The oldest structure/residences on the lake
Dating back nearly 170 years
Constructed in 1887 as a Queen Anne–style summer home, the Thompson summer residence stands as one of the oldest extant summer residences on Lake Minnetonka. It has undergone award-winning restoration and continues to be used as a summer retreat.
Other residences with historic origins include part of the Birdhouse Inn and Gardens, at 371 Water Street in Excelsior, it dates back to 1858, built by early settler James H. Clark, though parts of it have been altered. Does it count? I’ll say yes with an asterisk because of the alterations.
Originally Excelsior’s second schoolhouse, built in 1857—was relocated and repurposed into an apartment building at 321–323 Third Street. Another yes with an asterisk because the building was moved and is functioning not as its original intent, and has also been altered.
The Trinity Episcopal Church Chapel built in 1862 to 1863 is widely regarded as the oldest building in nearly original condition, and still being used on Lake Minnetonka.
