Lake Minnetonka Historical Society

The Lake Minnetonka Historical Society (LMHS) was founded in 2023 through the consolidation of the Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Historical Society, the Museum of Lake Minnetonka, Wayzata Historical Society and Westonka Historical Society. LMHS is dedicated to telling the story of Lake Minnetonka by collecting, preserving and sharing its history. The all-volunteer, non-profit organization maintains one of the largest archival and three-dimensional collections of Lake Minnetonka history available in-person or online. LMHS shares the lake’s history in its research archives and museums in Excelsior, Mound and Wayzata, as well as through public programs and experiences around the lake. The society publishes and sells a number of books about the history of the area along with gift shop opportunities in its museum. Among its priorities is the commitment to returning the historic 1906 streetcar boat Minnehaha to active operation on Lake Minnetonka to continue her life as a floating museum.

The Lake Minnetonka area is comprised of the communities of Deephaven, Excelsior, Greenwood, Minnetonka, Minnetonka Beach, Minnetrista, Mound, Orono, Shorewood, Spring Park, Tonka Bay, Victoria, Wayzata and Woodland, Minnesota. 

The Minnesota Digital Library images from LMHS feature the Excelsior Amusement Park, operated from 1924-1974; an extensive postcard collection, maps, and the Tonka Toy Company, founded in 1947 in Mound, Minnesota. 

Historical Research Archives 
Location: Wayzata Public Library, Lower Level, 620 Rice St. East, Wayzata MN 55391
Public Hours: Wednesdays, Noon-3 pm; Saturdays 10 am-1 pm, or by appointment.

The LMHS Archives house and preserve thousands of local historical records, photographs, maps, books and documents for research of families, buildings and house histories in the Lake Minnetonka area. Knowledgeable volunteers retrieve materials and assist with research in the archives, or remotely by email or phone. Scans, photocopies and more extensive research are available for a fee. 

Museums
Excelsior Museum: 305 Water Street, Excelsior; open May-Sep, Saturdays, 11 am-3 pm
Westonka Museum: 5341 Maywood Road, Mound MN, open Saturdays 10-2 pm and by appointment
Wayzata Depot Museum: 402 Lake Street East, Wayzata; open April-December, weekends Noon-4 pm
Wayzata Garden Railroad at the Depot: open weekends in April-December, 1-4 pm (weather permitting)