Devil's Lake, largest natural body of water in North Dakota, is a scenic paradise that feeds the region with year-round recreation and is one of the area's hottest fishing holes.
Since the lake is somewhat shallow, resident fish are chubby by nature. Ten-pound northern pikes and 3-pounder white bass are common finds. Lake fishing is a favorite, and charter boats run from April through October. In winter, breaking the ice for jumbo perch draws anglers outside for an invigorating rendezvous on the lake. Ramps are scattered along the waterfront for boating pleasures.
On the Lake's south side at Sully's Hill National Game Preserve, American bison, prairie dogs, Rocky Mountain elk and white-tailed deer roam free. Three other national wildlife refuges present environmentalists and nature photographers with a splendid view of the area's fauna and flora in unspoiled settings: Silver Lake, Twin Lakes, and Johnson National Wildlife Refuges.
Another recreational area is Grahams Island State Park, which is perched on an island within the Lake itself. Camping is available here on the 1122-acre green space, but reservations are required. The Island also has a playground for children, picnic facilities, a bait shop, and a web of nature trails.
Bird watching is another treasured pastime here. Nearby, Lake Alice National Wildlife Refuge, a 12,179-acre park and preserve that is home to thousands of waterfowl including snow geese, egrets and heron, is an excellent outlet for naturalists of all types.
There are many other recreational activities here, too ? swimming, boarding, volleyball, and basketball at Rugers Park; ice skating at both Quentin Burdick Sports Arena and Bill Jerome Arena; and, snowmobiling at the Lake Region Trail, to name a few.
At the Rotary Club Tennis Complex, there are three lighted courts and a practice backboard available to work on those tricky overhead serves. And folks with a passion for speed find satisfaction at Devil's Lake Speedway.
Devil's Lake, an unspoiled expanse of pristine aquatic wilderness, is located at the heart of North Dakota about 89 miles west of Grand Forks on US Highway 2.
