City of Excelsior

County: Hennepin

Population: 2,397 (2000)

Median Income: $43,598

Hospitals: Ridgeview

School District(s):  Minnetonka (276)

Electric:
  Xcel Energy, www.xcelenergy.com, (800) 895-4999
Gas:
  Xcel Energy, www.xcelenergy.com, (800) 895-4999
Phone:
  Qwest Communications, www.qwest.com, (800) 244-1111
Cable:
  Comcast, www.comcast.com, (651) 222-3333
Water/Sewer:
  City of Excelsior, (952) 474-5233
Garbage:
  Allied Waste/BFI, www.alliedwaste.com, (763) 784-2104
  Baldy Sanitation, (763) 479-2239

About the Community of Excelsior

The City of Excelsior is located only 20 minutes from downtown Minneapolis, nestled on the shores of Lake Minnetonka. You can find a relaxed and personalized atmosphere in this one-square-mile area with a population of 2,397. The City is a unique blend of old and new. Besides antique shops, there is also a variety of specialty shops, restaurants, a theater, and a bed-and-breakfast inn.

History is important in Excelsior. Excelsior was founded in 1853 by colonists from New York. It has served as the focal point of the of the South Lake Minnetonka area. The small downtown and historic ambiance sets Excelsior apart from other suburban communities. A bit of that history is preserved in the recently restored steamboat, "The Minnehaha", which in summer takes passengers round trip from Excelsior to Wayzata and back. There is also a restored streetcar and a museum, all preserving part of the City's history.

Excelsior Parks & Recreation

The Southwest Regional Light Rail Transit Trail, a favorite of bicyclists and walkers, passes through downtown Excelsior. At the north end of town is The Commons park and recreation area with a swimming beach, playground, tennis courts, baseball diamonds, and picnicking.

There are a number of community events held each year in Excelsior, which are sponsored by the South Lake-Excelsior Area Chamber of Commerce. Thousands of visitors come to Excelsior each year to attend the Art in the Park, Fourth of July Festitivies, and Apple Day festivities.