1853
Peter Gideon, an apple farmer, puts down roots in what is now known as Tonka Bay. Gideon’s Bay still bears his name.
1879
Cottages pop up along the shore, and the first of Minnetonka’s great hotels, Lake Park Hotel, is built on Echo Bay across from Big Island. Boating, fishing, dining and tennis draw crowds, who travel by railroad to the popular site.
1901
A stable population sets up residence and incorporates as Tonka Bay. Located between the upper and lower bodies of Lake Minnetonka, Tonka Bay has more Lake Minnetonka shoreline than any other city of its size.
1908
Boaters and lake lovers come in droves to the Minnetonka Boat Club on Echo Bay, located right next door to the newly renamed Tonka Bay Hotel.
1920-1930
During the late 1920s or early 1930s the Minnetonka Boat Club changes ownership and Tonka Bay Marina develops. Built on the site of the historic Tonka Bay Hotel, the marina becomes the premier location for boating on Lake Minnetonka.
Today
Today, the team at Tonka Bay Marina is honored to carry on its legacy of being the premier marina on Lake Minnetonka and provide customers and the lake community with the highest level of service and support.
Photo usage granted by permission from the Minnesota Historical Society. Photo credit: Sweet, Emma Fry.