then and now

The Big Island Game Farm brought Minnesota its most iconic game bird, the ring-necked pheasant. Read more about Most of Minnesota's Game Birds Can Be Traced Back to Big Island

The Excelsior Amusement park closed and, in July of 1974, many of the items were auctioned off to the public. Read more about What Happened to the Excelsior Amusement Park Carrousel?

Delivery boats were both a reliable and direct way to deliver goods on Lake Minnetonka, as roads did not exist to all parts of the lake or were often washed out. Read more about Did You Know Lake Minnetonka Once Had Delivery Boats?

Read the lesser known history of one of Lake Minnetonka's most prominent landmarks. Read more about The Forgotten Side of Lake Minnetonka's Big Island

Trinity Episcopal Church has a complicated and dramatic history. Read more about Excelsior is Home to Minnesota's Oldest Episcopal Church