Cities Seek to Boost Tourism Near Lake Minnetonka

WAYZATA, Minn. (AP) - Leaders of cities along Lake Minnetonka are hoping to boost tourism by rebranding the area as a year-round regional destination.

Reports say officials from 14 lake cities will gather this month to discuss creating a scenic byway around the lake. New restaurants are already in the works and construction is expected to start this summer on a boutique hotel.

Wayzata Mayor Ken Willcox says people know Lake Minnetonka but not the surrounding communities.

Tentative plans call for new bike lanes, temporary boat slips and a food vendor.

Not everyone wants to see expansion. Critics say there are already enough lake visitors, and further expansion will erode the small-town character.

Lake Minnetonka has 42 bays and 125 miles of shoreline.