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Minnetonka Beach, MN Real EstateLocated about 21 miles southwest of Minneapolis, Tonka Bay and Minnetonka Beach are sort of the "odd" members of the metro's suburban family. Anomalies because of their small sizes, the 2000 census indicates 614 residents and 230 homes in Minnetonka Beach, 1547 residents and approximately 651 homes in Tonka Bay (310 off the lake, 317 on the lake). Both communities are primarily residential with the exception of the Lafayette Club and St. Martin's by-the-Lake Episcopal Church. By 1879, James J. Hill had chosen Minnetonka Beach as the site of the Great Northern Railroad's first spectacular summer resort. The Hotel Lafayette opened its doors in 1882. The Hotel Lafayette has played a significant role in shaping the history of The Beach (locals refer to Minnetonka Beach simply as "The Beach.") from the time of its grand opening in 1882 when the hotel hosted grand events such as formal dances, military band concerts, and tennis tournaments. Unfortunately, the original Hotel Lafayette was destroyed in a fire in 1897. In 1889, the Minnetonka Club was built on the site of the Hotel Lafayette. Its name was later changed to the Lafayette Club. The Beach remains one of the smallest incorporated cities in Minnesota. Tonka Bay's history follows a similar storyline in that it's centered around the tourism industry and the building of a grand hotel. The Lake Park Hotel, later named the Tonka Bay Hotel was erected in 1879 on Echo Bay. The town of Tonka Bay was, and still is, an assortment of neighborhoods containing a wide range of homes including several large estates from the turn of the century. Once the height of steam boating had past and the tourists no longer came, a year-round population of residents emerged within the village and remain today. Look to neighboring communities, Excelsior Mound, Minnetonka, and Eden Prairie to provide retail, dining and entertainment opportunities. The communities do provide unparallel access to the Lake and several parks and emerging trails for biking, running and walking. If you're serious about boating and water recreation, you'd do well to consider settling in these areas. James J. Hill himself would be impressed with the highly exclusive and swank Lafayette Club. As a member, take advantage of the club's restaurant, fitness club, tennis courts, pools, guest accommodations (a throwback to its former days as a hotel), various rooms and lounges for parties and meetings, and, of course, meticulously groomed nine-hole golf course as well as the rest of the beautifully maintained grounds. The homes on the Lake are in typical Lake Minnetonka fashion, each one trying to outdo the next in terms of style and luxury--from plantation style colonials to brick and stone castles to oversized log cabins. There are also properties in these communities off the lake and more modestly priced to reflect this. Most housing is single-family homes, there are no town homes or duplexes avialable. Official sites:
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Greater Minneapolis/St. Paul Real EstateMinneapolis (Neighborhoods)St. Paul (Neighborhoods)
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