White Bear Armory

Did whispers of gangsters and drills echo within these walls? Before you stands the White Bear Armory, a place steeped in history and community spirit. The White Bear Armory isn’t just bricks and mortar. It’s a living testament to White Bear Lake’s vibrant past. The cornerstone was laid in 1922 with a grand ceremony. The White Bear Armory became a hub not just for the National Guard, but for the entire community. Imagine fundraising events in 1925, filling the hall with music and laughter as the community rallied together to purchase a piano. The White Bear Armory has faced its share of adversity. A devastating fire in 1928 destroyed the front portion, only to be restored and then damaged again by a cyclone in 1941. Each time, the White Bear Armory was rebuilt, a symbol of the community’s resilience. In 1941, this very building witnessed White Bear’s National Guard unit depart for World War II. The armory then served the State Guard, the “Home Guard,” during the war years. The White Bear Armory transitioned again in the 1980s when it was decommissioned. The city of White Bear Lake purchased the property, ensuring its continued role as a community center. Even today, the White Bear Armory serves as a departure point for the White Bear Lake Historical Society’s gangster tour, a journey back to the 1930s when gangsters hid in cottages around the local lakes. The White Bear Armory stands as a proud reminder of community strength and resilience. It has served as a training ground for soldiers, a gathering place for celebrations, and a witness to history unfolding.