Wayzata is located just twelve miles west of downtown Minneapolis.  The Wayzata depot is located on Wayzata Bay which is part of Lake Minnetonka.  Lake Minnetonka has 52 lakes all connected with channels.  Many dignitaries live on Lake Minnetonka.  Arthur Godfrey even did some of his radio broadcasts live on his yacht while cruising Lake Minnetonka.  James J. Hill recognized the beauty and potential for Wayzata and was instrumental in having a depot built on the GN mainline for tourists to stay at hotels on the lake.  The depot and tracks are still there today right next to Wayzata Bay.  The GN ran a branch line to Hutchinson every day except Sunday with stops in Wayzata, Spring Park, Mound, St. Bonifacius, Mayer, and Hutchinson.  The train ended its 50 mile trip at Hutchinson where it turned around using a “Y” and then returned to Minneapolis.  This was the “Hutch Line”.  The layout has industries to switch in Wayzata and Hutchinson as the “Hutch Line” operates during operating sessions!

Downtown Wayzata.

Minnetonka Boat Works, home of world famous “Chris Craft” boats