Devils Lake

Devils Lake was named after its status as North Dakota's largest natural body of water. The Great Spirit, according to Sioux legend, drowned a war party returning across the lake from a forbidden night attack. Following that, the Sioux avoided the lake, naming it Minnewaukan Seche, or "Spirit Waters." Later, white settlers interpreted this as "Lake of the Evil Spirit," which was then shortened to its current name.

The lake is a large recreation center with two units. The largest, Grahams Island State Park, is located off SR 19. The second unit, located on Black Tiger Bay, serves primarily as a boat launch. Because of its location on a major waterfowl migration flyway, the lake is a popular hunting destination in the fall, and fishing is popular all year.

Several buildings from the early settlement period can be found in the downtown historic district, including a Gothic Revival-style church made of native fieldstone, an 1885 lodge hall, and the 1906 Burlington Northern Railway depot. The Lake Region Heritage Center is housed in the Federal Building at 502 4th St. N.E., a neoclassic limestone structure with marble trim.

The Devils Lake area was part of the national Chautauqua movement, which began in 1874. These massive educational and recreational gatherings ended in 1929, but they are remembered from mid-June to mid-September during the North Dakota Chautauqua art shows, plays, classes, and workshops.

• Google Rating: 4.5/5
• Admission: Resident – $13, Resident Sr. Rate – $3, Non-Resident – $16, Res. Bus Pass – $16, Non-Res. Bus Pass – $20, Hourly Pass – $5
• Opening Hours: Daily 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM
• Website: https://devilslakend.com/
• Address: 1905 Schwan Ave NW Devils Lake, ND 58301