Waconia is a former resort town and a current water recreation hub
Waconia, Minnesota was founded in the mid-1800s as a resort community on the shores of Lake Waconia. Located 35 miles west of Minneapolis and 45 miles west of St. Paul, it became a place for people to get out of the city and into the fresh air. While many resorts closed with the invention of the automobile, Jeff Schulz, a lifelong resident and Realtor with Re/Max Advantage Plus-Waconia, says Waconia is still a destination. “It’s an amazing town that always has activity,” he says. “It’s small-town living, but you can drive 40 minutes to a Twins game or a Vikings game. There are community centers, walking trails, bike trails. It has stuff for everyone, young and old.” Schulz does have a warning for visitors, though. He says, “Careful when you come here, because you may never want to leave.”
Waconia has an historic downtown.
Waconia is a quaint town west of the twin cities.
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Waconia homes vary widely in age, price
Homes in Waconia vary widely in style and price. Craftsman and ramblers are popular home styles, and many new builds feature takes on the modern farmhouse design. Home prices can range anywhere from $325,000 for a 1910 three-bedroom house located downtown to $900,000 for a 2023 five-bedroom home located on the edge of the city. The market in Waconia is pretty active, and the median sales price stays around $471,000, which is higher than the national median. Schulz says he sees a mix of homebuyers in Waconia, from first-time owners to empty nesters.
Some recent home developments are located along the lake.
Recently constructed craftsmans are found in various developments.
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Celebrate Nickle Dickle Day in Waconia
Every September, Waconia residents gear up to celebrate Nickle Dickle Day. The festival was started more than 60 years ago by business owners who wanted to attract people to shop downtown. Many items were available for a nickel, and dickle is derived from a German word for bartering, honoring the town’s German heritage. The festival is now held in City Square Park and features an arts and crafts fair, library book sale, car and truck show, duck races, live music and more. While the festival attracts tens of thousands of visitors annually, Schulz says, “Obviously things aren’t a nickel these days, but you can still get nickel beers."
Lake Waconia offers swimming, boating, fishing
There’s no shortage of parks in Waconia, with many concentrated along the lakeshore. Lake Waconia Regional Park is split into two sections, one on the mainland and one on Coney Island of the West, an island a half mile offshore. On the mainland, there’s a swimming area with a sandy beach and launches for both kayaks and boats. On the island side, there’s a walking trail and dock. During the cold Minnesota winters, residents can walk across the frozen lake to the island, and many still go out with their icehouses to ice fish. “People throw icehouse parties," Schulz says "There are probably 1,000 ice houses that are like lodges and fully heated.”
Lake Waconia has a regional park with a beach.
Lake Waconia is a popular ice fishing destination in the winter time.
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Waconia has a coveted Mackenthun location, lakeside restaurant
Downtown Waconia has many older buildings that remain from its early days, including a mix of repurposed shingled homes and some more traditional brick storefronts. Today, these are now filled with local shops including a bakery, hair salon, movie theater, florist, and assorted bars and restaurants. For a meal with a water view, Lola’s Lakehouse serves up seafood and American fare with views of Lake Waconia. Waconia is also home to one of three Mackenthun’s locations – a grocery store known for its award-winning meat department, homemade sausage and baked goods.
Mackenthun's is the major grocer in the Waconia area.
Main Street in downtown Waconia is home to restaurants and businesses.
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State Highway 5 connects Waconia to Twin Cities
State Highway 5 runs through Waconia, connecting residents to the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and to downtown St. Paul. The airport is about 33 miles away, while St. Paul is 45 miles away. To get to Minneapolis, residents can use Highway 5 to get to Interstate 494. The nearest hospital is the Ridgeview Medical Center, which is located right in downtown Waconia.
Waconia Public Schools district is 30th best in Minnesota
Waconia is part of the Waconia Public Schools system, or Independent School District 110. The district earns an A-minus rating from Niche and is named the 30th best district in the state. The district has three elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. The student-teacher ratio is low, at 15:1.
Waconia Middle School is ranked 44th in Minnesota middle schools
Waconia high School has a 97 percent graduation rate.
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Important to know
Waconia has a typical northern climate, with warm summers and cold winters. Winter lasts about five months, and the area averages more than 50 inches of snow annually. Waconia is served by the Carver County Sheriff’s Department, so crime data for the city is not readily available.
Written By
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Video By
Stewart Taveras
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On average, homes in Waconia, MN sell after 40 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Waconia, MN over the last 12 months is $478,067, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Model Home - Not for sale at this time. Ask about our current promotions on available homes! Welcome to this beautiful new community that is on the edge of downtown Waconia built up by D. R. Horton, America’s Builder. Walking distance to the fairgrounds, across from the ball fields and middle school. A short drive to the hospital, movie theatre, many restaurants, shops, and groceries! Waconia is
Welcome to Woodland Creek Villas, where association-maintained detached townhouses offer the epitome of single-level living, surrounded by tranquil, wooded vistas. This home boasts thoughtfully crafted spaces, curated for your ultimate comfort and convenience. Experience luxury features including custom cabinetry, granite kitchen and vanity countertops, ceramic tile bathroom floors, a ceramic
New Waconia "Holbrook" Neighborhood Now Open! Don't settle for old when BRAND NEW is possible! June ready Northfield lookout plan on private site which overlooks pond. Pictures are model representation. Main floor boasts a high vaulted ceiling and an open concept flow. Tons of natural light pouring into the home, making it easy to entertain! This 3 car garage home has three bedrooms upstairs with
Carolyn Albright-MahonPulte Homes Of Minnesota, LLC
Offering the perfect blend of style and function, this nearly new Waconia home will have you falling in love with over $50k of updates after the home was built! Enjoy the modern amenities of new construction without the wait plus NO HOA FEES! This stunning home welcomes you with an open-concept layout bathed in natural light, where vaulted ceilings, recessed lighting, and calming neutral finishes
Fantastic 2021 M/I Homes two-story just minutes from Lake Waconia and the golf course! This stunning open-concept home offers incredible curb appeal and a thoughtfully designed layout perfect for everyday living and entertaining. A front flex room with French doors creates a private office, while both formal and informal dining spaces provide room to host with ease. The light-filled morning room
If you're looking for single-level living, the Cedarwood is the perfect floorplan for you! This beautiful home from the Hans Hagen Villa Collection includes two spacious bedrooms, two full bathrooms, and a den. Plus, you'll be able to leave the yard work behind and enjoy a lock-and-leave lifestyle in this association-maintained community. Call today to learn more about building the Cedarwood plan!
As you pull up to this lovely one-and-a-half-story home, you’ll be impressed with its lovely craftsman-style exterior and gorgeous stone accents on the front elevation. At 2,436 square feet, the Elmwood IV includes a main-floor owner’s suite and two-and-a-half bathrooms. For additional family gathering space, this floorplan features a spacious loft nestled between two bedrooms on the upper level.
Come and see what single-level living is all about! Step inside this Cedarwood II and be instantly greeted with a large open foyer with double doors leading to the den, which features decorative soffits and an optional window seat. Complete with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, this 1,743 square foot home offers plenty of space and even more options to personalize this home to suit your needs.
If you’re looking for single-level living, the Hillcrest is the perfect plan for you. This 1,768 square foot home includes three bedrooms, two full baths, and a main-level laundry room. Plus, the lower level offers additional room for expansion.
This spacious two-story home features an open-concept layout with the kitchen overlooking the dining room and Great Room. The first-floor flex space offers endless possibilities. On the second floor are the luxe owner's suite and three secondary bedrooms — all with walk-in closets — while a central loft offers versatility.
Meet The Henry, a new home floor plan in Waconia, Minnesota at Fields of Waconia. Highlights of this new home are the 5 bedrooms with one bedroom on the main level, study, upper level loft and the luxury bedroom suite with private bath and spacious walkin closet. Enjoy the summer nights on the covered deck! The kitchen includes upgrades such as a walk-in pantry, stylish quartz countertops, tiled
The Canton, part of our Smart Series, consists of 1,976 square feet of functional open-concept floorplan with three bedrooms and two-and-a-half bathrooms. Upper-level laundry near the bedrooms adds to the convenience of this floorplan.
Meet The Holcombe, a new home with charming curb appeal offered at Fields of Waconia in Waconia, Minnesota. The interior is immediately very inviting with a spacious family room that is open to the kitchen and dinette. The kitchen is a highlight of the home with a corner walk-in pantry, beautiful quartz countertops, cabinet hardware, tiled backsplash, an island with breakfast bar, and
We’re thrilled to show you around the Aspen, a 2–3-bedroom floorplan with a den, 2–3 bathrooms, 2,344 square feet, and charming design features throughout! Discover all the details today, then contact our team for your personal appointment.
This four-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom two-story home is a one-of-a-kind. Featuring an exterior you’ll love, with many elevations to choose from, you’ll be impressed from the moment you pull up.
Drawing inspiration from the surrounding community and environment, The Otto is an inviting apartment building featuring an elevated level of design so you feel right at home. With thoughtfully curated interiors and modern amenity spaces, The Otto provides an ideal suburban community in a park-like setting. You'll have access to beautiful outdoor spaces, while surrounded by exceptional dining,
Nestled in the picturesque heart of Waconia, MN, Uptown Waconia redefines luxury apartment living with boutique elegance and exceptional craftsmanship. Locally owned and operated, this thoughtfully designed community offers more than a place to live—it offers a lifestyle. Just steps away, enjoy serene lake activities, upscale dining, and the rich historic charm that makes downtown Waconia truly
Live Where Adventure Meets Comfort – Welcome to Prairie Village! Step out your door and into nature — with scenic trails, Lake Waconia, parks, and wineries just minutes away. Then come home to a spacious apartment packed with modern features and unbeatable value.Inside Your Home Open-concept layout with wood-style floors & plush carpeting Sleek kitchen with updated appliances
Property Id: 2227606This two story 1700+ square foot townhome is a great find for any young families or roommates looking for a quiet townhome located right next to downtown Waconia! It is a 3 minute drive from Lake Waconia and has access to a community park perfect for little kiddos! HOA included in rent!
Property Id: 4696414 Bedroom Twinhome Available in Waconia! Over 2000 Sq FtSplit Entry Layout w/2 Bedrooms up, Kitchen, Dining, Full Bath, Linen Closet in Hall for extra storage2 Lower Level Bedrooms, Family Room, Full Bath, Laundry Hook ups, and Closets for StorageClose to Schools, Target, Shopping, Dining, Lake Waconia, & More!Damage Deposit - 1 months
This property at 401 E 1st St features 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom within a spacious 2,109 square feet. The living room offers ample space for relaxation, while the bathroom includes a tub/shower combination. Each bedroom is designed for comfort and functionality, providing adequate storage options. Additional amenities include ceiling fans for climate control and a washer/dryer for laundry
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