Native American tribes hunted, fished, and lived along the bountiful waters of White Bear Lake prior to the advent of European settlers in the mid-1800s.

As the railroads brought more visitors to White Bear Lake, the community became a popular summer resort area from 1870 until 1910. The advent of the automobile and streetcar brought more visitors to White Bear. Streetcar service ended in 1932, but visitors continued to take advantage of the area's many attractions.

Those living in St. Paul and Minneapolis took summer trips "up north" to stay in cabins and cottages along the lake. Fine hotels boasting large fleets of boats, casinos, ballrooms, and auditoriums kept notable and notorious patrons such as F. Scott Fitzgerald and the Barker-Karpis gang entertained.

At the end of World War II, the south side of the lake became developed as family farms gave way to expertly constructed homes and the population exploded. White Bear Lake, an all-American city, has earned a reputation as a safe and vibrant community in which to live or visit.