Devils Lake, North Dakota: Best Non-Fishing Things to Do
People love to visit Devils Lake for the fishing and lake activities. Did you know there are several other things to see and do? There are several non-fishing things to do in Devils Lake, North Dakota. Todd and I found many of them, and we are excited to share them with all of you.
Table of Contents
Where Is Devils Lake?
Minneapolis, MN – 399 miles
Fargo, ND – 165 miles
Sioux Falls, SD – 404 miles
Des Moines, IA – 642 miles
*This post is sponsored by the Devils Lake, North Dakota, Chamber of Commerce
Old Main Street Cafe
416 4th St NE
Devils Lake, ND 58301
701-662-8814
https://www.oldmainstreetcafedevilslake.com/
As soon as we stepped foot in the Old Main Street Cafe, I knew our meal was going to be delicious! Anytime “Old” and “Cafe” are in the name of a restaurant, you know it’s going to be good. They pride themselves on traditional American food along with Mexican flavors, including the occasional special of an Indiana taco.
The floor tile and walls all brought the nostalgia and delicious food together. As you wait for your food, stroll through the restaurant and take a walk down memory lane.
Street Art In Devils Lake, ND
Street art in Devils Lake is not high on the list when people say they are going to Devils Lake, North Dakota. <– Note: it should be! The street art is stunning, surprising, and beautiful.
Look up, down, and all around. It’s things like this that quickly win visitors over.
Colorful street art gives people another reason to return. Stroll the streets in the downtown area, and you will be greeted with a colorful array of art. Seeking out street art is a fun way to explore Devils Lake when it comes to non-fishing things to do.
An Amazing Time In Jamestown, ND
Dine At Anna’s Concina & Tequila In Devils Lake
210 US-2 #6
Devils Lake, ND 58301
701-662-3030
https://www.annascocina.com/
Anna’s Cocina is a Mexican restaurant that we now find ourselves talking about a lot! We loved the meal we had here. We ordered chimichangas and indulged in the queso fundido- queso asadero, queso blanco, chorizo & pico + tortillas <— This was so good!
The atmosphere is casual and welcoming. You will easily find yourself returning here when you are in the area, as the menu is extensive.
Experience White Horse Hill National Game Preserve
2107 Park DR
St. Michael, ND 58370
701-766-4272
https://www.fws.gov/refuge/white-horse-hill-national-game-preserve
An incredible auto tour awaits you at White Horse Hill National Game Preserve. This National Game Preserve is a terrific place to view bison, prairie dogs, turtles, birds, and elk.
The Best Things To Do In Jamestown, North Dakota
You can drive the auto tour as many times as you like, as the park is free to visit. This park is fantastic for the whole family, as much of it can be viewed from the windshield of your car.
Todd and I climbed to the top of White Horse Hill, a 300-foot climb with a view. A story walk is also available outdoors, all year long, near the visitor center. The walk included a story, stunning views overlooking the river, and a Martin house.
Visit The Fort Totten Historic Site
417 Calvary Cir
Fort Totten, ND 58335
701-766-4441
https://www.history.nd.gov/historicsites/totten
History enthusiasts will appreciate the Fort Totten Historic Site. I had no idea of how impactful this visit would be. The site was once a military post, built in 1867. It was in 1890 it became a boarding school for Native American children. The site operated as several different things and it is a well preserved miliary post.
From 1867 to 1959, Fort Totten served American Indian policy. It operated as a Native American boarding school, tuberculosis preventorium, and reservation school. In 1891, it became the property of the Bureau of Indian Affairs and was a boarding school through 1935. It was in 1959, the Bureau of Indian Affairs transferred ownership of the school to the Spirit Lake Nation tribe. Students then moved to a new school, located nearby.
Visit this historic site with an open mind, as history is alive and strong at Fort Totten. The buildings are all well-maintained, with insight into what life was like on the grounds a few years back. The brick structures and central parade ground stand remarkably intact, creating a haunting contrast between beautiful architecture and the trauma experienced within those walls.
Visit Hometown Hobbies & Toys In Devils Lake, ND
322 4th St NE
Devils Lake, ND 58301
701-789-7580
https://www.facebook.com/p/Hometown-Hobbies-and-Toys-61557073569294
We can never pass up a shop that might carry vintage records! While strolling through Devils Lake, Hometown Hobbies and Toys caught our eye, and we just had to pop in to investigate.
We were greeted with what appeared to be R2D2, and it was! From games to comic books to collectible toys, this shop had it all. We did not find any older records, but we did have a good time and would highly recommend stopping into this shop.
Dine at Proz Lakeside At The Cove In Devils Lake, ND
1010 Woodland Dr
Devils Lake, ND 58301
701-662-5996
https://www.prozlakesideatthecove.com/
This neighborhood pub on Devils Lake is a fun, delicious place to dine. We enjoyed our meal indoors and are still raving about the walleye bites. Our bison burger was done just right- they are usually very dry and not something we care to order again. Well, Proz Lakeside At The Cove has changed our minds, as we will try bison burgers again. They cooked our bison burger to perfection.
Their extended menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner will keep you fueled for the day. We dined here late in the afternoon and enjoyed dinner. If you want a meal with a view, Proz Lakeside is where it’s at.
Indulge In Devils Lake Doughnuts
502 6th St SE
Devils Lake, ND 58301
701-662-2142
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560599435284
I love a good doughnut shop, and this one did not disappoint. The locals had told Todd and I we needed to arrive early and we did!
The case was full, and I grabbed a large bag of doughnuts for the road.
With so many non-fishing things to see and do in Devils Lake, everyone in your family can enjoy the area. If you are someone who does or does not enjoy a “lake” vacation, give Devils Lake a try. I think your family will be surprised, as the beauty of North Dakota shines in many ways in Devils Lake.
