About this Event
Having explored the early history of the lake’s communities in our past series, we will now witness how they became who they are today. We’ll learn about the arrival of the later hotel and resort era, transportation improvements, and the development of schools, churches, businesses, and civic organizations. This not-so-distant history will take us from these small, rural villages to the still small, thriving suburban lakeshore communities experienced today. And, we’ll enjoy a little nostalgia along the way!
At the turn of the century, mammoth steamboats and tourism began to leave the lake and Excelsior township and village began to dissolve into five communities, with Excelsior taking its place as the downtown of the south shore. Served by the streetcar from the Twin Cities and home to the popular Excelsior Amusement Park for almost fifty years, tiny Excelsior’s history is still evident today.
Free registration is requested. Capacity is limited and seating is first come, first served. Doors open at 6:30 pm. A $5.00 suggested contribution is appreciated.
[Images: Water Street, looking northwest, Excelsior, MN, 1948.]
The Lake Minnetonka Historical Society tells the story of Lake Minnetonka by collecting, preserving and sharing its history.
The Society was formed in October 2023 through the consolidation of the Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Historical Society, the Museum of Lake Minnetonka, the Wayzata Historical Society and the Westonka Historical Society. The new organization has one of the largest archival and three-dimensional collections of Lake Minnetonka history available in-person and online and maintains a Research Archives in Wayzata, as well as Museums in Excelsior, Mound and Wayzata.
The Society also shares the history of the lake through a variety of public programs and experiences, publishes and sells a number of books about the history of the area and is committed to returning its historic 1906 streetcar steamboat Minnehaha to active operation on Lake Minnetonka to continue her life as a floating museum.
For more information visit LakeMinnetonkaHistory.org or contact the Society at [email protected], 952-474-2115.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Excelsior Brewing Company, 421 3rd Street, Excelsior, United States
USD 0.00