Things To Do
in Mound
Mound, Minnesota is a small lakeside city on the western shore of Lake Minnetonka, known for its boating culture, peaceful neighborhoods, and scenic waterfront parks. The town mixes year-round residents with seasonal lake homes, giving it a relaxed, community-oriented feel. Historic downtown streets and public beaches provide easy access to water activities, local shops, and casual dining.
Mound is a convenient base for exploring the greater Twin Cities region while offering a quieter, nature-focused escape from the urban core.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at Mound Park, where you can enjoy a refreshing walk amidst the lush greenery and vibrant flowers. Bring along a picnic breakfast to savor while soaking in the morning sun. Take a moment to capture the beauty of the park with some photos before heading out for more adventures.
After lunch, visit the Mound Museum to learn about the area’s rich history and its ancient Native American mounds. Participate in a guided tour that will unveil fascinating stories and local folklore tied to the site. Don’t forget to check out the gift shop for unique souvenirs!
As the sun sets, enjoy dinner at a local diner serving classic American comfort food. Share stories with new friends you made during the day, or even make some new ones at the bustling establishment. Conclude your night by taking a leisurely stroll around the neighborhood to admire the starry skies.
Begin your morning with a drive to Lake Minneola, where you can rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the serene waters. The early hours are perfect for spotting wildlife and enjoying the tranquil atmosphere of the lake as the sun rises. Don’t forget to hydrate and pack some snacks for your adventure!
Refuel with a lakeside lunch at a charming café that specializes in fresh, local ingredients. Afterward, take a hike along the scenic trails surrounding the lake, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying breathtaking views. Keep your camera ready; the photo opportunities abound!
As dusk falls, settle down at a scenic viewpoint by the lake to experience a stunning sunset. Bring along your favorite book or a journal to reflect on the day's activities as the colors of the sky change. End the evening with a cookout at one of the designated barbecue spots, gathering with friends or family for a pleasant meal.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| ☕Cup of coffee | $3-5 |
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-18 |
| 🍽️Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $45-80 |
| 🚗Local taxi / rideshare (short trip) | $10-25 |
| 🏨Budget hotel / motel (per night) | $80-150 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful lakeside scenery and abundant water activities
- Calm, small-town atmosphere with easy access to Twin Cities
- Good seasonal variety for outdoor recreation (boating, ice sports, fall colors)
- Close-knit community events and relaxed pace
- Limited dining and nightlife compared with larger cities
- Many businesses operate seasonally—some services may be closed in winter or early spring
- A car is useful for exploring the region and reaching larger hospitals or airports
- Summer weekends can be crowded on the lake and near popular access points
Places to Visit in Mound
Visit one of these nice places.
Expansive lake views, docks, sailboats, and island homes provide classic golden-hour and sunset photo opportunities year-round, especially from public parks and piers.
Small beaches, walking paths, and shaded areas give varied compositions—great for capturing local life, families, and seasonal foliage.
Quaint storefronts, benches, and community buildings offer pleasant small-town scenes and candid street photography.
In winter, frozen expanses, ice fishing huts, and snow-covered docks create stark, minimal compositions and dramatic light contrasts.
Food in Mound
Mound Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A regional favorite, walleye is often served at lakeside restaurants and local grills—try it blackened, pan-fried, or as a sandwich at summer patios.
Must-Try!
Wild rice appears in soups, salads, and side dishes, reflecting Minnesota’s Native American and regional culinary traditions.
Classic Midwestern casseroles and hearty entrees are popular at family restaurants and community events—great for cold-weather comfort food.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Local summer markets in Mound and nearby towns offer fresh produce, baked goods, and artisan foods—perfect for picnic supplies or trying seasonal specialties.
Larger weekend markets in neighboring towns add more vendor variety, street food options, and prepared meals from local chefs.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Locals tend to be polite and reserved; keep a friendly, low-key demeanor and respect personal space in public places.
Observe wake zones, no-wake areas, and posted rules; be mindful of private docks and properties along the shoreline.
Dress for the weather and remove muddy shoes when entering indoor spaces; in winter, follow safety signage about ice conditions.
Small towns value civic participation—be courteous at parades, festivals, and farmers markets, and follow local volunteer or organizer guidance.
Safety
Tipping in Mound
Ensure a smooth experience
In the U.S., tipping is customary: typically 15–20% of the pre-tax bill at full-service restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars, and $2–5 for café counter service or delivery. Tip porters, taxi/Uber drivers, and tour guides as appropriate for the service.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are common. Carry a small amount of cash for farmers markets, small vendors, or tips, but most businesses accept cards.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm, often sunny weather with plenty of boating, swimming, and outdoor events. Expect busy weekends on the lake and in town; bring sun protection and book popular restaurants/boat rentals ahead.
Crisp air and vibrant foliage make it a beautiful time for photography and scenic drives; temperatures cool quickly, so layer up. Shoulder-season crowds mean easier parking and more relaxed dining.
Cold, snowy conditions with subfreezing temperatures common; ice fishing, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing are popular. Dress in insulated layers, and be cautious of icy surfaces and thin ice on lesser-known areas of the lake.
Variable weather with thawing and muddy conditions; early spring can be wet and chilly, while late spring brings blooming trees and the return of boating. Some seasonal businesses reopen in late spring—check schedules.
Mound at Night
Hiking in Mound
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Various short trails and walking paths along the lake offer easy hikes, birdwatching, and scenic overlooks within a short drive of Mound.
A longer multi-use trail in the region suitable for biking and walking; connects multiple towns and offers a pleasant, relatively flat route for longer outings (drive time varies by trailhead).
A regional trail network with rolling hills and wooded scenery—good for hikers seeking more rugged terrain and panoramic vistas within reasonable driving distance.
Airports
How to reach Mound by plane.
Primary international airport for the region, approximately a 30–45 minute drive depending on traffic; offers extensive domestic and international flights and ground transportation options including rental cars, shuttles, and rideshares.
A regional/general aviation airport in Eden Prairie about 20–30 minutes away; useful for private planes and some charter services.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many year-round families and long-term residents who value community events, schools, and lake living.
Cottage and lake-home owners who split time between Mound and other locations, increasing summer population and weekend activity.
A notable retiree population attracted by the quiet, scenic environment and recreational opportunities.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Hockey is a regional passion at youth, high school, and adult levels—local rinks and community leagues are active in winter.
On Lake Minnetonka, boating and sailing are central recreational activities throughout the warm months.
Both open-water fishing (spring–fall) and ice fishing (winter) are widely practiced for species like walleye and bass.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Mound.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available at cafés and many restaurants, though selection can be limited compared with larger cities. Look for salads, grain bowls, veggie burgers, and sides featuring seasonal produce; calling ahead helps if you have specific needs.
Vegan and gluten-free choices are increasingly common but not universal—specialty cafés, health-oriented spots in nearby larger towns, and Minneapolis/Wayzata will offer the widest selection. Ask staff about cross-contamination if you have severe allergies.
Lake fish are widely served; if you have seafood allergies, notify servers as fish is a common menu item and sometimes used in stock or prep areas.