Remembering the Lake Minnetonka Tornadoes of 1965

Sixty years ago, the Lake Minnetonka area was hit hard by two F4 tornadoes, with the cities of Deephaven, Greenwood, Shorewood, Spring Park, Mound, Orono and Minnetonka Beach bearing the brunt of the storms. This catastrophic weather event killed three people, caused millions of dollars of damage, and destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses in the lake area alone, forever changing the face of the lake and the lives of its residents. Former Deephaven resident and chief meteorologist for MPR News, Paul Huttner, will discuss the science behind that fateful day and its influence on his career path.

Attendees will have the opportunity to share their memories during the presentation and enjoy light refreshments. They are also welcome to bring tornado-related artifacts or photos to share with others or to donate to the Lake Minnetonka Historical Society for preservation. For more information contact LMHS at info@LakeMinnetonkaHistory.org, 952-474-2115.

Buy tickets online here: $10 - LMHS Members / $15 - General Public. Doors open at 6:30 pm.

[Image: Tornado damage in Cottagewood, Deephaven, MN, May 1965. ]

The Lake Minnetonka Historical Society tells the story of Lake Minnetonka by collecting, preserving and sharing its history.

The Society was formed in October 2023 through the consolidation of the Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Historical Society, the Museum of Lake Minnetonka, the Wayzata Historical Society and the Westonka Historical Society. The new organization has one of the largest archival and three-dimensional collections of Lake Minnetonka history available in-person and online and maintains a Research Archives in Wayzata, as well as Museums in Excelsior, Mound and Wayzata.​

The Society also shares the history of the lake through a variety of public programs and experiences, publishes and sells a number of books about the history of the area and is committed to returning its historic 1906 streetcar steamboat Minnehaha to active operation on Lake Minnetonka to continue her life as a floating museum.

For more information visit LakeMinnetonkaHistory.org or contact the Society at info@LakeMinnetonkaHistory.org, 952-474-2115.