Interlachen Park

Wedged between Edina and Hopkins, the Minneapolis suburb of Interlachen Park was first founded in 1911, shortly after the opening of the nearby Interlachen Country Club. Set against the lush backdrop of the golf course, today the neighborhood has blossomed into a community of established homes and friendly neighbors. “Everyone comes together for block parties. There’s an annual rummage sale, and people get really into trick-or-treating,” says Kevin Dunphy, a Realtor with Compass with over a decade of experience around Minneapolis. Though there’s no homeowners association, the Interlachen Park neighborhood association — best described by their motto of “good neighbors working together” — regularly hosts seasonal events, from a fall festival to weekly wintertime skate nights.

Neighborhood roads slope gently towards the Country Club, with houses framed by generous lawns sporting mature, shady trees and backed by wooded lots. Many homes in Interlachen Park date back to the 1920s, and you’d be hard-pressed to find any builds newer than the ‘60s. Though styles here vary, you’ll likely see ranch-style and split-level homes while strolling down the wide streets. Houses are spacious, with three- to four-bedroom homes selling at a median price of $615,000 and five- and six-bedroom houses also available at a premium of around $825,000.

Families choose Interlachen Park to send their kids to the highly-rated Edina Public Schools District. Kids start at Highland Elementary and move up to South View Middle, which both score A ratings from Niche. In 2023, South View Middle earned recognition as a National Special Olympics Unified Champion School for its inclusive activities and athletic programs. Edina High is rated an A-plus and was ranked by US News as the No. 4 best public school in the state.

There’s something to do year-round at Interlachen Park, a surprisingly well-equipped 2-acre neighborhood park. During the colder months, you can hit the ice on the outdoor hockey and ice skating rink or play a game of basketball or softball once the winter chill thaws in spring. For scenic lakeside views and vibrant flowerbeds, Highlands Park to the south curves around Highlands Lake and offers even more facilities. Relax at the picnic tables while kids climb on the playground or cheer on the weekend soccer games on the field.

Heading north out of the neighborhood, you’ll find a mix of local and chain restaurants in Knollwood along the highway. Pizza Lucé is a local pizzeria chain serving creative creations like their generously-topped baked potato pizza. It’s located right off the Cedar Lake Regional Trail, a popular biking and pedestrian path, making it a convenient stop for a pie and a pint. You also won’t miss El Lorito Mexican Grill, with its colorful blue and orange exterior and equally lively interior featuring hand-painted tables and wood-carved chairs. This local Mexican restaurant is the place to go for massive margaritas and sizzling fajitas.

Knollwood is also a convenient spot to pick up groceries and everyday essentials, with Target and Aldi located within the Knollwood Village shopping center. The Shoppes at Knollwood strip mall across the street even has department retailers like Nordstrom Rack and Khols. If boutiques and antique shops are more your speed, the brick facades along Main Street in Hopkins might have what you’re looking for. “Downtown Hopkins is the old-school throwback part of town with lots of restaurants and a neat little playhouse,” says Dunphy. The Hopkins Farmers Market is also a great place to pick up fresh produce and local goodies every Saturday during summer.

Overlooking the neighborhood from atop the hill is Interlachen Country Club, renowned for its sprawling Tudor-style clubhouse and its hilly greens, which hosted the 1930 US Open. Private and prestigious, members of the club gain access to its championship course and facilities like the swimming pool and tennis courts. To the east, State Highway 100 allows for quick access to the Twin Cities area. Hop on the highway to reach downtown Minneapolis in 20 minutes, where you can explore acclaimed attractions like the Walker Art Center. An upcoming extension of the Metro Green Line will soon connect Hopkins to downtown Minneapolis by train, expected to be completed by 2027.

Written By

Elliot Schorr

Photography Contributed By

Sienna Lee

Video By

Joshua Kassabian