Located in Hennepin County, the private, tranquil town of Orono sits on the north shore of Lake Minnetonka. The town is home to a little over 8,300. While the town has experienced recent growth, it continues to remain a charming, small town.
Originally, Orono was part of Excelsior and then part of Medina before becoming an independent town in the late 1800s. This rural area has always served as farmland with little local industry. Many of the locals who don't work the land commute to jobs in St. Paul or Minneapolis. For many residents, Orono offers serenity and privacy while still being close to the amenities of the nearby city.
What to Love
North shore of Lake Minnetonka
Sprawling lots and outdoor space
Abundant local wildlife
Rural, relaxed location
Close enough to commute to the Twin Cities
Local Lifestyle
Orono presents an option for a slower pace of life as a suburb city in the St. Paul Minneapolis metropolitan area. Local restaurants offer a variety of cuisine choices, and many of them come with outstanding views.
While the housing inventory includes many older homes, many of these have been renovated with the most desirable upgrades. Locals are almost all commuters into the Twin Cities.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
As a small, private town, most of the locals go up to St. Paul or the Mall of America for a day of shopping, as there are few choices in Orono. There are some tasty options for a dinner out with the family or a romantic evening with someone special in town.
Birch's on the Lake Brewhouse & Supperclub is a popular spot with its sweeping views of Lake Minnetonka and selection of craft beers. The menu features seafood and some American classics. Red Rooster Bar & Lounge features wood-paneled walls and has been a local favorite since the 1970s.
Lord Fletcher's Old Lake Lodge is a unique dining option. It's a complex with a variety of dining options to suit every taste and occasion. Lafayette Club offers a dining option as well as the perks of an ideal country club. This private country club sits along the shore of Lake Minnetonka in a private, tranquil setting.
Things to Do
In Orono, the activities seem to center around spending time outdoors throughout the year. From snowmobiling to playing golf, the area offers a variety of outdoor pursuits. Lake Minnetonka has everyone's favorite water sports, including soaking up the sun on a summer's day.
Big Island Nature Park is located on a small island in Lake Minnetonka. This tranquil nature area is an ideal spot to explore and view wildlife. The park also has a couple of small beaches. When the weather is nice, Casco Point Beach is the hottest ticket in town. Children splash and play in the water while adults enjoy an afternoon of relaxation.
Lafayette Club is the local private country club. With its location on the shores of Lake Minnetonka, the club is a great place to spend an afternoon. Spring Hill Golf Club is located in nearby Wayzata, and it features a gorgeous green. Many local golfers enjoy this facility.
Schools
As a town with less than 8,500 people, there are a limited number of schools in the area. The public schools are served by the Orono School District. Orono doesn't have any private schools, but St. Paul and other nearby towns have private schools, both religious and secular, for families who prefer private school education. While there aren't any post-secondary schools in Orono, college-aged students can attend classes in the Twin Cities. The outstanding schools in Orono include:
Schumann Elementary School, kindergarten through 5th grade
Orono Middle School, 6th through 8th grade
Orono High School, 9th through 12th grade
Featured Properties
Browse the available properties in the area below.
