White Bear Lake, MN Area Guide

Fact mingles with myths and legends surrounding the area. White Bear’s rich history dates back to the 1800s. Originally inhabited by the Dakota and Ojibway tribes, White Bear Lake began to develop into a European-American settlement in 1825 when the U.S. government purchased the land. According to legend, White Bear got its name from a Native American story about a brave warrior who killed a white bear in an epic battle for his lover. The township continued to experience rapid growth in 1868 after the extension of the Mississippi Railroad. The city’s extensive economic development programs led to widespread growth in the 1970s and 1980s.

The White Bear area boasts events all year around. Every year, residents get ready for the Manitou Days summer festival, an annual ritual for the past 47 years. Participate in a fishing contest, learn yoga, hunt for the illusive medallion or take a spin on the lake in a pontoon. Get to know your community over a cold soda while you watch the Grande Parade.

In White Bear Lake, taste flavors from around the globe or sample Minnesota favorites like battered walleye. No matter what you crave, from authentic Mexican to freshly tossed pizza, find it in White Bear.

Gather up your friends and head to Washington Square Bar & Grill for the best beer selection on the lake. Washington Square’s happy hour lifts your spirits with low-priced domestic beers. It is a shame to miss out on the restaurant's selection of Mexican specialties. Wrap your toasty fajita around some savory chicken, steak, shrimp or portabella mushrooms.

Acqua restaurant and bar has a reputation with the locals and with good reason. Chefs turn out carefully crafted dishes using local ingredients at this restaurant seated on the shores of White Bear Lake. Kick back with a glass of Moscato while enjoying picturesque scenery from the lakeside patio. Feast on the branzino, certified Chilean sea bass with sunchoke puree, as you take in the atmosphere of this first-class restaurant.

If you are looking for entertainment, go no further than Dugout Bar. Get your dance on in the spacious dance floor or sip a Long Island Iced Tea as you enjoy live music featuring local artists. Friendly and attentive staff are happy to serve you up some cheese curds, pizza or corn dogs if you get hungry. The Dugout has something for everyone, whether you want to watch your favorite NFL game on the hi-def flat screen, shoot some pool or sip a Bloody Mary on the patio.

White Bear Lake lies on MN Highway 61. US35E is easily accessible via Highway 96. True to its name, this community is centered around scenic White Bear Lake. Your dream vacation is within reach with White Bear Lake being a quick 20-minute drive from the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport. Those in need of a speedy pickup can dial Suburban Taxi, which supplies regular drivers to the neighborhood. The Twin Cities metro transit services the White Bear Lake area via route 265 and provides express bus stops near all of Minneapolis’ important central locations.

The striking appearance of White Bear Lake makes this area a top choice for residents and tourists. During the summer months, White Bear Lake is a recreational playground brimming with opportunities. Pack up your tent and head to the state park to spend some quality time with nature as you camp at one of the region's dozens of campgrounds.

Skate your way around the White Bear Lake Sports Center ice arena, which is free to the public. For the brave of heart, take a shot at the infamous Polar Bear Plunge, a festivity centered around adventure-hungry participants jumping through a hole in the iced-over lake. Grab your clubs and take a spin on the causeway to Manitou Ridge Golf course, or go for a swim before casting your line on the glassy waters of White Bear Lake.

While typical living costs border above average, residents attest to the fact you get what you pay for when you are surrounded by such pristine lakeside views and expansive business and entertainment opportunities. Future residents interested in renting space can expect to pay an average rent of around $750, for a one bedroom unit on Cedar Avenue.

The average domestic beer in White Bear costs around $5-$6 for a bottle.

Spend the afternoon wandering through downtown White Bear Lake. Fill your prescriptions at Walgreens, find some treasures at White Bear Antiques or drop in to Yi Li Massage for a relaxing spa treatment.

If you want to pick up a new hobby, grab a guitar and start strumming. Evan’s Music sells a wide variety of instruments, lessons, repairs and thousands of titles for sheet music and instrument method books.

Stop in to Goodthings if you are in search of hand-crafted gifts for that special someone. Goodthings delivers novelty items to suit your individual interests. Find gifts like hand-painted martini glasses or old-fashioned candy. Reinvent your wardrobe with some printed scarves or one-of-a-kind jewelry items.

Purchase everything you need to stock your home with essential food staples at Kowalski’s Markets. Kowalski’s signature products include a range of unique spices, fresh organic peanut butter, all-natural sandwich breads and hand-rolled butter. Pop in to the bakery before heading out the door to grab some of Kowalski’s decadent hand-made cheesecake to share with the family.