White Bear Lake offers idyllic landscapes and deep blue lakes that make the town a beautiful retreat for families vacationing in and around Minneapolis or St Paul. The many activities available in and around this town will reward you.
Within the White Bear Lake area, 7 Vines Vineyard offers a romantic and spellbinding Napa Valley kind of feel right in the Midwest which captures and transports you as soon as you step foot in it. This winery, owned by a family, is one of Minnesota’s biggest ‘true’ wineries with a stunning 11-acre grape farm. Visit them for a chargeable experience including wine tasting and their impressive wines such as 2021 La Crescent dry apricot wine with white peach hints.

Families with Children can happily make a stop at Cup and Cone, which recently marked its 50 years as a locally owned family business. Flavors of the day vary from Strawberry Pina Colada to Dairy-Free Pomegranate Dole Whip, or we can share Sundae, Float, Freeze, or Splash together.

Mizu comes from the Japanese word for “water”. It is situated in the waterfront entertainment district and is a nice choice for dinner. It was opened by the owners of Acqua, and Mizu Japanese, which is characterized by plenty of outdoor seating, boasts views over White Bear Lake. The menu lists creative dishes and local favorites like the Uni Spoon, which has uni, quail egg, ponzo, and tobiko, and specialty sushi rolls such as the Red Dragon Roll, which contains shrimp tempura, spicy tuna and avocado. You are assured to be amazed. Order a Leaping Lychee or Koi Cocktail too!

Next to Mizu Japanese is the casual Tally’s Dockside. Looks great for some good time with friends or family – music, waterfront, food and good drinks – no wonder people are in good mood all the time here, has to be. Owned by Jan and Keith Dehnert for over 30 years, Tally’s has been in the hands of a couple since it was over 80 years. The pair visited White Bear Lake for the first time and decided to come back – almost three decades ago. Tallow’s also provides guided boat tours on different themes they have. Wednesday they have wine and cheese night, Thursday is Craft beer and barbeque night. There is nothing more peaceful than riding a pontoon boat with the wind blowing through your hair with the lake sun setting behind you.

Big Wood Brewery has been a part of the White Bear Lake community since its founding in 2009. Grab a beer or a flight and enjoy it at the outdoor picnic tables. Wheat Bear Lake comes with a herby latino ginger flavor and has a twist to it. Anyone can try a Mexican style lager ‘Amigo Grande’ or a michelada under its name.

Ascend the spiral staircase and follow the bear which is beautifully posed as you head towards the city’s local hot spot, Rudy’s Rooftop. This is a place to create memories with a roaring fireplace on the colder nights. The award-winning menu showcases a range of small plate appetizers and entrees to chew on, from the hefty Coconut Shrimp to Angus Medallions fried in iron skillets with béarnaise sauces, and the cordial Rudy’s Pan-fried Walleye made from cold-water Walleye fish from Canada.

Locals recommend the decent-sized, flavorful Rudytini –a very nice refreshing cocktail with raspberry vodka, cranberry juice and pineapple juice. Rudy’s Rooftop can easily be reached from your Best Western Plus White Bear Lake Country Inn; take the lift to the third floor or, alternatively, walk up the spiral staircase.

Every vacation is best enjoyed whilst staying at Best Western Plus White Bear Country Inn. Positioned right in the middle of the White Bear Lake area within reach of all the stores and theaters including the Cup and Cone famous for its soft serve ice cream, it’s unlikely for one to be bored in the vicinity. Return to your king jacuzzi suite that has a fireplace and sofa bed, all the comforts of home. There is no shortage of your preferred television programs, as easy streaming services are available, and there is complimentary breakfast available every morning right next to the inside pool located within the Tuscany-covered atrium.