Ahoy there mateys! Ever heard of a steamboat that’s also a museum? Welcome to the Museum of Lake Minnetonka home to the magnificent steamboat Minnehaha. This isn’t just any old boat. This is a National Historic Resource. It’s a floating piece of history a testament to Lake Minnetonka’s rich past.
The Museum of Lake Minnetonka originally started as an all-volunteer nonprofit in 2004. Their mission was simple to preserve and operate the steamboat Minnehaha as a living museum. They wanted to share Lake Minnetonka’s captivating heritage with everyone. They envisioned a future where the past remained vibrant and accessible. Safety authenticity inspiration and community focus were their guiding principles.
Minnehaha herself has quite the story. Built in 1906 she served the lake community for years. Then in 1926 she was scuttled a dramatic ending for a vessel of her stature. However this isn’t the end of her tale. She was raised from the watery depths in 1980. Restored to her former glory she returned to service in 1996. For many years she continued to offer delightful tours. Minnehaha became a symbol of the community a floating icon connecting generations to the lake’s history. Sadly she’s been out of service since 2019. But the dream of returning her to the waters of Lake Minnetonka lives on.
The Museum of Lake Minnetonka isn’t just about the steamboat though. It’s about preserving the stories of the entire Lake Minnetonka area. This includes the communities of Deephaven Excelsior Greenwood Minnetonka and many more. The museum holds a vast collection of archival materials and three-dimensional artifacts that paint a vivid picture of life around the lake.
Think about it. Imagine the stories held within those old photographs maps and documents. Each object whispers tales of family life bustling businesses and the evolution of this beautiful region. You might learn about the Excelsior Amusement Park the Andrews Sisters or even the Tonka Toy Company. The museum keeps Lake Minnetonka’s history alive for everyone to experience and enjoy.
Now the Museum of Lake Minnetonka is part of the Lake Minnetonka Historical Society. The Society has expanded the mission. They’re sharing Lake Minnetonka’s history in innovative ways to reach even more people. This includes museums in Excelsior Mound and Wayzata. They have a large archive. You can visit them at their research archives and museums. It’s all part of ensuring Minnehaha’s future is as vibrant as her past. So let’s raise a glass to the enduring legacy of the Museum of Lake Minnetonka and the amazing steamboat Minnehaha. May their stories continue to inspire us for generations to come.