Historical values are an important part of the community in Excelsior, Minnesota. Colonists that came out of New York in 1853 were the first to settle the town. Excelsior is a small area, but has been a focal point of the lower portion of the Lake Minnetonka location for years. It was the first official community to be established near Lake Minnetonka. Most of the settlers in the area were from the colonies, and the city still has architecture that was influenced by the eastern part of the country. Even today, the smaller downtown area has a historical feel to it, and it is very unique compared to its neighboring cities’ downtown locations.

Recently, the town restored its steamboat, The Minnehaha which was used to give tourists rides on the lake. Today, the steamboats still serves the community by providing its passengers a trip across the water to Wayzata Bay and back. Excelsior also restored its old museum, a ballroom, and other historical buildings, all preserving part of the city’s history. It is obvious that history plays a very significant aspect in the town, as many of its historical elements are still enjoyed today.

Lake Minnetonka is perhaps the most crucial part of Excelsior’s history. Save for the Native Americans, the lake was a secret to all. The wooded areas and shores surrounding the lake provided plenty of food for the Natives to live off of. Therefore, Lake Minnetonka was critical for their survival and kept hidden from the settlers. However, settlers eventually discovered the lake in 1822. By 1851, the treaty of Mendota between the Natives and the U.S. Government provided the settlers access to a wide stretch of land, including Lake Minnetonka. Development around the lake thrived in the 1880’s and 90’s. Steamboats created access to the lake as they offered locals cruises across the water. Big Island, a park near the lake that was built in 1902, offered entertainment that people traveled miles for in order to experience. Lake Minnetonka is the 10th largest lake and the most heavily accessed body of water in the state of Minnesota.

If you have any questions regarding the city of Excelsior, Minnesota, or if you would like to sell or buy a house in the area, please feel free to visit Twin Cities Property Finder or call 1-800-909-1953.