
Excelsior Commons
A vibrant lakeside park on Lake Minnetonka, perfect for family fun, summer concerts, and scenic strolls.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Concerts & sunsets

Excelsior Commons
Best Time
Concerts & sunsets
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant lakeside park on Lake Minnetonka, perfect for family fun, summer concerts, and scenic strolls.
"Excelsior Commons is such a beautiful area to visit. Great play area for kids and a great area you can play Frisbee, catch, or just hang out."

🚗 Parking Strategy
Parking is $3.50/hour. Arrive early or consider street parking. :parking:
🎶 Concert Vibes
Concerts are popular! Expect crowds but plenty of space. Food trucks available. :musical_note:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Lake Minnetonka Views
Lakeside
Breathtaking lake vistas, perfect for relaxing, picnics, or watching boats.

Concerts in the Commons
Amphitheater
Live music events that draw a crowd for a fun, energetic atmosphere.

Playground & Beach Area
Near the lake
A fantastic spot for kids with a playground, beach, and waterfront access.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace Lake Life & Events
Parking & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Strategy
Parking is $3.50/hour. Arrive early or consider street parking. :parking:
🎶 Concert Vibes
Concerts are popular! Expect crowds but plenty of space. Food trucks available. :musical_note:
☕ Coffee & Shops
Grab coffee at The Lobby and explore Water St. shops before or after. :coffee:
🛥️ Boat Tour Fun
Enjoy a boat tour for easy lake access and great views. :ferry:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Strategy
Parking is $3.50/hour. Arrive early or consider street parking. :parking:
🎶 Concert Vibes
Concerts are popular! Expect crowds but plenty of space. Food trucks available. :musical_note:
☕ Coffee & Shops
Grab coffee at The Lobby and explore Water St. shops before or after. :coffee:
🛥️ Boat Tour Fun
Enjoy a boat tour for easy lake access and great views. :ferry:
🏃♀️ Active Pursuits
Great for runs, frisbee, or just hanging out. :running:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Excelsior Commons for its beautiful lakeside setting and family-friendly amenities, especially the playground and beach. It's a popular spot for events like 'Concerts in the Commons' and offers a relaxing atmosphere for walks and picnics. Parking can be a challenge and comes with an hourly fee.
"Did a lunchtime boat tour and enjoyed getting out on the lake. Easy on and off at the marina. Parking was a little challenging... park on the street or in small lot close by. Would recommend for lake charters."
Topher N
"Very nice park for a quick walk. The lake is beautiful and you can see many boats."
M _
"Excelsior commons is such a beautiful area to visit. Great play area for kids and a great area you can play Frisbee, catch, or just hang out."
myra wang
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Excelsior Commons is located in Excelsior, MN, right on Lake Minnetonka. You can drive there, with parking available for an hourly fee. It's also accessible by bike and is a popular spot for those enjoying lake activities.
While direct public transit routes might be limited, it's a scenic destination that can be reached by car or bike. Check local transit schedules for options that might connect to the Excelsior area.
Parking is available in a small lot near the marina and along the streets. Be aware that parking costs $3.50 per hour, and it can fill up quickly, especially during events.
Yes, the marina is adjacent to Excelsior Commons, making it easily accessible for those arriving by boat. It's a popular spot for boat tours and charters.
Absolutely! The commons area is perfect for walking, with beautiful lake views and access to shops and restaurants along Water Street.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Excelsior Commons is a public park and generally free to enter. However, parking does have an hourly fee.
Concerts in the Commons are typically free to attend, though there might be options to purchase wristbands for drinks or food from vendors.
As a public park, Excelsior Commons is generally accessible from dawn until dusk. Specific event hours will vary.
Information on booking private events or reserving spaces within Excelsior Commons may be available through the local parks department or event organizers. Check official city resources for details.
The playground and beach area within Excelsior Commons are free to use for the public.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy lakeside walks, picnics, playing frisbee, visiting the playground and beach, attending concerts, and exploring nearby shops and restaurants.
Yes, it's very family-friendly with a great playground, beach area, and plenty of open space for kids to play.
Public restrooms are typically available within the park facilities, especially near the playground and marina areas.
Absolutely! There are picnic benches available, and the open green spaces are perfect for spreading out a blanket for a picnic.
Excelsior Commons hosts various events, most notably 'Concerts in the Commons' during the summer, featuring live music.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there aren't permanent restaurants within the commons itself, food trucks are often present during events like 'Concerts in the Commons.' Nearby Water Street offers numerous dining options.
Water Street in Excelsior has many dining choices, including Olive's, Coalition, Maynard's, and Layline.
Yes, picnicking is encouraged, so feel free to bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages to enjoy in the park.
Yes, there's a good ice cream stand located right next to the commons, perfect for a treat after enjoying the park or a concert.
Excelsior Brewing and other bars like Maynard's are located nearby, offering a great spot for drinks after visiting the commons.
📸 📸 Photography
The lakeside offers stunning views, especially during sunset. The playground and the concert stage area also provide unique photo opportunities.
Absolutely! The western-facing views over Lake Minnetonka make it a prime location for capturing beautiful sunset shots.
Yes, you can take personal photos during the concerts. However, professional photography might require special permits.
The park features some public art pieces that can add an interesting element to your photographs.
Golden hour, both in the morning and late afternoon/early evening, offers the best natural light for photography. Sunsets are particularly spectacular.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Day-Trippers
🎶 Music Lovers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Lake Minnetonka
Beyond boat tours, the lakeside promenade at Excelsior Commons is perfect for leisurely walks, jogging, or simply enjoying the fresh air. The presence of numerous boats often adds to the picturesque scenery, making it a popular spot for relaxation and photography. The area is also known for its vibrant summer events, including 'Concerts in the Commons,' which transform the park into a lively hub of music and community gathering.
Family Fun at the Commons
Parents often appreciate the convenience of having these amenities in one accessible location. The park's layout allows for easy supervision while children play. Coupled with nearby dining options and the general pleasant atmosphere of the lakeside, Excelsior Commons offers a stress-free and enjoyable experience for families looking for outdoor recreation.
Events and Entertainment
Beyond concerts, the commons is a hub for community gatherings and casual recreation. The park's layout is conducive to various activities, from sports games to simply relaxing by the lake. The proximity to Excelsior's charming downtown area, with its shops and eateries, further enhances the appeal, making it a versatile destination for entertainment and leisure.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit