Lake
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Excelsior : Every day at the lake
Excelsior is an active city full of activities and life for residents who live in town and those who stop in for a visit .
The 1-square-mile city that houses more than 2,200 people promises close-up views of Lake Minnetonka perching along Gideon ’ s Bay and Excelsior Bay . Within its tight-knit residential community , the lakeside city manages to capture the attention of newcomers every year . When stepping into town , residents and visitors alike can participate in community staple events regardless of the time of year and walk through a variety of naturescapes and parks .
Water Street serves as South Lake Minnetonka ’ s unofficial downtown , featuring retail shops and unique businesses . Restaurants cater to all types of eating experiences , from healthy acai bowls to customizable wood-fired pizza to more elevated dishes like gourmet sushi or fresh local fish . For more casual visitors , drinks or quick eats are available at several places , including the street-side patios of Excelsior Brewing Company and Haskell ’ s , or on the beautiful decks of Maynard ’ s .
Excelsior is a welcoming city known for bringing people in to partake in their community events . The town continues to bolster community gatherings with multiple annual events , starting with the Luck O ’ the Lake and the Our Savior Lutheran Church Community Easter Egg Hunt , continuing on with the fashionable Black Gown Gala and moving into warmer outdoor weather for the Concerts in the Commons series , Apple Days and Art on the Lake .
As the weather turns chilly , Excelsior becomes a hub for winter activity . Residents look forward to the Christkindlmarkt Thanksgiving Day weekend and “ Christmas in Excelsior ” throughout December with themed activities like horse-drawn sleigh rides and the Giving Tree Project . Sports fans come out in droves for the North American Pond Hockey Championship on Excelsior Bay . Other hallmark winter activities include Arctic Fever across South Lake Minnetonka , the famous Klondike Dog Derby weekend and more .
Excelsior Commons is a popular place for many city events , including the summer concert series , as well as for recreational and leisure activities spread throughout its 13 acres . The park curls snuggly around the shorelines of Lake Minnetonka and has been an important part of the city since 1853 . The Commons has become an even better experience for residents as it has seen recent updates to its concessions building , surrounding park area , utilities , furnishings and stormwater infrastructure . Available amenities include recreation areas , a bandshell , playgrounds , a baseball field and public access to the lake .
The Port of Excelsior next door is home to several public docks . Not far away is another popular spot , the Lake Minnetonka Regional Trail , a go-to for bicyclists with its 14-mile trail extending from Hopkins to Carver Park Reserve and running through Excelsior .
The Excelsior City Council meets in-person at its temporary Council Chambers at 106 Center Street , the home of the city ’ s future Arts and Culture Center .
Info : ci . excelsior . mn . us
Community Guide 2024 | LAKE MINNETONKA | 11