PARADISE OF THE NORTHWEST
WACONIA
COMMUNITY GUIDE | 2023
WACONIA23
A special place to call home
Located about 30 minutes west of the Twin Cities , Waconia boasts plenty of reasons why it is possibly the brightest gem of a city in all of Carver County .
For starters , it offers an ideal mix of small town charm , an expanding population , a diverse business community , and a plethora of recreational opportunities .
Unlike some cities , Waconia is enjoying healthy residential growth . More than 13,000 people called Waconia home according to the 2020 U . S . Census , compared to only 6,900 people in 2000 . City officials have encouraged and maintained the growth , keeping the city ’ s identity intact while welcoming new citizens at the same time .
According to city officials , around 388 new home units were built in 2022 , and just around 200 new home units have been built in the past three years . The city issued around 94 commercial construction permits in 2022 , compared to 60 in 2021 .
The city features a strong commercial and industrial base , which provides a wide variety of goods , services and job for local citizens . The business community is aided by the proactive Waconia Chamber of Commerce .
Recently , the Highway 5 corridor in Waconia received numerous upgrades , improving the city ’ s transportation system . Waconia features outstanding public and parochial schools , medical facilities and other amenities — and , of course , beautiful Lake Waconia . The lake and its famous Coney Island have long been popular . The Coney Island Hotel opened in 1866 and during the late 19th and early 20th centuries , Coney Island became a popular vacation destination for local travelers . The University of Minnesota even held its pre-season football practices on the island in the early 1900s .
Usually , a wide variety of events and activities make Waconia a special place all year round . In the summer , regular events include a prestigious marching band festival , the Relay For Life of Waconia , a rib fest competition , car show and the Carver County Fair . In the fall , visitors flock to Waconia to enjoy its wineries , the chamber ’ s annual Nickle Dickle Day celebration and other events . Come winter and spring , catch the Waconia Lions ’ Wild Game Dinner , and Star Power , a premiere show choir event .
This annual guide , the 32nd of its kind , will provide a brief look at the many services , features and special events that make Waconia a wonderful place .
COMMUNITY GUIDE 2023 | WACONIA | Page 5