Wayzata is a lakeside city on the north shore of Lake Minnetonka, 15 minutes west of downtown Minneapolis, filled with main street style, good dining, and plenty of options to have a good time. The 13 best things to do in Wayzata, Minnesota are the Chilly Open on the frozen bay, the Panoway Lakewalk, The Hotel Landing and Belle & Grey, Benedict’s, McCormick’s Pub, Grays Bay Dam Park, Ferndale Road, Rustica Bakery, Wayzata Beach, 6Smith, the Lake Street boutiques, Cov Wayzata, and the Wayzata Depot Museum. Most of them sit within a ten-minute walk of each other along Lake Street.
Lake Minnetonka is a true gem. Finding a city that resides directly on the water is a different experience. You can use one of these lakeside towns to get away for a weekend, slow down time, or spend a day exploring.
Wayzata was featured as one of our favorite things to do around Lake Minnetonka, and rightfully so. You’ll see why. As a former resident and still a homeowner in Wayzata, I’ll provide some of the local spots and best ways to explore downtown Wayzata in style. We’ve been to the Minneapolis riverwalk, the suburbs, and the back.
There’s only a handful of cultural experiences similar to Wayzata and it’s simply a must-see attraction while visiting the Twin Cities.
What is Wayzata, Minnesota, Known for?
Wayzata is a posh, quaint town located directly on the northern end of Lake Minnetonka. A straight 15-minute drive from downtown Minneapolis, Wayzata has long been known as a resort area of the Twin Cities dating back to the mid-1800s when people would ride horses and buggies to spend the summer along Lake Minnetonka.
In 1852, two pioneer families settled on the present site of downtown Wayzata. The first of these families was Oscar Garrison. Mr. Garrison built a cabin at the intersection of Lake Street and Broadway Avenue in downtown Wayzata.
From there, downtown Wayzata boomed into a local downtown featuring the main street, railroad hub, and various residential buildings, making this one of Minnesota’s most desirable locations.
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Things to Do in Wayzata, Minnesota
As fellow Minnesotans and former Wayzata residents, we are honored to provide you with the best things to do in downtown Wayzata. Both during winter and summer.
1. Golf on a Frozen Lake at the Wayzata Chilly Open
Next event: Saturday, February 6, 2027, with tee times at 10am, 12pm and 2pm. Tickets go on sale December 1, 2026.
The Chilly Open is a nine-hole golf tournament played on the frozen surface of Wayzata Bay, and this festival only happens once a year. It has run since 1984 and draws roughly 2,000 golfers, which makes it the single largest thing that happens in Wayzata all year. The Wayzata West Metro Chamber organizes it. They also program yoga and movies out on the ice during the winter.
It is a genuinely down-to-earth Minnesotan experience, and past editions have included free sled dog rides out on Lake Minnetonka.
One honest caveat: the ice decides. The 2024 tournament was cancelled outright after a pressure ridge left four to six inches of open water across the Wayzata Beach access point. Organizers tried roughly eight alternate layouts before calling it and issuing refunds. If you are travelling in for it, book something refundable and check the Chamber’s event page in the week beforehand.
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2. Stay at The Hotel Landing and Dine at Belle & Grey
Address: 925 Lake St E, Wayzata, MN 55391, United States
Hotel Landing is one of the few hotels in downtown Wayzata. Walking distance from all the best spots in Wayzata, including Benedicts and Cov, the Landing is a dog-friendly hotel with a modern vibe.
Note the name change. The hotel restaurant that everyone in Wayzata knew as ninetwentyfive, or just “925,” is now Belle & Grey. It reopened on April 8, 2026 after a refresh of the dining room and a move to a seasonal, coastal-leaning menu. Same building, same address, different sign. If you have an older guide telling you to book 925, this is the restaurant it means.
The happy hour here was by far the best in Wayzata under the old name, built around tap wines and cheap appetizers. Check the current menu before you go rather than trusting an old price, since the relaunch reworked the food and drink lists.
You’d never guess it when you walk inside – the restaurant is gorgeous, and the food is top-notch. The happy hour is a steal that everyone should enjoy!
Grab some happy hour, dinner, or brunch on the outdoor patios. The second-floor balcony sneaks a view of Lake Minnetonka!
3. Walk the Panoway Lakewalk Over Wayzata Bay
Address: Lake St E between Broadway Ave and Walker Ave, Wayzata, MN 55391, United States
This is the biggest change to Wayzata since this guide was first written, and it is free. Panoway on Wayzata Bay is a multi-phase public waterfront project. Phase 1, the Plaza Park stretch of Lake Street between Broadway and Walker, finished in 2020. Phase 2, an offshore pedestrian Lakewalk carried out over the water plus new municipal docks at Broadway and at the Depot, was completed in 2024.
The practical effect is that you can now walk the length of the downtown waterfront out over the bay instead of along the road, which is the single best free half hour in town. Phase 3, covering shoreline ecosystem restoration, an underwater wave break and restoration of the Section Foreman’s House, has not been built. The City asked the State of Minnesota for roughly $15 million in bonding for it in April 2025.
See Related: Things to Do Around Lake Minnetonka
4. Brunch Hard at Benedict’s
Address: 845 Lake St E, Wayzata, MN 55391, United States
We love Benedict’s. It’s a true brunch spot offering amazing mid-day drinks and great food. When we lived in Wayzata, we came here basically every weekend. Their hash browns are to die for…thin as angel hair pasta and crunchy as ever, these are some hash browns you cannot get anywhere else.
Our favorite things on the menu are the Gravlox and chilaquiles. The Gravlax is a salmon benedict with fresh smoked salmon on top of a bed of spinach and tomatoes covered with just the right amount of hollandaise. It comes with hashbrowns – obviously.
The staff at Benedict’s completes the package. The staff is friendly, helpful, and personable. We recommend meeting at the bar to meet and mingle with the locals and bartenders.
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5. Grab a Guinness and Watch a Soccer Match at McCormick’s Pub
Address: 331 Broadway Ave S, Wayzata, MN 55391, United States
McCormick’s Irish Pub is a great spot for any season. The second you walk through their doors, you feel like you’re in Ireland. Golf flags and Irish advertisements line the walls for a cozy feel.
Stop in for a Guinness or other Irish beer and watch a football match – either soccer or American football – it’s a great spot to watch. One side of McCormick’s is dedicated to family suppers and weekend brunch. A full menu offers Irish classics such as pot pies, chips, and salads.
The other side – our favorite side – is a small pub with space to stand, sit, and relax. You can order off the full menu on the pub side and enjoy their excellent happy hour. We recommend the truffle fries!
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6. Visit Grays Bay Dam and Headwaters Park
Address: 16501 Grays Bay Blvd, Wayzata, MN 55391, United States
Grays Bay Dam Park is one of the lesser-known spots to hit in Wayzata. It’s a great park for a walk where you can stroll and experience the scenery of beautiful Lake Minnetonka.
Perfect for sunset or sunrise strolls and light fishing. You can also launch a canoe or kayak and coast down the river as far as Edina! If you want to save money with the family or have a cheap day spot, explore Grays Bay Dam Park and the surrounding neighborhoods for a few hours.
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7. Drive Ferndale Road Past the Lakeshore Estates
Address: Wayzata, MN 55391, United States
Ferndale is one of the most expensive streets in the entire state of Minnesota. You can see houses that cost multiples of millions of dollars and feature some of the top executives of Fortune 500 companies.
Be realistic about what this is. Ferndale is an ordinary public residential road, not a sanctioned scenic drive: there is no overlook, no visitor parking and no pull-off, and the houses sit behind gates and century-old stone gateposts. Drive it slowly on your way through, look at the architecture, and do not stop or linger in front of private driveways.
Ferndale is just next to downtown Wayzata, so it’s only a slight detour from getting in and out of downtown. I highly recommend it if you see home design and architecture.
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8. Get Pastry and Coffee at Rustica Bakery (Formerly Wuollet’s)
Address: 795 Lake St E, Wayzata, MN 55391, United States
Wuollet Bakery is gone. The Wayzata shop was evicted in April 2024 over roughly $8,000 in unpaid rent, and the 1944-founded chain closed its last Twin Cities storefront in 2025. If you are working from an older Wayzata list, do not go looking for it.
Go here instead. Rustica Bakery & Cafe opened in that same Lake Street space on November 21, 2025. It is Rustica’s fourth location and the first opened by Jester Concepts after the group acquired the brand in late 2024, with chef Mike DeCamp leading it. Open daily, 7am to 5pm.
Rustica built its Minneapolis reputation on naturally leavened bread, croissants and morning pastry rather than celebration cakes, so it is a different stop than the old bakery was. It is the right first move of the day before you walk the lakefront, and it is a short walk from Edina and the rest of the west metro.
Rustica sits in the same spot, right off the main Lake Street stretch, which is still the most convenient bakery stop in town when you are shopping downtown.
If you specifically wanted a Wuollet celebration cake, you will need to look elsewhere in the Twin Cities. The brand no longer operates a storefront anywhere in the metro.
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9. Paddle Board, Relax, and Picnic at Wayzata Beach
Address: 220 Grove Ln E, Wayzata, MN 55391, United States
Wayzata Beach is one of the best-kept secrets in downtown Wayzata. Right at the end of Lake Street is a hidden beach with a small parking lot. Here, you can rent paddleboards and kayaks or relax and watch all the boats cruise along Lake Minnetonka.
The beach is quiet and not crowded despite being within walking distance of all the great restaurants. The beach is right next to 6Smith and Macanda. Stop in for a beer or bite to take a break from the sun.
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10. Eat Lakeside at 6Smith (Read the Rooftop Note First)
Address: 294 Grove Ln E, Wayzata, MN 55391, United States
The rooftop is no longer a walk-in bar. 6Smith converted its rooftop patio to private-events-only bookings in 2022, so you can no longer wander up for a drink on a summer evening the way you could when this guide was first written. The main dining room and the ground-level patio are still open to everyone, and they still face the lake.
Right next to Wayzata Beach, 6Smith is known for its large portions, strong drinks and an excellent brunch. Hours run Monday to Thursday 11am to 10pm, Friday and Saturday 11am to 11pm, and Sunday 10am to 9pm.
From healthy fruit and yogurt parfaits to 5-bacon french toast, their brunch has something for everyone. 6Smith happy hour is excellent. They have the unique option of “good” and “better” wine at happy hour prices.
Instead of being stuck with the “house red” like most happy hours, you can choose what wine you want to experience, and you can take it out on the ground-level patio.
Come on a weekend evening in summer for the lake views and the people-watching. If you specifically want a rooftop event space, the roof is bookable privately through the restaurant.
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11. Shop the Lake Street Boutiques
There are plenty of boutiques worth stopping by if you love to shop. From local boutiques to national staples, Wayzata has it all.
- Five Swans: perfect for Christmas gifts, home goods, and locally inspired goodies. Five Swans has the best kitchenware in Wayzata and the best holiday gift selection.
- Sun & Slope: The ultimate place for well-made outdoor clothes. Sun & Slope has the best selection of winter wear in the area. They have incredible winter gloves that will last you a lifetime. They also have great home additions – their pillows are perfect for any cabin or cozy room.
- J.McLaughlin: the best men’s shop around. High-quality cashmere, well-made sweaters, shirts, socks, and ties. Stop in for the ultimate business ware.
- Oh baby!: Get ready to buy everything. This baby store offers unique baby gifts and clothes made with the softest materials.
- Schuler Shoes: shoes for every person! Schuler shoes bring in the highest quality, long-wear shoes. A perfect place to stop if you have sensitive feet and need good support.
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12. Live and Dine in Nautical Fashion at Cov Wayzata
Address: 700 Lake St E, Wayzata, MN 55391, United States
The Cov Wayzata is a coastal-chic restaurant with an outdoor patio and lake views. Cov offers a fresh menu of salads, sandwiches, and full plates.
The best part about Cov is the vibe. They created a space that feels like you are on the coast in an exclusive neighborhood on the east. Nautical themes bring together the midwestern-Lake Minnetonka vibe and the top-tier Hamptons style.
Their wine and cocktail selection is coastal-inspired and changes with the season. Cov happy hour is every day – yes, even Saturday! And you can get a happy hour out on the patio.
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13. Visit the Wayzata Depot Museum with Kids
Address: 402 Lake St E, Wayzata, MN 55391, United States
The train depot used to be the heart of Wayzata. In the 1800s and early 1900s, city slickers would take the train to Wayzata to enjoy a holiday at the lake.
Open April through December, Saturdays and Sundays from 12pm to 4pm. The Garden Railroad runs Saturday and Sunday 1pm to 4pm, weather permitting.
Today the depot is a local museum that teaches the history of Wayzata, right next to tracks that still carry trains. Stop inside for the old photographs. Two things have changed recently: the historic Section Foreman’s House has moved and now sits in the lower level of the Wayzata Library, open Wednesdays 12pm to 3pm and Saturdays 10am to 1pm, and the Wayzata Historical Society is now part of the Lake Minnetonka Historical Society, which honors existing memberships.
Outside the train station is a miniature train that boasts some local landmarks. Kids love watching the small train go around the village, while parents laugh at the hidden jokes in the stores. The train depot holds a number of events throughout the year. Volunteers dress in colonial wear on the Fourth of July to celebrate the holiday. You can view their list of events on their website.
Wayzata is a happening city that has come a long way in the past few years. Plenty of restaurants, outdoor activities, and festivals fit all age groups.
You can bring the entire family to experience a weekend getaway or make a day trip from your stay in the Twin Cities. It’s a worthwhile trip to see true Minnesotan culture.
Wayzata, Minnesota FAQs
What is Wayzata, Minnesota known for?
Wayzata is known for its Lake Minnetonka waterfront, its Lake Street main-street shopping and dining, and the Chilly Open, a nine-hole golf tournament played on the frozen bay each February since 1984. It sits 15 minutes west of downtown Minneapolis and has been a Twin Cities resort town since the mid-1800s.
Is Wayzata worth visiting for a day trip?
Yes. Wayzata works well as a half-day or full-day trip from Minneapolis. The downtown core, the Panoway Lakewalk, Wayzata Beach, the Depot Museum and most of the restaurants sit within a ten-minute walk of each other, so you can park once and cover the whole town on foot.
When is the Wayzata Chilly Open in 2027?
The 2027 Wayzata Chilly Open is scheduled for Saturday, February 6, 2027, with tee times at 10am, 12pm and 2pm. Tickets go on sale December 1, 2026. The event depends on ice conditions and was cancelled in 2024 because of open water at the beach access.
Is Wuollet Bakery still open in Wayzata?
No. The Wayzata Wuollet Bakery was evicted in April 2024 and the chain closed its final Twin Cities storefront in 2025. Rustica Bakery and Cafe opened in the same Lake Street space on November 21, 2025 and is open daily from 7am to 5pm.
Can you still go to the rooftop at 6Smith?
Not as a walk-in. 6Smith converted its rooftop patio to private-events-only bookings in 2022. The main dining room and ground-level patio remain open to the public, and the rooftop can be reserved privately through the restaurant.
Is Wayzata Beach open to the public?
Yes, seasonally. Wayzata Beach at 220 Grove Lane East is open to the public from mid-June to mid-August with a lifeguard on duty daily from noon to 6pm, and Hennepin County samples the water for swim safety. Check the City of Wayzata for current parking rules before you go.
