Wayzata Community Guide for Hennepin County
A small community with a unique name, Wayzata is a Hennepin County city of just 4,217 residents.
Residents enjoy living here because it offers affordable homes, a great location near Minneapolis and a strong sense of community.
If you’re in the market for a Hennepin County home, we encourage you to check out Wayzata.
So What’s with the Name?
According to historians, the community (which is located in the western part of the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metro area) got its name from a Lakota Sioux phrase that means "North Shore."
And this is certainly apropos given that the community is located on the shores of Lake Minnetonka. This also makes Wayzata a popular tourist destination.
Tell Me More about Wayzata’s History
The Mdewakanton Dakota were actually the original inhabitants of the area around 1700 CE. They adored living near the water because it made it a great place for hunting and fishing and also protecting land from their rivals, the Chippewa tribe.
However, starting in 1803, the land starting to be claimed by Europeans – first Spain and then France.
Tensions grew between the natives and the Europeans, resulting in the Dakota War of 1862.
Afterward, many Dakotas fled the area.
The area continued to grow under European settlement, seeing a big influx of settlers with the development of a sawmill, a hotel and a blacksmith shop in town.
The community entered its resort era when the Saint Paul & Pacific Railroad extended a line out to Wayzata from Saint Paul. This ultimately positioned the community to be a gateway to Lake Minnetonka and many vacationers came to visit.
This helped grow the community even more over the years.
Modern-Day Wayzata Is Incredible!
Today, this Minnesota community boasts a diverse economy and excellent amenities for all residents to enjoy.
A number of businesses are headquartered here, including the region bank TCF and Cargill Inc.
The Great Schools Your Kids Will Attend
Wayzata Public Schools are part of the Independent School District 284. They actually serve all or portions of eight west suburban municipalities, including Plymouth, Corcoran, Hamel, Maple Grove, Medicine Lake, Medina and Minnetonka Orono.
However, the only schools located within the City of Wayzata are Gleason Lake Elementary and West Middle School.
In all, there are about 9,510 students enrolled in the seven public elementary schools (K-5), three middle schools (6–8), and one high school (9–12).
The schools in this district include:
- Sunset Hill
- West Middle School
- Wayzata High School
- Plymouth Creek
- Central Middle School
- Oakwood
- East Middle School
- Kimberly Lane
- Greenwood
- Gleason Lake
- Birchview
Recreational Amenities for the Whole Community
Regardless of your interests, you’ll find a recreational amenity here that suits you.
Tthe Dakota Rail Trail is a 13.5-mile paved regional trail that winds around Lake Minnetonka through Wayzata, Orono, Minnetonka Beach, Spring Park, Mound, Minnetrista and St. Bonifacius.
Meanwhile, The Wayzata Beach is located in downtown Wayzata on Lake Minnetonka. Open to the public, it offers such fabulous amenities as:
- A sandy beach
- Shaded picnic areas
- Playground equipment
- Canoe racks
- Stand up paddleboard rentals
- Volleyball court
- Boat slips
- Playing fields
What’s more, there is a lifeguard on duty mid-June to mid-August when the temperatures are above 65 degrees.
This community also offers residents access to some exceptional restaurants and shopping plazas.
Buy Your Next Home in Wayzata
If this sounds like the kind of community you’d like to live in year-round, then please contact us at the David Azbill Group.
We are your Hennepin County real estate experts and we would love to assist you by answering all of your questions and providing you with some valuable home buying resources.
We’ll also tell you all about available Wayzata home listings.
List Your Home with Us!
And please remember to contact us if you’re interested in listing your current Wayzata home on the market. We’d be happy to help by answering any questions you might have as well as helping you determine the true value of your home.