Devils Lake: Culture, Play and Nature

Devils Lake offers several distinct reasons to visit: The city center’s cultural offerings are shaped by historic architecture, exhibits, and murals; nature destinations lie nearby, and Devils Run adds a recurring summer event. For your vacation planning, options range from indoor activities and culture to trails and wildlife watching in nature.

Activities and Events

The Dockside Entertainment Center in Devils Lake offers bowling lanes, multisport simulators, an indoor playground, and pickleball courts. The various options offer different experiences and are all located in one place. Visitors can use the center by purchasing a membership or a day pass. Keep this access requirement in mind when planning if you intend to visit.

Devils Run takes place annually in Devils Lake during the summer. The event includes classic cars, hot rods, a parade, and car rallies. Specific dates and activities may change; if your trip depends on the event, check the latest information in advance.

Nature Destinations Around Devils Lake

Nearby, Grahams Island State Park offers opportunities for a day by the lake, hiking trails, a visitor center, and more than three miles of groomed cross-country ski trails. These offerings include both trails and a dedicated opportunity for cross-country skiing. The park is a nature destination to consider if you want to include lakeside activities and exercise on trails in your trip.

White Horse Hill National Game Preserve, also near Devils Lake, offers a different focus. It protects bison, elk, and prairie dogs, as well as more than 214 bird species. On-site, there is a scenic driving route and hiking trails, along with opportunities for wildlife watching and photography. Wildlife and different ways to explore the preserve are the focus here. These opportunities to observe wildlife do not guarantee that you will see particular animals.

The region’s recreational opportunities also offer a variety of options: year-round, there are opportunities around Devils Lake for open-water and ice fishing, boating, camping, and hunting. Along with the offerings at the two nearby nature destinations, these provide a range of options for different outdoor interests.

Culture and Cityscape

The Lake Region Heritage Center is located in the former post office in downtown Devils Lake. It houses an extensive collection of exhibits on the history of the Lake Region and the surrounding community. The center hosts art exhibitions and historical presentations throughout the year. Individual exhibits and presentation dates may change; if you have a specific exhibition in mind, it’s a good idea to check the current schedule before visiting.

The buildings along Main Street also contribute to the historic cityscape, with brick and design features from around the turn of the century preserved on them. Downtown, there are also two murals along 4th Avenue. The “Dr. Suess” mural is near the alley between 4th Street and 5th Street. Together, the historic buildings and public art offer distinct cultural experiences.

The Devils Lake Visitor Center offers Wi-Fi and answers questions about nearby attractions and activities, as well as those along Highway 2. As operating details may change, check the latest information before your visit.

When looking for a vacation rental or vacation home, start with the kind of day you want: local history and art, indoor activities, Devils Run in summer, or nature and wildlife watching each offer a different focus.

For the broader travel overview: Ramsey.