City of Excelsior

Community Life in Excelsior

David Olson, RealtorBy David Olson, Realtor · October 25, 2026 · 5 min read
Community Life in Excelsior

Twin Cities Property Finder · David Olson, Broker · MN #BK3603584 · Whitefish Property Finder · MN #40646463 · Licensed in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Florida

Excelsior, Minnesota is a small, lakeshore city with a close-knit community revolving around Lake Minnetonka.

Here’s a look at everyday life, from shopping and dining to community events.

Here’s an honest look, whether you’re selling or buying.

Thinking about a home in Excelsior?I’ll show you what homes nearby are really selling for and which streets fit your budget.

Everyday life in Excelsior

While only encompassing a mere 0.69 square miles and having a population of just over 2,000 residents, this artsy city has a very strong sense of community. This is most evidently seen through its community amenities, events, and ideal location.

Residents of Excelsior would be quick to point to Lake Minnetonka as one of their primary reasons for choosing to be a part of the Excelsior community. Their ideal location on and connection to the lake is one of the most important facets that influence community development. The people of Excelsior have a love for the water, and the spring, summer, and fall months revolve around lakeshore activities. In addition to the benefits of lakeside life, residents have access to a wide variety of top-notch dining, shopping, and entertainment options in and around the surrounding area. Their proximity to Lake Minnetonka connects them with some of the larger, neighboring cities such as Minnetonka, Eden Prairie, Wayzata, and Chanhassen. It is through these connections that residents of Excelsior gain additional amenities. They are able to easily enjoy the benefits of these larger suburban cities while maintaining their small-town lifestyles in Excelsior. The waters of Lake Minnetonka are the home to a multitude of sailboats and yacht clubs, and the shores host many businesses. By simply crossing the lake, residents of Excelsior can enjoy the lakeside amenities of many of their neighboring cities. Additionally, places of worship, movie theaters, shopping centers, and more are just a short drive away.

Other amenities include the Minnesota Streetcar Museum, Southshore Community Center, and a number of local charter boats. The Minnesota Streetcar Museum houses, services, and operates a fleet of 8 historic Minnesota street cars. As the historic authority on Minnesota’s electric railway, it also houses a collection of historical artifacts, photographs, and papers.

Shops, dining and events

The Southshore Community Center, while not located in Excelsior, services the residents of Excelsior among other neighboring communities. It offers a wide variety of community events as well as community education classes. Excelsior is the home to a number of charter boats that offer public and private cruises in and around the waters of Lake Minnetonka. The most famous is the historic steamboat Minnehaha.

Perhaps the most engaging aspect of Excelsior’s community are the community events. With events taking place year-round, there is always something to get involved with. Some of the most popular summer events include farmer’s markets, the weekly Girls Night Out, the annual Art on the Lake exhibition, the celebrated Fourth of July Fireworks event on Lake Minnetonka, and the Crazy Days shopping event. The fall and winter bring their own fun events including the beloved Apple Day celebration featuring all things apple, winter farmer’s markets, and a holiday Christmas tree lighting. The most celebrated event of the winter, however is the annual Arctic Fever. This event is done in conjunction with neighboring cities on the frozen Lake Minnetonka and engages families of all ages in outdoor winter activities and races. With fat tire bike races, snowshoeing, ice skating, geocaching, sledding, snow sculpting, a chili cook off, and plenty more contests, this event is a ton of fun and always draws in big crowds.

A simple plan for your Excelsior move

I’ve been helping people sell and buy homes across Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Florida for about two decades, and I build and remodel luxury homes too. I’ll help you see both what a property is and what it could be.

1Get clear on the numbersFor sellers, a realistic value for your specific home. For buyers, what your budget actually buys in the neighborhoods you like.
2Walk it with a builder’s eyeWe spot what an inspector is likely to flag before it becomes a negotiation.
3Prepare or positionSellers get a prep list and a staging plan. Buyers get a short list of homes that truly fit.
4Move with confidenceOffers, inspections and closing, with one steady guide keeping it calm and on schedule.

Getting the house ready, or making it yours

If you’re selling and want repairs handled before buyers see them, Super Crew Contractors can give you an estimate. If you’re ready for something custom, Ivy Lane Homes does luxury home building and remodeling. And a quick coverage check with Intrinsic Insurance before closing can save you a surprise. Learn more: Excelsior, Lake Minnetonka. Ready to talk? Start a buyer plan or ask what your home is worth.

Super Crew Contractors, Ivy Lane Homes and Intrinsic Insurance are owned by David Olson; you are free to use any contractor, builder or insurer.

Your next step in Excelsior

Excelsior homes are priced neighborhood by neighborhood. Whether you’re selling or buying, I’ll help you make a plan that fits.

Please note: I don’t handle rentals or property management. I work with sellers and buyers, and that’s where I can help you most in Excelsior.

Twin Cities market notes

Stay close to the market, without the noise.

Every so often I send a short, practical note: what Twin Cities homes did, prep tips that are worth the money, and neighborhoods worth a look.

    It looks like you’re already on the list. Thank you! If something didn’t come through, call or text me at 952-314-9446.
    David Olson, Broker, Twin Cities Property Finder

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    I’m glad you’re here. A quick confirmation is on its way to your inbox. Whenever you want to talk about your own home or a move, I’m a call or text away.

    — David
    Lake MinnetonkaArctic FeverMinnesota Streetcar MuseumSteamboat MinnehahaSouthshore Community CenterCity of ExcelsiorExcelsiorHennepin County

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