Seniors Stake Out On Devils Lake

Devils Lake, named after the nearby body of water, Devils Lake, is the largest natural body of water in North Dakota, making it a premier vacation and living destination for all four seasons of the year. Devils Lake offers senior outdoorsmen some of the best fishing and hunting in North America.

You’ll find Devils Lake halfway between Minot and Grand Forks on Hwy 2. The Lake  has hundreds of miles of shoreline enhanced by thick, wooded foliage and rolling hills. The lake grows large numbers of walleye, northern pike, white bass and it has earned the reputation of being the “Perch Capital of the World.”

Perch weighing more than two pounds are caught quite frequently. Being an “expert walleye fisherman myself” having spent lots of time in northern Minnesota, I’d bring along my best tackle and go for an even larger perch.

The Devils Lake Chamber Fishing Tournament is much more than a long-running community event.  It highlights the lake’s bounty with special cash awards for the largest walleye, northern pike, white bass and perch daily. This year marks the 38th year of the tournament. Recreation in the form of open water and ice fishing is estimated to have generated more than $20 million annually.

History and Outdoors Envite Seniors

There are no fewer than fourteen buildings in downtown Devils Lake listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and area museums like the Maritime Museum and the Old Post Office Museum do well to keep senior visitors busy. Over 500 businesses offer senior visitors outstanding shopping and great service.

The town has been around for quite some time; the very first house in Devils Lake dates back to 1882. The present site of Devils Lake was historically territory of the Sioux and Lakota Indians. The name “Devils Lake” is from a Sioux phrase mni wak’áŋ (literally: spirit water). Early translators mistakenly interpreted the name as “bad spirit” until the name eventually evolved into “devils.”

Senior travelers enjoy Devils Lake State Park, one of the more uniquely beautiful state parks with over 1,000 acres of natural environment. Grahams Island State Park is another worthwhile tourist attraction along with the Black Tiger Bay State Recreation Area.

The Devils Lake attractions revolve largely around the great outdoors, but you can also check out the historic structures and artifacts at the Fort Totten Historic Site, then  head to Sullys Hill National Game Reserve to enjoy some quality time outdoors.

Visitors enjoy the fresh air and the hospitality of the locals.  jeb