This was my first time in Waconia, Minnesota, and man, I loved the vibe! On one hand, there are big, beautiful homes on and near the lake, Tesla’s in the garage, and wineries every few miles. And on the other hand, it has a small-town feel with local shops and dive bars in a walkable area. Two worlds collide and it totally works.
How Far is Waconia from Minneapolis?
Waconia is 43 minutes (34 miles) west of Minneapolis via MN-5 W. Once you’re close, you’ll hit the rolling hills, greenery, and dozens of lakes near Waconia, Minnesota, which makes it an easy and beautiful drive.
Plan a trip here whether you have the full day or even just a couple of hours when you’re looking to get out of the house. I will say, there are a lot of fun places to grab drinks so plan accordingly with a DD or Uber/Lyft option. You’re going to want to stay for some fun!
Things to Do in Waconia Minnesota
The Waconia population is around 12,000, making it a pretty small town. But there are still plenty of things to do in the area! Check out the lake and parks, shop some of the cutest boutiques in the Twin Cities, and of course, eat and drink your way through!
Shop Downtown Waconia MN
On the southern end of Lake Waconia sits the quaint downtown where you’ll find fun shops all within a couple of blocks. Visit both vintage and trendy boutiques, gift stores, chocolate shops…the list goes on. It’s easy to spend an hour or two moseying on through. Here are a few recommendations!
- The Stash of Waconia; a trendy women’s clothing shop at very affordable prices! I got a cute, very soft, and warm winter hat for just $10. Plus, their owners were the best. Super personable and fun to talk to about their shop, the area, and MN in general!
- Unearthed Arts; one of a kind arts and gifts. Their store highlights local artists with many unique talents. Jewelry, stones, paintings, and other beautiful art. Plus, they partner with breweries and wineries for those fun art classes you can do with your friends!
- Shop Chicks Boutique; the most aesthetically pleasing shop! I loved being in here (and I’m honestly not a huge shopper.) Quality, fashionable clothes. Minnesota goodies. Shoes. Accessories. They have it all. I got a cute necklace for just $10, and a set of bath bombs for only $5!
- Check out Yellow Book for a local bookstore, and Laketown Chocolates for sweet treats.
Visit Lake Waconia and Cedar Point Park
Lake Waconia is the second-largest lake in the Twin Cities area. It’s busy in the summer with sailing, boating, fishing, water-skiing, and all of the other activities. It’s also great for wind-surfing in the late summer, and ice fishing in the winter. Hit the beach at Carver Park and one of their tennis or basketball courts. Plus! Lake Waconia is home to Coney Island which is located in the middle of the lake towards the southern end. It’s scheduled to open as a park for visitors soon!
More Fall Day Trips You’ll Love in Minnesota: Northfield, Taylors Falls, and Stillwater.
Where to Eat & Drink in Waconia MN
Waconia wineries, distilleries, taprooms, and dive bars are in abundance! These spots bring in a ton of visitors to Waconia Minnesota year-round. No matter what you’re eating and drinking vibe is for the day, you’ll find what you’re looking for!
Mocha Monkey
The cutest of coffee shops right downtown that is perfect to stop in before you hit the shops. The Mocha Monkey menu is HUGE with organic-fair trade coffee (Lavendar Latte is delicious), teas, smoothies, and a variety of pastries and soups. Plus, a must-try selection of gelato. Yes, even if it’s the morning, you need to grab a scoop. You will savor the Oreo as if it’s the last cup of ice cream on earth. Also, they sell pottery here and all of the serving mugs and bowls are from local artists!
Lola’s Lakehouse
A mile or so outside of downtown, and located directly on the lake overlooking the boat launch, Lola’s Lakehouse offers some of the best views in town. You can keep it casual with wings, burgers, and wood-oven pizzas. Or step it up a notch and go for their filet mignon, fresh fish, and lobster options.
The vibes really remind me of the Lake Minnetonka area without all of the people and chaos that comes with that scene. It’s much more chill and laid back. The restaurant is huge and there is a variety of seating and atmospheres, both inside and out, that makes it perfect for a bunch of different circumstances. The casual stop after hopping off a boat, a celebration dinner or date, a Vikings football game, or a happy hour with the girls—3:00 PM-6:00 PM, daily.
They have a great hand-crafted cocktail menu in addition to a variety of wines and beers. I recommend the Bootlegger if you are a vodka or gin fan. As far as food, the Chopped Salad is big (plenty to share with the table) and packed with chicken. The hot wings are spicy but not too spicy. And the fish sandwich is a tasty choice—ask for a side of tartar. As for next time, I am going with the Steak Salad.
The nautical theme noticed right upon entering, is sure to put you in the spirit of being near the water. And their view is hard to beat, so grab a patio spot if you can. But don’t worry—floor to ceiling windows make the inside a beautiful place to sit even if a cold Minnesota day is forcing you in.
There is something for everyone at Lola’s Lakehouse and I’d highly suggest it as your place for a big meal before, during, or after hitting the “party scene.”
Schram Vineyards Winery & Brewery
Speaking of the “party scene…”
Schram Vineyards Winery & Brewery is Minnesota’s first combined winery and brewery! It’s a beautiful space, both inside and in the outdoor vineyards, with a variety of seating. Sit under a covered patio at barrel-style tables. Walk down towards the vineyards for a bigger picnic table. Or relax under the trees in the lounge chairs overlooking the scene. The vibe is chill and combines both an elegant winery with a laid back brewery. They do offer shareable snacks and sometimes have a food truck on site. It’s a little basic white girl here but hey, sometimes that’s what you’re looking for in the summer or fall!
Iron Tap
This is a trendy bar to hit after you’ve done your shopping in the downtown area. Iron Tap has 38 craft beers on tap plus a variety of hand-crafted cocktails and a bar food menu. Options for seating include their indoor space with dark wood interior, an outdoor patio both in front and out back, and a small rooftop patio.
We stopped in for a post-shopping drink—a delicious Waconia Oktoberfest to celebrate the season, and chose the rooftop patio. Next time, I’d go with the back patio down below where there was a fun vibe and you could hear the music better. Honestly, it’s not my top recommended place to have drinks in the area though. The rooftop was a bit boring and, in my experience, the service was slow and disorganized.
Chumly’s on Main
If cheap, domestic beer, pull tabs, good music, and friendly locals bellied up is what you’re looking for, here is your spot! A great local dive bar, Chumly’s on Main is worth stopping for a beer or eight. After a day of wineries, cocktails, and craft beer, this spot felt like home to me. They have a shuffleboard table if you’re feeling competitive and it won’t take long at all to meet a few tipsy friends!
More Waconia Minnesota Options
- Sovereign Estate; Sophisticated and pristine, come here for some fine Minnesota wine on the north end of Lake Waconia. Make sure you make reservations a few days beforehand or you likely aren’t getting in.
- Parley Lake Winery; Another winery in the area and this one is perfect for fall because they have an orchard as well! You need reservations here too.
- J. Carvery Distillery; this spot is currently closed but keep your eyes peeled for a reopening date.
Waconia Minnesota is a great getaway day!
There are so many different days you can have in Waconia MN.
- Waconia Minnesota winery hop.
- Boutique shopping day followed up with a few drinks.
- A day at Lake Waconia with a stop at Lola’s Lakehouse for dinner.
- And so much more!
Next time you’re looking to get out of the house to have some fun, head out to Waconia Minnesota. The town has a great vibe and so many options to have a great Minnesota day.
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