Fun Places To Go on the Water!


Out on the water but don’t know what to do? We’ve got you covered! Check out our favorite places to go on Lake Minnetonka, the Mississippi River in the Red Wing area, and Lake Zumbro in the Rochester area!


Lake Minnetonka is a gorgeous chain of bays just west of Minneapolis. Home to some of the biggest houses you will find in Minnesota. There are so many places to explore around here including restaurants, shops, and places to stay! Below our some of our favorite spots to go:


Lord Fletcher’s Old Lake Lodge

This is by far our favorite spot on the lake! Boat up to this fabulous restaurant and eat out on the newly remodeled wharf and watch as the rest of the lake boats by. Hang around the fire pit in the evening, grab a drink, listen to live music, and even play some sand volleyball. Lord Fletcher’s has it all!

https://www.lordfletchers.com/ 


The Shops of Downtown Wayzata

Downtown Wayzata has a multitude of shops, restaurants, and summer activities. Boat down to the public docks and enjoy dinner at 6Smith, CoV, Gianni’s and more. Shop boutiques like Five Swans, Evereve, Grace Hill Design, and Patrick Mohs Jewelry. There is a splash pad down by the lake for the kids to play on on a hot summer day, they have festivals like James J. Hill days and the Wayzata Art Experience. Downtown Wayzata has fun for everyone!

https://wayzatachamber.com/shop-eat-enjoy/ 


Excelsior Shops and Restaurants

Similar to downtown Wayzata, Excelsior has so many shops, restaurants, and fun events to explore all summer long! Have a beer at Excelsior Brewing Company then walk down the street and shop at the many boutiques that lead back to the lake! Grab pizza at Olive’s Fresh Pizza Bar, ice cream at Lick’s Unlimited, and a fresh pastry at Red Bench Bakery. You can’t go hungry in Excelsior!

https://www.excelsiorlakeminnetonkachamber.com/ 


Other Places To Go:

Back Channel Brewing - Brewery & Taproom - Spring Park

Al & Alma’s Supper Club & Charter Cruises - Mound

Paddle Tap - Drink and paddle around the lake - Spring Park

Lady of the Lake - Private lake cruise - Excelsior

Bay Rentals - rent a paddleboard, kayak, jetski, and more! - Mound 


The Mississippi River is a gorgeous gemstone in Minnesota, especially around Red Wing. Surrounded by bluffs and an endless stretch of river to explore, you are really missing out if you haven’t checked out this beautiful area of Minnesota!


River Valley Marina - Red Wing

Summer fun in Red Wing starts at River Valley Marina! Rent a pontoon from us and cruise the river all day long! Then come back and stop at our ship store for gas, snacks, a quick shower, and anything you’ll need for a fun day on the water! 

https://www.rivervalleymarine.com/rent-a-make--rentals 


Kelly’s Lake House - Lake Pepin

With delicious food, a great atmosphere, and a patio overlooking the bluffs and the river, there is no better spot to grab dinner on the river!

https://kellyslakehouse.com/ 


Colvill Park - Red Wing

Home of River Valley Marina and so much more, Colvill Park is the perfect summer hang out spot! This park consists of a water park, a playground, swimming pool, walking trails, lots of picnic tables, tennis courts, and so much more to keep everyone entertained on a beautiful summer day. Come check it out!

https://www.red-wing.org/facilities/facility/details/Colvill-Park-9 


Other Places To Go:

Bay Point Park - Volleyball, walking paths, picnic area, playground - Red Wing

Kelly’s Taphouse - Restaurant & Bar - Red Wing

Harbor Bar - Restaurant & Bar - Hager City

Ohuta Park & Beach - Lake City

The Pickle Factory - Restaurant & Bar - Pepin

Slippery’s Bar & Grill - Restaurant & Bar - Wabasha

Wabasha Marina - Gas - Wabasha

Pioneer Supper Club - Restaurant & Bar - Wabasha


Lake Zumbro is Rochester’s source of fun on the water. A scenic lake just far enough north of the hustle and bustle of Med City. Enjoy your time away from city life without driving too far, and check out some fun places to go below!


Lake Zumbro Park

Start your day off at Lake Zumbro park where you can launch your boat, eat lunch, and fish off of the pier! Also a great place to take a break from the water, freshen up, and get some shade.

https://www.olmstedcounty.gov/residents/parks-recreation/parks/lake-zumbro-park-0 


Ponderosa Campground

Don’t want to leave the lake? Stay the night at Ponderosa Campground! With a beautiful park-like setting, this is the perfect place to relax after a long day of water activities. It is also an excellent spot for fishing and kayaking!

https://www.outdoorsy.com/rv-rental/minnesota/ponderosa-campground 


Mac’s Park Place

Looking for a bite to eat? Mac’s Park Place is the spot to go! Not only does this restaurant offer great food and drinks, they also have many events throughout the summer including cornhole tournaments and live music. Looking to party all night long? They also have their own campground! 

https://www.facebook.com/macsparkplace/ 


Other Places To Go:

The Pondy - Restaurant & Bar

Uncle John’s - Restaurant & Bar

King’s Marina - Gas, picnic area, and ship store