Sun Sailor 2023 Minnetonka Community Guide | Page 23

LAKE MINNETONKA

COMMUNITY GUIDE 2023

James J . Hill Days : A lakeside tradition

Wayzata ’ s long-running James J . Hill Days festival serves as an exclamation point on the summer season , with the 2023 event planned for Friday through Sunday , Sept . 8-10 .
The popular community tradition , which has been inviting visitors of all ages to downtown Wayzata since 1975 , celebrates the city ’ s past and recognizes James J . Hill ’ s impact on Wayzata ’ s history .
The village of Wayzata was excited by the arrival of the railroad in 1867 . The William Crooks steam engine pulled two passenger cars down the main street of Wayzata . By 1878 , Hill gained control of the railroad and renamed it The Great Northern Railroad . In 1883 , after Wayzata ’ s incorporation as a village , their first order of business was to move the tracks further north .
Hill was forced to move the tracks off the street , but instead of north , he moved them closer to the lake . He also removed the train station located on Broadway Avenue , and built a new depot east of town near Bushaway Road . The “ feud ” between Wayzata and Hill continued until 1906 when Hill built a new depot . Service continued out of the depot until 1971 and in 1981 it was placed on the National and State Register of Historic Places .
Presented by the Greater Wayzata Area Chamber of Commerce , the weekend-long festival invites residents and visitors to a celebration of tradition and fun for the entire family .
Each year , event organizers add to the growing and diverse list of entertainment options and activities . New additions to the festival in recent years have included the Lake Minnetonka Carnival , Rails and Ales craft beer sampling and the sport of log rolling .
Festival-goers also enjoy food from street vendors , food trucks and local restaurants while shopping at the open-air street market .
The Lake Street parade , dachshund races and fireworks over Wayzata Bay also keep visitors returning each year .
Those who plan to attend the 48th annual James J . Hill Days are encouraged to check the festival ’ s website , jamesjhilldays . com , this summer for updated information .
Community Guide 2023 | LAKE MINNETONKA | 23