White Bear Lake Guide + Things To Do

From parks and other recreational activities to local restaurants and shopping. We’ve got you covered for everything you need to have a great day in White Bear Lake!

Without further ado, let’s dive into the White Bear Lake Guide.

Parks and Recreation

According to the city website, White Bear Lake has 24 parks, including some with disk golf courses and public docks. Here are some of our favorites and the amenities that they offer.

White Bear Lake County Park

One of the most popular parks in the White Bear Lake area is White Bear Lake County Park. It’s well maintained, large, and offers many different amenities. These amenities include a fishing pier, playground for the kids, boat launch, shaded picnic area, public beach, showers, bathrooms for those enjoying the beach, large grassy areas, and walking trails to enjoy.

West Park

Large trees, open grassy areas, a beautiful blue lake, and walking trails throughout are just a few things that make this park another one of the locals’ favorites. You’ll also find a picnic area on the park grounds, restrooms, grills, and a playground that’s full of fun things for the kids.

Podvin Park

Offering a few of the things that the other parks we’ve covered so far haven’t, Podvin Park has lots. There’s a skate park, outdoor ice rinks for winter, a youth football field complete with a great scoreboard—playground equipment for the kids, beautiful views, walking paths, bathrooms, and picnic areas.

Bald Eagle-Otter Lake Regional park

Located right on Otter Lake and adjacent to Bald Eagle Lake is this perfect regional park. The park offers lake access, a picnic shelter that seats 60, and a playground. Whether you’re looking to bring your dog for a walk on the paved paths or let the kids run on the playground, this park is a great place to get away from the stresses of life. Once you’ve enjoyed the outdoors, it’s time to grab a bite to eat at local restaurants nearby.

Local Restaurants

There are lots of great restaurants in the White Bear Lake area. A drive-up or down Highway 61 is a great place to find all of the best restaurants around the lake. Here are some of our favorites.

Brickhouse Food and Drink

Famous for their modern midwestern eats and delicious happy hour is Brickhouse. The building that’s home to the Brickhouse was built in the year 1886. Over the years, the building has been many things before the restaurant that it is now. We’re excited to be able to offer up our delicious menu within this historic space. Next on our list of must-visit restaurants, is Rudy’s Redeye Grill.

Rudy’s Redeye Grill

Rudy’s is a restaurant that has won several awards for its exceptional offerings. Each of the menu items that they offer is hand prepared with ingredients selected by the chefs that put them together. The rooftop is one of the best places to get drinks and food during the warmer summer months, and the dining area offers a cozy place to grab bites and drinks when the weather isn’t quite as pleasant. Looking for something with a bit more culture? Black Sea Restaurant is a great choice!

Black Sea Restaurant

The Black Sea is truly one of a kind. This restaurant is one of Minnesota’s very first Turkish and Mediterranean restaurants. In 2015 there were voted as one of the best of White Bear Lake. Full of amazing food, desserts, drinks, and more. This restaurant offers an amazing dining experience for anyone that’s looking for something off the beaten path. Not in the mood for Turkish/ Mediterranean food? Not to worry, Casa Lupita is another great option!

Casa Lupita

Casa Lupita has 4.6 stars after 596 reviews. That’s pretty good if you ask us! For all of your Mexican staples, Casa Lupita is a great spot. They have great burritos, tacos, and more. You can expect a casual dining experience with counter service and a nice patio for the summer months. But what’s a night out without some shopping?

White Bear Lake Shopping

GoodKids & GoodThings

What started in a downtown White Bear Lake basement in 1973 has grown to several locations, including Maple Grove, St. Paul, Minneapolis, and Linden Hills. The stores now carry everything from kids’ items such as toys and games to fashion items, decor, and furniture. It’s a really unique business with lots to offer those who stop in.

Truly

A store made up of many different small independent designers, crafters, and artists. Truly… is known for the selection of jewelry, handbags, woman’s clothing, bath and body, and other nicknacks. If you like to browse cute little storefronts, be sure to stop in here. You can also find many of their offerings online.

Farmers Daughter Handmade

All different types of handmade goods and gifts are common throughout this quaint storefront. From their website: “Hundreds of items made by dozens of local and national artists fill the store from wall to wall. Visitors can get lost for hours as they slowly wander through seasonal and primitive selections. The small boutique feel of the shop guarantees an intimate shopping experience visitors can enjoy all year. Our visitors are hard-pressed to find a gift store as unique and as welcoming as the Farmer’s Daughter.”

If you live in White Bear Lake or are just passing through, this is a must-stop-at location.

Other Things To Do in White Bear Lake

Looking for more fun things in White Bear Lake? Here are more of our favorite places to see and things to do.

Pine Tree Apple Orchard

Another gem located right on White Bear Lake is Pine Tree Apple Orchard. This orchard offers activities from June to March. Among opportunities to pick strawberries and apples, you’ll also find a corn maze, homemade bakery items, gifts, and pick your own pumpkins! Pine Tree has been called the best apple orchard in Minnesota by more than one person. Be sure to stop by and visit!

Oneka Ridge Golf Course

A good round of golf is something that many people enjoy. There are several golf courses near White Bear Lake. You’ll find this award-winning course just north of the lake. Great greens, friendly staff, and a full-size clubhouse make up just a few of the great things about this course.

Farmers’ Market

Beginning the last Friday in June and running all the way to the last Friday in October, the White Bear Lake farmers market has been a tradition of the town since the 1970s. There are more than 50 vendors, and many of them are second-generation farmers. You can have fruits and vegetables in the summer, and as fall comes, you’ll find squash and pumpkins mixed in as well. This farmers market is sure to have something for everyone.

Final Thoughts

It’s clear to see that White Bear Lake has a lot of great things to offer. With restaurants, parks, and shopping it’s easy to plan a great day filled with memorable activities, but why not take it a step further? Not only is White Bear Lake a great place to enjoy endless fun activities but it’s a stunning place to live. Rated Minnesota’s #14 in top places to live, it offers residents a suburban rural mix feel and most residents own their homes.

The area is one of the most economically diverse in the country, serving as headquarters to large firms in agriculture, food, banking, technology, retailing, healthcare, and transportation – making it a great place to live! Whether you decided to custom-build a home or buy White Bear Lake is a great place to settle down and raise a family. Looking for a modern home builder in Minneapolis? Reach out to Sustainable 9, to get started today!