Wayzata Real Estate
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Wayzata Real Estate Blog

Location-Wayzata is just 11 miles west of Minneapolis in Hennepin County on Lake Minnetonka. 2003 Real Estate Wayzata Statistics Houses Sold Avg List Price Avg Sold Price % of Listing Price Received Avg Days On Market 51 $638,900 $612,654 %95.89 53

City of Wayzata

History- The name Wayzata is derived from the Indian word Waziyata, which has almost a mystical connotation to the Sioux tribes who originally inhabited the area. “Waziya” was their god of the North, a giant who blew the cold winds from his mouth. With the suffix “ta” added, the name meant “North Shore.” Though Lake Minnetonka was discovered in 1822, it was not until 1852 that two pioneer families settled on the present site of Wayzata. Over the next few years, others followed. A townsite was laid out and several establishments sprang up, among them a general store, a sawmill, a post office, and a log schoolhouse. James J. Hill’s railroad made its way out to Wayzata in 1857, making daily runs from Minneapolis to Wayzata, leaving passengers at the gangplank for the waiting Lady of the Lake, a 50-foot side-wheeler steamer which carried them to other villages and summer homes on Lake Minnetonka. City folk make Wayzata their weekend retreat, which is a tradition that still continues today. By 1890, the height of the resort era on Lake Minnetonka had been reached. The financial depression and the migration of tourists gradually transformed Wayzata to a newer resort territory. Today, the crude lumber settlement has been replaced by beautiful homes, the grand hotel and resorts by quaint shops and restaurants.

Shopping-Wayzata’s shopping area is on Lake Street, which runs along side Lake Minnetonka. Here you will find a shopping mall, and many small, quaint shops, cafés, and bookstores. Lake Street is a wonderful place to spend a warm summer day.

Recreation- The Luce Line State Trail is a 63-mile long former railroad grade which is developed for biking, hiking, horseback riding, snowmobiling, and skiing. The limestone surfaced trail runs from Plymouth 30 miles west to Winsted with a parallel grassy trail for horseback riding. From Winsted to Cosmos the trail has a natural surface with three missing bridges. Wayzata is located on Lake Minnetonka, making it a place for many water activities with it’s beach, boat rides on restored boats such as the Minnehaha, swimming, biking on the trails, and walks along Lake Street. Wayzata also has many parks for picnics, playgrounds, and an ice arena with it’s own warming house to suit those winter outdoor enthusiasts.