Excelsior Bay Harbor

Minnesota sets the rental age in statute: under section 86B.306, a person who rents or leases a motorboat or personal watercraft must be 18 or older. Someone younger may still operate it if they are named as an authorized operator on the rental agreement and hold a valid watercraft operator's permit.

Operating rules are separate. A person of any age may run a motorboat rated 25 horsepower or less that is not a personal watercraft, without a permit. No one under 12 may operate a personal watercraft or a motorboat over 75 horsepower. An accompanying operator must be 21 or older, aboard, within immediate reach of the controls, and permitted or exempt.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (revisor.mn.gov)

Yes. As of July 1, 2026, Minnesota requires operators age 12 or older who were born after June 30, 2000, to possess a valid watercraft operator’s permit when driving a motorboat or personal watercraft, unless supervised or exempt. Children under 12 cannot operate a personal watercraft or a motorboat over 75 horsepower; they may operate a non-PWC under 75 horsepower with a qualified accompanying operator. Boats with 25 horsepower or less are exempt.

Renters must be at least 18. Adult rental customers can complete a rental course for a 180-day certificate, but resort rentals follow regular permit rules. Qualifying short-term nonresidents and certain licensed maritime operators are exempt. The Minnesota DNR administers the program.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (dnr.state.mn.us)

From Excelsior, you can explore Lake Minnetonka through Excelsior Bay, then choose Gideon Bay, St. Albans Bay, Lower Lake South or the Big Island area. Excelsior Bay’s south end and St. Albans Bay’s southwest corner are quiet-water zones, making them natural slow starts from local marina docks; the Port of Excelsior also has public docks. Gideon Bay is a winding, enclosed branch, while Lower Lake South opens into broader water. Around Big Island, Cruiser’s Cove has designated quiet water and marked safety lanes.

Source: Lake Minnetonka Conservation District (lmcd.org)

From Excelsior, boaters make Lake Minnetonka day trips to Wawatasso Island, Wild Goose Chase Island, Wayzata and Mound’s Lost Lake Harbor. Wawatasso is a favorite beaching stop with informal hiking trails, while undeveloped Wild Goose Chase offers designated sites for picnicking and fishing. Wayzata’s Depot Docks provide short term docking near city parks and downtown businesses. At Lost Lake Harbor, public day use docks give boaters access to downtown Mound. Wawatasso and Wild Goose Chase have no drinking water or toilets, so bring needed supplies.

Source: Three Rivers Park District (threeriversparks.org)