Wayzata area social events and meeting people (Minneapolis, Minnetonka: home, private schools)

[IMN]

My husband and his board decided to move their corporate office to Minneapolis and we're looking for a home in the Wayzata area.

I don't know anyone yet and just started searching country clubs and charity events so that we can meet people. Are most people accepting of newcomers and can anyone recomend nearby country clubs that cater to a younger age group?

[uptown_urbanist]

I can't help you on the country club front, but if you're looking for some benefits and galas to attend you might want to consider some of the larger metro-wide charities. It sounds like you're looking for a high society crowd, and given that the Wayzata area has lots of money, you should be able to find plenty of neighbors at events sponsored by the big regional nonprofits. I'd suggest thinking about what types of charities are most to your interest (art/culture? Literacy? Environment? Reducing poverty? etc.?), then start with that; you can work your way onto the invitation lists pretty quickly once you get your name out there. Do you have time to join a board yourself? How about Junior League? There's a Junior League of Minneapolis, and I'm almost certain they have a good contingent of members from your part of the metro area. The Lake Minnetonka Gardening Club is based in Minnetonka; I don't know much about it, but I think it falls into the classic wealthy women who enjoy flowers, doing good, and hosting both educational and social events. It would probably be a good place to meet some friends, even if you're not a dedicated gardener.

If you have kids you'll probably find it easiest to break in through meeting people at their activities or schools. Will you have a local job? If so, you'll probably meet people through there, at least to start; if not, the Twin Cities has a lot of nonprofits of all kinds, and most welcome volunteers (and donors) with open arms.

[IMN]

Thank you for the great response. I've spent the last few days searching different events and found some great causes and groups I'm going to meet with.

[Oildog]

Look at the golf clubs that have hosted PGA events. The society pages are not as pronounced here as in other large cities. But we do have many museums and art oriented groups that are always looking for members.

[uptown_urbanist]

Churches or synagogues are also a great place to meet people if you're at all religious; I'm not, but I have several youngish friends who attend a fairly large synagogue in Minnetonka and who have had good experiences meeting new people through their involvement there. There are also plenty of churches of various denominations, and most of them also have lots of opportunities for socializing and meeting new people.

[Jumps]

Just a thought...Have you considered sending your children to Breck or Blake? Many of the cities elite send their children to these private schools and the parents often become quite close as the school is very small compared to Wayzata. I really think you would find what you are looking for especially at Breck

[MN55]

I got you covered on the golf front The best, most established clubs close to Wayzata would probably be:

1) Spring Hill in Wayzata.
-Very elite, with an amazingly beautiful course. Probably your best bet. Located in Wayzata. I believe the Universtiy of Minnesota Gophers golf team uses the course, or hosts a tournament there.
Spring Hill Golf Club

2) Interlachen in Edina
-Probably the most established club in The Cities. Best course in the state. Hosted the Womans US Open last year.
Welcome to Interlachen Country Club's Web site!

3) The Minikahda Club in Minneapolis
-Very elite club with a solid Donald Ross designed course. Beautiful views over Lake Calhoun. Right in Minneapolis and very close to Downtown.
Minikahda Club - Home

Other Good Clubs:

-Woodhill CC in Wayzata
Beautiful old Donald Ross course. Very nice, very well respected. Located in Wyzata.
Woodhill Country Club - Home

-Wayzata CC in Wayzata
Same as above, except not Donald Ross. Located right next to Woodhill.
Wayzata Country Club - Home Page

-Minneapolis Golf Club in St. Louis Park
Nice, but in my opinion not at the same level as the above. Not a big fan of the clubhouse.
Minneapolis Golf Club

----

These are probably the best of the best CC's in Minnesota. The only others in the state that compare are Somerset, the White Bear Yaht Club, Hazeltine, and Northland CC - those are all a stretch to get to from Wayzata, though.

[uptown_urbanist]

When I was growing up I had a friend with a membership at the Minikahda Club; it was a great place to visit as a kid (great pool parties), and I'm sure as an adult, too. Very nice views of the lake, but may be more of a trek from Wayzata than what you're looking for.