Lake Minnetonka, one of Minnesota’s largest and most beloved lakes, is a treasure trove of natural beauty and cultural history. Spanning over 14,300 acres and boasting more than 125 miles of shoreline, the lake is renowned for its interconnected bays, points, and islands. Among its many features, the lake is home to approximately 38 named islands, each with its own story, ranging from vacation retreats and historic cottages to cultural landmarks significant to the region’s Indigenous peoples. These islands not only provide scenic landscapes but also a glimpse into the lake’s past, where natural beauty and human influence have shaped Lake Minnetonka into the iconic destination it is today.
Big Island (Map)
Big Island on Lake Minnetonka has a rich and varied history. Initially known as Meeker Island in the mid-1800s, the island eventually became a popular destination for summer cottages and later, in the early 20th century, was home to the Big Island Amusement Park. The amusement park, opened in 1906 by the Twin City Rapid Transit Company, featured attractions like a roller coaster and a grand music casino, drawing thousands of visitors each weekend. However, the park closed in 1911 due to high operating costs. In more recent history, Big Island became a veterans’ camp and is now a protected nature park, offering hiking trails and picnic areas for the public. The island’s history, from its days as a Dakota hunting ground to its modern-day conservation efforts, makes it a significant part of Lake Minnetonka’s cultural and recreational landscape. Today, the island is preserved as Big Island Nature Park, allowing visitors to explore its natural beauty while learning about its storied past.
Bug Island (Map)
Bug Island, a small man-made island in Deephaven on Lake Minnetonka, was created through dredging techniques similar to those used for other small islands in the area, such as Lighthouse Island. Located near the renowned St. Louis Bay, Bug Island primarily serves as a mooring spot for sailboats today. Its creation in the late 19th century helped shape the boating culture on Lake Minnetonka, particularly within Deephaven, which was home to several prominent yachting clubs during that period. Despite its diminutive size, Bug Island contributes to the vibrant sailing community on the lake, remaining a functional part of the lake’s nautical heritage.
Crane Island (Map)
Crane Island, located near the western shore of Lake Minnetonka, is a small but historically significant part of the lake. Established as a summer cottage retreat in 1907, the island became a haven for seasonal residents. The Crane Island Association platted several lots around its perimeter, with communal areas at its center. Many of the original cottages from the early 20th century still stand today, preserving the island’s historical charm. Due to its unique heritage and well-preserved structures, Crane Island is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and remains a serene, historical getaway on Lake Minnetonka.
Deering Island (Map)
Deering Island, located in the West Arm of Lake Minnetonka, is just off of Shadywood Point in Spring Park, MN. Named after Captain Charles Deering, who operated the steamboat Florence Deering in the late 1800s, the island played a significant role in the local steamboat culture. The Florence Deering was a key vessel serving the communities of the upper lake during the height of steamboat travel on Lake Minnetonka. Nestled in the serene waters of West Arm Bay, Deering Island is surrounded by the natural beauty that characterizes this part of the lake and remains a notable landmark for its historical ties to Lake Minnetonka’s vibrant steamboat era.
Eagle Island (Map)
Eagle Island on Lake Minnetonka, located near Minnetrista, MN, is a small islet nestled in the lake’s West Arm Bay. Historically, Eagle Island was named for its natural surroundings and connection to the local community, adding to the lake’s rich tapestry of scenic islands. The island is situated just a few miles south of of Mound. Over the years, it has maintained its natural character, largely covered with woods, and remains a peaceful spot on the expansive lake, contributing to the diverse geography of Lake Minnetonka.
Enchanted Island (Map)
Enchanted Island, located on Phelps Bay in Lake Minnetonka, is a historically significant site that was once a gathering place for the Mdewakanton Dakota people. Known for its natural amphitheater, the island was home to many Native American artifacts, which have since been removed. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the island was occasionally called McCormick’s Island after Samuel McCormick, who owned its eastern portion. Enchanted Island’s name likely reflects the mystique and historical significance associated with its past use by Native Americans. Today, it is remembered as one of Lake Minnetonka’s storied islands, close to Phelps Island, which was originally a peninsula before being transformed into an island through dredging in the 1880s.
Gale Island (Map)
Gale Island, located at the junction of Echo Bay and Lower Lake in Greenwood on Lake Minnetonka, has a rich history tied to the lake’s early development. Initially, like many islands and areas of the lake, it was known for its serene landscapes and became a coveted spot for summer cottages during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The island is now known for its scenic views and private homes, offering a quiet retreat from the bustling lake activity. Gale Island’s proximity to Greenwood and the historic areas of Echo Bay adds to its allure as a residential and leisure destination on Lake Minnetonka.
Goose Island (Map)
Goose Island, located in Spring Park Bay on Lake Minnetonka, is a small islet with historical significance dating back to the 1800s. Originally owned by railroad magnate James J. Hill’s holding companies, it was sold to G. E. Reel in the 1860s, who built a small cabin on the island, though he seldom visited. Goose Island, also referred to as Wild Goose Island, is now under the stewardship of the Three Rivers Park District. The island lies in the bay once known as Byer’s Bay, which was later renamed Spring Park Bay after the surrounding city. This scenic island remains a quiet, natural feature of Lake Minnetonka, offering a glimpse into the lake’s historical development.
Light House Island (Map)
Lighthouse Island on Lake Minnetonka, located in Deephaven, is a man-made island with a rich history tied to the Minnetonka Yacht Club. It was created by filling in dredged sand and gravel from nearby St. Louis Bay. Although the name “Lighthouse Island” suggests the presence of a lighthouse, no such structure ever existed there. In 1882, the Minnetonka Yacht Club was founded on the island, which became a central hub for the region’s sailing activities. Over time, it has been a key location for both social and competitive yachting events. The original multi-level clubhouse, built in 1890, burned down in 1943 but was replaced by the current structure. Today, the island continues to be a focal point for Lake Minnetonka’s boating community, hosting races and sailing events throughout the year.
Phelps Island (Map)
Phelps Island, located in the upper lake region of Lake Minnetonka, was originally known as Noble’s Island after its first Euro-American landowner, O.J. Noble. In 1875, it was purchased by Edmund Joseph Phelps, a Minneapolis banker, after whom the island and its adjacent bay are now named. The island was once part of a peninsula, but it became a de facto island in the 1880s when channels were dredged between Cooks Bay and Spring Park Bay. Phelps Island is the largest island on Lake Minnetonka and has seen significant historical events, including its use as part of the local steamboat culture during the late 19th century. The island remains an important part of the lake’s heritage and is now a residential area surrounded by scenic views.
Shady Island (Map)
Shady Island on Lake Minnetonka is a small, historical island with a rich connection to the area’s past. It sits just to the south of Enchanted Island and was originally part of a larger peninsula before dredging transformed it into an island. Historically, Shady Island was a favorite among visitors and summer residents who were drawn to its serene surroundings. It is accessible by boat and remains a popular spot for those looking to enjoy the natural beauty of Lake Minnetonka. Today, Shady Island is part of the Shorewood area, offering a peaceful escape on this expansive lake.
Spirit Island (Map)
Spirit Island on Lake Minnetonka has deep cultural significance, particularly to the Dakota people who once inhabited the area. The island, along with nearby Spirit Knob, was a sacred site used for ceremonial practices. It was regarded as a place where the Dakota people would gather for both life and death rituals, underscoring the island’s importance in their spiritual lives. Spirit Island and its surroundings were cherished for their natural beauty, and the land was used for various ceremonies, including Dakota women going there to give birth. Over time, however, industrial development and navigation improvements in the late 19th and early 20th centuries caused much of the island to be destroyed or submerged. Though largely gone, the legacy of Spirit Island continues to be remembered in local history, preserving its importance to the region’s Indigenous heritage.
Spray Island (Map)
Spray Island on Lake Minnetonka, located near Shorewood, is one of the lake’s smaller islands. Once known as Hog’s Island, the name was changed in the 1880s. It became well-known as part of the lake’s storied history of early settlement and island development. Like many of Lake Minnetonka’s islands, it played a role in the lake’s transition from a wilderness area into a popular destination for vacation homes and recreational activities. Today, Spray Island offers private retreats and scenic views, continuing its legacy as a tranquil spot on the lake.
Wawatosa Island a.k.a. Boy Scout Island (Map)
Wawatosa Island, also spelled Wawatasso Island, is a small island on Lake Minnetonka near Minnetrista, MN. It has long been a favorite spot for local boaters and outdoor enthusiasts, offering informal hiking trails and natural beauty. Historically, it was referred to as “Firefly Island” by some, due to its name’s Dakota origin, meaning “firefly.” In the early 1900s, Wawatosa Island provided a nesting area for herons after a storm displaced many birds from nearby Crane Island. Today, the island continues to be a peaceful retreat, appreciated for its connection to Lake Minnetonka’s natural environment
Exploring the islands of Lake Minnetonka is like stepping into a living timeline that reflects the diverse history and beauty of the area. From the vibrant summer homes of Crane Island to the cultural heritage of Spirit Island, each piece of land has played a role in the larger tapestry of this unique Minnesota lake. As you journey through the lake’s intricate channels and visit its many islands, you will find that Lake Minnetonka offers not just a recreational getaway but also a deeper connection to the natural and cultural history of Minnesota. Whether you’re boating, hiking, or simply admiring the view, the islands of Lake Minnetonka provide an unparalleled experience that continues to captivate visitors and homeowners year after year.
David Gooden | 612-367-6025 | Lake Minnetonka Realtor
