Excelsior is a city in Hennepin County, Minnesota, and it sits on Lake Minnetonka. More than 2,300 people live in Excelsior, and it's less than 20 miles from downtown Minneapolis. Founded in 1853, Excelsior was the first community built on Lake Minnetonka, and it has grown a lot since then. Today, Excelsior has several businesses, restaurants, hotels, and neighborhoods, and plenty of impressive Victorian architecture. Excelsior is a wonderful place to raise a family, and if your family includes furry four-legged members, you'll enjoy walking around the town, and you are never more than a quick drive away from an off-leash dog park.
One of the best ways to get to know Excelsior while simultaneously bonding with your pooch is by trekking the Southwest Regional LRT together. This crushed-stone trail stretches for nearly 20 miles, and it winds through Excelsior as well as other Minneapolis suburbs. During your walk, you and your dog will get a glimpse of suburban Minnesota living, and you'll also come across scenic parks, bluffs, and creeks. This trail is part of a network of trails spanning America that were converted from unused railway lines. Your dog must be on a leash while you walk this trail, but when it's time for an off-leash trip, there are plenty of nearby options!