$1,062,753Average Value$382Average Price per Sq Ft75Homes 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 40 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 $837,500, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
A rare opportunity to own approximately 100 feet of shoreline on prestigious Christmas Lake, one of the Twin Cities' cleanest and most sought-after lakes. Set on a private 1.25-acre lot on quiet and dead-end Christmas Lake Road, this unique property offers a peaceful lake setting with easy access to Highway 7 and downtown Excelsior.Designed for energy-efficient, sustainable living, the home
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
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
Introducing 5155 Weeks Road in beautiful Greenwood, Minnesota. This breathtaking Lake Minnetonka estate is nestled on 1.17 private acres with 163 feet of rip-rap shoreline and A-grade water quality on Saint Albans Bay. This East Coast-inspired home offers a bright, open layout with floor-to-ceiling windows and south-facing lake views. The main level primary suite is a serene escape featuring a
A rare opportunity to own a property that has been in the same family for three generations! Set on a beautiful 0.27-acre lot with 54 feet of shoreline on St. Albans Bay, this is an exceptional chance tocreate your dream waterfront retreat.The existing two-story home is in need of a complete renovation or tear-down, offering endless possibilities for builders, investors, orbuyers
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,
Welcome to 4305 Cottagewood Ct, located in the highly sought-after Woodland Cove neighborhood just moments from the shores of Lake Minnetonka. This charming 3BD/2BA home delivers true main level living in a meticulously maintained 2018 build — all the appeal of nearly new construction with none of the wait. Thoughtfully designed and well appointed throughout, the open floor plan spans 1,800 sq ft
Nestled on a private, tree-filled acre on a quiet cul-de-sac, the outdoor setting is truly extraordinary. Crafted by renowned luxury builder John Kraemer & Sons, this exceptional executive residence is set on one of the most remarkable one-acre properties located within the prestigious Minnetonka Public Schools district. Offering 4,600 square feet of beautifully designed living space, this home
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
A rare opportunity to own approximately 100 feet of shoreline on prestigious Christmas Lake, one of the Twin Cities' cleanest and most sought-after lakes. Set on a private 1.25-acre lot on quiet and dead-end Christmas Lake Road, this unique property offers a peaceful lake setting with easy access to Highway 7 and downtown Excelsior.Designed for energy-efficient, sustainable living, the home
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
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
Introducing Lake Park Villas, an exclusive community of 11 luxury main-level living twin homes. These new construction residences are a design-build collaboration between Architect, Jeff Ziebarth, and Builder, ADOR Bespoke Homes. Crafted with exceptional attention to detail, each thoughtfully designed three bedroom, three bathroom villa offers 2,988 finished square feet. Inside, white oak wood
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
Luxury lake-area living in Gideon Cove! This former model townhome offers 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and 3,756 finished sqft with seasonal views of Lake Minnetonka, wooded privacy, and direct access to the Lake Minnetonka Regional Trail. The main level features Brazilian cherry floors, soaring vaulted ceilings, gourmet kitchen, and a private primary suite with level walk-in shower, heated floors,
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
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
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
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
Nestled in the bustling historic lake town of Excelsior on the shores of storied Lake Minnetonka, One West Drive places you in the heart of lakeside adventures, charming shops, award-winning dining, and tranquil public spaces - all complemented by amenities designed for your comfort and convenience.
Fully Furnished Minnetonka Lake Front Living! Excelsior Bay as your front yard... Newly Remodeled Executive All-InclusiveFully Furnished One-Level, Elevator Building Lakefront Rental. Very unique living opportunity in upscale Excelsior Gablescommunity. Unparalleled spectacular views from this very nicely appointed 2+ BR condo including unique private annex ensuite bedroom, outside private
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,
Gorgeous custom two story in a majestic setting, boat dock available on Lake Minnetonka. Home has seasonal stunning views of Lake Minnetonka. This 4,600+ sq ft soft contemporary in Greenwood and nestled between Excelsior Bay and Saint Albans Bay You'll find sleek spaces, impeccable details and finishes. The main level offers a fantastic kitchen with maple cabinetry, large living, family and
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,
**House is finished inside. Updated current pictures to come soon++ Full new renovation by a local custom home builder! 2 Car Garage3 Bedroom3 BathLake views of Old Channel Bay and dock access. Dock access is included and is shared with current slip renters, an additional Boat lift/slip can be discussed as an addition. Located just off of Manitou Road down the hall from the Tonka Bay
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. We can’t wait to offer you a warm welcome when we open our doors in November of 2024. Our stylish modern homes were designed by widely-renowned Snow Kreilich Architects and our interiors tastefully finished by
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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