Minnetrista, MN Real Estate

Minnetrista was first conceptualized on April 10, 1858, when Hennepin County Commissioners set apart Town 117, Range 24 as "German Home Township," so-named for the large number of settlers of German heritage in the area. A town government was organized in 1859 when voters met in Mathias S. Cook's log cabin. During this meeting, the name of the town was changed to Minnetrista.

Over the years, the Cities of Mound and Saint Bonifacius separated from Minnetrista Township and incorporated into cities. Minnetrista Township remained a popular tourist destination with hotels, cabins, a prominent boat landing, and summer camps, as well as a thriving rural agricultural community. In the early 1970's, Minnetrista was fully incorporated as a city. St. Bonifacius was named after St. Boniface, Apostle to the Germans.

The cities of St. Bonifacius and Minnetrista are located on what could be considered the fringe of the metro area, and are upscale areas of great natural beauty, recreation and suburban convenience. They contain many local parks with the usual amenities, unique and less-trafficked access points to Lake Minnetonka as well as Lake Minnetonka Regional Park operated by the Three Rivers Park District.

These cities are more insulated from the rush of the metro area and have maintained a more rural feel than their regional counterparts located on the eastern side of the lake. Many community events centralize around school, church functions or other family-friendly themes. For example, their annual celebration is "Trista Days," whose theme is safety awareness; kids can go on pony rides, local businesses can set up vendor booths and you might run into "McGruff the Crime Dog" mingling with residents under a food tent.

"Decadent," "lush," "magnificent," "palatial" and "breathtaking" are terms that all come to mind when describing the stretch of homes along Lake Minnetonka in this upscale community. From homes that literally resemble castles in their architecture and stylings, to a Kentucky horse farm with fully functional stable facilities and private shoreline, and modern colonial revivals, lakeside homes in this community truly are mansions with incredible features that maximize the natural surroundings. Neighborhoods and subdivisions off the lake offer homes that maintain stride with their lakeside counterparts, multi-levels and ramblers that don't provide the lakeside view, but that don't skimp on the amenities. There are some upscale town home options in this area as well.

Local Flavor: Lord Fletcher's (Spring Park): Olde English ambience, Tudor-style building on Lake Minnetonka featuring four dining areas with varying menus offering upscale or casual dining, bar, and patio with lake view; Al and Alma's Supper Club (Spring Park)--featuring dinner and lake cruises.

Area Shopping: Various strip malls; closest large mall is Ridgedale Shopping Center in Minnetonka.

Around Town: Take the family to Gale Woods Farm on Whaletail Lake. The 410-acre park features a modern day educational farm where you can learn about current farming practices through hands-on exhibits.

Official sites:

• Minnestrista, MN
• St. Bonifacius, MN

City & State, or ZIP

Price Range Any $100,000 $110,000 $120,000 $130,000 $140,000 $150,000 $160,000 $170,000 $180,000 $190,000 $200,000 $225,000 $250,000 $275,000 $300,000 $325,000 $350,000 $375,000 $400,000 $450,000 $500,000 $550,000 $600,000 $650,000 $700,000 $750,000 $800,000 $850,000 $900,000 $1,000,000 $1,500,000 $2,000,000 $3,000,000 $4,000,000 $5,000,000 $10M+ To No Limit $100,000 $110,000 $120,000 $130,000 $140,000 $150,000 $160,000 $170,000 $180,000 $190,000 $200,000 $225,000 $250,000 $275,000 $300,000 $325,000 $350,000 $375,000 $400,000 $450,000 $500,000 $550,000 $600,000 $650,000 $700,000 $750,000 $800,000 $850,000 $900,000 $1,000,000 $1,500,000 $2,000,000 $3,000,000 $4,000,000 $5,000,000 $10M+ Bedrooms Any 1+ 2+ 3+ 4+ 5+ Bathrooms Any 1+ 2+ 3+ 4+ Sq. Footage Any 1000+ 1500+ 2000+ 2500+ 3000+ 3500+ 4000+ More

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