Attractions and Places To See around Excelsior - Top 20

Excelsior, situated on Lake Minnetonka, offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can explore extensive park systems like Carver Park Reserve Trail, which features winding trails, interconnected lakes, and marshes, perfect for hiking and wildlife observation. The Dakota Rail Regional Trail is a popular paved path for biking, skating, and hiking, offering scenic views of lakes and farmlands. For water-based recreation, Lake Minnetonka provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and picnicking, with spots like Riley Lake Park offering beaches and fishing piers.

Yes, Excelsior is very family-friendly. The Carver Park Reserve Trail and Dakota Rail Regional Trail are suitable for families with easy paths. Riley Lake Park features a sandy beach, playground, and picnic areas. The Excelsior Commons, a large lakeside park, also has playgrounds and hosts community events. For entertainment, the Old Log Theatre offers family-friendly shows.

Excelsior boasts a rich history. You can stroll along Historic Water Street, the town's downtown heart, or visit the Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Historical Society Museum to learn about the area's past. The Oak Hill Cemetery, dating back to 1855, offers a glimpse into early settlers' history. For a unique experience, take a ride on the Vintage Streetcar operated by the Minnesota Streetcar Museum, offering scenic views of Lake Minnetonka.

Yes, several spots in Excelsior welcome dogs. The Dakota Rail Regional Trail is known to be dog-friendly, perfect for walks with your canine companion. Riley Lake Park also includes a dog park, and the Excelsior Brewing Company taproom is dog-friendly.

For easy hikes, consider the trails within Carver Park Reserve Trail, which offers winding paths through forests and around lakes. The Dakota Rail Regional Trail is a paved, relatively flat option suitable for leisurely walks. You can find more easy hiking options in the area by checking out our guide on Easy hikes around Excelsior, which includes routes like the Round Lake Beach Loop and Purgatory Park Trail.

Excelsior offers several scenic spots. The Minnesota River Bluffs Trail — Bridge 101 is a popular viewpoint known for its scenic beauty along the trail. The St. Albans Bay Bridge provides great views over St. Albans Bay and Lake Minnetonka. Additionally, Carver Park Reserve Trail and Riley Lake Park offer beautiful lake views and natural landscapes.

Yes, cycling is a popular activity. The Dakota Rail Regional Trail is a 28.1-mile paved cycle way ideal for bikers. You can also explore various road cycling and gravel biking routes. For more detailed options, refer to our guides on Gravel biking around Excelsior and Road Cycling Routes around Excelsior, which feature routes like the Saint Albans Bay Bridge – Dakota Rail Regional Trail loop.

Excelsior is enjoyable year-round, but the warmer months, from spring through fall, are ideal for outdoor activities and lakeside recreation on Lake Minnetonka. During this time, the Excelsior Commons hosts community events and concerts. The town also celebrates annual festivals such as Apple Day and Art on the Lake. Winter offers opportunities for different activities, though many outdoor attractions remain accessible.

The St. Albans Bay Bridge is noted as wheelchair accessible, offering views over the bay. Many paved trails, such as sections of the Dakota Rail Regional Trail, are generally accessible, but it's always recommended to check specific conditions for longer routes.

Excelsior's Historic Water Street and surrounding areas offer a variety of dining options. You can find lakeside dining at places like Maynard's, or enjoy other restaurants such as Lago Tacos, Coalition, and Olives Fresh Pizza Bar. For sweet treats, Licks Unlimited, Adele's Frozen Custard, or Tommy's Tonka Trolley are popular choices. Excelsior Bay Books is a cozy independent bookstore, and Excelsior Brewing Company offers craft beer and often features food trucks.

Beyond its natural beauty, Excelsior hosts a vibrant cultural scene. The Old Log Theatre is one of the country's longest-running professional theaters, offering a range of performances. The Excelsior Brewing Company frequently features live music and food trucks. Throughout the year, the town hosts various festivals and events, including Apple Day, Art on the Lake, and Fourth of July festivities, often centered in the Excelsior Commons.