Ramsey: Nature, History and Experiences at Devils Lake

Ramsey combines nature experiences at Devils Lake with winter activities, events and a distinctive history. At Grahams Island State Park, wooded shores, trails through ash and oak forests, and the lake’s changing appearance shape your stay. There are also fishing opportunities and a cultural site that commemorates the county’s Jewish farming community. This lets you plan your trip around what interests you most, rather than focusing on just one activity.

Forests, Shores and Trails on Grahams Island

Grahams Island State Park is located on the wooded shores of Devils Lake. The shoreline is constantly changing; the park is heavily forested and surrounded by miles of shoreline. Grahams Island is home to 130 native plant species. Trails wind through ash and oak forests and offer opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife photography. If you enjoy spending time outdoors, you’ll find several different things to explore here: the lake, the plant life, and opportunities to observe birds and wildlife.

Visitors can swim at the beach. If you’re planning to include this in your trip, check local conditions before your visit. In winter, visitors can use more than three miles of groomed cross-country ski trails. A three-mile trail is groomed weekly; its availability depends on snow conditions. Snowshoeing is also possible, but not on the groomed cross-country ski trails. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are therefore two distinct winter activities, with different trails available in the park for each.

Fishing and Seasonal Activities

Grahams Island State Park offers good lake access for ice fishing. Grahams Island also has a fishing pier; a park entrance fee may apply. Access can vary by season. The park also has a four-lane boat ramp and a fish-cleaning station. Check the operator’s current information before your visit if you plan to use these facilities.

Numerous national and regional fishing tournaments are held in the park throughout the year. If a tournament is important to your travel plans, check the dates before your trip. This can help you distinguish a stay focused mainly on fishing and the lake from a visit centered on trails, forests and plant life.

Events and History

Ramsey County 4-H Achievement Days are held every June. Check for the relevant year to see whether visitors can attend and under what conditions. The Ramsey County Fairgrounds events center is about two miles west of Devils Lake on State Highway 19; the distance is approximate. For details about a specific date, check the operator’s current event and facility information.

The Ramsey County Fairgrounds is also home to Peterson Arena, a large outdoor sand arena. It measures 150 × 200 feet and includes an 85 × 150-foot warm-up area and a speaker’s stand. The warm-up area is smaller than the main arena. The measurements make the difference between the two areas clear; which event takes place there depends on your travel dates.

Another cultural highlight is Sons of Jacob Cemetery. Its distinctive gravestones include natural fieldstones with engraved artwork, considered among the most notable expressions of traditional Jewish art. The cemetery is the only permanent tangible reminder of Ramsey County’s Jewish farming community and also the oldest cemetery of Jewish settlers in North Dakota. Alongside its nature and recreational offerings, Ramsey is therefore also home to evidence of the region’s history.

Choose the Right Focus for Your Trip

If you’re looking for a vacation rental in Ramsey, you can use the focus of your trip as a guide when choosing a location. Lakeshores and forest trails, winter activities and fishing, or history and event dates all lead to different day plans. First, consider which of these experiences matters most to you.

For the broader travel overview: North Dakota.