Big Island Amusement Park

Big Island Amusement Park on Lake Minnetonka was a recreation complex featuring a music hall, roller coaster, carousel, and other attractions. The park offered various rides and entertainment options spread across the island for visitors to enjoy.

The Twin City Rapid Transit Company opened the park on August 5, 1906, on the island in the lake. The company built three ferries specifically to carry visitors from the Excelsior mainland terminal to the island.

The music hall with its 1,500 seats was a social hub where visitors gathered to hear orchestral performances and live bands. The island became a destination where people came together for entertainment and celebration.

The park was accessible only by ferry, which carried visitors from the mainland to the island. The boat ride was part of the visit and allowed large groups to arrive together at the destination.

A distinctive feature was the tall water tower topped with an electric beacon that could be seen from Minneapolis on clear days. The light served as a landmark visible across the lake and surrounding areas.

Location: Orono

Official opening: August 5, 1906

GPS coordinates: 44.93360,-93.55580

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:07