The city of White Bear Lake was founded in 1858, the same year Minnesota became the
32nd state, and quickly became a thriving community serving its residents and visitors.During
the 1800's, the fastest and most comfortable way to reach White Bear Lake was by rail.
Many a person came to, and passed through, this little town on the 14 tracks that served
White Bear Lake (the trip took about 20 minutes, and cost 50 cents, from St. Paul). Much
of the history of railroading in White Bear Lake is depicted at the Depot Museum on
Highway 61 at 4th Street.
Summers were busy with people coming from as far away as St. Louis, Missouri to
swim, sail dine and dance. Many of the large homes you see on the lake shore today were
actually hotels built to accommodate the influx of vacationers. One of these popular
resorts was the Chateaugay, located at Second Street and Lake Avenue. A.H.S. Perkins,
publisher of The Lake Breeze newspaper from 1887 -1891, described this resort as having a
"finely shaded lawn which during the heat of the day is well occupied with hammocks
and (their) occupants."
Launches ferried vacationers back and forth across the lake to the Wildwood
Amusement Park. As times changed, so did the hotels. Many were built up and torn down. The
evolution of the Chateaugay saw it renames the Oriental Hotel and the Wahbeinagus Hotel.
It eventually burned to the ground on June 19, 1910.
In the early 1900's White Bear Lake was a bustling place with its own newspaper
and telephone company located in the "Getty Building" at 3rd Street and Clark
Avenue.
The preceding is based on information taken from the "White Bear Lake, A
Walking Tour" brochure produced by the White Bear Lake Historical Society.
Today's White Bear Lake is much the same as it was at the turn of the century.
One of the biggest attractions in this city is its beautiful lake. Residents and visitors
enjoy swimming, fishing, sailing, or just strolling along a sandy beach soaking up the sun
on a warm summer day. From an historic past to a vibrant today, White Bear Lake offers a
great calendar of things to see and do.
By law, persons buying or receiving alcohol must be at least 21
years of age.
Select Vintage - Personalized Gifts of Fine Wine & Champagne
Avalon Mall - 2175 Fourth Street - White Bear Lake, Minnesota - 55110
Telephone: (651) 653-8717 Fax: (651) 762-5603
Outside Twin Cities Area - Toll-free: (877) 535-2436
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