$1,059,504Average Value$383Average Price per Sq Ft71Homes 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
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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 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Excelsior, MN over the last 12 months is $860,000, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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
This contemporary gem features walls of windows, dramatic vaulted ceilings & a perfect main level floor plan for entertaining w/ multiple living spaces. Other home highlights include; 2 bedrooms upstairs both w/ en-suite bathrooms, lower level bedroom, bath & living area for guests & a stunning library + gym addition that you must see in person to appreciate. Nestled in coveted Waterford
First time available in over 25 years, this beautifully maintained home sits on nearly a half-acre within the Minnetonka School District. Thoughtfully updated throughout, it offers an inviting open floor plan highlighted by vaulted ceilings that span the main living areas and enhanced by upgraded LVP flooring.The spacious kitchen serves as the heart of the home and flows seamlessly to the
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
An extraordinary opportunity to own one of Lake Minnetonka’s most iconic properties. Held by the current owners for over 35 years, this remarkable estate is highlighted by its Japanese-inspired pagoda boathouse —featured on the cover of Lake Minnetonka Boathouses and in Legendary Homes of Lake Minnetonka.Set on 1.98 acres with an impressive 267 feet of west-facing gradual sloped shoreline,
Exceptional Lake Minnetonka homesite offering 410 feet of prime shoreline on East Upper Lake. Ideally positioned in a quiet harbor in Orono, this 1.45-acre setting provides a rare blend of tranquility, privacy, and a central lake location. An older home is located on the property, but the value is in the land. Open to all builders! Enjoy access to the lifestyle and amenities of both downtown
Experience lakeside living at its finest on this exceptional Lake Minnetonka lot, featuring 140 feet of level, A-rated sandy lakeshore on East Upper Lake. Nearly half an acre of southwest-facing shoreline offers miles of panoramic views and breathtaking sunsets over the water. This prime location combines peace and privacy with incredible convenience—just minutes from downtown Excelsior, scenic
Welcome to 5330 Manitou Road, a beautifully updated home in highly sought-after Tonka Bay, blending timeless character with thoughtful updates, including fresh paint and a brand-new roof completed in March 2026. The main living space features vaulted ceilings with stunning exposed beams, creating warmth, natural light, and an open feel perfect for everyday living and entertaining. Thoughtful
This contemporary gem features walls of windows, dramatic vaulted ceilings & a perfect main level floor plan for entertaining w/ multiple living spaces. Other home highlights include; 2 bedrooms upstairs both w/ en-suite bathrooms, lower level bedroom, bath & living area for guests & a stunning library + gym addition that you must see in person to appreciate. Nestled in coveted Waterford
Introducing 126 Courtland Street, ideally situated just blocks from downtown Excelsior, Commons Park, and the shores of Lake Minnetonka, this exceptional two-story home blends timeless character with modern comfort across 3,432 finished square feet. The front door opens to a spacious open floor plan anchored by rich rosewood floors. The great room showcases stunning architectural detail,
Discover a rare & exceptional land opportunity in the heart of Deephaven, where privacy, natural beauty & location come together seamlessly. This expansive 1.44 acre wooded lot is located at the end of a cul-de-sac & features a serene pond setting offering a picturesque backdrop for a future custom estate. Towering trees & tranquil surroundings create a peaceful retreat, while still providing
First time available in over 25 years, this beautifully maintained home sits on nearly a half-acre within the Minnetonka School District. Thoughtfully updated throughout, it offers an inviting open floor plan highlighted by vaulted ceilings that span the main living areas and enhanced by upgraded LVP flooring.The spacious kitchen serves as the heart of the home and flows seamlessly to the
Some homes earn their place in a neighborhood. This one has. Set on a generous lot just a block and a half from Lake Minnetonka, this beautifully established two-story in the heart of Excelsior Village has been thoughtfully reimagined from the ground up over time — and it shows at every turn. The main floor balances easy living with real intention: a living room anchored by a gas fireplace and
An Exceptional Opportunity in the Heart of Shorewood... You don’t come across opportunities like this often. Nestled on just over an acre in the highly desirable Shorewood, this prime parcel is already positioned for success, with medium-high density zoning and city-approved preliminary plat and concept plans for six single-family homes. The vision is in place. The groundwork has been laid. Now
Don't miss your chance at exceptional one-level living in this 3BR/3BA Woodland Cove home, only 4yo! So many wonderful living spaces including a vaulted sunroom that opens to a private patio, a front office/flex room, and a bonus upper level. Spacious kitchen features a granite island w/ seating, beverage/coffee station, corner pantry closet, S/S appls, and tile backsplash. Great room is anchored
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,
Welcome to Excelsior Shores, a vibrant apartment community nestled in the heart of downtown Excelsior, MN, right across from the stunning Lake Minnetonka. Here, urban charm beautifully meets natural beauty, creating a truly refined living experience for our residents.Our thoughtfully designed apartments offer a perfect blend of style and comfort, featuring upscale finishes and modern
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
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
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