White Bear Lake

White Bear Lake

Energetic. Inviting. Legendary.

 
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Welcome to White Bear Lake

White Bear Lake is a classy lake community in the heart of the Minneapolis and St. Paul metropolitan area. It didn’t take long for this area to become a popular resort for travelers in the late 1800s. The booming agriculture and logging industry led the town and quickly expanded it into what it is today. The city is known for the expansive lake it is located on and for the various events held throughout the year celebrating the town. Residents enjoy fun events like the Bear’ly Open, Polar Bear Plunge, Summer Music series, and White Bear Lake Fireworks.

Residential areas offer a peaceful, quiet atmosphere, tree-lined streets, and a sense of community. Homes range from traditional Colonials and ranches to more expansive estates along the lake. Whether you’re looking for something smaller with more land or prefer to wake up to sunrises on White Bear Lake, this community has something for you.

What to Love

Legendary lake culture
🛍️Walkable historic downtown
🎉Year-round festivals

Local Lifestyle

Residents of White Bear Lake love the sense of community this energetic town offers. With annual events held year-long, there’s never a dull moment, and the abundance of shopping and dining adds to the fun. Residential spots are quiet and offer solace after a day of working, especially for commuters. White Bear Lake provides plenty of fun year-round, with sun-filled beach afternoons in the summer and ice fishing in the winter. If you’re looking for a spot that offers a bit of everything, White Bear Lake is the place to be.

Dining, Entertainment, & Shopping

The walkable areas on Third Street and Fourth Street offer quaint boutiques and eclectic shops.

 

Acqua Restaurant & Bar

Intimate lakefront Italian dining using local ingredients. A perfect spot for patio sunsets.

 

Rudy’s Redeye Grill

Upscale steakhouse famous for pan-fried walleye and a stunning rooftop deck.

 

The Minnesotan

Authentic apparel celebrating MN heritage. A must-visit specialty shop with great service.

 

Brickhouse

Modern Midwestern dishes made with fresh local ingredients served with friendly hospitality.

Things to Do

Residents enjoy picnic spots, playgrounds, and boat launches at White Bear Beach, or taking classes at the White Bear Center for the Arts.

Marketfest

Weekly summer festival held downtown featuring 160+ vendors, food trucks, and live music stages.

Manitou Days

A 10-day summer festival with a parade, beach dance, sailing regatta, and the classic car show.

Hockey Day MN

Celebrating the sport of hockey with a weekend full of outdoor games and community spirit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the commute to the Twin Cities?

White Bear Lake is ideally situated. It is approximately 15-20 minutes to downtown St. Paul and 20-25 minutes to downtown Minneapolis, making it a favorite for commuters.

Is White Bear Lake private?

No, it is a public lake with multiple access points, including Ramsey County Beach and various boat launches. It is one of the largest lakes in the metro area.

Does White Bear Lake have a downtown?

Yes! Unlike many suburbs that only have strip malls, White Bear Lake features a historic, walkable downtown filled with boutiques, coffee shops, and restaurants right near the water.

How White Bear Lake Compares

See how White Bear Lake stacks up against nearby communities.

 
Quiet & Exclusive

Mahtomedi

The Vibe: Located just across the lake, Mahtomedi is smaller, quieter, and more residential. It feels like a private village.

Vs. WBL: White Bear Lake has the "hub" energy with the downtown, shopping, and festivals. Mahtomedi is where you go for quiet luxury and top-tier schools.

 
River Town

Stillwater

The Vibe: Historic tourism on the St. Croix River. Steep hills, Victorian mansions, and a bustling Main Street.

Vs. WBL: Stillwater feels like a "destination" further from the city. White Bear Lake is more integrated into the metro, offering a shorter commute while keeping the water lifestyle.

 
Practical Suburb

Shoreview

The Vibe: A modern, convenient suburb with excellent community centers and trail systems, but no central "downtown."

Vs. WBL: Choose Shoreview for 1980s-90s homes and convenience. Choose White Bear Lake if you want a town with historic character, a walkable center, and a "soul."

 
Cabin Country

Forest Lake

The Vibe: The gateway to the north. A massive recreational lake with direct highway access, offering more land for your money.

Vs. WBL: Forest Lake feels more outer-ring and spacious. White Bear Lake is denser, closer to St. Paul, and has older, historic housing stock.

 
Rural Charm

Lindstrom

The Vibe: "America's Little Sweden." A chain of lakes community that is significantly more rural and quiet.

Vs. WBL: Lindstrom is a true small town, whereas White Bear Lake is a suburban city. If you want acreage and don't mind a commute, choose Lindstrom.

Ready to find your lake home?

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Overview for White Bear Lake, MN

24,026 people live in White Bear Lake, where the median age is 42.1 and the average individual income is $44,403. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

24,026

Total Population

42.1 years

Median Age

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

$44,403

Average individual Income

Demographics and Employment Data for White Bear Lake, MN

White Bear Lake has 10,438 households, with an average household size of 2.26. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in White Bear Lake do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 24,026 people call White Bear Lake home. The population density is 2,986.55 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

24,026

Total Population

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

42.1

Median Age

48.29 / 51.71%

Men vs Women

Population by Age Group

0-9:

0-9 Years

10-17:

10-17 Years

18-24:

18-24 Years

25-64:

25-64 Years

65-74:

65-74 Years

75+:

75+ Years

Education Level

  • Less Than 9th Grade
  • Associate Degree
  • Bachelor Degree
10,438

Total Households

2.26

Average Household Size

$44,403

Average individual Income

Households with Children

With Children:

Without Children:

Marital Status

Married
Single
Divorced
Separated

Blue vs White Collar Workers

Blue Collar:

White Collar:

Commute Time

0 to 14 Minutes
15 to 29 Minutes
30 to 59 Minutes
60+ Minutes

Schools in White Bear Lake, MN

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Primary Schools ()
Middle Schools ()
High Schools ()
Mixed Schools ()
The following schools are within or nearby White Bear Lake. The rating and statistics can serve as a starting point to make baseline comparisons on the right schools for your family. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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Name
Category
Grades
School rating
White Bear Lake

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