Things to Do in Hopkins

Nestled among the trees that surround Lake Minnetonka, Tommy's Tonka Trolley's bright yellow exterior and neon signs lure in passersby with promises of summertime treats and adventures on the water. Their fleet of kayaks and standup paddleboards accommodate beginners, who can launch their chosen vessel from a special floating dock built by the nation's best sturgeon architects. Before sending customers onto the scenic lake, Tommy's crew instructs them on proper usage and supplies maps showcasing various on-water locals.

Back on shore, staff members serve selections from a menu of hot dogs, sandwiches, and tasty treats. Scoops of Sebastian Joe's Ice Cream, lauded as one of the nation's best ice creams by USA Today, pile onto waffle cones and chill taste buds with flavors that range from salty caramel to coffee oreo.

Owner and stained-glass enthusiast Judy assembles custom pieces for cabinets, doors, and windows, as well as hanging decorations including address signs, reproductions of drawings, and flower mosaics. In her introductory classes, students create easy-to-follow designs, such as a three-dimensional Moravian star. Judy teaches pupils the basics, from cutting and soldering glass to comforting elderly glass with stories of a promised afterlife as beach sand.

Helmed by founder Lawrence Yatch—a retired Navy SEAL who once led his platoon in securing one of the world's largest oil platforms—the instructors of Sealed Mindset Firearms Studio oversee a facility where every room upholds a training philosophy emphasizing knowledge, practice, and experience. The shooting range, for example, trains marksmen by simulating the conditions in which a defensive encounter is most likely to occur. Depending on shooters' ability levels, the range offers scenarios from simulated night to defending against multiple targets in up to a 270-degree shooting view. Other training rooms include a live-simulation room that re-creates encounters such as carjackings, a self-defense and fitness room, and a laser and dry-fire room.

Instructors use these training rooms to lead classes that range from firearms and fitness training for everyday citizens to specialized training for law enforcement and the military. Additionally, they also organize recreational immersion experiences such as Operation Geronimo, a simulated Navy SEAL mission complete with real combat gear, simulated fire, live role players, and a celebratory steak dinner with the president. Sealed Mindset also houses a children's playroom and a members' lounge.

From the moment the sun rises over the waters of Lake Minnetonka until the moment it sets, Lake Minnetonka Marina populates the lapping waves with aquatic-recreation rentals, boat repairs, and fishing supplies. Situated on Harrison’s Bay near Seton Channel, the marina opens its outdoor doors daily for rentals of jet skis, boats, and pontoons that help cool off warm days and relax any day. Also engaging those who own their own watercrafts, the marina encourages boat owners to dock their vessels at their slips and take advantage of onsite maintenance and repair or the snack shop’s offerings. The friendly staff members at the marina’s fishing supply and bait shops also ensure that that anglers embark with the tools necessary for a successful trip or that anyone can look convincing in their new secret identity.

With a passion for boating the waters of Lake Minnetoka to take in views of the region's natural beauty and lush green landscapes, Wayzata Bay Charters' owners charter their 60-foot lake cruiser to make the experience accessible to all. The owners decked out their two-level cruiser—which can host up to 60 people—with a full bar, two satellite TVs, satellite radio, a 2,000-watt sound system, and enough helium balloons to keep both the boat and the party afloat. Believing a jaunt on the lake makes for an ideal event whatever the occasion, they've designed packages specifically for weddings and bachelorette parties, and they still offer public cruises to assure everyone has a chance to take to the water.

Twin Cities VIP helps to create memorable nights on the town by staging visits to some of the city's exclusive clubs. Groups may either walk to and from locations, or snag a ride and a drink in one of the fully stocked luxury limousines while a host or hostess tags along to keep spirits high. Not only do club-crawl fees include all applicable cover charges, but they also allow parties to officially jump over any lines without riding the coattails of pogo-sticking celebrities. From there, partygoers are free to lose themselves in the music and flowing cocktails until it's time to depart and head to the next club on the list.