Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Minnetonka (formerly Hopkins)
- Type: Streetcar Ferry Boat
- Year Built: 1906
- Builder: Twin City Rapid Transit Co.
- Dimensions: Length: 70 ft (21.3 m); Width: 15 ft (4.6 m); Depth: Not documented
- Registered Tonnage:
- Depth at Wreck Site: 15 m / 50 ft
- Location: North of Big Island, Lake Minnetonka, Minnesota
- Official Number: Not Applicable
- Original Owners: Twin City Rapid Transit Company, later a private owner
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Hopkins was a wooden streetcar ferry boat built to serve the Twin City Rapid Transit Company (TCRTC). These vessels were part of a fleet designed to provide transportation across Lake Minnetonka, connecting lakeside communities and enhancing the region’s mobility infrastructure.
Description
The Hopkins was launched on May 25, 1906, as one of seven streetcar ferry boats operated by the TCRTC. These vessels were designed to ferry passengers efficiently, integrating with the broader streetcar network that served the Minneapolis-St. Paul area.
In 1926, the streetcar ferry service was discontinued as other transportation options became more viable. The Hopkins was sold to a private owner, renamed Minnetonka, and repurposed as an excursion boat. The vessel continued operating in this capacity until it was deliberately scuttled in 1949, marking the end of its service life.
History
The wreck of the Hopkins lies in 50 ft (15 m) of water north of Big Island in Lake Minnetonka, Minnesota.
Significant Incidents
- The hull is upright and remains in excellent condition compared to other TCRTC boats.
- Significant structural elements are still visible, including the cabin window framing, bitts, and parts of benches.
- The stack is present, lodged into one of the deck openings.
- Seasonal visibility is best under the ice or in early spring, as high-speed recreational boat traffic during the summer months can disturb the site and pose risks to divers.
Final Disposition
The wreck is well-documented within the context of Lake Minnetonka’s submerged cultural resources. It is notable for being the best-preserved of the TCRTC streetcar boats and has been studied as part of efforts to preserve and interpret Minnesota’s maritime history.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The site is suitable for experienced divers due to its depth and the potential risks posed by recreational boat traffic during the summer season. Divers are encouraged to plan dives during early spring or under ice for optimal visibility and safety.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”minnetonka-hopkins” title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
As you explore the Minnetonka, remember to respect the site and its history. Leave only bubbles, take only memories, and be the diver that makes a difference.
Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record
This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.
Identification & Site Information:
- Name(s): Hopkins, later renamed Minnetonka
- Registry: Not Applicable
- Official Number: Not Applicable
- Vessel Type: Streetcar Ferry Boat
- Builder: Twin City Rapid Transit Co.
- Place Built: Excelsior, Minnesota
- Date Built: 1906
- Hull Material: Wood
- Dimensions: Length: 70 ft (21.3 m) Width: 15 ft (4.6 m) Depth: Not documented
Vessel Type
The Hopkins was a wooden streetcar ferry boat built to serve the Twin City Rapid Transit Company (TCRTC). These vessels were part of a fleet designed to provide transportation across Lake Minnetonka, connecting lakeside communities and enhancing the region’s mobility infrastructure.
Description
The Hopkins was launched on May 25, 1906, as one of seven streetcar ferry boats operated by the TCRTC. These vessels were designed to ferry passengers efficiently, integrating with the broader streetcar network that served the Minneapolis-St. Paul area.
In 1926, the streetcar ferry service was discontinued as other transportation options became more viable. The Hopkins was sold to a private owner, renamed Minnetonka, and repurposed as an excursion boat. The vessel continued operating in this capacity until it was deliberately scuttled in 1949, marking the end of its service life.
Final Dispositions
The wreck of the Hopkins lies in 50 ft (15 m) of water north of Big Island in Lake Minnetonka, Minnesota.
- The hull is upright and remains in excellent condition compared to other TCRTC boats.
- Significant structural elements are still visible, including the cabin window framing, bitts, and parts of benches.
- The stack is present, lodged into one of the deck openings.
- Seasonal visibility is best under the ice or in early spring, as high-speed recreational boat traffic during the summer months can disturb the site and pose risks to divers.
Located By & Date Found
The wreck is well-documented within the context of Lake Minnetonka’s submerged cultural resources. It is notable for being the best-preserved of the TCRTC streetcar boats and has been studied as part of efforts to preserve and interpret Minnesota’s maritime history.
Notmars & Advisories
The site is suitable for experienced divers due to its depth and the potential risks posed by recreational boat traffic during the summer season. Divers are encouraged to plan dives during early spring or under ice for optimal visibility and safety.
Resources & Links
3DModels – Minnetonka
Shipwreck Hopkins 2018 by 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab
Shipwreck Hopkins Yr 2-2019 by 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab
Keywords, Categories, Glossary
Keywords: Hopkins, Minnetonka, Lake Minnetonka Shipwrecks, TCRTC, Streetcar Ferry Boats
Categories: Great Lakes Shipwrecks, Maritime History, Passenger Vessels
Glossary: Streetcar Boat, Bitts, Stack, Scuttling, Excelsior
minnetonka-hopkins 1906-05-25 07:54:00