A Minnesota family has held a 2-acre private island for 53 years; the Lake Minnetonka retreat with 1,841 feet of shoreline and cabins dating to 1874 is now on the market for $7.25 million
A rare private-island estate on Minnesota’s Lake Minnetonka has entered the market for $7.25 million, offering buyers the chance to own a historic 2-acre compound with multiple homes, cabins and other structures spread across 1,841 feet of lakeshore.Located in Shorewood, the property on Gale Island has been held by the same family for 53 years. The expansive waterfront compound combines historic buildings, recreational spaces and accommodation for multiple generations, making it suited to use as a family retreat or potentially as a year-round residence.Jeffrey Dewing of Coldwell Banker Realty, the listing agent, described the property as an unusually rare offering.“Lake Minnetonka is the lake in Minnesota,” Dewing said, according to New York Post. “It’s a very storied and sought-after destination, and it’s very rare for an island to come to market. This one has been in the same family for 53 years, which makes it even rarer.”
Historic summer house dates to 1874
The historic three-bedroom summer house was originally built in 1874. (Photo: 360-VIP)
One of the most notable structures on the island is a three-bedroom summer house originally built in 1874. The property features a stone fireplace and received a north addition in 1913 before undergoing further remodeling in 2006 and 2007.The compound also includes a three-bedroom main house built in 1950. Its kitchen was remodeled in 1990, while a family room and dining room were added in 2001.A guest cabin, constructed in 1954 and remodeled in 2009 and 2010, provides two additional bedrooms, a kitchenette and a sitting room.
Multiple waterfront structures
The Lake Minnetonka compound includes a waterfront gazebo, tower, guest cabin and main house. (Photo: 360-VIP)
The island’s amenities extend beyond its residential buildings.A waterfront barbecue gazebo, constructed in 1957, includes a lower level for storage and a stone patio overlooking Lake Minnetonka.There is also a three-story waterfront tower equipped with hidden beds and a kitchenette, adding another flexible space for guests.Across the channel, a log cabin built in 1953 can be reached by bridge. It features a stone fireplace and is currently being used for storage.Together, the buildings create a compound that can accommodate different family members or guests while preserving the character of a traditional lake retreat.
Close to Excelsior and Wayzata
The private island offers 1,841 feet of lakeshore and multiple residential structures. (Photo: 360-VIP)
Despite its private-island setting, the property is a short boat ride from the communities of Excelsior and Wayzata, giving residents access to restaurants, shopping and other attractions.Dewing said the property would most likely appeal to a buyer looking for a secondary residence because of the logistics involved with island living, although he noted that year-round use could also be possible.“There are three main cabins that were used by different family members, so it is beautifully suited for multigenerational living,” he said.The property’s layout also offers flexibility for buyers with different plans for the estate.“It could be acquired by another family and used like this was for a family retreat, or it could be used in a multitude of different ways,” Dewing said. “There have been weddings on the island, and it has such a fun history.”
Island has a history dating back to 1871
Gale Island has remained in the same family for 53 years. (Photo: Spacecrafting)
Gale Island’s history stretches back more than 150 years.The island was originally purchased from the federal government in 1871 by Harlow A. Gale, a Minneapolis real estate developer. It remained in the Gale family for nearly a century before eventually changing hands.The island was later owned by St. Olaf College, which used it as a retreat, before returning to private ownership.Now listed for $7.25 million, the estate represents a rare opportunity to acquire an entire private island on one of Minnesota’s best-known lakes.“There aren’t many island estates like this that become available,” Dewing said. “It’s an incredibly unique opportunity.”
