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
Tanner Harding
Video By
Stewart Taveras
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On average, homes in Waconia, MN sell after 36 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Waconia, MN over the last 12 months is $484,182, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Full of character and thoughtfully maintained, this charming Waconia home offers the perfect blend of timeless appeal and everyday functionality. Fresh paint, new carpet, and a spacious kitchen provide plenty of room for cooking, gathering, and entertaining. Windows and sliding glass door have been updated with Anderson windows. The basement was updated with a solid block foundation. Outside,
Welcome to this inviting Oakpointe home, where space, updates, and an incredible private setting come together! The open floor plan creates an easy flow for everyday living and entertaining, while brand-new carpet, fresh paint, and new granite countertops and backsplash give the home a fresh, move-in-ready feel. Four bedrooms are conveniently located on the upper level, including a spacious
Full of character and thoughtfully maintained, this charming Waconia home offers the perfect blend of timeless appeal and everyday functionality. Fresh paint, new carpet, and a spacious kitchen provide plenty of room for cooking, gathering, and entertaining. Windows and sliding glass door have been updated with Anderson windows. The basement was updated with a solid block foundation. Outside,
Newer-construction 3-bedroom, 3-bath home featuring an open-concept floor plan, abundant natural light, fresh paint and modern finishes throughout. The spacious kitchen offers granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a large walk-in pantry. The upper level features all three bedrooms on one level, laundry room, spacious loft and a private primary suite with a double-sink vanity and
Quiet cul-de-sac setting, mature private yard, generous finished space, and major recent updates—this Waconia two-story checks the boxes buyers are looking for. Beautifully landscaped front and back, the home offers inviting outdoor spaces including a deck with stairs to the backyard, spacious patio, and in-ground basketball hoop. Inside, the main level features 9' ceilings, hardwood floors, a
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.
Ask how you can receive up to $30,000 in closing costs when using D.R. Horton’s preferred lender! *Home under construction* Welcome to The Jordan Plan by DR Horton in The Fields community. This 5 bedroom, 3.5 bath home with an unfinished walkout basement features a main floor en suite bedroom/bathroom and powder room! This home boasts a beautiful gourmet kitchen, open concept living, gas
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.
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 a
Ask how you can purchase this home with zero down payment by using D.R. Horton’s preferred lender OR how you may receive up to $25,000 in Flex cash!! Introducing the Elm by D.R. Horton - America's Builder. This incredible floor plan offers a beautiful large open concept main floor with electric fireplace, a main level bedroom, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances AND a 3-car garage!
Well-maintained four bedroom, three bathroom rambler in Waconia, minutes from downtown and Lake Waconia, the largest lake in Carver County, with a new roof installed in 2025. The main level has vaulted ceilings and abundant natural light from large windows, with new hardwood flooring, fresh paint, and updated window and door frames and baseboards, all installed in 2021. An attached three car
Ask how you can purchase this home with zero down payment by using D.R. Horton’s preferred lender OR how you may receive up to $25,000 in Flex cash!! A short drive to the hospital, movie theatre, many restaurants, shops, and groceries! Waconia is a self-sufficient city with all the large amenities but with the small-town feel. This Eldorado floor plan is stunning throughout, the home highlights
One of our most loved floor plans is The Jordan, a new home offered at the Fields of Waconia, a new home community in Waconia, Minnesota. The main level has a formal dining room at the front of the home, welcoming your guests as they come through the front door. Walking into the home, everyone will notice the beautiful kitchen with quartz countertops, stainless-steel appliances, tiled backsplash,
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,
Welcome to Wilford, nestled in the heart of downtown Waconia where residents will enjoy an elevated lifestyle enhanced by the charm of this easily accessible community. Whether you're stepping out for a stroll along the lake or entertaining friends with lakefront views, Wilford sets a new standard for upscale apartment living in Waconia.Wilford's thoughtful design extends beyond individual
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: 2730683 $1,950/month Looking for a place that feels like home? This bright and spacious 2-bedroom, 1-bath apartment combines the charm of a classic home with modern conveniences—all in one of Waconia's most desirable neighborhoods. Enjoy high ceilings, beautiful hardwood floors, a relaxing front porch with a swing, and a location that's just a short walk to downtown, Lake
Lease this home and get more from Invitation Homes professional property management. This home comes fully loaded with quality amenities, must-have services, high-end tech and ProCare® professional maintenance. Your estimated total monthly payment is $2944.95. That covers your base rent, $2895.00 + our required services designed to make your life easier: Smart Home with video doorbell $40 and
2 bedroom 1 bath condo 10 minutes from Crown college, close to Aldi & Target with walkout patio. Rent includes garage/storage, water, sewer, lawn and snow maintenance.
Fantastic 4-bedroom rental in a prime Waconia location! Situated on a peaceful street just minutes from Lake Waconia, parks, schools, shops, and restaurants, this well-maintained home offers both comfort and convenience. Recent updates include fresh interior paint and brand-new flooring, creating a bright and welcoming space ready for you to move in. Enjoy the charm of a quiet neighborhood while
Property Id: 2770101 Upstairs unit with 2 bedrooms and 1 bath located just blocks away from downtown Waconia and Lake Waconia. Refinished hardwood floors, quartz kitchen countertops, and new stainless steel appliances. Water, gas, and garbage included in rent.
Property Id: 469641 4 Bedroom Twinhome Available in Waconia! Over 2000 Sq Ft Split Entry Layout w/2 Bedrooms up, Kitchen, Dining, Full Bath, Linen Closet in Hall for extra storage 2 Lower Level Bedrooms, Family Room, Full Bath, Laundry Hook ups, and Closets for Storage Close to Schools, Target, Shopping, Dining, Lake Waconia, & More! Damage Deposit - 1 months rent
Turn-key end-unit townhome in a prime Waconia location. This well-maintained and affordable home offers easy living with thoughtful updates throughout. Recent improvements include New 2024 AC and Furnace , 2025 Hot Water Heater, 2025 LVP Flooring on the main level, updated refrigerator and microwave, plus new flooring in both bathrooms. Bathrooms also feature updated toilets and a refreshed
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