White Bear Lake in Ramsey County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Spiess Landing

Photographed by McGhiever, July 26, 2024

1. Spiess Landing Marker

Inscription.

"To those who dream—and live their dreams"

Dedication from the book Alone Against the Atlantic by Gerry Spiess with Marlin Bree

On these historic shores, the legend of Yankee Girl and Gerry Spiess was born. In two epic voyages, despite raging storms, capsizes, physical pain and sleeplessness, the White Bear skipper and his beloved 10-foot-long plywood sailboat crossed both the North Atlantic and Pacific Oceans — and captured the imagination of the world. In honor of the former Mariner school teacher and his world sailing records, this shoreline is dedicated a historic site and designated through the ages as Spiess Landing — the community's tribute to Minnesota's famed "Lone Sailor" and White Bear's native son, a man who dared to dream and to make his dreams come true.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1979.

Location. 45° 5.221′ N, 92° 59.956′ W. Marker is in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, in Ramsey County. It can be reached from the intersection of Manitou Island and Lake Avenue, on the left when traveling east. The marker

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is in Matoska Park facing the boat ramp. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Saint Paul MN 55110, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American Midwest,

in the Corn Belt,

and in the Great River Road Region.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once Rupert’s Land,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Erd-Geist Gazebo (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); White Bear Lake / The Dakota Legend of White Bear Lake (about 500 feet away); Fillebrown House (approx. ¼ mile away); The Original Townsite Plat of White Bear Lake (approx. 0.6 miles away); White Bear Lake Civil War Memorial (approx. 0.6 miles away); White Bear Lake Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.6 miles away); St. John in the Wilderness Episcopal Church (approx. 0.6 miles away); American Indian Mounds (approx. 0.8 miles away).

Spiess Landing Marker facing the boat ramp on White Bear Lake image. Click for full size.

Photographed by McGhiever, July 26, 2024

2. Spiess Landing Marker facing the boat ramp on White Bear Lake

Touch for a list and map of all markers in White Bear Lake.

Also see . . . Gerry Spiess on Wikipedia. (Submitted on August 8, 2024, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota.)

Credits. This page was last revised on August 8, 2024. It was originally submitted on August 8, 2024, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota. This page has been viewed 493 times since then and 111 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 8, 2024, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota.