Drifting Through the Land of 10,000 Lakes: A Surprise Escape on Lake Minnetonka

Dock at Lake Minnetonka

When I boarded my flight to Minnesota for a week-long work retreat, I’ll admit my expectations were low. I pictured myself staring out a conference room window, watching sunshine sparkle on the water from afar. Instead, my boss had a surprise waiting, a private outing on Lake Minnetonka, complete with a yacht ride to Big Island.

For those of you who know me, you know the water is my happy place. I’m a sailor at heart, but stepping onto this sleek yacht was a thrill all its own. Minnesota rightly called the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” (though the official count is 11,842!) delivered in full. As we glided across that blue glassy surface, the state revealed itself not as the backdrop to a work retreat, but as a destination worth lingering in.

Twin Cities, MN.

Nearly 60% of Minnesotans live in Minneapolis–Saint Paul, a hub for arts, culture, and commerce. But beyond the Twin Cities lies an outdoor paradise: western prairies, lush deciduous forests, and north woods rich with wildlife. Big Island, where we docked for the day, felt like stepping into a pocket of wilderness just outside the city. Trails wound through groves of oak and maple. Deer flickered in and out of the trees. Muskrats rippled across the shorelines.

We picnicked under a pavilion with locals who knew the lake like the back of their hand. One gave me a tip for the best dog-friendly trails in the area, miles of paths cared for by the Three Rivers Park District. With more than 27,000 acres of parks, campgrounds, and waterways, it’s a year-round haven for hiking, biking, and paddling, with or without your pup. my fur-baby, Luke, wasn’t along for this adventure, but the thought of him sniffing along those trails makes me want to return.

Three Rivers Park District Big Island

After exploring, we returned to the dock as the sun slipped low. From the bow, I watched sailboats dart across the lake in their weekly race. My heart tugged a little, I’ll always love sails over motors, but I couldn’t deny the magic of this day. Sometimes it isn’t the destination that holds the wonder, but the journey itself.

As the wind played in my hair and the sky painted itself in shades of rose and gold, I knew this: Lake Minnetonka wasn’t just a detour from a work retreat. It was a reminder of why I travel, to chase the unexpected, to listen to the locals, and to let the water carry me someplace new.

Map of Lake Minnetonka, Daniel Gustafson Real Estate

Travel Tips for Visiting Lake Minnetonka

Getting There: Lake Minnetonka is about 20 miles west of downtown Minneapolis, making it an easy day trip. Renting a boat or booking a charter is the best way to explore.

Big Island: Pack a picnic and water shoes if you plan to hike or swim. Watch for wildlife, it’s part of the magic.

Dog-Friendly Trails: Visit the Three Rivers Park District, which offers miles of scenic, pet-friendly paths and campgrounds.

Best Season: Summer is perfect for boating, but fall brings crisp air and brilliant foliage.

Local Tip: Check the calendar for weekly sailboat races, you can watch them from the shore or join a sailing club for a chance to race yourself.