Nestled on the shores of Lake Minnetonka, Excelsior offers historic small-town charm with vibrant recreational, volunteer and shopping opportunities for people of all ages. With a population of about 2,400, Excelsior is a one-square-mile city located just 20 minutes from downtown Minneapolis. In addition to antique shops, Excelsior is home to a variety of specialty shops and restaurants, theater and several inns… and, of course, the lake and the Port of Excelsior.

History is also important in Excelsior. Founded in 1853 by colonists from New York, Excelsior serves as the focal point of the South Lake Minnetonka area. The small downtown and historic ambiance set Excelsior apart from other suburban communities. A bit of that history is preserved in the recently restored steamboat, “The Minnehaha,” which in summer takes passengers on lake tours.

The Southwest Regional Light Rail Transit Trail, a favorite of bicyclists and walkers, passes through downtown Excelsior. At the north end of town is the Excelsior Commons park and recreation area with swimming beach, playground, tennis courts, baseball diamonds and picnicking facilities.

There are many civic and volunteer organizations whose members donate thousands of hours and resources to make Excelsior a strong, vibrant, caring community.

City of Excelsior

339 Third St., Excelsior 952-474-5233
Fax 952-474-6300
E-mail cityhall@ci.excelsior.mn.us
Web site www.ci.excelsior.mn.us
Laurence Whittaker, City Manager 952-474-5233

Frequently Called Numbers
Police, fire, medical emergency 911
Police Administration 952-474-3261
Fire Administration 952-960-1650
Utilities Billing 952-474-5233
Animal Control 952-894-9065
Parks & Recreation 952-474-5233

Excelsior City Council

Mayor
Nick Ruehl
456 Lafayette Ave. 952-474-5349

Council Members
Wendy Berghorst
165 Maple St. 612-386-6452
Jennifer Caron
654 Second Ave. 952-474-7824
Greg Miller
335 College Ave. 952-474-2514
Heidi Viesturs
183 Maple St. 952-380-1025
The mayor and four council members serve as the Excelsior City Council. The position of mayor is elected at large every two years. The council members are elected to four-year terms, with two seats up each election. Elections are held in even-numbered years.

Meetings
Excelsior City Council
Council chambers 7 p.m.
Meets on the first and third Monday.
Excelsior Planning Commission
Council chambers 7 p.m.
Meets on the first Tuesday.
Excelsior Parks & Recreation Commission
Council chambers 7 p.m.
Meets on the second Tuesday.
Excelsior Heritage Preservation Commission
Council chambers 7 p.m.
Meets on third Tuesday.
Excelsior Finance Advisory Commission
Council chambers 7 p.m.
Meets on second Wednesday.

Police Service

South Lake Minnetonka Police Department
24150 Smithtown Road, Shorewood 952-474-3261
Bryan Litsey, Police Chief
Located in Excelsior, this joint-powers authority serves Excelsior, Greenwood, Shorewood and Tonka Bay.

Excelsior Fire District

24100 Smithtown Road, Shorewood 952-960-1650
Scott Gerber, Fire Chief
The Excelsior Fire District serves the communities of Deephaven, Excelsior, Greenwood, Shorewood and Tonka Bay for fire emergency service. The Excelsior Fire District volunteer firefighters suggest that you take steps to prevent a fire in your home. Call Fire Prevention for a free, no-obligation home inspection.

City Ordinances

Winter Parking
If the snow accumulates to a depth of two inches or more, Snow Emergency Parking regulations go into effect and remain in effect until the full width of the street is cleared. Odd-even parking is used during snow emergencies. On even-numbered days, park on the even-numbered side of the street; on odd-numbered days, park on the odd-numbered side of the street. East and West Municipal Parking Lots are closed for parking 2 to 7 a.m., except in the designated overnight parking areas.

Noise Control
Excelsior has a noise ordinance to protect the comfort, repose, health, peace, safety, or welfare of the residents. No person shall operate power maintenance equipment except between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. on any weekday or between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. on any weekend or holiday. For more information, call City Hall.

Summer Lawn Watering
At this time, the City of Excelsior has no summer lawn watering restriction in place. Residents are asked to use water wisely.

Licenses & Permits

Building Permits
City Hall 952-474-5233
Building permits are required for most projects including fences, patios and decks, re-roofing and inside alterations (not wallpapering, painting and inside finishing work).

Apartment Licenses
Excelsior licenses rental properties with three or more units for safety and health issues. These licenses must be prominently displayed and are valid for a period of one year.

Dog Licenses
City Hall 952-474-5233
Dogs that are three months of age must be licensed. Documentation of a current rabies vaccination is needed. Licenses expire on Dec. 31 of the year they are issued. Dogs must be licensed 30 days after arrival in the city. The license fee is $17 per year for spayed or neutered ($22 after April 1), and $22 per year for those not spayed or neutered ($30 after April 1). Dogs must not run at large and they must wear their licenses. Dogs not meeting the city requirements may be impounded. The Animal Control Office (Orono Police) phone number is 952-249-4700.
Cats are not licensed. However, the owner of a cat shall not permit the cat to run at large on public property or private property of another (without consent).

Lost Pets
Animal Control (4 Paws) 952-894-9065

Note: The city has other license and permit requirements. Only the most commonly used have been published here.