Excelsior

Excelsior is perhaps the best town in Minnesota for having a merry little old-fashioned Christmas, nestled on the curve of a Lake Minnetonka Bay. Excelsior celebrates the holidays in a way that few other towns do, with a calendar of events and activities that is out of proportion to the town's size. The Excelsior - Lake Minnetonka Chamber of Commerce, of course, promotes local businesses through its annual "Christmas in Excelsior" event. Excelsior is a waterfront destination on Lake Minnetonka's southeast shore, 20 miles west of the Twin Cities. This charming small town has a long history of attracting tourists and is now one of the few places on the lake with public shoreline.

The Excelsior Commons also serves as the hub for annual events such as the Fourth of July Celebration and "Art on the Lake" in June. The Steamboat Minnehaha, which departs from the Port of Excelsior, allows visitors to participate in the region's history. This historic "streetcar boat" lay on the lake's bottom for 50 years before being raised and restored in 1980. The boat is now a living history museum that offers weekend guided cruises.

Excelsior is a popular weekend destination for residents of Minneapolis and St. Paul. The Victorian downtown district is filled with unique shops and restaurants. And the surrounding lakeside scenery is postcard worthy. Walking around town guided by your senses is a fun way to spend many afternoons. Local ice cream shops, cafés, and boutique storefronts are frequently visited while strolling through Excelsior. The Excelsior Commons and Port of Excelsior are both excellent places to enjoy the water. These historic waterfront areas provide a variety of lake activities, including swimming beaches and picnic areas.