Excelsior in Hennepin County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Big Island History
| | Excelsior | |
Photographed by McGhiever, April 14, 2023
1. Big Island History Marker
1800-1852 the Island was inhabited by the Dakota Indians. In 1822, two young boys paddled up Minnehaha Creek and discovered Lake Minnetonka. It wasn't until 1852, that settlers re-discovered the lake. Around that time the Island became known as Owens Island. A short time later it became known as Meeker's Island, the namesake of Judge Bradley B. Meeker.
1856 the 250 acre Island was acquired by brothers W.B. and John Morse. They platted, developed and sold lots on what was then called Morse Island. Camping on the Island was popular and the Morses rented tents to campers.
1906 An Amusement Park was built and operated on 65 acres of the Island by the TCRT Company. It became known as Big Island Park. It closed at the end of August 1911. After that, it became known as just Big Island. In 1915, a game farm of quail and pheasants was begun on Big Island. During the 1920s, the state acquired the property and established a vacation camp for WWI veterans and their families.
On January 5th, 2006, the City of Orono and the Minnehaha Creek Watershed
this page online
Erected 2017 by City of Excelsior Park and Recreation Commission.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Parks & Recreational Areas • War, World I. A significant historical year for this entry is 1800.
Location. 44° 54.275′ N, 93° 33.907′ W. Marker is in Excelsior, Minnesota, in Hennepin County. It can be reached from the intersection of Water Street and Lake Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2 Water Street, Excelsior MN 55331, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American Midwest, in the Corn Belt, and in the Great River Road Region. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once Ruperts Land, the territory of the Mississippian Culture,
Photographed by McGhiever, April 14, 2023
2. Big Island History Marker (right) on the kiosk at the Port of Excelsior
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A History of Excelsior (here, next to this marker); Excelsior - Who We Are (here, next to this marker); The Excelsior Commons (here, next to this marker); The Excelsior Amusement Park (here, next to this marker); Your Are Here (here, next to this marker); The Minnehaha - Then & Now (here, next to this marker); The Legacy of Excelsior (here, next to this marker); Port of Excelsior (here, next to this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Excelsior.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 9, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 4, 2024, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota. This page has been viewed 270 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on November 4, 2024, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota. 2. submitted on September 5, 2024, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
