Week in review 7/25/25
Key news and happenings around Lake Minnetonka
Here's a look at the key news and happenings around Lake Minnetonka between July 18 and July 24, 2025:
🎥 Boating Mishap on July 18
On July 18, a man attempting to mimic a surfer’s moves on his boat at Mound lost his balance and fell overboard. The incident—caught on video—had no injuries, though the surfer, Nataliya, also ended up in the water shortly thereafter.
🎉 Spirit of the Lakes Festival & Wakesurf Events
The Spirit of the Lakes Festival ran July 17–19 at Surfside Park in Mound, featuring live music (with headliners Pop Rocks on July 18 and Viva Knievel on July 19), vendors, family activities, and fireworks over Cooks and Priest’s Bays.
Coinciding with the festival, the Lake Minnetonka Wakesurf Open took place on July 19, drawing wakesurfers of all levels to compete in Cook’s Bay.
Also, on July 24, the Let Her Rip women’s surf and wakeboard event was held at Spring Park’s Shoreline Hotel—an empowering day with coaching sessions, rides, and community fun.
🌿 Environmental Updates
The Lake Minnetonka Association continues its 2025 aquatic invasive species (AIS) treatment program—targeting curlyleaf pondweed and Eurasian watermilfoil in ten bays. The efforts are under scrutiny, particularly in Harrison Bay, where residents debate forming a new lake improvement district that could levy fees and expand chemical treatments. A public hearing is anticipated at the Mound City Council’s first August meeting.
🚤 Lake Management & Safety
The Lake Minnetonka Conservation District (LMCD) remains active this summer, enforcing safety and rental regulations. A new rental watercraft licensing rule requires operators to pass inspections and pay a $25 fee.
Separately, due to heavy June rainfall, nearby central Minnesota counties implemented no-wake boat restrictions within 300 feet of shorelines to prevent erosion. These are in place through July 30, though they more directly affect adjoining lakes rather than Lake Minnetonka itself.
🧨 Fireworks Fundraising Concerns
Following the July 4 celebration—which drew around 10,000 people—the Excelsior–Lake Minnetonka Chamber of Commerce announced that the fireworks event may be in jeopardy in 2026 unless a new 501(c)(3) sponsor is found. The chamber’s current tax status prevents them from raising sufficient funds for future fireworks.
