Providing Access to White Bear Lake Since 1939
White Bear Lake attracted vacationers as early as the 1850s, but only those who were willing to brave the three-hour wagon ride from St. Paul. When the railroad was extended to White Bear Lake in 1868, the first train carried 500 people, who poured out at the depot ready for picnics and boating. Easy transportation cinched the lake’s reputation as a summer playground.
Between 1870 and 1910, White Bear Lake was the only place to be. There were cottages all along the lakeshore. Today, thanks to Tally’s Dockside, you don’t have to own lakeside property or a boat to enjoy the beautiful White Bear Lake.
Tally’s Dockside is a landmark that dates back to 1939 and the resort era of White Bear Lake, when people ventured from St. Paul to escape from city life and spend the day out on the lake.
Tally’s Dockside is one of the last echoes from the past along the lakefront and is one of the last places you can rent a boat and motor or purchase live bait on the lake.
Keith and Jan Dehnert are Tally’s sixth owners and are destined to be the longest owners and operators since its inception in 1939. The original owners, Lone and Warren Elsner, fulfilled a lifelong dream of moving to beautiful White Bear Lake and converting a Mobil gas station into the family’s home and moving the garage across the street as a bathhouse and calling it Anchor Inn.
Seventeen years later, Mildred and Ralph (Tally) Bloomer purchased the business and changed its name to Tally’s Anchor Inn. It was under their 25-year tenure that the boat rental business became famous for its annual picnics, walleye fish fries, 100-gallon buoys, and social gatherings.
The year of 2019 rings in Tally’s 80th Birthday and celebrates Jan and Keith owning Tally’s for 30 years!
Our goal is to provide access and enjoyment on White Bear Lake. Since 1990, we have taken great pride in our community and keeping the character of Tally’s Dockside growing. We have one of the best gathering spots on White Bear Lake with our Live Music by the Water Summer Concert Series. We hosted the 2009 Governor’s Fishing Opener and Shore Lunch for 700!
CG Hooks Eatery
In 2008, we opened up CG Hooks Eatery, our Memphis-style BBQ restaurant and Ice Cream Parlor. Take in the splendor of White Bear Lake. Come rent a pontoon boat and cruise the lake or come out fishing for walleye in one of our fishing boats.
After the day on the lake, relax and enjoy some great food and one of our 15 cold draft craft beers or a bottle of fine wine on our deck and patio. We have lots going on during the summer. Come experience what people have enjoyed since 1850.
