Market Update in Waconia

Waconia

Named a “Tree City USA” by the National Arbor Day Foundation

City of Waconia

Waconia is a small city in Carver County, Minnesota, United States. Waconia attracts visitors to nearby Lake Waconia, a lake locally renowned for its fishing and recreation opportunities.

The city’s population was 13,033 at the 2020 census.

Geography
Sunset behind a water tower in Waconia
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 4.39 square miles (11.37 km2), of which 4.34 square miles (11.24 km2) is land and 0.05 square miles (0.13 km2) is water.

Minnesota State Highways 5 and 284; and Carver County Highway 10 are the main routes in Waconia.

Waconia is a progressively growing community located just 30 minutes west of the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul in an area popular with visitors for its many lakes, parks, and other enjoyable destinations.

Named a “Tree City USA” by the National Arbor Day Foundation, the City of Waconia is nestled next to scenic Lake Waconia, the third largest lake in the Metro and one of the cleanest lakes in the area.

Additionally, Waconia boasts a dynamic economy, established industrial parks, first class education, and exceptional healthcare facilities. Combined, all of these amenities make Waconia a great place to live, work, learn, and play!

History
A post office has been in operation at Waconia since 1860. The city took its name from Lake Waconia.

National Register of Historic Places gallery
Waconia has several buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places (see: National Register of Historic Places listings in Carver County, Minnesota). One of the more prominent listings is for Coney Island of the West on Lake Waconia, where cottages, boathouses and resort hotels attracted tourists, especially from 1884 until the late 1920s, when the rise of the automobile allowed people to travel farther away for summer vacations.

Popular Culture
In the film Drop Dead Gorgeous, 1st Street near St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Waconia is used when the swan float explodes in the parade.

Notable People

Robert O. Ashbach, Minnesota state legislator and businessman
Bill Diessner, Minnesota state legislator and physician
Aaron Elling, football player
Don Herbert, Mr. Wizard and host of Mr. Wizard’s World
Noah McCourt, politician, disability advocate and speaker
Susie Schmitt Hanson, (1860–1956) milliner, dressmaker and entrepreneur
Maxx Williams, NFL tight end for the Arizona Cardinals, was born in Waconia
Shane Wiskus, artistic gymnast, set to represent Team USA in the 2020 Summer Olympics
Jenn Bostic, singer, songwriter, performer