Introduction
If you’ve ever strolled along Sherwood Place or wound your way down Nottingham Drive in Minnetonka, you’ve likely felt the subtle magic that defines the Sherwood Forest neighborhood. With its quiet, tree-lined streets, lovingly maintained mid-century homes, and sense of timeless community, it’s a place that tells a story of local heritage every time the seasons change. As a longtime Minnetonka resident, I’ve seen first-hand how Sherwood Forest has grown — but also how it has preserved the spirit that first set it apart decades ago.
Origins: How Sherwood Forest Got Its Name
The story of Sherwood Forest begins in the post-war era, as Minneapolis suburbs expanded westward and new neighborhoods sprang up to meet the housing boom. Around the early 1950s, enterprising developers eyed the gently rolling woods perched just north of Excelsior Boulevard, stretching between Williston Road and the scenic Oak Ridge Country Club.
The neighborhood’s name, “Sherwood Forest,” was chosen as a nod to the legendary forest in England made famous by the tales of Robin Hood. The thick stands of oaks, maples, and elms reminded the original planners of that fabled English woodland — and they hoped to lend the new community a sense of charm and distinction. As a result, many of the streets—Sherwood Place, Little John Avenue, and Nottingham Drive—pay homage to characters from the classic saga.
Key Historical Milestones
Sherwood Forest has witnessed many defining moments through the decades, weaving its story into the broader history of Minnetonka:
- 1950s – Birth of the Neighborhood:
Home construction began in earnest, marked by classic ramblers and split-levels popular at the time. Local builder advertisements in the *Minnetonka Herald* enticed young families with promise of “wooded serenity, close to schools and the city.”
- 1962 – Opening of Glen Lake Elementary:
The opening of the nearby Glen Lake Elementary School offered Sherwood Forest children a walkable commute and a central meeting place for community events — a tradition that continues through block parties and neighborhood picnics.
- 1970s – Community Bonds Grow:
As the Twin Cities experienced suburban flight, the residents of Sherwood Forest doubled down on their close-knit ethos. Neighbors organized annual holiday light displays along Sherwood Place and started a neighborhood watch, fostering the sense of safety and togetherness that persists today.
- 1990s – Modernization and Preservation:
As original homeowners aged, a new generation moved in, drawn by large lots and established trees. Many 1950s homes were carefully remodeled, yet the cohesive architectural character of the neighborhood has been beautifully preserved.
Notable Landmarks and Streets
Sherwood Forest may lack high-profile landmarks, but its signature features are woven into the daily lives of its residents. Here are a few standouts that make the area unique:
- Sherwood Place:
This central street is often considered the “heart” of the neighborhood. Its gentle curves are perfect for morning jogs, and in autumn, the tree canopy glows with vibrant color.
- Nottingham Drive:
As one of the more picturesque boulevards, Nottingham Drive hosts many of the original, well-kept homes and is beloved for its neighborhood Fourth of July flags and flower baskets.
- Sherwood Forest Park:
Located just a short walk to the west, this park is a quiet retreat with a small playground, grassy fields, and a picnic shelter. It’s a favorite for informal sports and summer socials.
- Historic Glen Lake Sanatorium:
While technically outside the official boundary, the imposing remains of the Glen Lake Sanatorium—just a few blocks away—remind locals of the area's broader history. Once one of Minnesota’s largest tuberculosis hospitals, it is now a historic site bordering Sherwood Forest.
- Proximity to Minnetonka Mills:
The nearby historic Minnetonka Mills area provided the original heartbeat for Minnetonka’s development, and Sherwood Forest residents still take advantage of shops and trails in the area.
Neighborhood Institutions and Community Life
The sense of belonging in Sherwood Forest extends beyond just the houses. The neighborhood has long benefited from strong institutions and traditions:
- Oak Ridge Country Club:
To the north, Oak Ridge Country Club has served the community for generations — whether families golf, swim, or attend holiday brunches, it adds an upscale but welcoming dimension to local life.
- Glen Lake Elementary & Community Center:
The school continues to be a magnet for families and a gathering space for everything from Girl Scout meetings to senior yoga classes.
- Faith Communities:
Churches and synagogues along Excelsior Boulevard have further enriched the spirit of openness and volunteerism that define Sherwood Forest.
How Sherwood Forest Has Evolved
Though its leafy streets have remained outwardly unchanged in many ways, Sherwood Forest has adapted gracefully to the times. Recent decades have brought in homeowners of all ages, from empty nesters to new families, and the landscape has flourished with updated landscaping, pollinator gardens, and expanded porches.
At the same time, environmental stewardship has become a hallmark—residents participate in city tree-planting days and have advocated for stormwater improvements along Williston Road to preserve Minnehaha Creek’s health.
What Makes Sherwood Forest Special
Ask any resident, and you’ll hear the same refrain: the neighborhood’s greatest asset is its sense of community and continuity. In Sherwood Forest, history is not confined to old photos — it lives in the block parties, the trees first planted in the 1950s that still shade the sidewalks, and the shared commitment to preserving a beloved Minnetonka neighborhood.
For those who call it home—or those who simply enjoy its peaceful streets—Sherwood Forest stands as a testament to the enduring power of local heritage, connection, and pride.