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Lakeside city in Minnesota, United States
Photo: Thomson200, CC0 via Wikimedia Commons
Excelsior is a city of 2300 people (2018) in the Twin Cities. Excelsior was founded in the 1850s as a destination for vacationers, primarily from the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Excelsior sits on beautiful Lake Minnetonka and offers numerous lake cruises and beaches.
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At the north end of town is The Commons park and recreation area with a swimming beach, playground, tennis courts, baseball diamonds, and picnicking.
The society’s museum and archives are free and open to the public, and hold the largest collection of historic artifacts and documents in the area.
Old trolley No. 78, a streetcar that ran from Minneapolis to Excelsior in the 1920s, has been restored and now runs between the Bayside Grille and the Farmer's Market in Excelsior. It's a charming experience. Operated by the Minnesota Streetcar Museum, which also operates the Como-Harriet streetcar line in Linden Hills, Minneapolis.
Enjoy a beautiful Minnesota day or evening on the premier Lake Minnetonka charter boat, the Lady of the Lake.
Every Sunday, May through September, the QE offers a public Sunday Brunch. Cruising the pristine waters of Lake Minnetonka with friends or family is a great way to spend a Sunday.
Sail through Lake Minnetonka gliding through bays and inlets, discovering the magnificent homes and historic estates.
A historic steamboat built in 1906 operated by the Museum of Lake Minnetonka.
Recognized as one of the most popular theaters in the U.S., the Old Log offers contemporary plays and comedies year-round and the theater's company of Equity actors include some of the finest talent in the Midwest.
3-theater cinema offering stadium seating and delicious popcorn.
318 is a quaint cafe on Water Street that offers a small town feel with an urban vibe.
At Adeleʼs, they make every batch of homemade frozen custard on-site with fresh, premium ingredients from their own recipes resulting in custard that’s rich, creamy and delicious.
Escape the ordinary and experience the Bayside Grille, Lake Minnetonkaʼs hot spot for unparalleled waterfront deck dining, fantastic drinks, and sunsets.
A neighborhood gathering place for your friends and family that captures the essence of hospitality in casual, comfortable surroundings.
Joey Novas Excelsior Pizza is an East Coast style pizzeria & delicatessen offering and delivering exceptional, freshly prepared foods for their friends in Excelsior, Chanhassen, Shorewood and Tonka Bay.
A locally owned ice cream parlor that features homemade waffle cones, ice cream and soft serve yogurt. Just a short walk to the public docks. Lickʼs is open by the season (usually May thru October) and is a local favorite.
American casual, with an expansive outdoor dining deck and bar adjoined to their own dock space that makes it a boating favorite for lunch and dinner.
A bustling little sushi bar in downtown Excelsior where it serves the artfully presented sushi.
Offering a full bar, grill and happy hour Haskell’s is a great destination for a gathering after a day on the lake.
A public house with Irish hospitality. Live music and fresh pints.
1858 Victorian Italianate inn off Excelsior Bay.
Excelsior Coin and Collectibles has been in business for more tan 30 years. They have extensive knowledge of collectible coins, gold and silver and buy and sell on site.
Country Look Antiques is your everything antique store that’s chock full of unique treasures and fun finds.
Two great store ideas within one place that truly complement each other. Ooh La La features fashionable handbags, tees, Voltage shoes and accessories at affordable-chic prices.
A contemporary boutique offering an extrodinary hand-selected collection of contemporary designer apparel.
Swimwear, beach bags, handbags, handcrafted jewelry, flip flops, sunglasses and browning lotion.
Jewelry, scarves, novelty gifts, home accessories, and more.
Situated in Paris Tailors, the Soap Box carries a select range of scented soaps and oils from around the world.
Provisions offers thousands of gift ideas.
Original oil, watercolor and pastel paintings by regional and national artists.
Noah’s Ark Fish & Pet Supply is a full service pet store.
Minnetonka Music offers a complete selection of musical instruments, music education, instrument repairs, school instrument programs, sound equipment, sheet music and instrument accessories.
An intimate setting on picturesque Water Street. This bookstore stands out based on its friendly staff, well chosen book selection, and perfect location. If they don’t have it, they’re more than happy to find it and order it for you.
By car
Highway 7 runs through Excelsior and connects the city to Interstate 494, US 169, and Highway 100. Highway 7 also continues into Minneapolis.
Metro Transit runs express buses to and from Excelsior to Minneapolis
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Minneapolis · International · MSP
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