Boating on the Big Lake
Opportunities abound to get onboard a boat on Lake Minnetonka.


Al and Alma’s
While this historical supper club may be known for its mouthwatering meals, imagine having that same dinner while slowly cruising on the waters of the lake. Beginning at $30, guests can hop on board at the docks in Mound right before mealtime and come back a couple of hours later satisfied. 5201 Piper Rd., Mound; 952.472.3098; www.al-almas.com

Excel Boat Club and Boat Rental
Take a guided fishing tour with a professional for $300 for a half day with all the rods, reels, and bait provided, or rent a pontoon boat sometime between Memorial Day and October starting from $250 for a half day. 141 Minnetonka Blvd., Excelsior; 952.401.3880

Lady of the Lake: Minnetonka’s Historical Sternwheeler
From Memorial Day through Labor Day, go on an hour and a half guided tour of the lake for just $6 for kids and $12 for adults. Tours are at 1 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, and leave right from the docks in downtown Excelsior at the end of Water Street. P.O. Box 671, Excelsior; 952.929.1209; ladyofthelakecruise.com

Minnehaha Streetcar Boat
This canary yellow streetcar boat ran in the early 1900s, was scuttled (or deliberately sank), then raised to the surface 54 years later. Ride the lake in style on this classic steamboat. Tours leave from the Excelsior or Wayzata docks and tickets range from $5 for kids to $10-15 for adults. Museum of Lake Minnetonka, P.O. Box 178, Excelsior; 952.474.2115; steamboatminnehaha.org

Minnetonka Yacht Club
On Wednesday evenings and weekends, regattas are run from the yacht club. Interested sailors without a boat can meet at Deephaven Beach before the races to see if any skippers need a crew. The club encourages membership of $125 after participating in a couple of races. 19800 Minnetonka Blvd., Deephaven; 952.474.4457; minnetonkayachtclub.org

Wayzata Bay Charters
Rather than heading to the Caribbean, hook up with a group of your friends for a Lake Minnetonka cruise for two to four hours beginning at $399. Wayzata Bay Charters also offers a public cruise for $20 on Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m., or Sunday afternoons at 3 p.m., with chips, salsa, and soft drinks. 687 Excelsior Blvd., Mpls.; 952.451.9001; wayzatabaycharters.com

Wayzata Community Sailing Center
This nonprofit offers sailing lessons to youngsters and adults during the warmer months. 456 Arlington Cir. S., Wayzata; 952.476.5875; wayzatasailing.org

Wayzata Yacht Club
Try your hand at being on a crew. Stop by the yacht club near downtown Wayzata on a Thursday or Sunday before the races and see who needs a hand onboard. After five times crewing, a membership of $75 is required, but by that time, you’ll be hooked. 1100 E Cty. Rd. 16, Wayzata; 952.470.1468; wyc.org