In 1919, a writer named Dr. Bessy surveyed the lake from his base at Bent's Camp Resort.

In his examination of the flora, he determined that Mamie and the other lakes and landforms in the area were formed by a glacier which created a dump moraine.

In 1893 it was developed from what was an obsolete logging camp into a tourist recreation location.

[6][7] The camp is named for its first owner, Charles Bent, who continued to operate it into the 1940s.

[8] An annual music festival called Northwoodstock is held at the location.