Minnetrista

Warm and welcoming, magical Minnetrista derives its name from the Dakota tribe's words for “crooked” and “water.” Boasting a family-friendly feel and wide open spaces, this sleepy city has a decidedly rural vibe despite being just 25 miles west of downtown Minneapolis. Minnetrista is seen as the boundary between the suburban Twin Cities and rural Greater Minnesota. “Geographically speaking, Minnetrista is a beautiful area,” says Mayor Lisa Whalen. “We have seven lakes that either border us or are within our boundaries, so we have lakes and streams and wetlands.” Outdoor access, top-notch schools and scenic vistas are just a little bit of what this lush locale has to offer.

Minnetrista might be a perfect location for the right homebuyer, but the high cost of entry keeps buyers on a budget at bay. In October 2023, the 12-month median sale price for a single-family home was around $630,000. Home prices range from $300,000 on the low end to over $2 million on the high end. Whalen says most of the real estate market is single-family residential but points to a growing diversity of housing. “We have some lots that are very small, some that are medium, and then some that are very large,” Whalen says. “We’ve got inventory on the lake and off, and we have started adding some town houses.” One of the newer communities around Lake Minnetonka, most of the homes in the city have been built since 1990, with a huge uptick in constructions between 2000 and 2009. New construction is the norm, though there are pockets of older homes at more affordable price points. The Woodland Cove development is a community of town homes, villas and single-family homes that is a serene escape on the western side of Lake Minnetonka, near Halstead Bay. The stunning, master-planned neighborhood provides a sense of tranquility in an amenity-rich environment that includes a pool, clubhouse and a community park.

Families with children in Minnetrista are served by the Westonka Public School District, which has an overall grade of A from Niche and is considered one of the districts with the best teachers in Minnesota. Students may start their education at Hilltop Primary School, a highly rated public elementary school that benefits from proximity to the Westonka Activity Center. Grandview Middle School is one of the best public middle schools in Minnesota, graded A in academics and teachers from Niche. Archery is one of their most popular programs. Often ranked as one of the best public high schools in the country, Mound Westonka High School has premier facilities. Following a $23 million bond referendum in 2016, the Westonka Activity Center and the Westonka Performing Arts Center were added to the campus. For the 2022-23 school year, a total of 41 students from the school earned AP Scholar Awards for their exceptional achievement on the AP exams.

Homebuyers who place high value on shopping and dining destinations may find Minnetrista lacking in business and nightlife. “We have very little business, but that’s by design,” Whalen says. “We do have a brand new grocery store that should open in February 2024.” Residents looking for some retail therapy or a bite to eat can travel a few miles to nearby St. Bonifacius or Mound, but there are plenty of other attractions even closer to home. A family-owned apple orchard on 43 acres of rustic charm, the Minnetonka Orchard comes alive each fall with apple picking, hayrides, hot apple cider and their famous apple donuts. Be sure to check back for new attractions each Halloween and holiday season. Practice putting at Big Stone Mini Golf, which is decorated with giant animal sculptures around a mini-golf course on a farm with live goats and landscaped gardens. Or scale up your golf game at Burl Oaks Golf Club, a quality private course known for excellent food and as a spectacular event venue. Located on perfectly picturesque Lake Whaletail, Gale Woods Farm is a real working farm that features a unique educational opportunity for visitors of all ages to gain an understanding of agriculture, food production and land stewardship. You can also buy meat, wool, seasonal produce and more or host a celebration.

Easily available outdoor amenities are everything in Minnesota, and Minnetrista delivers in parks, green space and lake access. Kingswood Park is a quiet little gem on Little Long Lake – it’s the perfect place for a peaceful hike in solitude or a day out on the lake fishing in a canoe. The cleanest body of water in Hennepin County, the lake’s deep, well-oxygenated water is home to trout, a rarity in the region. Eventually, a segment of the planned Baker-Carver Regional Trail will run along the park’s border. A day of wholesome, Midwestern fun is guaranteed at Lake Minnetonka Regional Park, situated on the scenic shores of the state’s ninth-largest lake. The park has a public boat launch and a rental facility for watercraft. A great spot for a family out, there is a large, nautical-themed play area, a chlorinated, sandy-bottom swimming pond and a three-hole disc golf practice area.

Written By

Tina Davis

Photography Contributed By

Sienna Lee

Video By

Taylor Noll