NORTH LOWER LAKE EAST

DNR Lake ID: 27013302

Location Highlights:
North Lower Lake East is located southwest of Echo Bay and north of Excelsior Bay. Big Island separates this bay from its neighbor, Lower Lake South. The shoreline runs along the cities of Orono, Greenwood, and Deephaven, and depending on where the real estate is located on the bay, homes are in either the Minnetonka School District or the Orono School District. Features of the bay include Gale Island, a small island off the city of Shorewood. In 1871, Harlow Gale, a real-estate developer, claimed the land just south of Big Island for $2.45. He built his summer home there in the late 19th century, and the octagonal structure still stands today. North Lower Lake East is rich in history and is known as the final resting place for three of Lake Minnetonka’s streetcar steamboats, Como, White Bear, and Hopkins, deliberately sunk at the bottom of the bay in the 1920s. The vessels provided fast and reliable transportation for residents of Lake Minnetonka who worked in the Twin Cities. The boats ran out of commission when roads around the lake were improved, and automobile transportation became much easier.

Water Quality:
The water depth in North Lower Lake East ranges from 12 to 51 feet and has an A rating water quality by the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District. The bay is crystal clear and can be enjoyed recreationally year-round.

Boating Restrictions:
None

Lake Access:
There are not any boat launches or marinas directly on North Lower Lake East, but there are plenty of marinas just north in Echo Bay. Echo Bay is home to Caribbean Marina, Lindbo Landing Marina, and Tonka Bay Marina. These marinas offer easy access to Lake Minnetonka through marine services, gas pumps, all-season boat storage, and dock slip rentals.

Amenities:
North Lower Lake East’s convenient location allows boaters to alternate between the natural Big Island Park and tourist downtown Excelsior. Big Island is known for its great location in the heart of Lake Minnetonka. It is an ideal spot for camping, fishing, and hiking. The park offers 20 campsites with fire pits, picnic tables, and grills. Big Island has many fish, including Bass, Walleye, Northern Pike, Perch, and Crappie, right off the shore. On the opposite side of the bay, downtown Excelsior presents an abundance of shopping, including local favorites, Primp, The Maker’s Studio, and Big Island Swim & Surf Company. The public docks in Excelsior make it easy to grab a bite to eat at Lago Tacos, Tommy’s Tonka Trolley, and Yumi’s.  

Source City of Orono®  
Source MN DNR® 
Source Minnehaha Watershed District®