Fagerness Point
Fagerness Point is a narrow peninsula positioned between West Arm and Coffee Cove
Long before Euro-Americans arrived, the Lake Minnetonka region was central to the seasonal rhythms of the Mdewakanton Dakota—engaging in wild rice harvesting, hunting, and maple syrup gathering around the lake. In 1852, territorial governor Alexander Ramsey formally named the lake “Minnetonka,” adopting the Dakota term meaning “Big Water.
As more settlers arrived in the 1850s and 1860s, Lake Minnetonka’s irregular shoreline—with its countless points, bays, and islands—became dotted with place names honoring pioneers, hometowns, and descriptive features. Names like Cedar Point, Locke Point, and Lookout Point memorialize early inhabitants such as David Locke and John Harrington.
Fagerness Point emerges more as a feature of real estate and geographic interest than colonial lore. Situated at the meeting of West Arm and Coffee Cove in Orono, this slender peninsula is noted for its elevated, private waterfront and sweeping sunset views—qualities celebrated in modern real estate descriptions.
Despite its scenic prominence, no historical documentation currently explains the origin of the name "Fagerness." Unlike other nearby points named after early settlers, Fagerness remains a bit of a mystery—perhaps named after a local family, developer, or lesser-known figure whose story hasn’t been widely recorded.
Today, Fagerness Point retains its allure as a rare stretch of shoreline balancing tranquility with exposure to boat traffic—especially near Lord Fletcher’s resort across Coffee Cove. The mix of “legacy cabins” and year-round homes, many rarely changing hands, highlights its deep residential roots and desirability.