Minnetonka in Hennepin County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
The Millpond
| — | Burwell Park | — |
Photographed by McGhiever, September 7, 2025
1. The Millpond Marker
Minnetonka Mill flour sack.
Burwell Park is closely linked with one of the strongest traditions in Minnetonka's development—milling. The first visitors from Minneapolis in 1852 recognized the valuable lumber resources of the area's mature hardwood timber, and the ready availability of power for the mill from the rapids on Minnehaha Creek. Calvin and William Tuttle, Simon Stevens, and Hezekiah Atwood built the first sawmill in 1852-1853. It was powered by a dam at the approximate site of today's bridge on Plymouth Road over Minnehaha Creek. This dam created a millpond deep and wide enough to accommodate log floats from Lake Minnetonka and small steam launches. The dam and related settlement area became known as "Minnetonka Mills" and served as a key distribution and launch point for small steamboats that transported mail, passengers, lumber, and later grain, by water.
After the first sawmill burned, another sawmill was built at that site, and it included a furniture factory. That mill closed n 1860 and burned in 1868. A flour mill was built in 1869.
An 1883 photo of the Burwell House shows the millpond extending
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The dam washed out in 1891, was replaced with a wood plank dam in 1893. The last dam was removed when the original "dam" at Gray's Bay was built in 1897. The millpond was then filled with gravel from a hill across the street.
To passing railroad and steamboat passengers, the Burwell House provided a commanding presence as it stood among the young growth of a second-generation forest canopy, reflecting Mr. Burwell's success in the milling industry.
Steamboat Fresco of Minnetonka Mill Company.
The Burwell House, circa 1883. Note smaller original porch and new growth of trees after the original forest was removed for lumber.
Burwell House, circa 1894. Note windmill which stood until about 1914. The workshop and barn are also visible. The cottage was moved to the site later in 1894.
For more information about the
Photographed by McGhiever, September 7, 2025
2. The Millpond Marker in Burwell Park overlooking the former site of the millpond
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Windmills series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1852.
Location. 44° 56.482′ N, 93° 26.863′ W. Marker is in Minnetonka, Minnesota, in Hennepin County. It can be reached from the intersection of McGinty Road E. and Plymouth Road, on the left when traveling west. The marker is in Burwell Park, on the lawn south of the parking lot. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 13209 McGinty Road E, Hopkins MN 55305, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American Midwest, in the Corn Belt, and in the Great River Road Region. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once Rupert’s Land, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Burwell House and Family (within shouting distance of this marker); Welcome to Burwell Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Mill Office & Workshop (within shouting distance of this marker); Woodshed (within shouting distance of this marker); Cottage (within shouting distance of this marker); Ice House (within shouting distance of this marker); The Burwell Barn (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Minnetonka Mill: Intersection Of River, Roads and Rails (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Minnetonka.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 12, 2026, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota. This page has been viewed 58 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 12, 2026, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
