There are a lot of stereotypes about Minnesota -- it's cold, everyone talks funny, it's all cornfields. And while these things are relatively accurate, the Land of 10,000 lakes has a lot to offer. Lake Minnetonka is just one of its many gems.

1. Excelsior

Excelsior is the epitome of a small, lakeside, summer town. With its super small movie theatre and the aforementioned ice cream shops, what reason is there not to hop on your bike and go spend way too much money at severely overpriced clothing boutiques?

2. Boating

Whether you’re in a big cruiser, a small whaler, or a jet ski, everyone who spends a summer on Lake Minnetonka knows that the majority of free time is spent on the lake. When I was younger, I loved tubing. It was like a roller coaster but more fun. Then I moved on to jet skiing, which was like tubing, but I got to be in control. If thrills aren’t your thing, tanning and swimming are just a few of the other fun things to do on the lake.

3. Lick’s and Adele’s

If you live on Lake Minnetonka, you definitely have a strong opinion about whether Lick’s or Adele’s is better (Lick’s is the best. No question.), and you are definitely willing to walk all the way to Adele’s while your friends eat at Lick’s.

4. Sailing

As a sailor, I’ve got to make a plug for the sailing on Lake Minnetonka. Yes, the wind is shifty and you’re lucky if you get more than two super windy days per summer, but nothing rivals the peace of chilling on a sailboat, listening to the hum of motorboats (who always seem to drive straight through the race course), and the sound of kids splashing in the water. And what better summer job than one spent in the sun on a boat?

5. The Fourth of July

The Fourth on Lake Minnetonka is a day like no other. It is the one day of the year when everyone in the community comes together and spends the day on the lake. It can be crowded, but if you know where to go, it’s easy to have a great time (with relatively little stress). And nothing beats watching some fireworks with your friends and family (let’s not talk about trying to get out of there after the fireworks are over).

6. Big Island

Whether you go there to have a picnic and explore with your family, or you go to the party side of the island, there are a ton of things to do at Big Island for all ages.

7. Little islands

Big Island is not the only island on the lake. The manmade Lighthouse Island is where I learned to sail and where I have spent innumerable hours in the summer. Boy Scout Island used to have a cool rope swing, and even though it is gone now (probably best after the amount of injuries I’ve seen), it is a great place to go have a bonfire with your best friends and maybe even camp out (not sure if it’s legal though).

8. Maynard’s

Or maybe Lord Fletcher’s of Bayside is your thing. No matter your restaurant of choice, the lakeside dining on Lake Minnetonka is gorgeous and convenient. What better way to take a break from the sun than by having a drink and eating a greasy burger while looking out at the lake?

9. Beaches in your backyard

Who needs to fly (or drive) to an ocean on one of the coasts when you can get the sand, sun and water right in your backyard (or a few blocks away)?

10. Justin Bieber

Just kidding. We can still hope. (if you don’t know what I’m talking about you probably don’t live in Minnesota)