7 Best Things to Do in Excelsior, Minnesota for a Day Trip Itinerary
Perfect Place for a Day Trip
Excelsior, Minnesota is just over 30 minutes from the Twin Cities and is located on the shores of Lake Minnetonka, making it the perfect place for a day trip. It’s an upscale, yet relaxed town with many boutiques, restaurants, ice cream shops, a bookstore, and a brewery. Read on for the best things to do in Excelsior, Minnesota!
Originally published 9/27/23 and updated 7/28/25
1. Enjoy the Lake Minnetonka Waterfront Park
This large grassy park is a great place to enjoy nature. Take a stroll along the paved path, set up a lakeside picnic, or rent a paddleboard or pontoon if you want to get on the water.
2. Grab a Walleye Sandwich at Maynard’s
Excelsior has a ton of great restaurants to choose from, but Maynard’s is my favorite because it’s lakefront and has a huge outdoor patio with plenty of seating. Grab a cold beer and walleye sandwich, and watch the boaters go by. A few other great restaurants to check out include Lago Tacos, Bull & Wren, and Coalition.
3. Find a Good Book at Excelsior Bay Books
Excelsior Bay Books is an independent, locally-owned bookstore located in the heart of downtown Excelsior, Minnesota. It’s a must-visit for those who love to read. You’ll find a wide variety of books including fiction, best-sellers, children, young adult, and guides to Minnesota’s North Shore.
4. Sip Suds at Excelsior Brewing Co.
Excelsior Brewing is a great spot for locally brewed beer. They have a large indoor space as well as a great outdoor patio. It’s also dog-friendly and there seem to always be the sweetest dogs hanging around. Be sure to try the Big Island Blonde Ale and the West Coast Style IPA.
5. Wine Tasting at Haskell’s
If wine is more your thing, check out Haskell’s. You can find bottles to bring home, but it’s more than just a liquor store. You can enjoy a glass of wine inside or on the outdoor patio, which has views of Lake Minnetonka across the street.
6. Shop the Local Boutiques
Water Street is lined with great boutiques! You’ll find jewelry, home decor, blankets, upscale clothing and purses, Minnesota and lake-themed t-shirts, hats, mugs, and more. There’s also a great antique shop if you’re looking for a unique find. Some of my favorites are Primp, Ooh La La Boutique, Lake Effect Nautical Gifts, and Faribault Mill.
7. Sweet Treats
Excelsior has two great ice cream shops, Lick’s and Tommy’s Tonka. Whether it’s summer or winter, an ice cream cone from one of these places is the perfect way to wind down and end your day on a sweet note!
Play Your Day Trip
Whether you’re into craft beer, lakeside views, gift shops, or bookstores, Excelsior has it all. Get out there and make some memories! Looking for more local ideas near the Twin Cities? Check out my blog on Northfield, Hastings, Stillwater, St. Paul, and Faribault.
One Comment
Elizabeth Smith
We love Excelsior and are going back for a second visit this summer! Can you tell me where the “Welcome to Excelsior” mural is located, in your last photo? We’d love to see it next time! Thanks!