Speed Limits, Minimum Wake Zones in Effect for Fourth of July Weekend on Lake Minnetonka

The Lake Minnetonka Conservation District (LMCD), by state enabling legislation, is charged with governing the surface waters of Lake Minnetonka.  Although the Lake elevations were not high enough for the LMCD to declare “high water,” the LMCD is urging all lake users to comply with the standard speed limits and “minimum wake” requirements.  

These requirements are set by law to protect the public, existing water structures, and shoreline erosion. This is of particular importance due to elevated lake levels and the increased boating traffic during this holiday weekend.

The LMCD’s standard regulations pertaining to watercraft speed are outlined below:

• 40 miles per hour during the daytime;

• 20 miles per hour during the nighttime;

• 5 miles per hour (minimum wake) - “minimum wake” is defined as the wave moving out from a watercraft and trailing behind it in a widening “v” is of insufficient size to affect other watercraft or be detrimental to the shoreline:

• In quiet water areas (QWA) - restrictions apply to areas, channels, bays, and shoreline delineated by markers, buoys, or other aids to navigation placed by Hennepin County;

• Within 150’ of the shoreline;

• Within 150’ of an authorized bathing area or swimmer, an authorized scuba diver’s warning flag, an anchored raft or watercraft, or a dock or pier except that from which a watercraft with a person in tow is being operated.

Laws and rules of the State of Minnesota and ordinances of the LMCD are enforced by the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office Water Patrol.  

To report a non-emergency incident, please contact a Hennepin County Dispatch Office at (763) 525-6210; utilizing 911 for emergency incidents only.