Dakota - Devil's Lake
The state's largest natural lake has unlimited summer recreation possibilities, and there's even a casino nearby for fun after dark.
Devils Lake, ND has some of the absolute greatest duck and goose hunting in the world. This area in North Dakota is also well known for its white-tail deer hunting in the fall. But most of all, Devils Lake is known for its fantastic fishing. Try out Devils Lake in the summer for some great walleye and pike fishing. Or better yet, brave the cold and have the time of your life catching those famous Devils Lake Jumbo Perch and whopping walleye while out ice fishing. If you haven't tried Devils Lake yet, you are missing out on some awesome fishing and hunting fun! Try Devils Lake North Dakota for your next sportsman's trip.
Outdoor Activities
Lake Region Birding Trail
Wetlands, Woodlands, and Prairies
Welcome to the Devils Lake Basin with its wealth of wildlife species and public lands. This area is part of the Prairie Pothole Region madeBirding at Sullys Hill up of valuable complexes of wetlands interspersed with important grassland habitats. Adding to the uniqueness of the basin are tracts of hardwood deciduous forests that are an anomaly on the prairie. This mixture of wetlands and lakes along with grasslands and woodlands contribute to the species richness of birds in the region. These habitat resources are not only valuable to wildlife but also perform important functions for the human environment in terms of water quality improvements, minimizing erosion, flood water management, carbon sequestrations, ground water recharge, recreation, tourism, and education. Many of the wetlands, woodlands, grasslands, and associated wildlife are harbored in the area's public lands. The Basin's public lands are comprised of the National Wildlife Refuge System, ND State Parks, ND Game and Fish lands, and County Recreation areas. This panel will provide you an introduction to public areas which await you with their wide array of bird life.Fawns west of Devils LakeImportant public lands to visit in the Devils Lake Basin consist of Sullys Hill National Game Preserve, Lake Alice National Wildlife Refuge, and the Nikolaisen, Wengeler, Martinson, and Hofstrand Waterfowl Production areas. These are all part of the Sully's Hill National Wildlife Game Preserve. ND State Parks in the area include Graham's Island State Park. And if you travel to Stump Lake you can enjoy the Old Settlers Park, Black Swan Game Management Area, and Stump Lake National Wildlife Refuge.We hope you enjoy the diversity of habitats in the Region, the richness of our area's bird life, and the hospitality of the Devils Lake Region. Send us an email at chamber@gondtc.com and we will send you a map with more detailed information on each of the areas.
Also, visit the Sullys Hill Birding and Nature Festival website to learn more about the annual regional event.
Wildlife Viewing
Sully's Hill National Game Preserve
(701) 766-4272
Sullys Hill National Game PreserveWildlife Viewing has an auto tour and nature trail. The 4 mile interpreted auto tour is usually open from May through October. Gates are open from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM throughout the summer. There is a 1 mile self-guided nature trail that takes visitors along a wooded stream and through the wooded terrain of the preserve where you might see white tailed deer, wood ducks and warblers.
Sullys Hill is located south of Devils Lake, ND. Named after General Alfred Sully who led an expedition to the south shore of Devils Lake in 1865. It is one of the nation's 500 National Wildlife Refuges. It was originally set aside in 1904 by President Theodore Roosevelt, as a big game preserve, to help save two of North America's most majestic species: bison and elk.
By the time Sullys Hill became a big game preserve in 1914, American bison were considered an endangered species. They had disappeared from North Dakota by 1884. BuffaloIn 1895, only 20 wild bison remained in the United States and 250 were left in Canada. By 1900, Elk were gone from much of their native range, including North Dakota. Protective laws, the establishment of refuges, and propagation of private herds helped save the species. Bison are now numbering approximately 75,000 in North America. The Bison is now out of danger.
For the Elk, habitat protection and regulated hunting have helped elk numbers recover. Currently, Sullys Hill is managed as a refuge and breeding ground for birds and other wildlife as well as a big game preserve. Sullys Hill has also been developed into a Regional Conservation Learning Center and is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Some of the wildlife that can be seen at Sullys Hill includes: Bison, Elk, White-tailed deer, prairie dogs, waterfowl, foxes, raccoons, skunks, weasels, mink, gray and fox squirrels, muskrats, rabbits, woodchucks, many species of songbirds, shorebirds, bald and golden eagles.
Recreation in the Devils Lake North Dakota Area
evils Lake, North Dakota City Parks
Ruger Park - 5th Avenue and 12th Street North, Devils Lake. This park provides playground equipment, four softball fields, swimming pool with slide, restroom facilities, concession stand, flower beds, wildlife habitat, sand volley courts, activities building, two outdoor shelters, picnic tables, skating rink with boards, two outdoor basketball courts and a walking path.
Mike Dosch Memorial Swimming Pool--Ruger Park--The pool complex includes a heated main pool, water slide and intermediate pool for young children. The bathhouse is completely enclosed and heated. The pool is located next to the playground at Ruger Park and close to the softball/baseball complex. They will be providing a full range of swimming lessons and other activities throughout the summer. There is also time set aside for family swimming, lap swimming, aerobic/adult swimming and other activities. The pool is available for rental and special activities. Please listen to the radio or call the pool to verify daily scheduling. Please contact the Recreation Office for further information at 701-662-8243 or 701-662-8976.
Roosevelt Park - 4th Street SW, Devils Lake. This park provides an indoor shelter and two outdoor shelters, picnic tables, grills, five softball diamonds (one lighted), concession stand, new restroom facilities, playground equipment, three horseshoe courts, baseball field (lighted), two sand volleyball courts, flower beds, miniature golf course, and the Bill Jerome indoor sports arena.
A miniature golf course is operated on the park's edge. Roughrider Mini Golf is open Memorial Day through Labor Day. Hours are Monday through Friday from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and weekends from 12:00 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The enclosed picnic shelters at Roosevelt and Ruger Parks may be reserved through the Recreation Office in the Burdick Arena.
Picnic kit rentals includes: horseshoes, softball bat, ball, volleyball and net.
**Picnic Shelters and Picnic Kits are reserved on a first-come first served basis.
For more information contact the Devils Lake Park Board (701) 662-8243
Odd Fellows Park - 14th Avenue & 6th Street, Devils Lake. This park provides wildlife habitat, open space, and a sledding hill during the winter months.
Lakewood Park - Located in the Lakewood Subdivision Area. This park provides playground, restroom facilities, one ball field, picnic tables, picnic shelters and grills. A boat ramp and dock are also located close by. A bike path connects Lakewood Park to the city of Devils Lake.
Rotary Club Tennis Complex - 14th Avenue and 3rd Street, Devils Lake. This complex includes three lighted tennis courts with a windscreen around the complex and a backboard for practice.
RacingDevils Lake Racing
Devils Lake Speedway - Located 15 miles East of Devils Lake on US Highway 2.
