Our Favorite Places to go on the Water
Summer is officially here and we have the perfect list of places to go while you’re out on the water whether you’re boating on Lake Minnetonka, the Mississippi River, or Lake Zumbro!
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 in Red Wing is a gorgeous gemstone in Minnesota. 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!
Kelly’s Taphouse Bar & Grille
Pull in your boat for a couple of hours at Levee Park and walk up to a beautiful rooftop deck with a great atmosphere and awesome food! Kelly’s also has a restaurant down the river in Lake City!
Colvill Park
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
St. James Hotel + Scarlet Kitchen & Bar
In need of a place to stay or to grab a bite to eat? The historic St. James Hotel is the place for you! With gorgeous views of the Mississippi River from Scarlet Kitchen & Bar’s rooftop patio to a night's stay in a suite, you can't go wrong!
https://st-james-hotel.com/ & https://st-james-hotel.com/scarlet-kitchen-and-bar/
Other Places To Go:
River Valley Marina - Gas Dock, Pontoon Rentals, Ship Store, and more - Red Wing
Bay Point Park - Volleyball, walking paths, picnic area, playground - Red Wing
Levee Park - Beautiful View of the River & Downtown Red Wing - Red Wing
Kelly’s Lakehouse - Restaurant & Bar - Lake City
Harbor Bar - Restaurant & Bar - Hager City
Ohuta Park & Beach - Lake City
The Pickle Factory - Restaurant & Bar - Pepin
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
Happy Boating!