm. The menu includes Wood-fired Flatbreads, Cedar Plank Salmon, Ike's Original Burger, Shrimp and Crab Fettucine, and more.
Kai's Sushi & Grill Minnetonka is a sushi restaurant. There is one in Chanhassen as well. Their focus is on making dishes for their customers with the freshest natural ingredients possible because they want to provide delicious and satisfying food. The decor is contemporary with water walls and colored lights, and the atmosphere is warmly inviting. The servers are friendly as well. The menu includes sushi, sashimi, rolls, and so much more. The different fish available include Hamachi, Tako, Tamago, Saba, to name just a few.
Nautical Bowls is a national chain that focuses on frozen yogurt bowls that are tasty and beneficial to your health. The bowls are gluten-free, dairy-free, and organic. They have no refined sugars and contain essential nutrients and vitamins. The decor is minimalistic and the staff members are friendly and helpful. The menu includes Big Island Bowl, Sota Bowl, and The Nauti Bowl among others. You can also build your own bowl, starting with one of several bases, including mango, cacao, pitaya and one of three kinds of chia seeds. Toppings include hemp seeds, goji berries, bee pollen, and more.
Pattaya Thai Restaurant is a neighborhood favorite as it offers authentic Thai cuisine in a welcoming atmosphere. The decor includes warmly-colored walls that invites one to indulge oneself. The staff members are friendly and everyone is made to feel at home. They have food that ranges in spice from mild to truly spicy, and it's all tasty and flavorful. The menu includes Tom Ka, Yum Neau, Thai Almond Chicken, Pad Bai Ka Prow, Steam Potato Curry, and so much more.
Pattaya Thai Restaurant is, of course, a restaurant that serves Thai food. The decor is bright and clean, and the atmosphere is welcoming. The staff is friendly, too. The menu includes many favorites such as Tom Yum, Braised Beef Pho, and Pad Thai. There are also more dishes such as Pad Ki Mao, Laos Sausage, Noodle Curry, just to name a few.
Peoples Organic is a restaurant that focuses on using local ingredients that are natural--organic when possible. They are fastidious about serving food that is healthy and delicious at the same time. The decor is heavy on the wood and colors found in nature, and the service is friendly. There is a patio for outdoor dining when the weather permits. The menu includes Italian Chicken Sausage (flatbread), Minnesota Wild Rice Pancakes, Organic Tofu & Veggie Scramble, Pumpkin Ravioli, and Grass-fed Cheeseburger. They also have sandwiches and appetizers. They have gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options, too.
Snuffy's Malt Shop is a local chain that leans heavily on nostalgia and Americana. They have the iconic red-checkered wrappers and red plastic baskets in which they deliver the food. There is a retro vibe in the atmosphere and the servers are very friendly. The first one opened in St. Paul in 1983 with the intent of recreating a 1950s drive-in restaurant that delivers great foods at good prices. The menu includes hamburgers, fries, and malts, of course, with so much variety. There's the Jalapeno Bacon Bleu (burger), Chili Cheeseburger, and the Veggie Burger. Their malt flavors include Pineapple, Fudge-Banana, Snuffy Colada, and so much more. They also have sandwiches, salads, and desserts other than malts.
Snuffy's Malt Shop is a local chain with 3 different locations and stands in both the Xcel Energy Center and the CHS Field. The first one opened in 1983 by Mike Mueller in St. Paul, and while that one has since closed down, three others were established in various locations of the south suburbs of Minneapolis. The decor is '50s drive-in/diner and the atmosphere is casual and friendly. The staff members are welcoming. The menu includes Snuffy Birger, Battered Fish Sandwich, Chili Cheese Dog, and more. They have a malt menu, too, of course with delicious flavors such as (but not limited to) Fudge-Scotchie, Vanilla, Chocoffelate. They also have a menu of sundaes, floats, and sodas as well as a retro menu.
The Original Pancake is a national chain that was started in 1953 in Portland, Oregon, because everybody loves pancakes. It has won awards for its food and it's in large part because they only use the finest quality ingredients that they can find. They are known for their Apple Pancake and their Dutch Treat. The decor is a mixture of classy and casual while the service is friendly and welcoming. The pancake menu includes Ten Dollar Pancakes, Pumpkin Pancakes, Peanut Butter Pancakes, and more. They also have Belgian waffles, sourdough French toast, and cereal--plus more.
Viet Hoa is a Chinese/Vietnamese restaurant opened by Hoa Luu so he could cook the foods of his childhood for the people of Minnesota. It is located in the Westwind Plaza. The decor is simple and the service is friendly and quick. The Chinese menu includes Hong Sue Chicken, Shrimp with Lobster Sauce, Ginger and Green Onion Tripe, and more. The Vietnamese menu has delicious dishes including but not limited to Bun Tom Xiao, Hu Tieu Kho Seafood, and Pho Tofu. They provide catering as well.
Bethesda Thrift Shop is a store filled with a vast array of items, such as books, linens, small toys, clothing, games, and more. More includes jewelry, picture frames, purses, and even more. They have strict rules about what they will and won't accept because they want to make sure that the items are quality resells. They often have sales, too, to make the prices even more palatable. The staff members are eager to help and the store is always looking for volunteers.
BoxLunch is a gift store located in Ridgedale Center. It is a local change that is focused on giving back to the community. For every ten dollars that is spent on pop culture-themed clothing and accessories, BoxLunch gives a meal to a person in need. They are focused on pop culture and have so many items available. They range from clothing to accessories to bags. They also have plenty of gifts that are suitable for the home, and toys & collectibles to peruse as well. You can find the perfect present for anyone in your life when you shop here.
Clothes Mentor is a chain that sells and buys gently-used women's clothing. They have clothing from sizes 0-26 and are based on the concept that women's lives change all the time. They accept new and gently-used items that are in fashion, designer, and in great condition. Some of their preferred brands are Burberry, Tumi, Ray-Ban, and Alex and Ani. In addition to clothes, they sell accessories and shoes, and handbags as well.
The General Store of Minnetonka is a gifts store that was opened in 1984 and has been family-owned and operated ever since. They want to foster an old-timey general store feel, but with modern conveniences and timeless service. The staff members are eager to help you out with everything from finding the perfect item to assessing the fit of a garment that you wish to try on in the clothing boutique. It is a large space with several different areas of interest, including Kitchen, Country Home, Retro, and so much more. They also have a cafe in which you can dine when you want a break from shopping.
General Store of Minnetonka was opened in 1984 and is family owned. It has so much to offer on so many different levels (literally and figuratively). Like a true general store, it has so many different items. They include raspberry honey mustard (Gourmet Food), Holiday Foaming Soaps by Michel (Florals & Scents), Common Loon (stuffed animal with sound, Toys & Games), various paintings in the Homemade Gallery, and so much more. They have Minnesota gift boxes and surprise boxes. They also have a cafe & bistro in which they serve dishes with fresh and natural ingredients.
Groveland Confections was opened by Andrea with the desire to spread some chocolate love across the city and state. She has been so successful, she opened another store in the Galleria in Edina. They use only the finest ingredients and make their confections by hand every day. They have gift boxes, holiday treats, corporate gifts, and more. The menu includes, but is not limited to Peanut Butter Bomb, Moo Pies, Caramel Bourbon Sauce, and Minty's.
Ridgedale Center opened in 1974 and is the fourth of such 'dale' malls in Minnesota (Southdale, Brookdale, and Rosedale). It was intended to be a high-end shopping center and features such brands as Coach, New York, and Swarovski. The flagship stores were Dayton's, Sears, JCPenney, and Donaldson's. The mall has changed over the years and now includes Nordstrom. The other stores include Beeline Ridgedale, Sheer Treasures, Minnesota Strong, and The White Barn Candle Co.--and more, of course. There are also dining options, such as Big Bowl, The Cheesecake Factory, and Jamba Juice.
Ridgedale Center opened in 1974 and is the fourth 'dale' shopping center after Southdale, Brookdale, and Rosedale. The department stores include JC Penney, Macy's, and Nordstrom. There are a wide variety of stores, including Claire's, Salt of the Earth Apothecary, Pink Lilie, and more. There are places for kids to express themselves such as the Playseum Minnesota. There are also plenty of places to grab a bite to eat such as Redstone American Grill, Auntie Anne's, and The Cheesecake Factory, to name a few. There is something for everyone to discover at this shopping center.
Rockler Woodworking and Hardware is one of three Rocklers in Minnesota. It is a Minnesota-based chain in which the local stores are still family-owned and operated. The first iteration was opened in 1954 by Norman Rockler and has grown by leaps and bounds over the decades. They sell hardware in different categories such as furniture, DIY home improvement, and cabinet. They also have everything you need to craft the perfect workshop and are eager to help you realize that dream. They stock tools, too, as well as all sorts of wood. They also have classes and workshops if you want to sharpen your skills in different areas such as epoxy pour design, pizza cutter handle turning, cutting dovetails.
Westridge Market Shopping Center is a neighborhood favorite as you can stop by, pick up a few things, and be on your way. The stores include Dick's Sporting Goods, Wild Birds Unlimited, Shane Co., and more. There is a Great Clips if you want to get a haircut and you can also grab a bite to eat at BLVD Kitchen or a coffee at Caribou Coffee. It's a low-key way to shop with little or no stress to you.
YoYo Donuts is a family-owned donut shop located in the Sundial Center and it is a big neighborhood favorite. The decor is light yellow, which is cheerful and welcoming at the same time. Donuts run in the family blood and the great-tasting donuts are a result of that family investment. They make the donuts every day by hand and they have Fair Trade coffee to buy as well, which goes great with the homemade donuts. They don't use preservatives so their donuts are best eaten fresh. Their menu includes bear claws, cake donuts, donut holes and yeast-raised donuts. They also have filled long johns, maple glazed cinnamon rolls, apple fritters, and more.
BLVD Kitchen & Bar is located in the Westridge Market Shopping Center and is an American bistro that focuses on serving what they call 'upscale casual American cuisine'. The decor is eclectic with lots of wood, brick, found furniture, and warm lighting. The staff members are assiduous in taking care of the customers and the atmosphere is welcoming. There is a patio for outside dining when the weather is permitting. Their menu includes Lobster Mac & Cheese, Horseradish Filet, Crab Cake BLT, and Mushroom & Arugula (flatbread). On the drinks side, they have all kinds, including Seven Daughters Moscato, Left Hand Milk Stout, Raspberry Martini, and Moscow Mule.
BLVD Kitchen & Bar is a new American bistro that takes old bar & grille food/drinks and jazzes them up. They like to give familiar American dishes a glow-up that makes them new and exciting again. The decor is modern and clean, and the atmosphere is welcoming. The chefs are serious about creating new dishes that are both comforting and unexpected, and the servers are friendly. The dinner menu includes Lobster Mac & Cheese, Rigatoni Bolognese, BLVD Royale with Cheese, and more. They have cocktails such as Dark & Stormy, Coconut White Russian, and Sloe Gin Fizz.
Gold Nugget Tavern & Grille has a long history in Minnetonka, but its current iteration opened in 2009 after the previous iteration closed the doors in 2006 after being opened for thirty years. There was a tavern on the site before that and the one thing they all had in common was being known for great burgers. The current iteration was opened with the idea of promoting local craft beer and producing great burgers. They make their food from scratch every day and call it comfort food. The atmosphere is open and welcoming, and the service is very friendly. Their is patio dining when weather permits. In addition to their renowned burgers, their menu includes Cheeseburger Wontons, Lobster Roll, Carnitas (taco), and Gouda Mac.
Gold Nugget Tavern & Grille has a classic pub feel to it, and the interior is airy and welcoming. It is service with a smile with the servers being very friendly. They have a patio for summer dining, too. The menu includes dishes such as Cheesy Tots, Tuna Poke, Bacon Me Crazy (burger), Jambalaya, and many more. They have a brunch menu, too. This includes, but is not limited to Chorizo Scramble, Classic Eggs Benedict, and pancakes. They have beer and wine as their tipples.
Ike's Minnetonka is one of four Ike's in Minnesota and is a family-friendly bar and restaurant that is a neighborhood favorite. The decor is woodsy and warm, and the atmosphere is welcoming. The staff members are friendly as well and there is an outdoor dining option for when the weather is nice. The menu includes Andy's Kitchen Burger, House Smoked Baby Back Ribs, Santa Fe Fried Avocado (salad), and Cedar Plank Salmon. The drinks include beers and cocktails, such as Pig on a Porch (cocktail), Grain Belt Nordeast (beer), and Astrid (seasonal cocktail).
Jimmy's Kitchen and Bar is an American restaurant and bar where you can have either an upscale dining experience or a casual lounge/bar experience, depending on what you're in the mood for. Both areas are luxe feeling, but dialed down a notch for the bar/lounge. They specialize in traditional and contemporary American cuisine, and the service is warm and friendly. In the dining room, the menu includes Prosciutto and Burrata Board, Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Walleye, Filet Mignon Fettuccini, and the Jimmy Burger. They also have gluten-sensitive dishes such as Certified Angus Burger (with gluten-free bread), Grilled Scottish Salmon, and Buffalo Chicken Sandwich. On the drinks side, they have a long list of wines that will please any oenophile.
Jimmy's Kitchen and Bar is known for their American food, both traditional and modern. The decor is contemporary and warm, while the service is friendly and welcoming. They have both a dining room that casual/upscale and a bar area that is strictly casual. The menu includes Jimmy's Booya (soup), Shrimp Capellini, Walleye Fish & Chips, Prime M.A.C. Burger, and more. They have a gluten-free menu, too, that includes Seafood Stew, Lobster Guacamole, Shaved Ribeye Sandwich with gf multigrain bread, and more. They have a wine menu as well with drunks such as Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Champagne & Sparkling Wine, and more.
Lone Spur Grill and Bar is a chill place to hang out with colorful murals and paintings on the walls. Despite its nondescript exterior, there is plenty of excitement inside. Their emphasis is on Tex-Mex food and they have a patio for outdoor dining when weather permits. The service is friendly and the drinks are flowing. They make their dishes from scratch every day. The menu includes Shrimp Valentina, Pork Adobado, Smoked Beef Brisket, Lone Spur Chili, and so much more. On the drinks side, they have beer, wine, margaritas, and more.
Lone Spur Grill and Bar is located in the Cedar Hills Shopping Center and it's a low-key hangout for people in the neighborhood. It has a cheerful atmosphere and friendly staff members. They have patio seating, weather permitted. They pride themselves on their Tex-Mex fare and their BBQ. Their menu includes XXX Bola Red (chili), House Specialty Brisket Burger, Shrimp Valentina, Don Julio (platter), and much more. Their drink menu includes beers, wines, and all kinds of cocktails, including Midnight Margarita, Midori Tea (a version of the Long Island Ice Tea), Pink Diamond, and many moor.
Scoreboard Bar and Grill is a neighborhood hangout in which you can brunch, grab a beer, and/or watch a game with some friends. They have a patio on which you can dine, weather permitting, and many big screen TVs inside for all your sports viewing. The atmosphere is casual and the servers are friendly. They have tasty food, including Wisconsin Cheese Curds, Guacamole Burger, Street Tacos, Southwest Protein, and more. The drink menu includes Benzinger Pinot Noir, Rondo Prosecco, Leinenkugel's Summer Shandy, Lift Bridge Mango Ale, and so much more.
Art Center on 7 is a multi-room arts building that is located just off Highway 7. The rooms are open to the public and non-profits alike (at different rates), and they include the Main Stage, the Studio Theatre, and Rehearsal Rooms. The rooms can also be reserved for meetings as well. There are several theater groups who use the art center on a regular basis, and it's a mainstay of the theatrical scene in Minnetonka.
Entertainment in the Park is summer fun with events held in the amphitheater in Civic Center Park. It has both Movies in the Park and Music in the Park, on differing nights, of course. The Music in the Park happens once a week for the summer with one special event in autumn. The Movies in the Park are in both summer and autumn. For the musical events, there are various different groups, such as Salsa del Soul, Church of Cash, and Jazz on the Prairie. It's a great way to enjoy a summery night in the park and some music/a movie.
Entertainment in the Park is hosted by the city of Minnetonka throughout the summer, and it's Music in the Park, Theater in the Park, and Movies in the Park all rolled up into one. It's from June to September in Civic Center Park on a weekly basis. Everyone in the community is invited to join in at the amphitheater, and they are encouraged to bring a lawn chair upon which to enjoy the entertainment.
Glen Lake Music Studios is a studio that offers private music lessons for all ages. They offer lessons in an assortment of instruments, including mandolin, violin, guitar, cello, and more. They accept students at all skill levels and ages. The instructors all have a passion for music and are committed to sharing that passion with each other and their students.
Inspire Dance Studio was opened by Julia Schmitt and Kristen Karon in 2017. The two women, each of whom has several decades in the art of dance, realized that the two of them together had a synergy that lent itself to being a dynamic dance duo and wanted to share their passion with others. They accept students of ages 3 to adult with varying levels of proficiency for their dance classes and have a movement class for kids as young as 18 months. Their classes include, but are not limited to, tap, hip hop, technique, musical theater, and fitness. Whether your goal is to be a professional dancer or just to add some fun exercise to your life, they will support you down either of these paths.
The Minnetonka Community Center is located in Civic Center Park where the City Hall is also situated. The MCC has classes during the week as well as rooms that are available for renting. There are city events planned there throughout the year, and it's a good place for people in the neighborhood to congregate. There are festivals held outside in the park and The Minnetonka Farmers Market is held here as well.
Minnetonka Theatre is housed in the Arts Center on 7, which itself is found in the Minnetonka High School. It is one of the best regional high school programs. Their goal is to shine a light on theatrical performance while entertaining and educating at the same time. They spend months practicing and preparing, and they produce musicals and plays. They are the highlight of the community's theater scene, and they enjoy a tremendous amount of support.
Momentum School of Dance is a dance school that is dedicated to helping their students flourish in a nurturing environment. They operate in trimesters, spring, fall, and summer. They welcome students of all ages and abilities. They are a family-friendly school that wants to ensure that everyone is having fun as they are learning. They offer classes in several styles, including (but not limited to) ballet, lyrical, and hip hop. They also have stretching and conditioning for dancers classes, adult dance fitness classes, and much more.
Momentum School of Dance is a dance school that is family friendly and teaches dance in a supportive environment. They aim on making dance fun for their students. They offer classes in three seasons: Fall, Spring, and Sumer. They offer classes in different kinds of dance and beyond because they want to provide a well-rounded dance education. They have core classes, adult fitness classes, and technique classes. They have private lessons as well as camps and intensives. They also have a performance team. The different styles of dance they teach include (but not limited to): jazz, tap, musical theater, and classes with parent and child.
Music Association of Minnetonka, in a partnership with the City of Minnetonka, has many different musical groups that perform all around the city and beyond. These groups include an adult choral group, a youth choral group, an adult instrumental ensemble, and free performances. They believe that music enriches lives, and they aim to provide that for members of their communities, both as performers and as audiences. The music they perform include but is not limited to orchestral and jazz.
Your Art's Desire is an art gallery that was open in 2005 by Melissa and Dave (wife and husband). They have several decades of experience in art and framing; they brought this experience to running their gallery. They want their gallery to be welcoming to everyone and it has become a neighborhood favorite. They believe in allowing people to explore and enjoy art at their own pace so they are very relaxed in their approach. They also have expertise in framing and sell frames, too. They are eager to work with their customers to find exactly the right frame for each painting.
The Citizen Academy is hosted by the City every other year in January and February. It's a free program that is spread over six nights. People from various departments (police, fire department, legal, finance, planning, and more) present about their work. It's a way for the citizens of the community to learn more about how the government works.
The Minnetonka Kids' Fest has been hosted annually by the City of Minnetonka in February for over a quarter of a century. It is held at the Minnetonka Community Center and is fun for everyone in the family. It's free and there are tons of things to do, both indoors and out. There is face painting, sledding, s'mores over a bonfire, ice sculptures, snowshoeing, and more. It's both a celebration of winter and a way to break up the sameness of February.
Minnetonka Summer Fest is an annual celebration of all things Minnetonka that is held in June in Civic Center Park. It's a time for neighbors to get together and enjoy the best of their city. During the festival, there is live music as entertainment. For the younger set, there is a bouncy castle, a petting zoo, and rides. At the end of the event, there is a spectacular firework display that caps off a festive night.
The Tour de Tonka is an annual bike ride through in August through the west metro. It started in 2006 with 816 riders and has grown to nearly 3,500 people who eagerly anticipate it every year. There are several rides, including The Family Ride (16 miles), The Road Trip (42 miles) and Tonka Century (100) miles among others. It is run by the Minnesota Public Schools and a portion of the proceeds are given to the ICA Food Shelf. The MPS takes their responsibility to provide safe routes seriously and makes sure to emphasize that it's a ride, not a race. There are rest stops along the way, filled with music and refreshments! It's fun for the whole family.
Trunk or Treat is a fun alternative to Trick or Treat. This one is held in Mercy Hill Church around Halloween and they like to see how many trunks they can get involved. The more the merrier, of course. The trunks are decorated and there is candy to be had. While the kids are enjoying the trunk-or-treating, there will be hot drinks and pizza which can be enjoyed by everyone.
Burwell Spooktacular is a yearly Halloween event hosted by the City of Minnetonka in the historic Burwell House right before Halloween. It is under their Entertainment in the Park category, and it's an annual favorite. It's recommended for kids under 12, who should come in costumes, of course. It's free and family-friendly, with a scavenger hunt, story telling, treats, and so much fun for the whole family.
The Tonka Turkey Trot has been an annual event for over a decade. It's held the morning of Thanksgiving and it starts--and ends--at Minnetonka High School. It's a USATF-certified 5K course that runs through the nearby neighborhoods. It's a much-anticipated race that is enjoyed by many people before their Thanksgiving activities. After the race, there are snacks, music, and a photo booth you can visit before continuing with your Thanksgiving Day.
