In the 12th century, the German settlement of Ruppin (now called Altruppin) was established next to it.

A mill was built in Altfriesack, between the Ruppiner See and the Bützsee next to the Slavic settlement of Wustrau.

The building of the Ruppiner Canal in 1788 increased its importance, as it was then connected to the Havel and thereby with Berlin.

Since 1898, a railroad causeway on the Kremmen–Wittstock line has cut the lake in two, 2.5 km from the north shore running east and west.

It is then released over the locks in Alt Friesack to prevent the wetlands from drying out.