Twin Cities Property Finder · David Olson, Broker · MN #BK3603584 · Whitefish Property Finder · MN #40646463 · Licensed in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Florida
Before Europeans settled the area of the Calhoun Isles Community, Dakota Indians populated Lake Calhoun.
Knowing a community’s story helps you understand its neighborhoods today. Here’s a short history.
Here’s an honest look, whether you’re selling or buying.
How Calhoun Isles began
The first recorded village on the Lake was founded in 1928 thanks to Cloudman, a Dakota leader, and Major Lawrence Taliaferro who was stationed in Fort Snelling. The village, known as Eatonville, had a brief existence, but the village was ended by a Dakota-Ojibwe feud.
Lake Calhoun was named in memory of John Caldwell Calhoun, the United States Secretary of War at the time, who sent an army to inspect the area around Fort Snelling, a historic Minnesota landmark, in 1817. He also eventually approved the construction of Fort Snelling. The lake was originally called “Mde Ma-ka-ska” by the Dakota, which means “Lake of the White Earth”. Settlers later named it “Medoza” or Loon Lake.
In the 1870s, Lake Calhoun was developed as a resort area. People came to the area to get away from the busy and stressful city. In 1874, Louis Menage established a resort hotel on the western shoreline of Lake Calhoun, where the Minikahda Club is today. The area was called Menage’s Lake Side Park. Visitors found their way to the park by a small steamer run by the Motor Line. Over time, the Calhoun-Isles community developed into one of the prettier and more desirable places to live in the Minneapolis area. Today, it is one of the premier communities in the city.
A simple plan for your move
I’ve been helping people sell and buy homes across Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Florida for about two decades, and I build and remodel luxury homes too. I’ll help you see both what a property is and what it could be.
Getting the house ready, or making it yours
If you’re selling and want repairs handled before buyers see them, Super Crew Contractors can give you an estimate. If you’re ready for something custom, Ivy Lane Homes does luxury home building and remodeling. And a quick coverage check with Intrinsic Insurance before closing can save you a surprise. Ready to talk? Start a buyer plan or ask what your home is worth.
Super Crew Contractors, Ivy Lane Homes and Intrinsic Insurance are owned by David Olson; you are free to use any contractor, builder or insurer.
Your next step
Every move is different. Whether you’re selling or buying, I’ll help you make a plan that fits.
Please note: I don’t handle rentals or property management. I work with sellers and buyers, and that’s where I can help you most in the Twin Cities.
Stay close to the market, without the noise.
Every so often I send a short, practical note: what Twin Cities homes did, prep tips that are worth the money, and neighborhoods worth a look.
Thank you! You’re on the list.
I’m glad you’re here. A quick confirmation is on its way to your inbox. Whenever you want to talk about your own home or a move, I’m a call or text away.
