White Bear Lake Travel Guide

Plan your perfect trip to White Bear Lake with this comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best places to visit, things to do, and tips for your stay.


Introduction to White Bear Lake

Named after the bear sightings on its shores, White Bear Lake is a serene getaway city located in the Twin Cities metropolitan area of Minnesota. Its pristine lake with crystal-clear waters surrounded by lush forests, unique wildlife, and vibrant downtown have attracted visitors from all around the world. In this comprehensive tour guide, we will take you through the best places to visit, things to do, tips, and recommendations for your stay in White Bear Lake.

List of Places to Visit in White Bear Lake

White Bear Lake is brimming with cultural and natural attractions, making it a perfect destination for all kinds of travelers. Below are some of the must-visit places in this charming city.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • White Bear Lake Area Historical Society Museum: A museum housed in an 1884 train depot showcasing the cultural and historical significance of the region.
  • Bell House Museum: An iconic landmark of White Bear Lake from the 1800s showcasing the life and artifacts of the Bell family.
  • The Marjorie McNeely Conservatory: Set in the Como Park of Saint Paul, this botanical garden has beautiful displays of plants from around the world in Victorian-style glass domes.

Natural Attractions of White Bear Lake: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Rice Creek Chain of Lakes: A 4,500-acre park with over 13 lakes for fishing, boating, and hiking trails surrounded by oak savannas, wetlands, and grasslands.
  • Tamarack Nature Center: Offering year-round outdoor nature experiences, with over 2 miles of hiking trails, a discovery room, and a bird-watching station.
  • Wargo Nature Center: Another nature center with walking trails, bird-watching, and interactive displays to educate and entertain visitors.

Hiking/Biking Routes of White Bear Lake

White Bear Lake’s proximity to natural beauty makes it an ideal place to indulge in outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and walking. Here are some of the best trails for hiking and biking in the area:

  • White Bear Lake Loop Trail: A 3.2-mile paved trail that veers along the edge of downtown before curving along the shores of the lake.
  • Prairie Hollow Trail: A 2.4-mile long picturesque trail that twists and turns through the woods and prairies near Tamarack Lake.
  • Rice Creek North Regional Trail: A 4.5-mile trail running through a variety of landscapes, including lake shores, wetlands, prairie, and oak forests.

Best Things to Do in White Bear Lake: Activities and Tours

To make the most of your stay in White Bear Lake, you should check out these fun activities and tours:

  • White Bear Lake Farmer’s Market: An outdoor market with local produce, baked goods, artisanal crafts, and clothing held from June to October.
  • Wine Tasting at Northern Vineyards Winery: A winery with a long history, offers wine tasting with scenic views of the St. Croix River and the historic Stillwater Lift Bridge.
  • Stand-up Paddleboarding on White Bear Lake: Experience the serene waters of White Bear Lake with a stand-up paddleboard tour.

Week-Long Itinerary for White Bear Lake

If you plan on staying for an extended time in White Bear Lake, here is a recommended week-long itinerary to make the most of your stay:

Day Morning Afternoon Evening
1 Visit White Bear Lake Loop Trail Explore Downtown Wine Tasting at Northern Vineyards Winery
2 Visit White Bear Lake Area Historical Society Museum Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Dine at VIVO Kitchen
3 Visit Bell House Museum Shop in Downtown Stand-up Paddleboarding on White Bear Lake
4 Visit Tamarack Nature Center Hike Prairie Hollow Trail Enjoy sunset at Veteran’s Memorial Park
5 Visit Wargo Nature Center Explore Pine Tree Apple Orchard Dinner at Manitou Grill and Event Center
6 Day trip to St. Paul: Science Museum of Minnesota and The Marjorie McNeely Conservatory Minnesota State Capitol and History Center Explore Lowertown galleries and restaurants
7 Relax on the shores of White Bear Lake Depart on your journey back home  

Food and Drink Scene of White Bear Lake

The food and drink scene of White Bear Lake reflects the city’s cultural diversity and love for locally sourced ingredients. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Juicy Lucy Burger at The Station 81: A delicious burger stuffed with molten cheese and served with fries.
  • Fish and Chips at Ingredients Cafe: A classic dish served with tartar sauce, coleslaw, and malt vinegar.
  • Wild Rice Soup at The Meet Market: A thick soup made with wild rice and chicken or turkey.

Local Beverages

  • Beer at Big Wood Brewery: A local brewery with an extensive list of craft beers made with regional ingredients.
  • Wine at WineStyles: A wine store with a wide selection of international and local wines.
  • Coffee at Caribou Coffee: A local coffee shop chain that roasts their coffee on-site and serves delicious pastries.

Where to Stay in White Bear Lake: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

White Bear Lake offers a wide variety of accommodations that cater to different budgets and travel styles. Here are some recommended options:

  • Jenny’s Bed & Breakfast: A cozy bed and breakfast with themed suites and a gourmet breakfast.
  • Best Western Plus White Bear Country Inn: A mid-range hotel with modern and spacious rooms, an indoor pool, and a sauna.
  • Super 8 by Wyndham: An affordable option with comfortable rooms, free breakfast, and excellent service.

What to Buy in White Bear Lake: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

White Bear Lake offers many unique souvenirs and local products that make for great gifts and memory keepers. Here are some recommended items:

  • Wild Rice and Maple Syrup: Considered staples of the region, these products can be purchased at many local stores and supermarkets.
  • Handcrafted Jewelry: A variety of stores in downtown offer handmade jewelry made from precious stones, metals, and beads.
  • Bear-Themed Merchandise: From t-shirts to stuffed toys, there are many bear-themed souvenirs available to remind you of your trip to White Bear Lake.

Local Culture and Customs of White Bear Lake

White Bear Lake is a city that values its history and community and offers visitors a unique glimpse into the region’s culture and lifestyle. Below are a few cultural customs to keep in mind when visiting White Bear Lake:

  • Respect Nature: White Bear Lake is home to many natural wonders, and visitors are encouraged to be responsible and respectful when exploring the region’s natural attractions.
  • Be Friendly: The people of White Bear Lake are known for their friendly and welcoming nature, and visitors can expect warm hospitality from locals and businesses alike.
  • Preserve History: White Bear Lake takes pride in its history, and visitors should show reverence and respect for cultural landmarks and museums.

Best Time to Visit White Bear Lake

White Bear Lake offers unique activities and cultural events throughout the year, making it an ideal destination in any season. The peak season, however, falls between June and August as the weather is warm, and outdoor activities are at their best. Fall is also an excellent time to visit as the leaves turn to vibrant colors, offering brilliant scenery. Winter and Spring often bring snow and rain, respectively, but it also means fewer crowds and fewer expensive rates.

Do’s and Don’ts of White Bear Lake

To ensure your visit to White Bear Lake is safe, enjoyable, and respectful, below are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind:

Do:

  • Explore the outdoors: White Bear Lake is home to many lakes and forests, which offer a unique opportunity for outdoor activities.
  • Try local cuisine: White Bear Lake is known for its unique local dishes like wild rice soup and Juicy Lucy burgers, and you should make it a point to sample some of these dishes.
  • Respect nature and wildlife: White Bear Lake is home to many natural habitats and endangered species. Visitors should respect the region’s flora, fauna, and the ecosystem.

Don’t:

  • Litter: Visitors should avoid littering and use trash cans provided by parks, restaurants, and businesses.
  • Damage Historical Monuments and Artifacts: White Bear Lake has many cultural landmarks and monuments, and visitors should treat these with the utmost respect.
  • Assume All Wildlife is Friendly: White Bear Lake has unique wildlife like bears, cougars, and wolves, and visitors should keep a safe distance and admire them from afar.

Safety and Health

As with any destination, safety and health should be a top priority. Below are a few tips to ensure your visit is safe and healthy.

Safety in White Bear Lake

  • Take precautions when hiking and biking: White Bear Lake’s natural beauty is accessible by trails and bike routes, but visitors should research and prepare adequately for hiking and biking.
  • Store valuables safely: Visitors should store their valuables safely, either in hotel safes or locked cars.
  • Watch for Wildlife: White Bear Lake is home to unique wildlife, and visitors should keep a safe distance and avoid any confrontation with them.

Health in White Bear Lake

  • Stay hydrated: Visitors should stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, especially during outdoor activities.
  • Wear Sunscreen: White Bear Lake has sunny weather throughout the year, and visitors should wear sunscreen to prevent sunburn and skin damage.
  • Carry insect repellent: Visitors should also carry insect repellent to ward off mosquitoes and other pests.

Getting to White Bear Lake: Transportation Options and Logistics

White Bear Lake is conveniently located and accessible by different modes of transportation.

Airports Near White Bear Lake

  • Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP): Approximately 25 miles away, Minneapolis-Saint Paul airport is the primary airport serving White Bear Lake.

Bus Stations Near White Bear Lake

  • Greyhound Bus Lines: Greyhound bus offers many daily routes to and from White Bear Lake and other destinations in the region.

Other Options

  • Car Rentals: Several car rental companies operate in Minneapolis-St. Paul airport, which is the most convenient option for travelers wanting to explore White Bear Lake.
  • Taxis and Rideshare: Taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are also readily available to take you to White Bear Lake.

How to Get Around in White Bear Lake

White Bear Lake has many options for getting around, including:

  • Car Rental: Visitors can rent cars from multiple car rental companies located downtown to explore the region.
  • Biking: White Bear Lake is bike-friendly, and visitors can rent bikes from the Tamarack Nature Center.
  • Walking/ Hiking: Many attractions, including the downtown area and White Bear Lake Main Street, are within walking distance.
  • Public Transportation: MetroTransit runs buses throughout White Bear Lake to explore the city and nearby attractions.

Where to Go Next from White Bear Lake: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

White Bear Lake is strategically located, making it an excellent base for exploring nearby destinations and excursions. Here are some recommended destinations:

  • Grand Rapids: Located along the Mississippi River, Grand Rapids provides visitors with numerous state parks, lakeshores, and nature trails.
  • Stillwater: A historic city located on the St. Croix River, Stillwater provides a beautiful downtown area, scenic riverboat tours, and wineries to explore.
  • Minneapolis-Saint Paul: As a metropolitan area that White Bear Lake is a part of, it offers many cultural sites and attractions such as The Mall of America, Minneapolis Institute of Art, Science Museum of Minnesota, and many more.

Conclusion

White Bear Lake offers an unforgettable experience for travelers of all kinds. This comprehensive tour guide provides a list of must-visit places, activities, and recommendations for an enjoyable stay. Whether interested in nature, culture, history, or fostering community, White Bear Lake has something for you. So plan your trip and pack your bags for an incredible journey to White Bear Lake.