Waconia, Minnesota: Key Facts
Waconia is a lakeside city of about 14,100 in Carver County, Minnesota, about 35 miles west of Minneapolis on the south shore of the 3,080-acre Lake Waconia. This is a quick-reference data sheet — the numbers people and search engines ask for most, drawn from the US Census, the City of Waconia, the Minnesota DNR, and Carver County.
Location & Geography
| County | Carver County, Minnesota |
|---|---|
| Region | Twin Cities metro (western edge) |
| Distance to Minneapolis | ~35 miles (about a 45-minute drive) |
| County seat | Chaska — 8 miles east |
| ZIP code | 55387 |
| Area code | 952 |
| Time zone | Central (CST/CDT) |
| Coordinates | 44.8522° N, 93.7872° W |
People
| Population | ~14,100 (2025 Census estimate; 13,033 at the 2020 Census) |
|---|---|
| Growth | +8.3% from April 2020 to July 2025 (Census estimate) |
History
| Name origin | Dakota language — generally translated 'fountain' or 'spring of water' |
|---|---|
| Settled | 1856, by German immigrants |
| Incorporated | 1882 |
Civic & Institutions
| School district | ISD 110 — Waconia Public Schools |
|---|---|
| Hospital | Ridgeview Medical Center (headquartered in Waconia) |
| Library | Carver County Library — Waconia branch |
Lake Waconia
| Surface area | 3,080 acres |
|---|---|
| Maximum depth | 37 feet |
| Shoreline | About 11 miles (DNR: 10.88) |
| MN DNR lake number | DOW 10-0059-00 |
| Notable | One of the largest lakes in the Twin Cities metro |
Signature Events
| Carver County Fair | Annually in August — a 114+ year tradition |
|---|---|
| Nickle Dickle Day | September street festival at City Square Park |
| Farmers Market | Thursdays, June–September, downtown |
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the population of Waconia, MN?
- The Census Bureau estimates Waconia's population at about 14,100 (July 2025), up 8.3% since the 2020 Census counted 13,033.
- What county is Waconia, MN in?
- Waconia is in Carver County, Minnesota. The county seat is Chaska, about 8 miles east. Waconia sits on the western edge of the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
- What is the ZIP code for Waconia, MN?
- The ZIP code for Waconia is 55387. The telephone area code is 952.
- How far is Waconia from Minneapolis?
- Waconia is about 35 miles west of Minneapolis — roughly a 45-minute drive off-peak via Highway 5 and I-494.
- What does the name 'Waconia' mean?
- The name derives from the Dakota language and is generally translated as 'fountain' or 'spring of water,' a reference to the lake. The city was settled by German immigrants in 1856 and incorporated in 1882.
- How big is Lake Waconia?
- Lake Waconia covers 3,080 acres with a maximum depth of 37 feet and about 11 miles of shoreline. Its Minnesota DNR lake number is DOW 10-0059-00, and it's one of the largest lakes in the Twin Cities metro.
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