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Devil's Lake
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Scenic Devil’s Lake, ND Calls to Lovers of the Great Outdoors
In the heart of North Dakota’s lakes region, the town of
Devil’s Lake offers easy access to some of the best fishing, hunting and wildlife
viewing available in the entire United States.
Nature lovers and sportsmen alike will marvel at a landscape where prairies, wetlands
and woods all come together in the vicinity of a 163,000-acre natural lake. Our
helpful guide will help you plan the perfect stay in this outdoor playground.
Unrivaled Recreation
Devil’s Lake is the largest natural body of water in the
entire state, and it’s well suited to fishing throughout the year, and all
manner of wet activities from swimming, kayaking, and floating in the lake to high-speed
boating, wake-boarding and water skiing in the summertime.
Anglers come for miles to fish its plentiful waters for northern pike, walleye,
white bass, and most notably, sizeable perch. In fact, the lake has been dubbed
the “Perch Capital of the World.” You can fish from the shore or rent
a boat from one of several local marinas. There are also a number of local guides
ready to lead you to a thrilling catch.
Start your exploration of the lake and more than 1100 adjacent land acres at
Graham’s Island State Park. In addition to a boat ramp, camping options
and numerous picnic sites, there are plenty of nature trails for hiking, biking,
and viewing the plentiful wildlife and plant species.
Woodland Resort is a full-service fishing
lodge located right on the lake, complete with accommodations, camping, boat rentals,
bait and tackle, fish cleaning stations and guide services.
During the fall hunting season, there are a number of opportunities for both residents
and visiting sportsmen. Area waterfowl include Canadian, Blue and Snow Geese, Sandhill
Crane and a several species of Ducks. Whitetail deer are also plentiful and can
be hunted with bows or rifles.
The lake and wetlands in proximity to grass and woodland areas offers habitat to
a rich variety of area bird species, and makes birding a particularly popular activity
in this unique region.
Sully’s Hill National Game Reserve
was created by a proclamation of President Theodore Roosevelt as a refuge and breeding
ground for wild animals and migratory birds. It is one of only 4 such refuges managed
by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The preserve is home to a herd of American
bison, Rocky Mountain elk, white-tailed deer, a prairie-dog town, waterfowl, and
additional area wildlife including wild turkeys, beavers, mink, weasels, fox and
more than 200 species of birds. Visitors can tour the preserve by auto or on a walking
trail. There is also a visitor’s center and an ampitheatre for special presentations.
Don’t assume you have to leave the outdoors behind during the cold-weather
months. Fun winter activities include snowmobiling, public ice-skating in the park,
sledding, sleighing, and of course, ice fishing.
Local History
A glimpse into the interesting local history begins with a downtown walking tour
that includes 14 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Tour
brochures are available at the downtown visitor’s center.
The Lake Region Heritage Center
is a historic former U.S. Post Office and Courthouse which now houses 3 stories
of exhibits and art galleries as well as a Native American Center featuring the
Dakota Sioux and Chippewa Indian cultures. Visitors may also view the period interiors
of the Sheriff’s House Museum between Memorial Day and Labor Day or during
the winter months by appointment.
The nearby Fort Totten State Historic
Site was a frontier military post built in 1867. It was charged with keeping
the peace at the surrounding reservation and guarding overland transportation routes.
After 1890 the fort became a boarding school for Native American children. The site
offers 17 original buildings, an interpretive center, special exhibits and videos,
the Pioneer Daughter’s Museum in the hospital building, and the
Totten Trail Historic Inn — bed and breakfast accommodations with
period furnishings.
Lakeside Leisure
Guests are welcomed at the Devil’s LakeTown
and Country Club, home to a challenging 18-hole golf course that weaves
along the lakeshore.
Finally, there are many exciting entertainment options at the Spirit Lake
Casino and Resort. Gamers can try their luck at poker, blackjack, craps,
bingo or the slots. The resort also has hotel or rv accommodations, live shows,
a marina and fine dining overlooking the picturesque lake.
For more specific information on these and other area attractions, visit
the Devil’s Lake Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism at
www.devilslakend.com.
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