Best things to do in Devils Lake, North Dakota

Devils Lake is a town in North Dakota with a population of just over 7000 people. This small town is located nearby the largest natural body of water of North Dakota that also bears an identical name. In fact, this lake is the main reason you should go to Devils Lake in the first place. However, there are a few other things to do and explore in this area. Here you will find my honest, non-polished guide on what to do in Devils Lake. I hope it helps!

Devils Lake town

I’ll be frank here: there are not many things to do, nor to see, in the town itself. Devils Lake was founded at the end of the XIX century, so it carries the main features of a regular Midwestern town. It has a tiny downtown with some older (in American standards) buildings, some shops, some dining places, some bars, some churches, and that’s about it. Unless you’re going to visit Sheriff’s House Museum or Lake Region Heritage Center, you’ll be able to explore the downtown of Devils Lake in less than 30 minutes.

Water activities in Devils Lake

The area of Devils Lake covers nearly 300 square miles and has an extensive shoreline. In these waters, fishers can expect to catch walleye, white bass, or northern pike. Devils Lake is also proudly called a “perch capital of the world.” The lake is a real fisherman’s paradise.

All year round, Devils Lake is packed with fishing enthusiasts and maniacs. Maniacs are the ones who choose to spend their free time sitting hours and hours on a frozen lake. Brutally cold North Dakotan winters don’t scare them. In the summertime, you can see lines of cars parked on the shoulders and dozens of people lined up on a shore with fishing poles in their hands. If fishing from the lakeshore is not for you, you can always try boating.

Fishermen boats in Devils Lake — Fishermen boats

Spirit Lake Casino and Resort

Just 7 miles away from the town of Devils Lake, you enter Spirit Lake Reservation. There is located Spirit Lake Casino and Resort run by Native Americans. Even though gambling, in my opinion, is a terrible way to spend your money, I understand that some people find it fun. If you’re one of them, this is a place to go.

Those who don’t find gambling enjoyable can have some peaceful time in the rental lake cabins, choose a more economical RV park or get a room with a lake view in the hotel. Spirit Lake Casino and Resort often hosts concerts, has an indoor pool and a nice restaurant called “View.” The name says it all. Overall, it’s a decent place to spend a weekend.

Fort Totten State Historic Site

Fort Totten State Historic Site was a real discovery to us. In 1867-1890, the military post stood at this site. Later, government officials transformed the complex into a boarding school for Native American children. The purpose of this school was to turn them into “proper” Americans; that is, assimilation through education was in effect. The boarding school was famous for its super strict rules and physical punishments. Kids weren’t even allowed to speak in their language, and most of them weren’t familiar with English. A lot of them couldn’t stand such a place and run away from this boarding school.

For a $6 admission fee, visitors can learn a lot about Native American culture. Additionally, most of the 16 buildings in this complex are open. Don’t get discouraged if you see a closed door. Push it! Most of them are unlocked and waits for history lovers. This is how we saw the Little Theater, former classrooms, general house, sewing teaching room for girls, and much more.

One of their existing buildings is exceptional. At first, we thought it just exhibits interiors of the previous era, but soon we understood that people could rent a room in the Totten Trail Historic Inn. It’s a charming bed & breakfast that was adapted to nowadays tourists needs. So no, you won’t need to wash in a bucket.

Ranch Steakhouse

Some say that Ranch Steakhouse is one of the best restaurants in North Dakota. And even though all these “best / top” lists are very subjective, one thing is true: they really know how to cook delicious food! Even though the majority go there for a juicy steak, I prefer this place for their poutine. Those who might not know what a poutine is: it’s french fries and cheese curds covered, or even better submerged, into brown gravy. The dish originated in Quebec. Simple but super yummy.

Ranch Steakhouse has two floors. On the first floor, there is a bar and pool table; on the second one – a more formal dining area. We came there on a holiday weekend, and it was packed. We were about to put our names on a waiting list to dine upstairs when we learned that they serve the same food on both floors. So if you care about food and not that much about the environment, and if you want to save time, dine at the bar area. Unfortunately, Ranch Steakhouse doesn’t take reservations.

Graham Island State Park

Graham Island State Park is another place for nature lovers. A lot of campsites, fishing, boating, picnic areas. Visitors can hike in heavily wooded areas, enjoy swimming at the beach in the summertime, or cross-country ski in winter. If you don’t want to give up on civilization and live in a tent completely, you can always rent one of the seasonal camping cabins.

Antiques store

I like antique stores. It’s like walking in a museum. The main difference is that you cannot buy artifacts in a museum, and there you can. If you’ll get unfortunate and rain will ruin your afternoon boating in the lake, stop at this antique store right on the corner of College drive S and Highway 2. It helped us kill some time.

White Horse Hill National Game Preserve

White Horse Hill is in the Spirit Lake Reservation area. It surprised me how many things visitors can do in such a small area. This place is abundant with wildlife: a never-ending bird chorus, dear, prairie dogs, and even bison! If you are lucky, you might see them lying or peacefully eating grass right next to the road. They are like rock stars of this preserve – everyone wants to stop and take a picture of them. But keep in mind that no matter how tranquil they look, they’re, first of all, wild animals. Admire them from the safety of your car, maintaining your distance, and don’t get out of your vehicle!

These are the places you should stop by while taking Sully’s Hill Auto Tour Route:

Sully’s Hill / White Horse Hill Overlook. Totally doable climb for any age as far as you don’t mind some steps. From the top of the hill, you’ll see Devils Lake and forest vista.
Prairie Dog Town is my favorite place. The place looks like a minefield where dozens of small heads peak from their caves. These adorable animals know what teamwork is and how to watch each other’s backs. Multiple prairie dogs’ shouts accompanying every two-leg visitor. In this way, they warn each other about intruders.
Visitors center. Not the center itself but hiking trails around it. For those in a rush, there is a short 0.25-mile loop. If you don’t mind exploring more, you can always choose a longer route. Some trails are paved, some are unpaved, but all of them are perfectly maintained and signposted. It’s a perfect place to charge your inner batteries.
Another car accessible vista point on the northern part of Auto Tour Route