Bring Back a Legend
- The Steamboat Minnehaha is a historic 1906 steam-powered “streetcar boat” that once transported passengers between regional streetcar lines and Lake Minnetonka communities (1906–1926).
- The vessel was intentionally sunk in 1926 NE of Big Island.
- In 1980, 54 years later, she was raised, and then restored by volunteers.
- It returned to service from 1996 to 2019, operating summer historical tours from Excelsior and Wayzata.
- In 2021 the Minnehaha was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Situation Overview
May 1996 – October 2019
For 24 years the Minnehaha provided rides for an average of 10,000 passengers each season. In 2019 the boat lost access to use the launch each spring and fall.
October 2019 – Present
The Minnehaha is currently housed in a storage facility on leased property in the town of Excelsior. She is owned and maintained by the Lake Minnetonka Historical Society.
A Critical Timeline! The window of opportunity to see the Minnehaha back on the water is soon closing!
We have been given access to launch the boat one more time in the spring of 2027, but due to a new development, the ramp will not be available to haul her out. Without a new, custom-built facility to launch and maintain the boat, Minnehaha will likely never return to active service.
Since the Minnehaha started offering narrated historical cruises on Lake Minnetonka in 1996, it has become a big part of the lake community. It has drawn passengers not only from local communities, but also from other states and internationally.
Our Vision
Three Rivers Park District
Three Rivers Park District operates over 27,000 acres of land, comprising 20 parks and 10 regional trails located in the suburban areas of the Twin Cities. This includes 6 golf courses, two nature centers, a working farm, and a memorial garden – all offering educational programs. More information
The Lake Minnetonka Regional Park
After evaluating 18 sites across Lake Minnetonka, an abandoned lake access within the Lake Minnetonka Regional Park in Minnetrista was identified as the only viable location. Three Rivers Park District (TRPD) has expressed willingness to enter into a long-term partnership and lease, contingent on successful fundraising and final agreements.
New Operations Base
Artistic drawing of new site
The proposed building (approximately 40′ x 90′ x 35′) will be set back 75′ from the shoreline and used solely for storage and maintenance. A dedicated concrete launch ramp with embedded rails will extend into the lake
Engineering Feasibility Study
Minneapolis-based engineering firm WSB has designed the site plan for the project and vetted the plan’s feasibility with all regulatory agencies. WSB’s preliminary analysis uncovered no insurmountable regulatory or engineering obstacles to the project.
Concept with Launch and Facility
View from the lake
Path Forward
