The arrival of the Minneapolis & St. Louis Railroad to Excelsior in 1881 marked a turning point for the town and the entire South Shore of Lake Minnetonka. Before this crucial connection, travelers had to navigate rough roads, ice paths, or boats from Wayzata to reach Excelsior and other southern lakeside towns. With the new rail line, Excelsior rapidly transformed from a quiet village into a bustling destination and hub for visitors and commerce.
In honor of this key moment in local history, the Lake Minnetonka Historical Society (LMHS) is proud to present “The Reach of the Rail: All Aboard for the South Shore” as its October Presentation. On Monday, October 14, at 7:00 pm, railroad historian and enthusiast Dennis Bartholow will host the event at Excelsior Brewing Company (421 Third Street, Excelsior), taking attendees on a journey back in time to the railroad’s arrival and the impact it had on Excelsior, Deephaven, Greenwood, Shorewood, Tonka Bay, and beyond.
Bartholow will explore how the railroad helped shape Excelsior’s identity and contributed to the development of the surrounding communities. Through stories, anecdotes, and historical insights, he will highlight how this vital rail connection spurred growth, tourism, and local industry along the South Shore, making Excelsior not just a place to pass through but a destination in its own right.
The LMHS October Presentation, set in the historic surroundings of Excelsior Brewing Company—just steps away from where the original train depot once stood—offers a perfect atmosphere for learning about and celebrating this chapter of Lake Minnetonka’s history.
The Lake Minnetonka Historical Society invites local history enthusiasts, railroad buffs, and curious community members to join this free event and learn how the arrival of the railroad shaped the towns we know and love today. Whether you come for the storytelling, the history, or simply to enjoy a pint while hearing tales from the past, this evening is sure to be engaging and informative.
Event Details:
- What: LMHS October Presentation – “The Reach of the Rail: All Aboard for the South Shore”
- When: Monday, October 14, 7:00 pm
- Where: Excelsior Brewing Company, 421 Third Street, Excelsior, MN
- Hosted by: Lake Minnetonka Historical Society
- Admission: Free
- Registration: Required – click here.
Join in for a fascinating look at how the railroad helped shape the South Shore communities and beyond!
