First Hotel on Lake Minnetonka in a Century Now Open

An old office structure located at Lake Minnetonka’s waterfront has been converted into the initial hotel constructed on the lake in the past century.

"The owner of Shoreline Hotel, Kelly Olsen, mentioned, ‘I constantly glanced at the historic photos and noticed that there were 40 hotels along the lakeside. One boat could accommodate up to 1,200 individuals, which led me to comment, our grandparents certainly knew how to have a good time,’" she stated.

The Shoreline Hotel and Cabana Anna restaurant launched operations on May 1st, coinciding with a ribbon-cutting event at Spring Park. This newly established hotel stands as the sole lakeside lodging option within the Twin Cities metropolitan region.

Olsen conceived this project after buying the run-down three-story office building. Over a span of three years, he transformed the area into a 27-room inn. Additionally, the site features a high-end eatery overseen by an accomplished chef along with a 32-berth harbor for boats.

"Three years have passed since I secured the deal. The construction phase was quite lengthy, but we've finally reached this point," stated Olsen.

Out of the hotel's total rooms, twenty-three boast floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Lake Minnetonka, thirteen of which also provide personal outdoor terraces. Visitors can enjoy facilities such as a sandy shoreline, kayaks for rent, spaces designated for docking boats, and various lakefront attractions.

The on-site eatery, Cabana Anna's, pays tribute to Olsen’s grandmother, Anna.

“I called the restaurant after my grandma because she reached the age of 104,” explained Olsen. “Even as she got quite old, she remained very lively. This made me reflect on what factors contribute to longevity. Thus, Cabana Anna's holds a special place in my heart.”

Providing a selection of fresh sea delicacies alongside hearty comfort meals, this eatery also includes a vertical growing system for herbs and vegetables.

When our collaboration began, Kelly and I first discussed this opportunity around a year back," explained Josh Brown, the Executive Chef of Cabana Anna’s. "I am genuinely enthusiastic about her vision and concept for the restaurant as well as the community she aims to create here.

Brown and Olsen attended the same high school and have occasionally run into each other over time.

“I’d really enjoy seeing this spot transform into a birthday celebration hub where families can grow together and children begin making frequent visits,” stated Brown.

Olsen, widow since 2008, mentioned that this initiative stemmed from her wish to assist people in slowing their pace and rebuilding connections.

“I lost my first spouse in a car crash involving a drunken driver back in 2008, and following his loss, I found myself reminiscing about our cherished times,” stated Olsen. “I dwelled on the trips we went on or the travels we embarked upon together. It even included the simple stays we had at home.”

The Shoreline Hotel and Cabana with Anna's Restaurant can be found at 4165 Shoreline Drive in Spring Park.

To learn more about the hotel and future events, check out their webpage. here.