Excelsior

Excelsior

Excelsior city may be one of the smallest cities in Minnesota but it made its mark in the American history for two things. First, it is known as the place where Liberty (not the idea but the golden retriever dog of President Gerald Ford) was sourced specifically from its owner Avis Friberg who was a resident of Excelsior sometime in 1974. Second, Jimmy Hutmaker, an Excelsior resident, was said to be the inspiration behind the song "You Can't Always get What You Want" by Rolling Stones.
People who want the quiet life of a small town but who, at the same time, yearn for the comforts offered by a modern city can very well adjust to life in Excelsior, which is only 20 minutes to Minneapolis.

Population Profile

As of the 2000 census, a total of only 2,393 people lived in all of Excelsior's 1.7 square kilometer which is not even all land (7.46% is water) . This dropped to 2,276 as of July, 2006 estimates. There are 1,199 households occupying 1,254 housing units. Majority or 94.07% of Excelsior's residents are Whites followed by Hispanics and Latinos (3.13%), Asians (2.21%) and the rest comprised of African Americans, Native Americans and those from other races. The average population is quite young with a median age of 37 years.

Excelsior's estimated average condo or home value of $318,100 in 2005 (almost a 100% increase from the average $185,800 value in 2000) is slightly higher to Minnesota's average condo or home value of $198,800. Majority or around 716 of the total houses occupied are rented while 478 are occupied by the owners.

History

Excelsior used to be a vacation destination for people coming from the cities of St. Paul and Minneapolis. But this was way back in the 1850s. Today, Excelsior is home to several business establishments catering to both residents and visitors.

One of the Minnesota attractions is the Minnehaha Steamboat which used to be the main means of transportation in the areas connected by Lake Minnetonka during the turn of the century. The steamboat has been raised and restored and now provides transportation straight from the Excelsior port to Wayzata especially during the summer season.

Recreation

Excelsior may be a small town with a small population but its residents get to enjoy the tranquillity and safety offered by the Commons Park. There is also an area for recreation including a playground, picnic grounds as well as tennis courts and baseball fields.
The Excelsior Chamber of Commerce traditionally sponsors community events like the Art in the Park, Apple Day Festivities and of course, the 4th of July Festivities. These are news-worthy events that are witnessed by thousands of visitors every year.

Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Historical Society
History is big in Excelsior and this is evident with the formation of the Excelsior-Minnetonka Historical Society in 1972. The Society aims to document and preserve the history of Lake Minnetonka and the surrounding areas including Excelsior, Tonka Bay, Deephaven, Shorewood and Greenwood, so that everyone can share in the lake’s colourful history and be proud of their heritage.

The Society’s museum boasts of the largest collection of documents and other historic artifacts about the area. It also holds regular historical lectures which is open to the public for free.

Remember the Mai Tai? As a kid I had a white T Shirt with a blue scribe of a bamboo hut adorning the words Mai Tai. I thought I was so cool wearing a T Shirt from a local tavern. Who would think one would long to know where that shirt is today. Likely, it would not bring this type of emotion if the historic venue still existed. For that which is lost is never forgotten. I think I just made that up. Regardless, if you heard it some where before, please forgive me. Any who, all is not lost!

In 1998 "The former Mai Tai became the BayView Event Center and Charter Cruises and the former Mai Tai’s “Pu Pu Hut” is now Bayside Grille. The outdoor deck at the Bayside Grille sits over the shoreline and seats 250 as the water literally laps underneath.", TRBK, Inc Company History

Bayside Grille offers a full menu, dining options inside and out, as well as, an entertainment charter boat service. Although the nostalgia of the old Mai Tai still exists, Bayside Grille has done a fine job in filling shoes! Welcome Home!

Cute, small town with a lot to offer. Parks, trails, dining, shopping, anything you want is here.... Their farmers market is amazing. They have plenty of restaurants options, including the best sushi place _ yumi's and the best Mexican restaurant - Lago Tacos. Looking for a nice coffee shop? Dunn Brothers. Looking for a great brunch? - Maynards. Local brewery? You got it - Excelsior Brewery. This town really has it all!