THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Take a relaxing one-hour cruise on Lake Minnetonka this fall with Wayzata Bay Charters. Enjoy dazzling autumn foliage, a complimentary drink, and scenic views from the water.
Take a relaxing one-hour cruise on Lake Minnetonka this fall with Wayzata Bay Charters. Enjoy dazzling autumn foliage, a complimentary drink, and scenic views from the water.
Book with Wayzata Bay Charters
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Wayzata Bay Charters · Excelsior, Minnesota
Lake Minnetonka offers one of Minnesota’s most stunning natural displays as fall takes hold, and Wayzata Bay Charters captures this seasonal spectacle with its Public Fall Colors Cruise. Departing from Excelsior, MN, this one-hour cruise glides across the lake’s shimmering surface, revealing a panorama of fiery maple, oak, and birch hues framing the water’s edge. Each turn of the boat uncovers new vantage points where islands and peninsulas appear dusted in vibrant reds, oranges, and golds, creating a scene that shifts with the light and weather.
The cruise is a low-key yet elegant way to experience Lake Minnetonka’s autumn landscape, perfectly paired with a complimentary glass of champagne or soft drink. Additional drinks and snacks are available from the full cash bar onboard, offering a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere for visitors who want to unwind on the water. The boat itself is spacious and stable, designed for smooth cruising that lets passengers soak in the scenery without distraction.
Wayzata Bay Charters stands out as a local favorite, blending outdoors appreciation with approachable, social waterborne adventure. The lake's glacially carved basin and extensive shoreline—home to unique geology and abundant wildlife—set the stage for quiet encounters with nature while also honoring the area's rich history, including its past as a summer retreat for Minneapolis residents.
Whether you’re visiting for the fall color rush or seeking a scenic escape, the Public Fall Colors Cruise provides an accessible outdoor experience that highlights why Lake Minnetonka remains such a prized spot for Midwestern nature lovers and urban adventurers alike.
easy.
1 hour.
Suitable for all fitness levels with minimal physical exertion required
The cruise lasts approximately one hour, offering plenty of time to enjoy Lake Minnetonka’s scenic autumn views.
A complimentary glass of champagne or a soft drink is included; additional snacks and drinks are available for purchase at the cash bar.
Pets are generally not permitted to ensure safety and comfort for all passengers.
Wayzata Bay Charters strives to accommodate guests with mobility needs; please contact them directly for specific accessibility information.
Availability varies; booking in advance is recommended to secure your spot, especially during peak fall color weekends.
The cruise operates rain or shine, but severe weather may lead to cancellation with prior notice.
Lake Minnetonka became a prominent summer destination in the late 19th century, with resort hotels and steamboats shaping its recreational legacy.
Local efforts focus on maintaining water quality and protecting shoreline habitats to preserve Lake Minnetonka's natural and recreational values.
Wayzata Bay Charters is a public cruise operator based in Excelsior, Minnesota, offering scheduled cruises on Lake Minnetonka. The company operates two-story yacht public sailings that combine narrated sightseeing, themed entertainment, and on-board food and drink service. Public experiences include full-service dinner show cruises, brunch cruises, happy hour and evening music cruises, narrated sightseeing runs, specialty events such as a build-your-own burrito bowl (BBB) cruise, and seasonal fall colors sailings. Specific trip formats include the Sunday Dinner Show Cruise with an Italian buffet and live music, Friday Night Happy Hour Cruise with a complimentary drink and snack, the 90-minute Sunday Fun Cruise with a complimentary beverage, Sunday Brunch Cruise with fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, bacon, pastries, orange juice and coffee, Boats and Burgers Cruise with cheeseburgers and homemade chips, and a Public Fall Colors Cruise with a complimentary glass of champagne or soft drink. An Elvis Dinner Show Cruise is also listed among public offerings. Departures originate from Downtown Excelsior with scenic views of Big Island’s homes and parks on Lake Minnetonka. Cruises typically range from about one hour to two hours, making them accessible options for residents and visitors seeking relaxed, scenic experiences on the water. Wayzata Bay Charters presents regular public sailings that pair entertainment or dining options with local narration and lake scenery.
Book with Wayzata Bay Charters