Living in stunning White Bear Lake, Minnesota, means you’re already surrounded by endless wonders and scenic settings. But even in a town with so much to offer, sometimes a change of pace can feel refreshing.
Whether you’re in the mood for a quiet lakeside retreat or a riveting nature hike, the region around White Bear Lake is brimming with possibilities. Weekend getaways let you explore new landscapes, experience new things, and recharge — all within a couple of hours’ drive. Here’s your guide to a few of the best weekend trips that start with a tank of gas and end in excellent memories worth cherishing forever.
Minnetonka: Lake Views and Upscale Relaxation
If you're looking for a weekend escape that offers lakeside tranquility without sacrificing modern comforts, Minnetonka is a fantastic option, and it’s only about 30 miles from White Bear Lake. Known for its proximity to sprawling Lake Minnetonka and downtown Minneapolis, this area combines natural splendor with refined dining options, boutique shopping, and luxury spas.
Start your visit with a stroll or bike ride along the Lake Minnetonka Regional Trail, which offers peaceful views, shaded paths, and connections to nearby communities like Wayzata and Excelsior. You can charter a boat or hop on a cruise to explore the lake’s inlets, islands, and elegant shoreline homes. In the warmer months, lakeside patios buzz with endless energy, offering fresh seafood, craft cocktails, and sunset views that are hard to beat.
Downtown Wayzata, just minutes away, provides an upscale small-town experience. You’ll find stylish boutiques, artisan bakeries, top-tier restaurants, and sidewalk cafes perfect for a relaxing afternoon. Spa enthusiasts can book a treatment at one of the area’s luxury wellness centers, while outdoor enthusiasts can rent kayaks or paddleboards for a more active adventure.
Lake Minnetonka itself is the crown jewel of the region, offering recreation in every season. During the warmer months, high-energy watersports like wakeboarding, tubing, and jet skiing fill the bays, while early risers can enjoy the calm of a sunrise paddleboarding session. The summer calendar is packed with fun-filled events — think sunset cruises, boat-in concerts, and Fourth of July fireworks that shimmer across the water in spectacular fashion. When the seasons shift, the lake transforms into a winter oasis. Ice fishing houses dot the frozen surface, snowmobiles crisscross the snowy expanse, and lakeside bonfires create a cozy backdrop.
Start your visit with a stroll or bike ride along the Lake Minnetonka Regional Trail, which offers peaceful views, shaded paths, and connections to nearby communities like Wayzata and Excelsior. You can charter a boat or hop on a cruise to explore the lake’s inlets, islands, and elegant shoreline homes. In the warmer months, lakeside patios buzz with endless energy, offering fresh seafood, craft cocktails, and sunset views that are hard to beat.
Downtown Wayzata, just minutes away, provides an upscale small-town experience. You’ll find stylish boutiques, artisan bakeries, top-tier restaurants, and sidewalk cafes perfect for a relaxing afternoon. Spa enthusiasts can book a treatment at one of the area’s luxury wellness centers, while outdoor enthusiasts can rent kayaks or paddleboards for a more active adventure.
Lake Minnetonka itself is the crown jewel of the region, offering recreation in every season. During the warmer months, high-energy watersports like wakeboarding, tubing, and jet skiing fill the bays, while early risers can enjoy the calm of a sunrise paddleboarding session. The summer calendar is packed with fun-filled events — think sunset cruises, boat-in concerts, and Fourth of July fireworks that shimmer across the water in spectacular fashion. When the seasons shift, the lake transforms into a winter oasis. Ice fishing houses dot the frozen surface, snowmobiles crisscross the snowy expanse, and lakeside bonfires create a cozy backdrop.
Prior Lake: Relaxation and Recreation Close to Home
Just under an hour southwest of White Bear Lake, Prior Lake offers a perfect convergence of water adventures, casual dining, and a relaxed weekend atmosphere. This getaway is especially appealing if you're looking for a short drive but a complete change of scenery. With its namesake lake as the centerpiece, Prior Lake is a go-to destination for boating, paddleboarding, and lakeside lounging during the summer months.
If you enjoy fishing, Upper Prior Lake is stocked with walleye, bass, and northern pike, offering a rewarding experience for anglers of all skill levels. Surrounding parks like Lakefront Park provide open green space for picnics, trails, and playgrounds. For a lively evening, head to Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, which hosts concerts, comedy shows, and dining options ranging from casual to upscale. Nearby breweries and restaurants serve everything from wood-fired pizza to hearty breakfasts, making it easy to spend a weekend enjoying great food and fantastic views.
Whether you're looking to kick back by the water or enjoy a night out without straying too far, Prior Lake delivers an easygoing escape that feels just right for a weekend reset.
If you enjoy fishing, Upper Prior Lake is stocked with walleye, bass, and northern pike, offering a rewarding experience for anglers of all skill levels. Surrounding parks like Lakefront Park provide open green space for picnics, trails, and playgrounds. For a lively evening, head to Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, which hosts concerts, comedy shows, and dining options ranging from casual to upscale. Nearby breweries and restaurants serve everything from wood-fired pizza to hearty breakfasts, making it easy to spend a weekend enjoying great food and fantastic views.
Whether you're looking to kick back by the water or enjoy a night out without straying too far, Prior Lake delivers an easygoing escape that feels just right for a weekend reset.
Taylors Falls: Scenic Beauty on the St. Croix River
Just about 40 miles from White Bear Lake, Taylors Falls is a picturesque destination that feels much farther removed. The highlight of any trip here is Interstate State Park, where you can hike alongside the basalt cliffs of the St. Croix River, formed by ancient lava flows and carved by glacial melt. Trails like the Pothole Trail and River Trail offer dramatic views and photo-worthy rock formations at every turn.
After exploring the park, stroll through the historic and scenic downtown, where you’ll find charming shops, a local ice cream parlor, and riverside dining. The Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tours are a must if you’re visiting in the warmer months. These excursions offer narrated cruises along the St. Croix River, diving into the region’s history and surrounding natural landscapes, from glacial kettles to rock formations. In winter, the nearby Wild Mountain transforms into a snowy paradise for skiing, tubing, and snowboarding.
After exploring the park, stroll through the historic and scenic downtown, where you’ll find charming shops, a local ice cream parlor, and riverside dining. The Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tours are a must if you’re visiting in the warmer months. These excursions offer narrated cruises along the St. Croix River, diving into the region’s history and surrounding natural landscapes, from glacial kettles to rock formations. In winter, the nearby Wild Mountain transforms into a snowy paradise for skiing, tubing, and snowboarding.
Wrapping Up Your Weekend Escape
There’s something rewarding about stepping outside your routine, even for just a couple of days. When you live in White Bear Lake, you’re perfectly positioned to enjoy some of Minnesota’s most memorable destinations without the stress of a long journey. From charming river towns and peaceful lakeside retreats to historic villages, these weekend trips invite you to explore the richness that surrounds you.
Whether you're chasing fall colors, spring blossoms, or snowy landscapes, the variety of weekend escapes from White Bear Lake will keep your travel calendar full year-round. If living in White Bear Lake is your dream, connect with the Ornell Group today to explore the real estate landscape.
Whether you're chasing fall colors, spring blossoms, or snowy landscapes, the variety of weekend escapes from White Bear Lake will keep your travel calendar full year-round. If living in White Bear Lake is your dream, connect with the Ornell Group today to explore the real estate landscape.
