Just Add Water

Now that the ice is officially out on Lake Minnetonka, it’s time to start planning entertainments that expose your guests to Minnesota’s great natural assets. And since we’re known for our magnificent lakes and rivers, why not take them out on the water for an afternoon or evening? It’s a welcome change of scenery, and provides quality time for relaxing and enjoying each other’s company. Don’t own a boat? No worries: Here are three great options for getting out on the water in style.

Excel Boat Club

Tom Jacob offers members of his Excel Boat Club a fleet of luxury boats including open-bow speedboats, deck boats, and custom pontoons that can be taken out on either Lake Minnetonka or the St. Croix River. Customers enjoy Jacob’s high-touch service, delivered by well-trained staff that haul coolers, pull boats in and out of slips, and even captain boats for clients. Members pay $3,799 a year for 12 uses, Monday through Thursday, or 10 uses any day of the week; or they pay $4,599 a year for 25 uses any day of the week. Nonmembers can rent 25-foot or 30-foot pontoons ranging from $250 for a half day, to $499 for a full day. 141 Minnetonka Boulevard, Excelsior, 952-401-3880; and 2 Lake Circle, Bayport, 651-430-3118; excelboatclub.com

Stillwater Boat Club & Rentals

Situated in downtown Stillwater within easy walking distance of shops and restaurants, the Stillwater Boat Club offers unlimited use of deluxe pontoons, open-bow boats, and cabin cruisers for $4,960 a year. “Boat clubs are great for people who don’t want the hassle and expense of owning a boat,” says Andy Malon, the club’s owner. Nonmembers can rent pontoons from $255 for a half day, or $370 for a full day. 422 East Mulberry Street, Stillwater, 651-439-9000, stillwaterboatclub.com