I suspect that when most people hear of Devils Lake they may think of all the tremendous fishing the lake provides. But do not forget that the Devils Lake area is a great place to observe the flora and fauna of our region as well.
White Horse Hill National Game Preserve is a great place to enjoy nature. Formerly known as Sullys Hill National Game Preserve, this 1600 acre tract of oak and ash dominated forests, wetlands, and prairie lies along the south shore of Devils Lake near Fort Totten. It is home to herds of bison and elk, and perhaps the only prairie dog town in eastern North Dakota. And as you might expect, the birding is good too. There is also an auto tour route and several nature trails on the reserve, plus an impressive Visitor’s Center.
West of Devils Lake off highway 19 is Grahams Island State Park. As with other state parks there are cabins and camping sites, as well as a picnic area and visitors center. Plus you may go for a walk on three trails varying in length from a half a mile to three miles through oak and ash woodlands near the shoreline which provides ample opportunities to view the flora and fauna of the area.
About 7 miles north of Penn, North Dakota is Lake Alice National Wildlife Refuge. It is a great place to observe waterfowl and shorebirds. The high water levels in Devils Lake have inundated a goodly portion of the refuge. But there is still around 500 acres or so of uplands in which to observe nature. And it would make for a good road trip to observe nature from the comfort of your car.
The Nelson County Old Settlers Park lies along the northern shore of East Stump Lake. The land around Stump Lake is mostly privately owned, but you could do some good birding for shorebirds, waterfowl, and other species from Nelson County Road 4 which goes between East and West Stump Lake.
So take advantage of these and other public areas around Devils Lake to enjoy nature this summer. There is much to see and do there.
