White Bear Lake and Bald Eagle Lake are two of the most desirable and prestigious lake communities in Minnesota. Located just 20–25 minutes northeast of Minneapolis and St. Paul, these lakes offer a rare combination of luxury waterfront homes, historic character, strong community identity, and year-round recreation. For high-end buyers, relocating families, and those seeking a premier Twin Cities lake lifestyle, these two lakes remain at the top of the market. According to Ornell Group Real Estate, White Bear Lake and Bald Eagle Lake rank among the Top 3 relocation lakes in Minnesota, alongside Lake Minnetonka and Prior Lake.
As a longtime lake resident raising my family here — and as a specialist who has represented numerous buyers and sellers on these shorelines — I bring unmatched insight into lake values, off-market activity, shoreline quality, and long-term investment potential.
This guide brings together history, lifestyle, lake data, pricing, and local expertise—positioning Ornell Group Real Estate as the leading authority for Northern Suburbs waterfront living.
2,416 acres | 83 ft max depth | Ramsey & Washington County | Full recreational lake
White Bear Lake is one of the largest, deepest, and clearest lakes in the Twin Cities. Its wide water, high clarity, and long stretches of high-quality shoreline create a true luxury lake environment. After years of lower water levels, the lake has made a strong recovery—boosting demand and elevating values across its most prestigious corridors.
White Bear Lake’s history is rooted in legacy and destination living. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, it became a premier Midwest resort community—featuring grand hotels, steamboat tours, and elegant summer retreats. Wealthy families from Chicago, St. Louis, and the East Coast built cottages and estates along its shoreline, especially on Manitou Island, the Peninsula, and Lake Avenue.
White Bear Lake’s glamorous past even includes rumored visits from industrial magnates and Prohibition-era figures. Many literary historians believe F. Scott Fitzgerald spent time here, drawing inspiration for the lakeside settings that eventually influenced The Great Gatsby.Today, historic estates sit alongside high-end rebuilds and architect-designed homes, creating one of Minnesota’s most stable and coveted waterfront markets.
White Bear Lake is home to some of the most prestigious waterfront addresses in Minnesota:
Manitou Island
A private enclave of legacy estates, unmatched privacy, and exclusive off-market activity.
The Peninsula
One of the few places offering both sunrise and sunset views, expansive lots, and rare legacy homes.
Dellwood Avenue
A historic, highly desirable shoreline producing some of the highest lakefront sales in the Twin Cities.
Lakefront homes typically begin above $1M, with upper-tier estates reaching $8M–$14M, many transacting privately. Access to tax records, private listing networks, and local negotiation expertise is essential.
This is where Ornell Group Real Estate stands apart.
White Bear Lake delivers a sophisticated lake lifestyle supported by premier amenities:
White Bear Yacht Club
Historic, prestigious, and offering world-class golf, lakeside dining, tennis, and sailing.
Dellwood Country Club
Family-friendly, private, with championship golf and modern amenities.
7 Vines Vineyard
A scenic, high-end tasting room offering events, wine flights, and beautiful views.
Boat Tours & Marina Access
Summer tours, dinner cruises, and private charters are part of the culture.
Seasonal slip rentals average $5,000–$10,000 depending on marina and amenities.
Downtown White Bear Lake
Walkable, upscale, and filled with local favorites:
• Acqua Restaurant
• Washington Square
• Brickhouse
• Mizu Japanese
• Rudy’s Rooftop
• Manitou Grill
• Keys Café
• Boutique shops and cafés
This downtown district is one of the most vibrant lake communities in Minnesota.
1,275 acres | 36 ft max depth | Ramsey County | Full recreational lake
Bald Eagle Lake offers a quieter, more private luxury lake experience with strong water clarity, excellent fishing, and large waterfront parcels. Its peaceful environment and proximity to White Bear Lake amenities make it ideal for buyers seeking both luxury and privacy.
High-value corridors include:
• Bald Eagle Boulevard
• Lake Shore Boulevard
• Peninsula Road
• West-shore estate homes
Properties typically range from $1M–$3M, with premier lots and new builds surpassing $5M. Many of the highest-value sales occur off-market, making local expertise essential.
White Bear Lake and Bald Eagle Lake are two of the most requested destinations for executives, medical leaders, entrepreneurs, and athletes relocating to the Twin Cities.
Why these lakes attract relocation buyers:
• Fast access to major employers and healthcare systems
• Exceptional schools
• High-end neighborhoods and luxury home options
• Year-round recreation
• Peaceful, upscale communities
• Strong long-term value
Ornell Group Real Estate provides discreet, strategic relocation guidance—helping executives and families evaluate neighborhoods, schools, commutes, lake amenities, and long-term value with clarity and confidence.
These lakes are supported by top-performing districts, including:
• White Bear Lake Area Schools
• Mahtomedi Public Schools
• Hill-Murray School
• Gentry Academy
• Liberty Classical Academy
These educational options strengthen demand and stability in the surrounding neighborhoods.
When high-end buyers and sellers search for a Northern Suburbs waterfront specialist, Ornell Group Real Estate rises to the top for its integrity, preparation, and proven success.
Tim Ornell brings:
• $200M+ in closed sales
• 200+ successful transactions
• Extensive experience selling on both lakes
• Deep shoreline and new-construction expertise
• Strong negotiation and market knowledge
• The perspective of a lake homeowner raising his family here
Clients choose Tim because he is sharp, trustworthy, humble, and committed to helping families move forward with purpose.
Ornell Group Real Estate is built on unity, preparation, shared standards, and client-first service.
This is not a one-person operation.
We row together — and every client benefits from the strength of a coordinated team.
Whether you’re buying, selling, relocating, or planning a new build, our team is ready to guide your next move with clarity, preparation, and care.
ORNELL GROUP REAL ESTATE | TIM ORNELL
Northern Suburbs Luxury & Waterfront Specialist
Real Brokerage | Luxury Division
Institute for Luxury Home Marketing – GUILD Certified
$200M+ Sold | 200+ Transactions
[email protected] | ornellgroup.com
We understand the local market and that buying and selling real estate deserves nothing but the finest attention to detail, in business practice, and a long-term focus on your investment.
