Rich History

Lafayette Club is a rare retreat for all seasons and occasions!

Members and guests alike continue to be drawn to this unique club!  Located west of Minneapolis on 42 acres along the Crystal Bay shore of Lake Minnetonka, Lafayette Club's roots began with the Hotel Lafayette built by the Empire Builder James J Hill and designed by LeRoy Buffington.  When it opened on July 2, 1882, it was billed as "the finest hotel west of New York City".  The opening was a grand affair- the building covered nearly five acres with three grand staircases, 300 guest rooms, and a staff of 150 people. During its history, the Hotel Lafayette hosted President Chester Arthur and former President Ulysses S. Grant. In 1888, future civil rights leader W. E. B. Du Bois was employed at the hotel as a busboy. 

In 1897, the Hotel Lafayette was completely destroyed by fire. Two years later Hill deeded the land to the founders of the first Lafayette Club in 1899.  The first clubhouse was designed by William Channing Whitney and opened to members in 1900.  For 20 years the Club was the center of social activities on Lake Minnetonka. It was enjoyed by members and guests including President William Taft and Vice-President Adlai Stevenson until it, too, was destroyed by fire in 1922.

This beautiful hilltop was not destined to remain empty for long. Lafayette's Spanish Mission-style clubhouse was completed in 1924, designed by architects Edwin Hewitt and Edwin Brown.  For the past century, the Lafayette Club has been a distinguished gathering place. This summer, we celebrated TWO ANNIVERSARIES! Today, we continue to preserve our long-standing history while providing a comfortable atmosphere for members and guests to play sports, dine, socialize, and celebrate- all while surrounded by beautiful views of Lake Minnetonka.