Major city · United States
Minnetonka
Spend 1 day in Minnetonka for a quick nature break or 2 days if you want beach time and a spa stay; stay near the airport for easy access.
Minnetonka is a suburban city of about 54 000 people in the Twin Cities metro. Its lakes, beaches and wetland parks give a natural feel, while easy highway links make it a convenient base for a short stay near Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- May–Sep (warm, low rain)
- avoid Dec–Feb (cold, snow)
- Airport
- MSP
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Minnetonka911 ▾
- Police / Fire / Ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Minnetonka, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyMinnetonka is a low‑crime suburb; typical US safety advice applies—keep valuables secure, especially at beaches during busy summer weekends.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police / fire / ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportMSP Minneapolis/St.
- Getting aroundMost visitors drive; Interstates 494 and 394 run through town.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee at a café$2–4
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi (5 km (3.1 mi))Taxi (3.1 mi (5 km))$15–20
- Metro or bus rideMetro Transit single ride$2.50
- Budget bedHostel private room, a night, per roomUS$70
- Mid-range bedMid‑range hotel room (double), a night, per roomUS$170
- High-end bedMid‑range hotel room (double), a night, per roomUS$250
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$80 · Mid US$130 · High US$200
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- MSP Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport (15 mi (≈24 km (15 mi)) southeast of Minnetonka)MSP Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport (15 mi (≈15 mi (24 km)) southeast of Minnetonka)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
Feb
Avoid
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
Mar
not flagged
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Apr
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
May
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Jun
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Jul
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Aug
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Sep
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Oct
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Nov
not flagged
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Dec
Avoid
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
Best: May–Sep. Avoid: Dec–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)), coolest Jan (−15°C (5°F)5°F (−15°C) low), wettest Jun (10 rain days), driest Feb (6). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Minnetonka: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
−15°C (5°F)5°F (−15°C)
7 rd
Feb
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
−13°C (9°F)9°F (−13°C)
6 rd
Mar
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C)
8 rd
Apr
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
9 rd
May
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
9 rd
Jun
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
10 rd
Jul
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
9 rd
Aug
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
9 rd
Sep
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
8 rd
Oct
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
7 rd
Nov
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
7 rd
Dec
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
−12°C (10°F)10°F (−12°C)
8 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Most visitors drive; Interstates 494 and 394 run through town. Metro Transit buses serve the area, with express routes to Minneapolis in the morning and evening.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Minneapolis
goDoor to door: ≈10 min
Drive east on I‑394, about 5 min (≈8 km (5 mi))Drive east on I‑394, about 5 min (≈5 mi (8 km))
Full city attractions, museums and dining.
Mall of America (Bloomington)
goDoor to door: ≈20 min
Take I‑494 south to I‑494/I‑694, then exit for I‑494 east, about 15 min (≈12 km (7.5 mi))Take I‑494 south to I‑494/I‑694, then exit for I‑494 east, about 15 min (≈7.5 mi (12 km))
Largest US shopping mall, indoor rides.
Lake Minnetonka beaches
goDoor to door: ≈10 min
Local roads to Shady Oak Beach or Libbs Lake Beach, 5–10 min drive
Sandy shoreline, canoe rentals, lifeguards in summer.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Holiday Inn Express
15 min from MSP and downtown Minneapolis; breakfast included
Minneapolis Marriott Southwest
Near I‑394, pool and fitness center
Sheraton Minneapolis West Hotel
Across from Ridgedale Mall, 10 min to downtown
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $80–$120 excl. bed
- Mid
- $130–$180 excl. bed
- High
- $200+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Mid‑range hotel room (double)1 × 1 night × US$170 | US$170 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$130 | US$260 |
| Metro Transit day pass2 × US$8 · check | US$16 |
| Car rental (compact, 1 day)2 × US$45 · check | US$90 |
| eSIM data (7 days)2 × US$15 · check | US$30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$57 |
| Trip total≈ US$312 per person per day, bed included | US$623 |
2026 estimate in USD; flights and car‑rental not included.
Prices of common things
| Coffee at a café | $2–4 |
| Fast‑food meal | $8–12 |
| Taxi (5 km) | $15–20 |
| Metro Transit single ride | $2.50 |
| Beach parking (Shady Oak) | $5 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Taxi hailing on the street is difficult; request via phone or app.
- Beach lifeguard hours are seasonal; check before swimming.
Emergency numbers
- Police / Fire / Ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
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MinnetonkaMinnetonka
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police / Fire / Ambulance911
Embassy
US consulates are in Minneapolis and St. Paul.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- MSP → Holiday Inn Express, rideshare: about $20 (check)
- Car rental (compact, 1 day): about $45 (check)
Say or show
- Excuse me / Sorry — Excuse me / Sorry (Excuse me / Sorry)
- Thank you — Thank you (Thank you)
- How much is it? — How much is it? (How much is it?)
- Where is the restroom? — Where is the restroom? (Where is the restroom?)
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card? (Can I pay by card?)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Minnetonka. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Sep (warm, low rain) · avoid Dec–Feb (cold, snow) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 3 day-trips, door to door
- 2 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport‑to‑hotel shuttle or rideshare for quick arrival.
- Car‑rental for flexible beach and park access.
Sources
Ask about Minnetonka
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