The Little-Known Story Of White Bear Lake In Minnesota Is Unlike Any Other
By Trent Jonas|Published October 27, 2023
×
Trent Jonas
Author
Trent Jonas came to Minnesota to attend college - and never left. He's a Twin Cities-based writer with a BA in English and a MFA in creative writing, a Minnesota Master Naturalist, and the proud father of two adult children. With more than a decade of freelance writing experience under his belt, Trent is often out exploring his favorite topics: Minnesota's woods, lakes, and trails. Rhubarb pie is his weakness, so discovering new diners is also a passion.
The charming small city of White Bear Lake, MN is a Twin Cities suburb in the northeast Metro. It stretches along the shore of the lake for which it is named, one of the biggest lakes in the Metro area. The city got its name from the lake, but where, you may wonder, did the lake get its name? Well that tale is one Minnesota origin story that’s not quite like any other in the state. So, sit back and let me tell you the story of White Bear Lake.
The White Bear Lake area had been inhabited by both Dakota and Ojibwe people for centuries before the first Europeans settled the area in 1858.
Legends regarding how the lake came to be named have been swirling for as long as there have been people in the area. Even Mark Twain, in his Life on the Mississippi has published a version of the White Bear Lake origin story.
Regardless of the source, the story generally involves a young Dakota woman and her Ojibwe lover.
They would meet on Manitou Island, where they wouldn’t be found by their respective peoples.
Advertisement
One day, when the Dakota maiden learned from her father, the chief, that he planned to go to war with the Ojibwe, she rushed to Manitou Island to warn her lover.
When she arrived, he was not there. But a large white bear was. The bear attacked her. The Ojibwe boy came upon the bear attacking his beloved, and fought the bear, killing it and saving the Dakota woman. Out of gratitude, the Dakota chief scrapped his war plans. The lake was thereafter known has White Bear Lake, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Advertisement
Much later, in the 1860s, a direct railroad line connected White Bear Lake with the Twin Cities, and the small community boomed.
White Bear Lake became a popular resort community, attracting folks from the Twin Cities and across the country. A visit to this resort town in the 1874 is how Mark Twain got wind of the bear legend.
The town was popular all year round: swimming, boating, and fishing in the summer; skating and Nordic skiing in the winter. It also hosted regular festivals.
The plaque refers to an 1855 letter obtained by the Minnesota Historical Society that recounts a version of the legend and attributes it to the Dakota people.
Today, you’ll find plenty of small, local businesses in the city’s bustling downtown area.
You could easily spend a day or a weekend in this delightful and historic Minnesota town. There are a handful of hotels in the city if you wish to stay a night or three.
Did you know about this Minnesota origin story? Let us know in the comments, and be sure to tell us about any other fascinating Minnesota legends that you’re aware of.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
