Top 20 Lakes around Excelsior

Excelsior is primarily centered around Lake Minnetonka, which offers extensive opportunities for boating, water sports, and scenic views. Other popular spots include Carver Park Reserve, known for its winding trails, interconnected lakes, and marshes, and Riley Lake Park, which features a scenic trail, fishing pier, and sandy beach.

Yes, there are several options for hiking. Carver Park Reserve offers winding trails through lakes and marshes. Riley Lake Park has a scenic trail around the water. Additionally, the Dakota Rail Trail provides scenic panoramas of Lake Minnetonka. For more options, you can explore various hiking routes around Excelsior.

The lakes and surrounding natural areas are rich in wildlife. Carver Park Reserve is home to trumpeter swans, osprey, and white-tailed deer. Ferndale Marsh, a 585-acre wetland complex, also provides a haven for various plant and animal species.

Absolutely. Riley Lake Park is very family-friendly, offering a sandy beach, playground, and picnic areas. Excelsior Commons on Lake Minnetonka also features playgrounds, two swimming beaches, and picnic spots, making it ideal for families.

Yes, swimming is a popular activity. Excelsior Commons on Lake Minnetonka has two designated swimming beaches. Riley Lake Park also features a sandy beach for swimming.

Lake Minnetonka is a popular choice for fishing. Riley Lake Park offers a fishing pier, and Riley Lake itself is popular for fishing. Other nearby lakes often highlighted for fishing include Lake Waconia, Bald Eagle Lake, Clearwater Lake, Lotus Lake, Schutz Lake, and Mitchell Lake, offering diverse fishing opportunities.

The St. Albans Bay Bridge, part of the Dakota Rail Regional Trail, is noted as wheelchair accessible and offers great views over Lake Minnetonka. Many parks and trails in the area strive for accessibility, so checking specific park information is recommended.

The warmer months, typically spring through early fall, are ideal for enjoying water activities, hiking, and outdoor events. The Excelsior Commons and Port of Excelsior are vibrant during this time. However, Carver Park Reserve is open year-round, offering opportunities for winter activities like cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.

Lake Minnetonka is a hub for various water sports. Boating is extremely popular, with numerous yacht clubs. Visitors can also enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming. Historic steamboats, like the restored Minnehaha, offer excursions during warmer months.

Excelsior's downtown, particularly along Water Street, maintains a charming Victorian-era feel with historic shops and a streetcar line operating in warmer months. The Arcola Trestle Bridge and St. Albans Bay Bridge along the Dakota Rail Trail offer historical context and scenic views of Lake Minnetonka.

While Lake Minnetonka is popular, areas like Carver Park Reserve offer a more natural and serene lake experience with interconnected lakes and marshes. Studer Pond within Excelsior Parkland is also a peaceful natural area for wildlife observation.

Yes, Excelsior's commercial district, especially along Water Street, offers a variety of eateries ranging from higher-end restaurants to casual spots, as well as local breweries and coffee shops. These provide ample options for visitors after a day on the lake.

The area offers diverse cycling opportunities. The Dakota Rail Trail provides scenic views of Lake Minnetonka. You can find various road cycling routes and gravel biking routes that incorporate lakes like Riley Lake and Carver Park Reserve.