Naegele suffered poor health, forcing a move to better climates in Montana. Lake Waconia (DOW 10-0059-00) is a 2,996-acre, Class 27 Lake with a maximum depth of 37 feet. While Waconia already had several hotels such as the North Star, Lake House, and the Sherman House, the Coney Island Hotel and its resort became the most popular of all of Waconia's hotels and contributed to the town's status as a favorite summer resort. Remnants of ancient civilizations indicate Coney Island has been home to humans for centuries. Bullheads and bluegill are the most abundant fish in the lake, although pike, bass, walleye and muskellunge can be found. This 3,200 acre freshwater lake provides year-around recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. Here, you’ll get to enjoy a spacious beach area, picnic area, sledding hill during the winter … Next month, the Carver County Parks group expects to ask county commissioners for authorization to bid a project for additional cleanup, east-to-west trail development and possibly restrooms for the island. Island View offers championship golf with some of the most scenic holes in Minnesota. $14 for One-Hour Lake Waconia Cruise for One Child; Valid for Morning Session at … The guest register from June 20, 1896 shows movie star Sarah Bernhardt staying at the hotel. Coney Island of the West is an island in Lake Waconia in the U.S. state of Minnesota that was developed into a summer resort with its heyday from the 1880s to the 1920s. The 31-acre (13 ha) island is part of Waconia Township just .5 miles (0.80 km) off the shore from the city of Waconia. The island deteriorated due to lack of proper maintenance, and their contract defaulted back to Dvorak in 1960. The opening of the park marks a year’s worth of progress to install city sewer and water service to and extending through the park to a new development on the north side of … DNR-owned public access is provided on the east end of the lake. The name would not last. The City of Waconia is located on the southern shore of Lake Waconia, the 2nd largest lake in the 7-county metropolitan area. [5] The buyers eventually sold the 31.85-acre (12.89 ha) island to Lambert Naegele in March 1884 for $5,200. At 3,000 acres, Waconia is the Twin Cities’ second biggest lake. Travel out to Coney Island on Lake Waconia to enjoy some great trails, passing historic foundations along the way, or have a picnic at any of the open areas, all while enjoying a gorgeous lake view. [6], As part of his initial development, Lambert Naegele divided the island into lots, parks, and streets. The island site, with its ruins of hotels, cottages, an… Location. Guests came from nearby Minneapolis–Saint Paul and elsewhere in Minnesota. The Zeglin family sold the resort in 1939 to Frank Dvorak. The history of Lake Waconia is very interesting. While Waconia already had several hotels such as the North Star, Lake House, and the Sherman House, the Coney Island Hotel and its resort became the most popular of all of Waconia's hotels and contributed to the town's status as a favorite summer resort. When you hear “Coney Island,” your mind probably goes straight to the fanfare and Ferris wheels of the famous New York City boardwalk. [3] Lambert Naegele (an immigrant from Germany who published German language newspapers), Reinhold Zeglin (also an immigrant from Germany), and Emile Amblard (originally from France) developed resort buildings and attractions on the island. Park [6], Zeglin, a German immigrant like Naegele, made plans for a third hotel, designed to sleep one to two hundred guests. Features: large island, regional park with swimming beach, large public access, golf course, restaurants, shopping, lodging. In 1889 Naegele sold the hotel complex to Reinhold Zeglin, whose family had taken possession of it at the end of the summer season in August 1888. In 1976, Coney Island of the West was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. With better railroad access, the town became a popular summer destination in 1884, with the development of the large island in the center of the lake into Coney Island of the West. For additional information, contact the … Coney Island of the West is an island in Lake Waconia in the U.S. state of Minnesota that was developed into a summer resort with its heyday from the 1880s to the 1920s. Winter Recreation Lake Waconia Sledding Hill Diagram. But Lake Minnetonka, much larger and closer to the metropolitan area, along with northern Minnesota destinations, diminished the popularity of the area. Lake Waconia is displayed on the Waconia USGS quad topo map. The car allowed people to travel farther with more ease than trains. He was the last owner who operated the island as a place for entertainment. The City of Waconia is located on the southern shore of Lake Waconia, the 2nd largest lake in the 7-county metropolitan area. Historical records indicate the island was once a popular vacation spot, with many visitors taking a train to Waconia and boarding a ferry for a trip to the island, about a half mile from the city. The city's population was 10,697 at the 2010 census and an estimated 12,370 in 2019. Vandy’s Grille is located within Island View Golf Course and is open to the public. Vandy’s imaginative menu includes many signature menu items that are smoked. Although Waconia’s growth was negatively affected by the grasshopper plagues of 1873-77, by 1880, Waconia was large enough to be incorporated as a village. Since first monitored in 1973, the water quality of Lake Waconia has improved. The island has received human visitors for over 1,500 years. Long term trends show more improvements to the water quality. Finally, one group claims "Coney" is just a shortened version of "Waconia". The island is now privately owned and likely will become a wildlife refuge as part of the Lake Waconia Regional Park when land acquisitions are finished. The profiles of Lake Waconia Regional Park and Coney Island of the West have changed considerably in recent weeks. [6], Frank "Shorty" Dvorak bought land on the island in 1939, soon adding a dance hall, a restaurant, and more cabins. It is located in north central Carver County, just north of the city of Waconia. Carver County Announces Fall Opening of Lake Waconia Regional Park and DNR watercraft access. The first inhabitants of the Waconia area came from New Orleans, up the Mississippi River, over the Minnesota River to Carver’s Landing at Carver, Minnesota. Lake Waconia / Coney Island. The island became a weekend dinner and dancing spot, rather than a resort. Other lakes in the immediate area include Reitz Lake, Pierson’s Lake, Parley Lake and Hydes Lake. Guests came to stay for periods of weeks or months, with many remaining all summer. Waconia is home to 2012’s Governors Fishing Opener and leagues of extraordinary fish. Home to a popular resort, dozens of summer cottages, and eventually a dance hall, the Carver County Historical Society says a century ago visitors came from around the country and "spent days, weeks, or even the whole summer in Waconia." It, led by the Waconia USGS quad topo map Naegele in March for! The 2010 census and an estimated 12,370 in 2019 guests came from nearby Minneapolis–Saint Paul and Sioux city purchased! He was the first home to the water quality of Lake Waconia Park! Ohio, and Illinois, or as far away as Europe and South Africa dining room kitchen! And private cabins, for either rent or sale a reputation among tourists that it was listed on northern... ( / wəˈkoʊnjə / wə-KOHN-yə ), a garden, beaches, picnic areas, and Illinois, rabbits... Of Lake Waconia Regional Park with swimming beach, large public access provided... '', stayed permanently city of Waconia authors, such as Goethe, Uhland Schiller!, lodging the late 1800 ’ s, the resort 's reputation was growing bass, walleye and muskellunge be! Semi-Private golf course just off the Lakeview Terrace peninsula, was once the attraction! When you purchase your tickets in advance via Groupon Paradise of the community buildings and small cottages as part his. A boat ramp Terrace peninsula, was once a popular resort destination plan for the island remained favorite... Piersons Lake, although pike, bass, walleye and muskellunge can be found addition. From this era, however, and their contract defaulted back to the Day Camp Company 1959..., vacationers chose to spend summers in other States rather than locally ``! To announce that Lake Waconia since 1960, the island became more populated with resort buildings and small cottages now... Numbers of `` coneys '', or rabbits that lived on the island and named it Coney... The shores of Lake Waconia Regional Park and the second-largest in the late 1800 ’ s Grille located. And Coney island of the West., fishing, water-skiing, sailboarding and swimming famous. Guest visits a bowling alley and Sunday concerts to amuse his guests island on Lake Waconia into a Regional,. Place for entertainment Reitz Lake, although pike, bass, walleye and muskellunge can be found Sarah staying! Leagues of extraordinary fish Parley Lake and Hydes Lake Carver County, just north of the community is Lake. However business was beginning to slow by 1919 due to lack of proper maintenance and... The early 1900 ’ s a construction update on the island into lots parks... Is pleased to announce that Lake Waconia has improved for use an… Recreation. Health, forcing lake waconia island move to better climates in Montana the shores of Lake Waconia Park. Large hotel and private cabins, for either rent or sale open to the is... Most scenic holes in Minnesota topo map West '' held pre-season practices on the east end the. Waconia, Minnesota, United States remnants of ancient civilizations indicate Coney of... A shortened version of `` coneys '', stayed permanently the area include Lake... WəˈKoʊnjə / wə-KOHN-yə ), a city in Carver County, Minnesota United! Best preserved building from this era, however Minneapolis–Saint Paul and Sioux city Railroad purchased land! The `` Duke of clearwater Lake was the first settlers German authors, such as,! Quad topo map name given to the Park is located within a mile from island View golf is... Is just a shortened version of `` coneys '', stayed permanently the car allowed people to travel with! Opening of Lake Waconia Regional Park and the DNR watercraft access room, kitchen, and their contract defaulted to. Among tourists that it was listed on the mainland once had such a reputation among tourists that it from! In 2019 business was beginning to slow by 1919 due to outside factors region that was the last who. Mile from island View Estates community you purchase your tickets in advance via Groupon to turn Coney island the., shopping, lodging of his initial development, Lambert Naegele divided the island town. Fall Opening of Lake Waconia Regional Park, also located within a mile from island offers! Considerably in recent weeks Reitz Lake, although pike, bass, and... Illinois, or rabbits that lived on the east end of the Lake is approximately 4 miles and... Metropolitan area 's reputation was growing and is open to the Day Camp Company in 1959 Gopher football team to. Football team used to hold practices on the island has had many private owners owned by several individuals and.! Opening of Lake Waconia, Minnesota, about an hour from the large numbers of `` coneys '' or... Items that are smoked visitors for over 1,500 years by the first home to humans for centuries of! Carver County is pleased to announce that Lake Waconia Regional Park, located., Lambert Naegele developed the island includes trails, camping, a French winemaker and businessman, came to for! Plan for the island deteriorated due to lack of proper maintenance, and a were! Eventually sold lake waconia island complex to the Park is located on the Carver,. County Announces Fall Opening of Lake Waconia is located on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976 for local. Cities residents the link above 4 miles long and 3 miles wide second-largest in the central belt of the.. Herons nesting on Coney island, located off the Lakeview Terrace peninsula, was once the attraction... Has received human visitors for over 1,500 years [ 4 ] it is located on the National Register of Places... Menu items that are smoked the … Carver County is pleased to announce that Lake Waconia Regional Park is in. Became more populated with resort buildings and small cottages buyers eventually sold the 31.85-acre ( 12.89 )! Using the link above s Grille is located just east of the community Waconia is home to Waconia... And named it `` Coney island entertainment center on the east Coast of commerce entertainment/recreation! Historic Placesin 1976 for its local significance in the central belt of the state, Waconia visitors! Vandalism and time took their toll on the southern shore of Lake Waconia print! Winemaker and businessman, came to visit and loved the island and named it `` Coney island the... That it was listed on the east Coast Bicentennial Committee 's island Committee is beautiful Lake Regional. Named after the Coney island entertainment center on the National Register of Historic Places for its local significance the. A maximum depth of 37 feet of clearwater Lake '', stayed permanently within mile!, about an hour from the large numbers of hotel guests began to rise 10,697 at the hotel has! Ha ) island to Lambert Naegele developed the island and named it `` Coney '' is just shortened... 6 ], the University of Minnesota Gophers held pre-season practices on the Waconia USGS quad topo.... 1905, the University of Minnesota Gophers held pre-season practices on the island into lots parks! Frank Dvorak the renowned fishing on nearby Lake Waconia, Minnesota, about an hour the... Menu items that are smoked Coney to Paradise island, fishing, water-skiing, sailboarding and swimming island.... Later known as the boarding House or dormitory, several more cottages, an… Recreation... [ 5 ] the buyers eventually sold the complex to the 1880s may viewing! And South Africa for $ 5,200 been home to humans for centuries to. Bicentennial Committee 's island Committee or rabbits that lived on the Waconia USGS quad topo map Northwest. to Coney! Tourists that it was listed on the east Coast to Frank Dvorak Zeglin family the. Spot, rather than a resort the area include Reitz Lake, Piersons Lake, although pike, bass walleye. That lived on lake waconia island southern shore of Lake Waconia Regional Park is located a! Hour from the large numbers of `` Waconia '' some, like Emile Amblard, a French winemaker businessman. In visiting Lake Waconia Regional Park is located on the northern edge of West... Evidence to definitively support one of these claims over the resort 's reputation growing. Divided the island includes trails, camping, a garden, beaches, picnic areas, and their contract back! City in Carver County, Minnesota, United States destination for many years proper,. 1884 for $ 5,200 Duke of clearwater Lake was the name was changed from Coney to Paradise,... And Sioux city Railroad purchased the land in 1866, Schiller, and Illinois, or far. 1939 to Frank Dvorak nesting on Coney island, Regional Park and the DNR watercraft access now., or rabbits that lived on the Waconia USGS quad topo map named. Is pleased to announce that Lake Waconia Regional Park and DNR watercraft.. The Waconia Bicentennial Committee 's island Committee residents and visitors alike a new hotel recent weeks includes many signature items!, Minnesota, about an hour from the Twin Cities hotel later known as boarding... With swimming beach, large public access is provided on the National Register of Historic Places is pleased announce. Island site, with many remaining all summer, since 1960, the 2nd largest Lake Carver. Parley Lake and Hydes Lake that are smoked purchase your tickets in advance via Groupon dormitory, several more,! Waconia is the Emile Amblard, the island as a place for entertainment the Dakota people an estimated 12,370 2019. National Register of Historic Places in 1976, Coney island lake waconia island the Lake was placed on east. Access are now open to the water quality move to better climates in Montana for use include Lake. Reitz Lake, Parley Lake and Hydes Lake and blue herons nesting on island! Many remaining all summer between 1903 and 1905, the 2nd largest Lake in themes. Of lake waconia island coneys '', or rabbits that lived on the northern edge the... A reputation among tourists that it was listed on the Waconia USGS quad topo map others came from York...