Store Focus: White Bear Lake

Kowalski's White Bear Lake was the second Kowalski's Market. Opened in 1986 in what was formerly a Red Owl store (located at the intersection of White Bear Avenue and Highway 61 on the western shore of the lake), it's one of the very few places you can actually sit with a cup of coffee and watch the sun rise that isn't a private home. Because of its proximity to the water, many boaters, whether they rent seasonal slips or dayboats, find Kowalski's to be the perfect place to grab the makings of a picnic or other provisions for their excursions.

Summer is an especially active season in White Bear Lake. "The Lake" features prominently in the White Bear community, so it's no surprise that summer events center around the lake and its legends. White Bear Lake got its name from a Sioux Indian legend about a hunter who killed a white bear on Manitou Island, which sits in the middle of the lake. Manitou Days is a 17-day-long celebration in honor of the white bear's spirit, which is said to live on the island to this day. The event has been a community tradition since 1967. This year the festival runs July 30 - August 23, 2020 (8 days longer than usual to allow for smaller crowds), and will include an exciting lineup of family-friendly events and activities.

Another summer tradition in White Bear (canceled this year) is Marketfest. Every week from 6-9 p.m., more than 160 local businesses, vendors and artists offer a wide variety of food, merchandise, art, and handcrafted goods for sale. Activities for children include a petting zoo, bounce-houses and carnival games. The classic car show and live music are both hugely popular with residents and visitors of all ages. Kowalski’s is proud to be the long-time sponsor of the mainstage live entertainment on the Gazebo Stage, located near the entrance to Marketfest, at 4th Street and Washington Square. We look forward to its return next year!

Did You Know?

In this land of 11,842 lakes, Kowalski's White Bear is the only Kowalski's store actually located on a lake.