It's summertime again in Minnesota, and after a long winter, we all deserve to have a great time. As the summer heats up, there’s no better way to spend the season than out on the lake and in the metro area, which often means a visit to Lake Minnetonka.
Before you head out onto the lake, you’ll want to be prepared. At Canvasworks, we specialize in crafting custom boat covers and boat lift canopies, repairing or replacing boat seat upholstery, and manufacturing other marine products so your boat is ready for everything you have planned!
Give us a call to get your boat ready for summer fun before heading out on Lake Minnetonka this year.
Why Boat On Lake Minnetonka?
Lake Minnetonka is the largest lake in the Twin Cities metro, over fourteen thousand acres. Located a short 40-minute drive west of Minneapolis, it boasts seemingly endless coastlines and tons of places to dock your boat and eat.
The fishing is also particularly great on this lake. Largemouth bass, walleye, muskies, pike, sunfish, and crappie all populate the lake.
Efforts are being made to keep the lake a great fishing spot, so that any angler will have a blast!
What to Know Before You Go
Invasive species inhabit the lake, including Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussels. Whether you're swimming, boating, tubing, fishing, or any combination of the above, follow proper protocol to prevent transferring these invasive species to other lakes.
Also, it’s good to know that it can get crowded. The lake’s location and size make it a popular destination throughout the year, which can lead to heavy boat traffic and, at times, overcrowded conditions on boat ramps.
Make sure you are up to date on boat traffic laws and give yourself extra time to load and unload safely. Another option is to enjoy the lake on weekdays or get to the boat launch early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
Popular Lake Minnetonka Activities
Once your boat is ready to go, check out these great ideas for summer fun on the water to make the most of the season!
Break Out the Water Skis or Wakeboard
Water skiing has been a time-honored Minnesota tradition since it was invented on Lake Pepin in 1922. If you’ve never had the chance to try water skiing, now is the time to give it a shot.
Learning to water ski can be tricky, but with a little bit of help from an instructor or a friend you will be enjoying yourself on the water before you know it.
If water skiing isn’t your thing, give wakeboarding a try. It’s less physically demanding and easier to learn, especially if you’re a beginner. Either way, water sports are a great way to enjoy a day on the lake!
Go Fishing for the Big One
Whether you have a custom fisherman top for your boat or not, fishing on Lake Minnetonka offers excellent opportunities to catch a variety of fish, especially during the week.
Lake Minnetonka is known nationally for trophy largemouth bass, but it also offers great chances to catch pike, walleye, muskie, and panfish. All fish populations are carefully monitored to ensure anglers can catch what they love.
For expert tips on where to find the best fishing spots, talk with one of the many guide companies working on the lake, or try your luck finding a lucky alcove!
Relax On the Beach
If you’re tired of cruising and want to take a break on land, Lake Minnetonka has a variety of beautiful, well-kept beaches for you to enjoy.
Many of them have grill sites and bathrooms, making them a perfect option for a meal and a short break from the boat for the kids. Once everyone has had a chance to stretch their legs and enjoy a meal, you’ll be right back on the lake.
Grab Dinner On the Dock
Is there anything more relaxing than dining by the water? How about a day on the lake, dinner on the lake, and a sunset cruise afterward?
Lake Minnetonka offers many excellent dockside dining opportunities, from Maynards and Lord Fletchers to Bayside.
If you’re looking for more options, many area restaurants that deliver offer delivery to public docks, too. You can grab a great meal at your favorite dockside restaurant and head out for a relaxing evening on your boat.
Take a Shaded Cruise
Sometimes, the best activity is simply slowing down, cruising along the coast, and sightseeing. Reconnect with the natural world as you sunbathe on the deck and feel the calming waves gently rock the boat.
When you’ve had enough sun, put up a specially designed Canvasworks bimini top and enjoy the shade while you tour the sights, sip a cool drink, listen to music, and chat with your friends.
Now, that sounds like a perfect Saturday!
What to Pack for a Day On the Lake
Imagine your ideal day out on the boat with your favorite people. Maybe you’re kicking back, enjoying the sun, going for a swim, or fishing off the side of the boat.
Whatever your pleasure, there’s nothing quite as good as the carefree vibe of the lake living in the summer sun, and the only thing that’s better than hanging out on the lake is being able to get there at a moment’s notice. Having a list of your essentials can help you be packed and ready to go boating in no time.
Here’s a checklist of items to pack for yourself and your guests before you head out on the lake!
Plenty of Towels
Let's be honest: Getting wet is a part of being out on the lake—usually one of the fun parts! However, it can get chilly quickly at the end of the day or if you're going fast.
Make sure you have plenty of towels for everyone, and maybe a couple of extras to keep everyone happy and comfortable.
Good Food
Even if you plan to stop at a dockside restaurant for dinner, you’ll get hungry throughout the day. Nothing makes a day out on the lake like a well-stocked cooler or a basket full of your favorite snacks.
It’s a good idea to bring something healthy to keep from feeling weighed down in the sun, but we won’t tell if you stock up on chips and junk food, too!
Extra Clothing
Plan for an extra change of clothing. Whether you've been swimming, or your clothes get wet, you'll want dry clothing for the drive home.
A hat is also a helpful accessory to protect your head from the sun.
High SPF Sunscreen
Sunburn is a concern when you’re on the water, so remember to bring sunscreen. Make sure you pack a waterproof variety and reapply it frequently.
While you are at it, bring a good pair of sunglasses along, too. UV radiation can damage your eyes, and sun glare is just plain uncomfortable.
Hydration
Spending time in the sun can result in dehydration if you aren’t careful. Keep plenty of ice-cold water bottles in your cooler. In addition to the water, you may also wish to pack something with electrolytes, some juice, or your favorite soft drink.
Plastic Bags
Grab some shopping or trash bags for your wet clothing, towels, and garbage. That way, your car will stay dry on the ride home, and your boat will be clean for your next day on the lake.
Canvasworks: Your Source for Marine Products in MN
Whatever your plans are this summer, our boat upholstery, bimini top, and boat cover manufacturers at Canvasworks in Cokato, Minnesota, can help you get ready for the season.
We offer custom manufactured marine products to keep your passengers comfortable and protect your boat and its upholstery all summer and winter long.
Visit our online gallery to see some of our beautiful bimini tops and custom boat upholstery. Then give us a call at 320-559-0165 to order your custom boat canopy system, or contact us online to speak with a member of our team about your boat upholstery and sun top needs today.