Lafayette Bay
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About Lafayette Bay
Location Highlights
Lafayette Bay, located on the serene shores of Lake Minnetonka, derives its name from the historic Lafayette Club, which boasts a prime lakeside position with 3,000 feet of scenic shoreline. This bay sits in a prime location, bordered by Echo Bay to the south, Smiths Bay to the east, and the natural beauty of Big Island Nature Park just across its waters. Huntington Point, a picturesque area of Lafayette Bay, is renowned for its luxurious waterfront estates. The homes surrounding Lafayette Bay span across the communities of Minnetonka Beach, Tonka Bay, and Orono, offering residents proximity to both the Minnetonka School District and Mound Westonka School District.
Water Quality
With a water depth ranging between 5 and 57 feet, Lafayette Bay receives an impressive A rating for water quality from the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District, making it one of the cleaner and clearer bays of Lake Minnetonka.
Boating Restrictions
There are no boating restrictions on Lafayette Bay, allowing for a variety of recreational watercraft activities.
Lake Access
Though Lafayette Bay itself lacks boat launches or marinas, nearby Echo Bay offers three convenient options for lake access. The Caribbean Marina, located just north of Sunrise Point, provides marine services, gas, and boat storage year-round. Across from Big Island is Lindbo Landing Marina, which specializes in dock slip rentals. For full-service options, Tonka Bay Marina, situated slightly north of the Caribbean Marina, features a boat launch, dock slip rentals, and gas services.
Amenities
The historic Lafayette Club remains the centerpiece of the bay's attractions. Originally built by railroad magnate James J. Hill in 1882, the Lafayette Hotel had 300 guest rooms and served as a hub for Lake Minnetonka’s social scene. Though the hotel was closed and eventually destroyed by fire in 1897, the site was transformed into the present-day Lafayette Club. Offering an array of modern amenities, the club now features indoor and outdoor pools, a golf course, tennis courts, and boat docks, continuing its legacy as a social and recreational landmark for the area.
