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Real Estate & Homes in Minnetonka - Minnesota - Minnetonka, Minnesota homes and communities MinnetonkaMinnetonka Background"Minne" means "water" and "tonka" means "big." Together, this "Big Water" city skirts the far eastern shores of Lake Minnetonka and is a popular suburb of neighboring Minneapolis, the "City of Lakes."Minnetonka was founded in 1852 as the first European-American settlement west of Minneapolis. Most early settlers came from New England. National newspapers and even some foreign press encouraged settlement in the area, which grew around Minnehaha Creek and modern-day McGinty Road. Farming and milling were major industries, and although the town mill closed in 1895, agriculture remained steady well into next century. Minnetonka Township originally covered 36 square miles, but it shrank when the cities of Wayzata, Hopkins, Deephaven, Woodland and St. Louis Park split off. In 1956, the remaining 28 square miles were incorporated as Minnetonka Village. In 1969, Minnetonka became a city by charter. Today, agriculture remains a top industry, although Cargill and Fingerhut are among the city's major employers. The city is also home to the headquarters of such firms as UnitedHealth Group and G&K Services. Minnetonka Fast FactsLocation: Minnetonka is located about 17 miles southwest of Minneapolis*Total area: 28.22 square miles *Population: 51,301 *Housing units: 22,228 Average annual rainfall: 30.44 inches Average temperatures: 74ºF in summer, 14ºF in winter *Information provided by 2000 Census ActivitiesMinnetonka's name translates to "Big Water," and this Hennepin County city offers loads of lakeside activities.With dozens of nearby lakes, creeks and wetlands, Minnetonka residents also have access to 39 parks and recreation areas totaling 1,100 acres. The city is also located along the Minnetonka Loop Trail System, a 30-mile trail for running, biking and walking. Libbs Lake Beach, which is connected via channel to Minnehaha Creek, offers swimming, boating and fishing. Peaceful Linner Park preserves the area's natural wetlands. And Meadow Park comprises 100 acres, with a playground, hockey rinks, tennis courts and more. Minnetonka offers a variety of cultural and recreational opportunities. Start with a visit to the historic Burwell House, or head off to Civic Center Park, which hosts the annual Minnetonka Summer Festival. The park is also home to a community center, city hall, fire station and two ice arenas. Ridgedale Mall and its surrounding area serve as the hub of retail activity. Local highways, including Interstates 393 and 494, also provide easy access to the myriad shops and restaurants in neighboring Minneapolis and St. Paul. SchoolsThere are 23 public schools in Minnetonka. Students are served by three different districts: Hopkins School District No. 270, Minnetonka School District No. 276 and Wayzata School District No. 284.Private schools include Accell Academy, Immaculate Heart of Mary and Minnetonka Christian Academy. For post-secondary education, Dunwoody College of Technology, the University of Minnesota and several other schools are just minutes away in Minneapolis. Where is Minnetonka?
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