06/05/2026
Excelsior Fun Facts 🍎
Founded in 1853 by settlers from New York, Excelsior’s name comes from the Latin word Excelsior, meaning “ever upward.”
Since 1935, Excelsior has celebrated the fall season with its annual Apple Days Festival—one of the longest-running community traditions in the region.
In 1963, the Beach Boys performed at Danceland, a popular local concert venue located across the street from the Excelsior Amusement Park!
Just one year later, in 1964, the Rolling Stones took the Danceland stage. Legend has it that a real-life encounter between Mick Jagger and a beloved local character known as “Mr. Jimmy,” who spent his entire life in Excelsior, later inspired the 1969 hit You Can’t Always Get What You Want.
Today, Excelsior proudly preserves many of the traditions that have made the town so special for generations. Apple Days returns every September, and the community’s love of live music lives on through Concerts in the Commons.
From historic charm and lakeside beauty to community events and local favorites, there’s always something to enjoy in Excelsior—and at One West Drive, it’s all just steps from your front door.
What’s your favorite part of living in Excelsior?!
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