One of the largest lakes in Minnesota and the beating heart of boating fun, Lake Minnetonka is the perfect place to rent a boat for the 4th of July or any summer weekend. The 4th is the busiest boating day on the lake, with parties kicking off at various waterfront restaurants like Maynard’s and Lord Fletchers, and massive boat parties all day at the famous Big Island. Big Island is a beloved destination on Lake Minnetonka for boaters and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Once home to an amusement park and luxury hotels, Big Island offers 56 acres of land for hiking, picnics, and water recreation like kayaking and jet skiing. With a dock for public use, it’s a popular destination for boaters to park up and tie off for a day spent soaking up the sun, swimming, dancing on their boats, and enjoying cocktails and the summer atmosphere.

If you stay late into the evening, you can even enjoy a boat-in movie offered at the Marine Max, not far from Big Island. Watching a film while floating on the water is a truly unique summer experience.

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Boat Rentals on Lake Minnetonka

In addition to the boat parties on Big Island for the 4th of July, other great places for boating on Lake Minnetonka include Gray’s Bay, Downtown Wayzata, Excelsior, Crystal Bay, and Brown’s Bay are all good spots to check out on the lake. When cruising Lake Minnetonka, you’ll see some incredible waterfront homes, including those owned by Jimmy Jam, the Dayton Family, and Lorie Line, as well as homes owned by successful inventors, business people, and other wealthy Minnesota residents.

If you’re cruising on Lake Minnetonka for the 4th of July, you can enjoy the massive fireworks display put on by the Chamber of Commerce that light up the sky over Excelsior Commons Park. Don't forget to make a plan to boat safely - you'll want a sober driver and an experienced captain to safely maneuver on the busy lake.

Pontoon rentals on Lake Minnetonka

The most popular boat choice to rent on Lake Minnetonka is a pontoon. Pontoons are perfect for groups of 8 to 12 people. They provide ample space to spread out and will let you cruise at a leisurely pace around the lake, while still having enough speed and power to get you to where you want to go. Are you planning a 4th of July party on Lake Minnetonka? Rent a pontoon well in advance - bookings fill up quickly in the summer months for weekends and holidays, and you don’t want to miss your chance. Pontoon rentals on Lake Minnetonka start around $150/hour in price, but the cost will depend on the time of the week and if you want to include a captain in the rental. You can also rent pontoons on Lake Minnetonka for other celebrations, like bachelor and bachelorette parties, family reunions, graduation parties, and more.

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Speedboat rentals on Lake Minnetonka

Not only are powerboats or speedboats excellent for boat parties on Lake Minnetonka, but you can also enjoy a favorite pastime of boaters on the lake - watersports. Wakeboarding, waterskiing, and tubing provide endless fun for families experiencing a boat rental on the lake. If you’re cruising on Tonka with kids, don’t forget to ask your boat captain or owner if you can include equipment for watersports.

Tow your kids behind the boat, keeping them entertained for hours while you soak up the sun and conversation with friends onboard. Rent a boat on Lake Minnetonka starting at $160/hour, including a captain, so no worries if you don’t have boating experience.

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Dinner cruises on Lake Minnetonka

Are you looking to host an event on Lake Minnetonka? Consider a dinner cruise to combine an excellent meal with some breathtaking views. Lake Minnetonka dinner cruises are a popular choice for groom’s dinners, family reunions, anniversaries, and other celebrations. You can charter a yacht for a dinner cruise on Lake Minnetonka and cruise by all the highlights, including Big Island. Charter a yacht on Lake Minnetonka for a dinner cruise and host an event that your guests will love. You’ll catch a magical sunset on the lake and see all the best parts of the lake.

Jet ski rentals on Lake Minnetonka

Want to get to Big Island at high speed and enjoy an adrenaline rush on Lake Minnetonka for the 4th of July? Rent a jet ski on Lake Minnetonka for some fast fun and get in on the action on Big Island. You can rent a two-person jet ski for some fun with friends, with prices starting at $75/hour.

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Waterfront Restaurants near Big Island on Lake Minnetonka

Lord Fletchers

Lord Fletchers is a favorite stop on Lake Minnetonka. It's a great place to dock your boat for an afternoon of drinks, volleyball, or for food. Stop at Lord Fletcher’s Old Lake Lodge on Lake Minnetonka in Spring Park if you get hungry while out on your boat day.

Maynard’s

Another waterfront favorite for boaters on Lake Minnetonka is Maynard’s. This restaurant is great for cocktails and has a massive menu - anyone who is hungry coming off the lake will find something to eat at Maynard’s. Located in Excelsior, stop by here if you’re hungry and cruising around the lower lake portion of Lake Minnetonka.

CoV Wayzata

For a little tour of the quaint waterfront town of Wayzata, you can slip your boat into the docks by CoV. Walk onshore and check out the shops, cafes, and restaurants, enjoy Happy Hour at CoV or McCormicks, and see loads of fancy cars drive past on the main street of downtown Wayzata.

Lake Minnetonka Boat Day Packing List

  • Your hottest pair of sunglasses
  • Cooler packed with ice and your favorite drinks
  • Snacks. Lots of boat snacks
  • Swimsuits
  • Towels
  • Sunscreen
  • Water
  • Bluetooth speaker (if there isn't a system on your boat)
  • Water toys and floats (ask if it's included in the rental price)

Need help planning your Big Island boat day? Our captains are here to help. Simply search Lake Minnetonka boat rentals on Getmyboat, find a boat you like, and send a booking inquiry. Ask all the questions you need to be answered, and the captain will get back to you with responses and an offer! Download the Getmyboat mobile app to search and find boats to rent on Lake Minnetonka right from your phone.