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White Bear Lake

· White Bear Lake, MN

Why you should go…

White Bear Lake is a lakeside city in the northeastern Twin Cities metro, centered on the lake of the same name. Its historic downtown, marinas, and shoreline have drawn Twin Cities day-trippers and summer residents for generations.

  • #lake town
  • #twin cities suburb
  • #white bear lake
  • #day trip

Good to know

General sightseeing guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • The forecast is part of the ticket

    Haze, low cloud, and rain flatten a view. Clear-day visits are worth rearranging your plans for.

  • Golden hour sells out first

    Sunset slots at observation decks and cruises are the first to go, so book those further ahead.

  • Dress a layer warmer

    It is always breezier up high and out on the water than it feels at street level.

  • Timed entry is common

    Plenty of landmarks release tickets in windows rather than at the door, so check before you walk over.

What's around here?

The closest stops to White Bear Lake, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Museums
    Local Gem

    ArtReach St. Croix

    Free

    Community arts nonprofit and gallery space in Stillwater, showcasing rotating exhibits by regional artists.

    9.7 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Attractions
    Family Favorite

    Como Park Zoo & Conservatory

    Free

    St. Paul's beloved free zoo and glass-domed Victorian conservatory, gorillas, orchids and polar bears, no ticket needed.

    10.0 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Minnesota State Capitol

    Free

    Cass Gilbert's 1905 marble statehouse with one of the world's largest self-supported marble domes, free guided tours leave hourly.

    10 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Explore Minnesota Tourism Office

    Free

    Minnesota's state tourism office in St. Paul, offering trip-planning help for visitors traveling around the state.

    10 mi awayMore like this

  • Museums
    Free

    Schubert Club

    Free

    Free music museum at Landmark Center in Saint Paul with hands-on instrument galleries and a historic keyboard collection.

    11 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Cathedral of Saint Paul

    Free

    One of America's grandest domed churches, crowning a hill with sweeping views over downtown St. Paul.

    11 mi awayMore like this