Whether you’re the type to go hiking every weekend or you’re just looking for a laid-back way to enjoy the outdoors, there’s no denying the wealth of opportunities available around Devils Lake. This big natural lake offers places to go fishing, hiking, and cross-country skiing. If you’d prefer a relaxed day looking for birds and other wildlife, Devils Lake is the place to be as well.
The name Devils Lake has its roots in the Native American name “Miniwaukan,” which means “Spirit Water.” Early explorers in the area translated the name incorrectly, thinking it meant “Bad Spirit.” That, combined with various legends about lake monsters and drowned warriors, gave the large natural lake its current moniker. The lake stretches for over 100,000 acres, boasting hundreds of miles of shoreline, so you’re sure to find something to love when you visit Devils Lake. Not sure where to start? Let Rydell Honda of Grand Forks show you the many ways to explore.
Walking and Hiking Around Devils Lake
There’s no better way to explore the outdoors than with a hike, and you’ll find ample opportunities for hikes around Devils Lake. Head to Graham’s Island State Park for walking trails amidst gorgeous scenery, or go to White Horse Hill for hiking trails and the chance to spot some wildlife. Pro-tip: Don’t miss the overlook from White Horse Hill, where you’ll discover breathtaking views of the hill and lake.
Looking for a walk in a more urban setting? You can go to Roosevelt Park for a walking and biking path right in town. You also won’t want to miss strolling through the downtown area of Devils Lake. Though less nature-based than our other recommendation, Downtown Devils Lake lets you take a walk through history while enjoying the fresh air (and getting in your daily steps!). You’ll find a number of buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, including the Episcopal Church made of locally gathered fieldstone.
All in all, no matter type of hike or walk you want, Devils Lake makes it easy. Check out the range of hiking opportunities and start discovering all that nature has to offer in Devils Lake.
Bird-watching Opportunities Abound in Devils Lake
If you’re into bird-watching, you’re in for a treat. The Devils Lake Basin boasts a huge array of wildlife species — and plenty of public lands from which to view them.
So, what draws our feathered friends here? Our area is part of the Prairie Pothole Region, which includes wetlands interspersed with grassland habitats. The basin also features hardwood deciduous forests, which are unusual on the prairie. The result is a truly unique natural wonderland with a mix of lakes and wetlands, woodlands, and grasslands. That landscape contributes to the richness of birds in the area. And that’s good news for bird-watching enthusiasts!
Public lands you can visit in the Devils Lake Basin include Lake Alice National Wildlife Refuge and White Horse Hill National Game Preserve. Get out those binoculars, then plan a day taking in the amazing birds that call the Devils Lake area home.
White Horse Hill
We’ve mentioned White Horse Hill more than once here, and it warrants its own special shout-out. If you love exploring the great outdoors, you’ll have so much to do when you visit White Horse Hill.
Start by checking out the various displays at the visitor center before moving to the outdoor features. You’ll find an outdoor amphitheater with programs focused on culture, history, and the environment as well as outdoor classrooms for study of wildlife and conservation. In addition to hiking and nature trails complete with interpretive stops, the area includes cross-country ski trails you can use during winter. Then there are those overlooks, where you can take in picturesque views of Devils Lake as well as the varied habitats in White Horse Hill National Wildlife Refuge.
The wildlife alone is reason to visit White Horse Hill when you’re exploring the outdoors in the Devils Lake area. While you’re here, watch out for an impressive array of species, including:
- Bald and golden eagles.
- Bison.
- Elk.
- Foxes.
- Fox squirrels and gray squirrels.
- Mink.
- Muskrats.
- Prairie dogs.
- Raccoons.
- Rabbits.
- Shorebirds.
- Skunks.
- Songbirds.
- Waterfowl.
- Weasels.
- White-tailed deer.
- Woodchucks.
World-Famous Fishing in Devils Lake
Finally, you can’t talk about exploring the outdoors here without talking about Devils Lake fishing! As the largest natural lake in North Dakota, Devils Lake boasts an array of fishing opportunities for any skill level. You’ll find things to do in any season at Devils Lake, too. Fish from the shores of one of the bays, or venture out in a boat you rent. Have your own boat? You can use that, too. You can even fish on the ice in colder weather.
Devils Lake is such a great fishing spot because it’s a fertile prairie lake. The lake boasts large numbers of white bass, northern pike, and walleye — and, of course, plenty of perch. Known as the “Perch Capital of the World,” Devils Lake has been ranked among the top fishing lakes in the United States. In fact, people fishing here frequently catch perch that weigh over two pounds.
Not sure where to start? Local licensed guides are on hand to show you this lake’s treasures, so you can take the guesswork out of planning a day out on the lake with someone in the know. Guides supply the boat and the tackle, not to mention tips and tricks for reeling in a huge walleye or trophy bass.
Contact Rydell Honda of Grand Forks
There it is, Rydell Honda of Grand Forks’ roundup of some of the amazing ways you can explore the outdoors in and around Devils Lake. From long solo hikes to family days out fishing on the lake, there’s something for everyone here. We hope you’re feeling inspired to start exploring the first chance you get. But maybe we missed a favorite local place you have to enjoy nature-based activities in Devils Lake? If we did, let us know so we can check out your recommendation and add it to our list!
Connect with us
