Attractions and Places To See around White Bear Lake - Top 20

The centerpiece is Lake Phalen, popular for water sports and home to the annual Dragon Boat Festival. Beyond the main lake, you can visit White Bear Lake County Park, Bald Eagle-Otter Lakes Regional Park, and the Rotary Nature Preserve, all offering opportunities for walking, hiking, and wildlife observation. The Tamarack Nature Center provides diverse habitats and a children's play area.

Yes, the area is rich in history. You can tour the Fillebrown House, an 1879 lakeside cottage on the National Register of Historic Places, to learn about the region's past. The Historic White Bear Town Hall, designed by renowned architect Cass Gilbert, also offers insights into local history. The White Bear Lake Area Historical Society, located in the Armory building, preserves and celebrates the community's heritage through exhibits.

The region offers extensive opportunities for outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking, biking, and running on the paved Gateway State Trail or the Lake Links Trail, which connects various parks. For more specific routes, explore the road cycling routes or general cycling tours around White Bear Lake. There are also easy hiking trails like the Oakdale Nature Preserve Loop and Lake Phalen Trail.

Absolutely! Many attractions are suitable for families. The Tamarack Nature Center features a Discovery Hollow Nature Play Area for children. White Bear Lake County Park has a swimming beach, playground, and picnic areas. The Saint Paul-Changsha China Friendship Garden offers a serene setting with koi ponds that children often enjoy. Additionally, the Gateway State Trail is wheelchair and family-friendly, perfect for walks or bike rides.

The Gateway State Trail is an 18-mile paved multi-use trail ideal for both hiking and biking. The Lake Links Trail also provides paved pathways connecting parks with scenic lake views. For a convenient starting point with parking and restrooms, head to Duluth Junction – Brown's Creek State Trail & Gateway State Trail Intersection, where these two major trails meet.

White Bear Lake offers diverse options. For Japanese cuisine with lake views, try Mizu Japanese. Tally's Dockside provides a laid-back tiki bar atmosphere. You can also visit 7 Vines Vineyard for wine tastings and tours, or Big Wood Brewery for craft beers. For a unique historical twist, The Meadery of White Bear offers a Viking-themed tasting room with mead made from organic honey.

While specific dog-friendly designations for every trail are not always listed, many of the natural parks and trails around White Bear Lake, such as those in White Bear Lake County Park and Bald Eagle-Otter Lakes Regional Park, are generally welcoming to leashed dogs. Always check local signage for specific regulations. Manitou Bar & Kitchen also offers a dog-friendly patio.

The warmer months are ideal for water activities like swimming, boating, and fishing on White Bear Lake, and for enjoying the extensive hiking and biking trails. Summer also brings events like Marketfest and the Dragon Boat Festival. In winter, the lake transforms for ice fishing, snowmobiling, and skating, offering a different kind of outdoor experience.

Many parks, such as White Bear Lake County Park and Bald Eagle-Otter Lakes Regional Park, offer public parking. For trail access, Duluth Junction – Brown's Creek State Trail & Gateway State Trail Intersection is a key trailhead with a large parking area and restrooms, making it a convenient starting point for exploring the state trails.

The White Bear Center for the Arts is a community hub offering art classes, events, and exhibitions. You can also explore the charming Historic Downtown, which features locally-owned shops, boutiques, art galleries, and antique shops. The White Bear Lake Area Historical Society in the Armory building provides exhibits on local heritage.

Yes, the Historic Downtown area is known for its charming and walkable streets, featuring a variety of locally-owned shops, boutiques, bookstores, antique shops, and art galleries. It's a great place to find unique items and support local businesses.

During the winter months, White Bear Lake itself becomes a hub for ice fishing, snowmobiling, and ice skating. Many of the city parks may also offer sledding hills, providing fun for the whole family when snow conditions allow.