White Bear Lake

White Bear Lake is a city in Ramsey County, in the U.S. State of Minnesota. The population was 24,325 at the 2000 census. White Bear Lake is also a lake in Minnesota, one of the largest lakes in the Minneapolis St. Paul metropolitan area. The name "White Bear Lake," came from the Native Americans. There is more than one version of the legend about the island on White Bear Lake, now called Manitou Island (Manitou meaning habitation of great spirit... more

White Bear Lake is a city in Ramsey County, in the U.S. State of Minnesota. The population was 24,325 at the 2000 census. White Bear Lake is also a lake in Minnesota, one of the largest lakes in the Minneapolis St. Paul metropolitan area. The name "White Bear Lake," came from the Native Americans. There is more than one version of the legend about the island on White Bear Lake, now called Manitou Island (Manitou meaning habitation of great spirit), used by the Native Americans for making maple sugar. From the book "Indian Legends of Minnesota" by Mrs. Carl T. Thayer, J.R. Osgood & Co., 1883, pp 583–593, "It is said that a Sioux maiden fell in love with a Chippewa brave. She, the daughter of the Chief, on learning that her father planned war against the Chippewa, ran to her lover and warned him. The brave went alone into the Sioux village to ask for peace and the hand of the maiden. Before the Chief would agree, the Chippewa would have to do a brave deed. The lovers usually met on... less