Minnesota’s real estate scene is a captivating blend of serene lakefront properties and upscale urban living. Known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes, the state offers breathtaking homes nestled along pristine waters, especially around Lake Minnetonka and the Brainerd Lakes area. In Minneapolis and St. Paul, luxury condos and historic mansions reflect both modern sophistication and timeless Midwestern charm.
Whether it’s a secluded estate in the woods or a sleek penthouse downtown, the high-end market here is quietly extravagant. Let’s dive into the five most expensive homes in Minnesota, where elegance meets natural beauty.
5. Excelsior, MN – $2,650,000
In the Baycliffe community, this 7,626-square-foot residence with 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms sits on a former carriage house once part of the George VanDusen family estate. Renovated between 2022 and 2024, the home features new Duchateau hardwood flooring, carpet, roof, ventilation system, insulation, paint, and lighting throughout.
The property includes English gardens, a driveway with a central fountain, and additional water features reflecting its historic roots. Residents have access to docks, a private beach, and tennis and pickleball courts. The home includes a 2023-installed boat lift system and is listed at $2,650,000.
Where is Excelsior?
Set along the southern shore of Lake Minnetonka, Excelsior, Minnesota, is a small city located southwest of Minneapolis. It has a historic downtown area with shops, restaurants, and a public pier. The city hosts community events and provides access to boating and lakefront activities. Excelsior is part of the Minnetonka School District and is served by regional roadways. It operates under a council–manager form of government.
Living Room
Stone walls surround the living room, where a carved fireplace anchors one end and a mix of leather, fabric, and wood furnishings form a central seating area. Located in the lower level of the home, this space offers a grounded and enclosed feel, with small windows that bring in views of the trees outside. Neutral tones in the rug, furniture, and curtains soften the rough stone texture. Recessed lighting in the ceiling provides illumination without disrupting the rustic surfaces.
Kitchen
Beamed ceilings run across the kitchen, where a curved breakfast bar faces rows of white cabinetry and vintage-style appliances. Built into the core of the home, this kitchen combines stone walls with painted cabinets and wood counters for a layered look. A long counter runs beneath the window, with shelves above for everyday storage. Tiled floors and iron-framed stools tie the materials together.
Dining Area
Wood beams stretch across the ceiling of the dining room, where a rectangular table is centered beneath a row of drum pendant lights. Set beside the kitchen and framed by archways, this dining space balances stone flooring with white walls and black-framed chairs. A wide textured window spans the back wall, dividing the room visually without closing it off. Neutral-toned chairs mix with wood finishes throughout.
Sunroom
Glass walls and skylights define the sunroom, where four dark-framed chairs gather around a round table. Positioned just off the main house, this space blends indoor comfort with outdoor views of the patio and garden. A patterned rug softens the stone floor, while a geometric window design brings focus to the back wall. Potted plants and natural light give the room an open feel.
Patio
Outdoor patio includes a long dining table placed beneath a white pergola with string lights suspended overhead. Connected to the rear of the home, this area also features a large built-in fireplace with stone detailing and stacked firewood. The surrounding stone wall creates an enclosed perimeter, adding privacy and texture. Cushioned chairs and lanterns make the space ready for dining and gathering.
Source: Debbie Mcnally, Heather O’Connor @ Lakes Sotheby’S International via Coldwell Banker Realty
4. Perham, MN – $2,875,000
Along 200 feet of sandy shoreline on Big Pine Lake, this 5,424-square-foot waterfront property includes 7 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms. The main residence offers 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a gourmet kitchen with high-end appliances, custom cabinetry, walk-in pantry, and a 10-foot island.
A separate living space with its own entrance includes 2 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, suitable for extended family or rental use. Designed for multi-generational living, the home also features cathedral ceilings, lake views, and a new security system. The property is listed at $2,875,000.
Where is Perham?
Surrounded by lakes and farmland, Perham, Minnesota, is a city in Otter Tail County located in the west-central part of the state. It has a mix of residential areas, local businesses, and light industry. The city is served by U.S. Highway 10 and a regional airport. Perham hosts community events and supports recreational activities year-round. It uses a mayor–council form of government.
Living Room
Sectional sofa faces a stone fireplace in the living room, where a round wooden coffee table sits in the center of the seating area. Placed along the lake-facing side of the home, this space features wide windows offering direct views of the water and outdoor seating area. A sign above the fireplace adds a personal touch, while neutral tones keep the focus on the landscape. Recessed ceiling lights brighten the room evenly.
Kitchen
Pendant lights hang above a central island in the kitchen, surrounded by wood cabinetry and matching floors. Located at the center of the home, this kitchen includes a built-in beverage fridge, wall ovens, and glass-front cabinets displaying colorful dishware. A barstool seating area wraps around one side of the island, and windows above the sink let in natural light. Open shelving and under-cabinet lighting add function and warmth.
Dining Area
Tall windows and glass doors wrap around the dining area, where a long wooden table with seating for eight overlooks the lake. Situated adjacent to the kitchen, this dining space benefits from both open flow and uninterrupted outdoor views. Vaulted ceilings with upper transom windows add height and light. Wood floors and trim match the rest of the interior’s natural palette.
Bedroom
Large bed anchors the primary bedroom, where wood ceilings and trim frame a set of glass doors opening to a lakefront view. Positioned on the main floor, this bedroom features a fireplace opposite the bed, a reading chair by the window, and a ceiling fan overhead. Matching nightstands sit on either side of the bed, and a soft rug defines the sleeping area. Wooden floors run throughout the space.
Bathroom
Freestanding tub sits beneath a window in the bathroom, next to a glass-enclosed shower with stone tile walls. Connected to the primary suite, this bathroom includes dual vanities with wood cabinetry, round rugs, and soft lighting throughout. A colorful floral print and decorative storage cabinet line one wall. Natural tones carry through from the floors to the walls and trim.
Source: Tina V Holthusen, Debbie J Caylor @ Lakes Area Realty, Inc. via Coldwell Banker Realty
3. La Crescent, MN – $3,050,000
With 120 feet of river frontage on the Mississippi, this 4,060-square-foot home offers 6 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. Designed by CityDeskStudio, the property won the top award at the 2023 Residential Architects Vision & Excellence Awards.
The residence features 21-foot ceilings, a custom staircase of laser-cut plywood and blackened steel, and luxury finishes throughout, including a glass-encased fireplace, two outdoor fireplaces, a custom glass wine room, glass kitchen island, walk-in closet, and privacy smart glass in the primary bedroom. Located 10 minutes from La Crosse, the home is priced at $3,050,000.
Where is La Crescent?
Situated along the Mississippi River, La Crescent, Minnesota, is a city in southeastern Minnesota near the border with Wisconsin. It is known for its apple orchards and is part of the Driftless Area, which was untouched by glaciers. The city has residential neighborhoods, local businesses, and access to outdoor recreation. Major routes include U.S. Highway 61 and State Highway 16. La Crescent operates under a mayor–council form of government.
Living Room
Sunken seating wraps around a fire feature in the living room, built into a recessed area just steps down from the main floor. Found in the center of the home’s main level, the living space connects to a stairway, dining area, and kitchen, all under a double-height ceiling. Large windows fill the space with natural light, and blue accents contrast the neutral palette. Modern railings on the mezzanine level overlook the entire room.
Kitchen
Glossy surfaces line the kitchen, where white cabinetry and a curved island wrap around the center of the room. Situated toward the rear of the home, this kitchen includes integrated appliances and a blue-tinted glass countertop for contrast. A built-in breakfast nook forms part of the island, surrounded by white bar stools. Large windows bring in views of the backyard.
Dining Area
Black sculptural chairs surround a white dining table in the dining room, where floor-to-ceiling windows open out to the lake. Located off the kitchen, this room shares space with a sunken lounge area in the open-plan layout. Above the table, pendant lights in blue and clear glass add color and shape. Nearby lounge chairs outside extend the living space beyond the glass.
Bedroom
Ocean wave artwork stretches above the bed in the primary bedroom, where concrete walls and a minimalist layout define the look. Positioned at a corner of the house, this room includes glass doors that lead to a small outdoor deck facing the water. A low-profile teal nightstand and a blue rug bring in subtle color. The ceiling fan and recessed lighting complete the design.
Patio
Slatted wood ceiling stretches above the patio, where bean bag seating and cushioned sofas define this outdoor living area. Tucked along the side of the home, the patio includes a grill station, dining table, and wide sliding doors that connect to the interior. Raised steps lead down to a manicured lawn, framed by clean lines and black structural beams. Glass railings and large windows reflect the landscape.
Source: Michelle Kalina @ Lakes Sotheby’S International Realty via Coldwell Banker Realty
2. Wayzata, MN – $10,500,000
Framed by over 2 acres of gently sloping lawn and 432 feet of prime Lake Minnetonka shoreline, this 6,122-square-foot colonial estate on Wayzata Bay offers 5 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms. Built in 1942 and thoughtfully remodeled over time, the home preserves its original character while meeting modern standards.
The level lakeshore allows for rare permanent docks, with riprapped edges, clear swimming water, and a firepit perched on the point. A fully independent carriage house includes a heated 2-car garage and workspace. Offered at $10,500,000, the estate combines privacy, lakefront access, and proximity to Wayzata and Deephaven.
Where is Wayzata?
Overlooking the northeastern edge of Lake Minnetonka, Wayzata, Minnesota, is a small city west of Minneapolis. It has a compact downtown with lakefront parks, restaurants, and retail. The city is accessible via U.S. Highway 12 and is part of the Twin Cities metro area. Wayzata belongs to the Wayzata Public Schools district and offers community events throughout the year. It operates under a council–manager form of government.
Living Room
Upholstered furniture is arranged throughout the living room, divided into a main seating area and a smaller table near the window. Red and cream striped window treatments match the palette of the walls and rug. A fireplace is situated on one side, framed with white trim and topped with a mirror. Multiple lamps provide lighting around the perimeter.
Sunroom
A vaulted ceiling with exposed beams frames the sunroom, finished with white trim and slate tile flooring. A brick fireplace is centered between full-height screened windows, and a round table with four chairs provides a space for dining. Wicker seating is placed around a low table. The room is enclosed by walls of windows with views of the wooded backyard.
Kitchen
Wood flooring and cream-colored cabinetry define the kitchen, where a large island is painted black for contrast. Pendant lights hang above the island, which includes seating and a prep sink. The backsplash is tiled in warm beige tones, and double ovens are built into the cabinetry wall. A breakfast area connects through an open archway.
Bedroom
Bay windows curve around the bedroom, letting in views of the trees and yard. A fireplace anchors one corner, while a writing desk and lounge chairs form a seating area near the windows. Neutral carpeting runs wall to wall, and the bed is centered across from a wall-mounted television. Soft white walls and ceiling molding complete the room.
Bathroom
A built-in soaking tub is set beneath a dormer window in the bathroom, framed by white paneled trim and marble surround. The glass-enclosed shower features white tile with a bench, positioned between the tub and a built-in vanity with mirrored lighting. Open shelving and drawer storage fill one wall. A small rug adds texture to the basketweave tile floor.
Source: Ellen Phelps @ Coldwell Banker Realty
1. Wayzata, MN – $12,495,000
On 3.5 wooded acres along Lake Minnetonka’s Wayzata Bay, this 19,893-square-foot English Manor estate includes 6 bedrooms and 12 bathrooms. The property features a brick gatehouse, limestone staircase, twin-curved staircases, 12 fireplaces, and polished marble floors.
Recent updates include new windows, roof, and modern mechanical systems. Amenities include a remodeled kitchen, hearth room, official-length lap pool, tennis court, and 7 garage stalls. The estate, set behind a brick courtyard and surrounded by gardens and lake views, is listed at $12,495,000.
Where is Wayzata?
Located on the northeastern shore of Lake Minnetonka, Wayzata, Minnesota, is a city west of Minneapolis in Hennepin County. It features a walkable downtown with shops, dining, and lake access. The city is connected by U.S. Highway 12 and served by regional transit options. Wayzata is part of the Wayzata Public Schools district and supports year-round community events. It uses a council–manager form of government.
Kitchen
Tucked beneath a coffered wood ceiling, the kitchen blends white cabinetry with thick veined countertops and a central cooktop island. Located at the heart of the home, this kitchen opens directly to a large living area with vaulted ceilings and a brick fireplace. Dual islands offer both prep and seating areas, with one finished in butcher block for contrast. Copper accents, hexagonal tile floors, and glass-front cabinets complete the look.
Dining Room
High ceilings and bold blue walls frame the formal dining room, where a crystal chandelier hangs above a long rectangular table. Situated at the rear of the house, this space features tall windows, French doors, and a fireplace along one wall. Built-in cabinetry lines one side, providing storage and display space. The room balances classic furniture with a large abstract painting for a modern touch.
Home Theater
Rows of leather recliners fill the home theater, where a projection system and screen dominate the far wall. Placed on the lower level, this media room includes built-in storage for equipment, carpeted floors, and recessed lighting throughout. A small fireplace and wet bar area occupy the back corner, next to a stairway that leads to the main floor. Dark wood trim and neutral walls keep the space grounded.
Bedroom
Rich wood paneling surrounds the primary bedroom, where an open loft-style ceiling and layered rugs define the space. Set toward a quieter wing of the home, the bedroom includes a stone fireplace, antique furniture, and Tiffany-style lamps beside the bed. Wide planks of hardwood flooring match the tone of the beams and wainscoting. A private sitting area near the windows offers a view of the grounds.
Bathroom
Golden fixtures and polished marble wrap around the bathroom, where a built-in soaking tub sits beneath a row of windows. Located just off the primary bedroom, this bathroom includes a fireplace, mirrored cabinets, and shuttered window panels. The fireplace is surrounded by a sculptural mantel with a soft metallic finish. A vanity area is built into the cabinetry for added function.
