It'll be summer before you know it, and with warm weather comes endless opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. What better way than to hit a nearby park for a picnic? Since July is National Picnic Month, we thought you might like to check out some of our favorite picnic spots near Excelsior homes for sale!

1. The Commons - 135 Lake St., Excelsior, MN
   This 13-acre park overlooking Lower Lake Minnetonka is one of the best places in the Excelsior for a family picnic, with picnic tables and grills along with playgrounds, ball fields, and walking trails. The Commons also includes two beaches and offers ample access to the lake for fishing and boating. In addition to being a great picnic spot, the Commons hosts numerous events throughout the year, including an annual Art Fair, Fourth of July celebration, and Summer Concert Series.
   
   
2. Manor Park - 20630 Manor Road, Excelsior, MN
   Just minutes from these Shorewood homes for sale, the wide-open spaces of Manor Park are the perfect setting for your next picnic. With rolling grassy areas and groves of shady trees, this park is quiet and relaxing, with picnic shelters and grills with nearby playgrounds, sand volleyball courts, tennis courts, and softball fields. Picnic shelters are available for large groups by reservation. Manor Park is one of six parks in Shorewood totaling approximately 100 acres, so there are plenty more ways to enjoy the outdoors here! 
   
   
3. Lake Minnewashta Regional Park - 8030, 6900 Hazeltine Blvd., Excelsior, MN
   Lake Minnewashta Regional Park spans 340 spectacular acres on the shore of the lake of the same name, offering endless opportunities to enjoy both land and water. A beach, boat launch, and fishing pier provide ample access to the picturesque lake, while an off-leash dog area, disc golf course, and scenic walking trails offer plenty to do on dry land. Picnickers can choose among dozens of picnic tables in several shady picnic areas, including numerous reservable shelters. 
   
   
4. Lake Minnetonka Regional Park - 4610 County Road 44, Minnetrista, MN
   This wild, beautiful park just minutes from these Minnetrista homes for sale is a perfect place to escape from the outside world. The picnic areas and walking trails are shady and secluded, with nearby play areas, fishing access, and a boat launch site. Lake Minnetonka Regional Park also includes three islands just off the shore, which are completely undeveloped, but open to picnicking and fishing—you just need a boat to get to them. Be sure to bring everything you need, and leave no trace when you're done!
   
   
5. Greenwood Park - 5000 Covington St., Greenwood, MN
   This cozy community park in the heart of Greenwood, MN is a perfect place for a picnic, with plenty of picnic tables, plus a playground and basketball court. Greenwood Park is also very close to several other outdoor attractions in and around Greenwood, including the St. Alban's Bay City Docks and the LTR Trail, which follows the course of an old railroad bed through the heart of the town. They all add up to make Greenwood a great place to explore.

Looking for more ways to enjoy the great outdoors this summer? Contact Homes by Joel to learn more about life in Excelsior, MN, and talk to a member of our team about finding your dream home!