Excelsior

 

Along the southern shores of Lake Minnetonka, about 20 minutes west of Minneapolis, is the city of Excelsior. Founded in 1853 by George Bertram, the name means onward, upward, and higher in Latin. The railroad came to the area in 1881, bringing plenty of business and opportunity. Additionally, six steamboats transported people to various locations across Lake Minnetonka, including Big Island Park. This park had a dance pavilion, music casino, aquarium, and roller coaster. Excelsior Amusement Park was a popular local attraction from 1925 until 1974. Though quite different today, this one-square-mile historic town offers the perfect blend of old meets new. 

 

The quiet residential streets are filled with grand Victorian-era homes with gorgeous views and newer, traditional-style, and custom-built homes. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious lakefront home with stunning views or something more private, Excelsior has it.

 

Residents love the lively community of Excelsior, made quaint by the charming Victorian-era homes that line the way. There are unique shops, a bed and breakfast inn, restaurants, and a movie theater that opened in 1940 as the Tonka Theater. Excelsior Commons and Port of Excelsior both offer spacious green areas for walking, playgrounds, beaches along Lake Minnetonka to swim, and docks for water crafts. 

 

Several events are also held in the parks, like Concerts in the Park, Apple Day, and a Christmas market. Excelsior has a vibrant downtown with various shops and restaurants, events throughout the year, and a sense of community, making it the perfect spot to call home.

 

Excelsior has a vibrant, walkable downtown area that features various shopping and dining options for residents. Maynards is a popular restaurant in the area with boat parking. This popular spot offers the perfect combination of lake views, an inviting ambiance, and exceptional food. Their attention to detail in everything from the food to the service will leave you wanting more.

 

Lago Tacos is another local favorite in the area. This lively Mexican joint utilizes only the freshest ingredients and is well-known for its creative taco mashups, house-made sauces, and delectable margaritas. Live music, entertainment, authentic food, and a sense of community make everyone feel welcome.

 

Yumi Japanese Restaurant & Bar offers sushi, teriyaki, and noodles in a vibrant, welcoming environment. Try the seaweed salad, Yumi poke, any of their specialty rolls, or the traditional maki.

 

Red Sauce Rebellion features fresh, feel-good Italian food for a different flavor palate. Their scratch-made menu spans breakfast, lunch, and dinner for a treat any time of day.

 

Residents of Excelsior find an abundance of things to do, whether in the vibrant downtown area or along Lake Wayzata. The Old Log Theater is the oldest professional theater in Minnesota and is funded entirely by ticket sales and income from the onsite restaurant. The theater was modernized with state-of-the-art lighting and sound and features a remodeled lobby and dining area. Enjoy locally cast and produced musical theater and children’s productions here.

 

The community offers events year-long, such as Apple Day, a lakeside festival that celebrates art, community, food, and fun. The Excelsior Farmers’ Market occurs Tuesday afternoons in Downtown Excelsior and features locally grown produce, home goods, and killer crepes.

 

Art on the Lake has over 140 artists’ work on display. Concerts in the Park is a summer concert series held every Wednesday in the Excelsior Commons.

 

Excelsior Public Beach provides public access throughout the summer with picnic tables and public amenities. Tour de Tonka is an annual bike ride that’s become a community staple. It brings in more than 3,500 riders annually from more than 166 cities. A portion of each rider’s fee is donated to the ICA Food Shelf, a service that helps bring food to those in need.

 

The Minnetonka School District comprises six elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school. Students may attend: