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Lake Minnetonka occupies nearly sixty square kilometers of Minnesota. It was formed by glacial melt from the recent Ice Age, which explains its irregular shape with numerous bays and islands making up its 125 mile shore line. The water was first discovered in 1822 by two teenagers and has been a tranquil resort ever since. The first hotel on the lake was built in 1853 and the ‘City of St Louis’ was one of the first ships to offer Lake Minnetonka cruises.
The ‘City of St Louis’ is believed to be the first inland boat to be equipped with electric lighting. The 160-foot side-wheeled steam boat was built in 1881. It carried up to 1,000 passengers. Today, a number of cruise lines offer tours of Minnetonka. Some of them operate restored antique watercraft.
The size of Minnetonka lends itself to cruises of optimum times of two or three hours, perfect for brunch, lunch or dinner. Celebrate a romantic anniversary, get together for a family reunion or sponsor an unforgettable team building exercise for your corporate employees. Whatever your needs, there will be a style and size of boat available. A number of companies offer wedding services. Whether you mark the occasion anchored in a quiet bay or cruising the waterway, the tranquil beauty of the natural surroundings means your decoration bill is minimal. Packages include setup, drinks, music and food with decorations and dinner available as optional extras.
Cruises are affordable as well as functional. Guests can join public tours of the bays and islands or charter a boat for a private get together. The lake is teeming with history as well as umpteen varieties of fish and it offers some of the most magnificent views. Anytime of day or night is beautiful, but the views at sunset are particularly breathtaking.
The CrisCraft 60-foot roamer offered by one company has been described as the only ‘classic’ yacht to cruise the Minnetonka. It accommodates up to 60 guests for almost any occasion.
You can arrange two or three-hour lunch or dinner cruises for around USD 35-60 guests with white linens an optional extra at USD 60 per deck. Go for a dance on a moonlight cruise or have a barbecue. Some companies specialize in themed events and take care of every detail.
Guided fishing tours are also available. You can go ice fishing in the middle of the day in the dead of winter or wait until summer time, when you can enjoy relaxing early morning fishing on a remote bay. There are a number of opportunities for kids from eight to fourteen to attend interactive one-day fishing camps where they can learn the basics of fishing and boating. Classes run June, July and August.
Looking to find the definitive source of information on Lake Minnetonka cruises?
