The Excelsior Commons
— A 172-Year Legacy —
Commitment to our Community
In 1853, a commitment was made to dedicate the area of land on the shores of Lake Minnetonka, now known as the Excelsior Commons as “public grounds” by the village of Excelsior… and that commitment has carried forward to this very day. New generations devote their time to the improvement and preservation of the Commons, standing on the shoulders of all those who have come before.
The structures and programs may change, but what remains constant throughout 172 years of stewardship, is a reverence for the Commons land, the landscape, lake views and old oaks.
A Transformation
The Pavilion is designed as a multi-use open structure. Its location inspires a design that opens up views of the knoll on which it sits, drawing attention to the landscape, the open grassy spaces that surround it, the heritage trees and Lake Minnetonka beyond. The Pavilion will host music and theater, weddings and celebrations and become a place to gather with friends, sip a coffee or eat a picnic lunch, or simply enjoy the panoramic views.
Historic photographs courtesy of Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Historical Society