$1,059,745Average Value$383Average Price per Sq Ft56Homes For Sale
Excelsior’s walkable downtown blends history and lake charm
Twenty miles west of Minneapolis but somehow a world away, the scenic city of Excelsior is one of the thriving communities surrounding magnificent Lake Minnetonka. Distinguished by its dynamic downtown, the city is a shopping and dining destination that attracts scores of visitors from nearby neighborhoods. “Excelsior is only one square mile, so we’re small, but we pack a big punch,” says Community Development Director Julia Mullin. “We’ve got everything downtown, which is lined with historic properties, and it’s very walkable and enjoyable.”
Founded by colonists from New York in 1853, Excelsior is named in honor of the state’s motto, which means ever upward in Latin. Blessed with scenic beauty, plentiful game, rich soil, and an expanse of water, the town flourished early on and became an international tourist mecca by the time it was incorporated in 1877. From 1925 until 1973, the Excelsior Amusement Park attracted thousands to the area each summer, hosting musical acts like Lawrence Welk, the Beach Boys and the Rolling Stones.
Downtown Excelsior also offers outdoor seating at some restaurants.
Excelsior's Commons Peninsula offers beautiful views of Excelsior Bay.
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Excelsior sees steady housing activity despite high costs
Though it’s a coveted community with a lot to offer the right homebuyer, the real estate market in Excelsior is only somewhat competitive due to an unusually high cost of entry. In October 2023, the 12-month median sale price for a single-family home was $950,000. Home prices range from around $500,000 on the low end to over $2.5 million on the high end. Mullin says the residential areas in Excelsior are a little more urban than other lakeside communities. "The parcels are smaller, there are sidewalks, front porches, and there are patterns to the homes. That kind of character is very distinctive." Excelsior is focused on broadening its diversity of housing with a 49-unit multifamily development of town homes and apartments being constructed downtown. “We’re bringing in a different type of housing with the rental units,” Mullin says. The city sees a lot of housing activity – a combination of teardowns, new builds and renovations – and in 2020, it passed a zoning ordinance that requires are construction to be approved for mass and scale. “We’re trying to preserve our character and be considerate residents who don’t want outsized building next door,” Mullin says.
Extravagant homes are found near the lakeside in Excelsior.
Some homes in Excelsior use hedges to provide a natural fence.
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Students benefit from award-winning schools and curriculum
Families with children are served by the Minnetonka Public School District, named the second-best district in Minnesota by Niche in 2023. Students may start their education at Excelsior Elementary School, one of the top elementary schools in the state with a culture of high behavioral and academic expectations. The school offers the state’s premier Chinese language immersion program beginning in kindergarten. West Middle School in Chaska was named a National Blue Ribbon School in 2021 and recognized for outstanding commitment to music education in 2022. At Minnetonka Senior High School in Minnetonka, at least 68% of students are proficient in math and 80% in reading.
Minnetonka West Middle School's entrance welcomes students in Chaska's neighborhood.
Minnetonka Senior High School in Minnetonka is a highly rated school.
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Outdoor spaces blend recreation, relaxation and local history
Sandwiched between the shorelines of Excelsior Bay and Gideon Bay, Excelsior offers so much opportunity for residents and visitors alike to get out and enjoy the outdoors. Excelsior Commons Park is the beating heart of this luxurious locale, with a decrepit bandshell replaced in recent years by a modern pavilion as part of a long-term upgrade plan. “The city just built a new plaza area with a building and restrooms, and outdoor seating to compliment the state,” Mullin says. The park sits adjacent to Commons Peninsula, a scenic spot to watch the water sparkle as the sun dips closer to the horizon. Boasting a beautiful playground and scenic vistas, Excelsior Public Beach offers plenty of room to spread out on the sand and swim in the crystal waters as the small waves roll in. One of the city’s most charming attractions is the Excelsior Streetcar Line, which is a half-mile trolley trip back in time with landmarks from the 1800s.
Excelsior's Commons Peninsula has a path that leads to the water's edge.
The public beach at Excelsior's Commons Park is a great way to cool off in the summer.
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Water Street buzzes with shops, restaurants and foot traffic
The city of Excelsior is unique, acting as a mini downtown for many of the Lake Minnetonka communities. “If you need groceries or want to spend a night on the town, you’re probably going to Excelsior,” says Tonka Bay City Council Member Tim Connelly. Take the beautiful Bay Bridge from nearby Greenwood and stop for a meal at Maynards to enjoy some upscale American casual dining – the walleye fish taco is a crowd-pleaser. “Our downtown is perfect and has everything; it’s so enjoyable just to be out walking around. Water Street downtown is always buzzing with activity. Kowalski’s is the perfect place for stocking up on groceries and essentials. The Abundant Kitchen is a kitchen supply store dedicated to making you look like a culinary expert. Lake Effect Nautical Gifts is a quaint little shop with a wide selection of unique products.
Kowalski's Market provides a variety of quality products in downtown Excelsior.
Maynards in Excelsior has been in business for over 25 years.
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Photography Contributed By
Brandon Rowell
Video By
Zack Kojoyian
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
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GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Excelsior, MN sell after 42 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Excelsior, MN over the last 12 months is $865,000, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Main floor living in Excelsior with private water views! Fully remodeled to the studs in 2020/2021 and re-crafted with a nod to its midcentury heritage while adding all the necessary spaces and amenities for today's living. Open Kitchen with large island and a built in bistro bench offers fabulous views of the lake and graciously welcomes the the sunlight thru its large lakeside windows. 2
128' of Lake Minnetonka lakeshore. Private detached Guest House sleeps 6.Step into a world of classic elegance in this enchanting English inspired home on Lake Minnetonka. Experience the ultimate in luxury lake-living each season with west-facing panoramic views and stunning sunsets. Built by Steiner & Koppelman and architectural design by Sharratt & Co. This home provides the convenience of
Introducing Lake Park Villas, an exclusive community of 11 luxury main-level living twin homes. Built by ADOR Bespoke Homes, these new construction residences are thoughtfully designed villas offering three bedrooms, three bathrooms, and 2,988 finished square feet. Customize your new home with a variety of design selections and upgrade options. Located within minutes of charming Downtown
Rare opportunity to own this well-appointed home with panoramic views of Carman Bay. Sandy beach, gorgeous sunsets, level lot and close proximity to downtown Excelsior. 230 Birch Bluff Road is a grand Tuscan two story and boasts 8263 square feet including a 3-car garage with a separate shop and storage. Main floor kitchen has a large center island, generous workspace, and hearth room. 5 bedrooms
Located in the heart of Excelsior, just one block from Lake Minnetonka, this exceptional home offers a rare blend of refined living and an unbeatable in-town location. Thoughtfully designed for both everyday comfort and effortless entertaining, the home features warm hardwood floors, light-filled living spaces, and seamless indoor-outdoor flow. The well-appointed kitchen boasts generous counter
Don't miss this beautiful coastal-inspired home in the demand Gideon's Point neighborhood! This picturesque, custom-built home comes with a deeded 32 x 14 foot overed deep water boat slip, providing lake life without the shore upkeep and lakeshore taxes. Located on Grade-A rated Gideon's Bay (Lower Lake) on Lake Minnetonka, the home is also in the award-winning Minnetonka School District! This
Fully customizable build site - Minnetonka Schools. Large lot offering lake views, southern exposure with room for a generous main floor living rambler with 3 car garage as a great villa alternative without the HOA restrictions- OR reduce the footprint and finish level to fit your own space and pricing needs. Current plan/pricing includes real wood floors, custom cabinetry, high ceilings and lots
Unprecedented Lake Minnetonka estate designed by Charles Stinson + built by Streeter, every detail executed to perfection! Beautifully sited on 2.39 acres offering panoramic views overlooking 350’+ of lakeshore, this home offers an exquisite level of finish throughout. The open floorplan offers an expansive wall of sliding glass doors that open to the porch with Phantom screens, fireplace dining
Come tour this beautiful Move-In Ready stately home right in the heart of Cottagewood! Remodeled at the highest level with incredible details that are expensive to replicate. Large private lot set across the street from Lake Minnetonka offering seasonal lake views. You can have it all here! Every inch has been thoughtfully updated with top-quality finishes by the current owners. Enjoy stunning
Some properties reward you the moment you arrive. At 20270 Excelsior Boulevard, two private acres slope toward the quiet waters of Foot Lake, framed by mature hardwoods and professionally curated grounds. This is Shorewood at its finest: an elevated, park-like homesite offering panoramic water views and absolute seclusion, yet located just minutes from the dining and energy of downtown Excelsior
Imagine enjoying lakefront luxury perched in the heart of prestigious Deephaven at this Cottagewood Road “treetop” masterpiece designed to dazzle & inspire! Entertainer’s delight! Step past its understated exterior & this fully-loaded & exceptionally crafted “Restoration Hardware” style gem offers the ultimate experience in comfort and relaxation and offers the perfect backdrop for gatherings
Welcome to 5330 Manitou Road, a beautifully updated home nestled in the heart of highly sought-after Tonka Bay. This inviting residence blends timeless character with modern updates, all set just minutes from the lake and local amenities. The main living space is truly a showstopper, featuring a vaulted ceiling with stunning exposed beams that create warmth, architectural interest, and a sense of
Offered for the first time in over 60 years, 5080 Meadville Street provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity to secure a premier west-facing property on one of Greenwoods most cherished streets. Located just a short walk from the heart of downtown Excelsior, you are minutes from great dining, specialty boutiques, and the year around energy of Lake Minnetonka's most charming town. This
An incredible property! The combination of a beautifully renovated building and its prime location in Excelsior Village makes it highly desirable. Being just a couple of blocks away from downtown Excelsior, Lake Minnetonka, and Excelsior beach must offer a delightful lifestyle with easy access to shopping, dining, and outdoor activities.The attention to detail in the renovation, from custom
Located in the charming city of Excelsior, One West Drive is a boutique apartment community that offers unique custom-designed floor plans that range in size from 430sqft. to 2743sqft. Our stylish modern homes were designed by widely-renowned Snow Kreilich Architects and our interiors tastefully finished by MartinPatrick3. Our 49 premier residences include Alcoves, 1-Bedrooms, 2-Bedrooms,
2 blocks to Hwy 7...large rooms/closets...woodland setting...near Lake Minnetonka Christmas Lake Manor offer large studio, one and two bedroom apartment homes in a quiet, well cared for community. We have spacious patios and balconies, additional storage, laundry facilities on each floor, and garages available. Experience laketown living at the best in historic Excelsior. There are beautiful
Located in the charming city of Excelsior, One West Drive is a boutique apartment community that offers unique custom-designed floor plans that range in size from 430sqft. to 2743sqft. Our stylish modern homes were designed by widely-renowned Snow Kreilich Architects and our interiors tastefully finished by MartinPatrick3. Our 49 premier residences include Alcoves, 1-Bedrooms, 2-Bedrooms,
Bay Pointe Apartments- Contact Barb at BayPointeApts@MMI- or . We look forward to helping you find your new home! - Bay Pointe Apartments has the comfort of an apartment home and the advantages of a lovely, suburban lakes community. Enjoy a barbeque in the courtyard or take time to relax on your private balcony.We are conveniently located within walking distance to Lake Minnetonka and
Urban Loft Living in Historic ExcelsiorExperience the perfect blend of industrial charm and vibrant community life in this distinctive 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom loft, nestled in the heart of Excelsior. Set within a repurposed Lyman Lumber cabinet warehouse, this approximately 2,300 sq ft residence offers a unique urban aesthetic with exposed mechanicals, vaulted ceilings, and abundant windows
Property Id: 2361791Congratulations on taking the first steps to living here at the Second Street apartments! One bedroom apartment for rent in the heart of Excelsior. Just a short jaunt down to Lake Minnetonka and Main St where the best events in town are held! Within walking distance to many restaurants, bars, coffee shops, gas station and grocery store. Showing availability changes
AVAILABLE IMMEDIETELY! This clean and bright 3 bed, 2 bath, 2 car SxS duplex that lives like a home has been recently updated in a quiet, wooded cul de sac street located in award winning Minnetonka School district! 3 VERY LARGE bedrooms with 2 baths, LARGE eat in kitchen, semi-private rear patio overlooks a pond filled with wildlife! Quiet location just blocks from downtown historic Excelsior
Welcome Home! You will love this stylish and cozy home in a quiet neighborhood just blocks from downtown Excelsior and Lake Minnetonka. This side by side duplex offers a main floor with a living room, open concept kitchen, stainless steal appliances, hardwood floors, center island, eat-in dining, two large bedrooms and a full bath. A large 4 season porch is located off the dining space with
Located in the charming city of Excelsior, One West Drive is a boutique apartment community that offers unique custom-designed floor plans that range in size from 430sqft. to 2743sqft. Our stylish modern homes were designed by widely-renowned Snow Kreilich Architects and our interiors tastefully finished by MartinPatrick3. Our 49 premier residences include Alcoves, 1-Bedrooms, 2-Bedrooms,
Located in the charming city of Excelsior, One West Drive is a boutique apartment community that offers unique custom-designed floor plans that range in size from 430sqft. to 2743sqft. Our stylish modern homes were designed by widely-renowned Snow Kreilich Architects and our interiors tastefully finished by MartinPatrick3. Our 49 premier residences include Alcoves, 1-Bedrooms, 2-Bedrooms,
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