Points of Interest

Legend Of Devils Lake

"Enchanted Water", wrote explorer John Charles Fremont in 1839, "is a beautiful sheet of water, the shores being broken into pleasing irregularities by promontories and many islands. As in some other lakes on the plateau, the water was brackish, but there are fish in it, and it is doubtless freshened by the rains and melting snow of spring. No outlet was found, but at the high water, the lake may discharge into the Shayan (Sheyenne River). This would put it among the sources of the Red River."

The Indian name Miniwakan, spelled various ways, meant Spirit Water. The early explorers misinterpreted "Enchanted Waters" to mean bad spirit, probably influenced by the Indian legends of drowned warriors and unpredictable waves up to four or five feet. Later data seems to indicate that the Indians referring to the water's brackishness which made it not potable, since elements of sulfite, carbonate of soda, lime magnesium, and iron, much like the ocean were in the water. In the early days this was bottled as medicinal potions. However, by that time, the lake had come to be known as Devils Lake.

-Excerpt taken from "A Bicentennial History of Devils Lake, North Dakota.-

Historic Downtown

Walking Tour

While downtown, don't miss the opportunity to walk about and see 14 buildings listed with the National Register of Historic Places. Among them are a number of church buildings that stand in testament to the faith and heritage of pioneers. The beautiful Episcopal Church located on the corner of 6th St. and 5th Ave. NE, is made of locally gathered fieldstone, reminiscent of its English roots.

-Brochure Available at Tourist Information Center.

Maritime Museum

Appropriately located on the second floor of the World War II Memorial Building, this museum holds such items as vintage war bond promotional posters, uniforms, ship photographs, and personal letters of her crew members, as well as many significant staples of military life. The museum's collection is unique because of the rarity and condition of many of its pieces. Open Sunday afternoons by volunteer staff or by appointment for groups. Telephone: (701) 662-7031.

Lake Region Public Library

Lake Region Public Library is open Monday through Friday from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Extended hours on Thursdays to 7:00 PM. Open Saturday 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Telephone: (701) 662-2220  Located at 324 7th St. NE.

Lake Region Heritage Center Museums

The Old Post Office Museum

On 4th St. NE, this museum features the many heritages that make up the Lake Region. Special exhibits of a pioneer doctor's room, the original federal courtroom, an early law office, a barber shop, a dentist office and display of Native American beadwork, showcase life of yesteryear. Imagine what it must have been like driving the 1903 Orient that is on display down our country roads!

The museum is open year-round Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Now open on Saturdays from

10AM to 3PM

Admissions: $3 for Adults, Senior Citizens and Students are $2.

The Sheriff's House

On 6th St. NE, The Sheriff's House is a step back into the turn of the century. Hours are from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, Wednesday through Sunday, beginning May 31st through Labor Day (or Winter by appointment). Admission: $3 for Adults, Senior Citizens and Students are $2. Museum Office phone number: (701) 662-3701.

(Lake Region Heritage Center Membership $15 - free admission to both The Old Post Office Museum and The Sheriff's House.)

-Brochure Available at Tourist Information Center or at museums.

Fort Totten

Fort Totten State Historic Site

Fort Totten State Historic Site stands today much as it stood when first erected in 1867. It was built to protect overland transportation and supply routes. Many of the Lake Region pioneers settled here by way of the Fort Totten military post. In 1890, the military post was decommissioned and from 1891-1935 it served as a Bureau of Indian Affairs Boarding School. Faded murals from this era reflect everyday life of the school children and can still be seen adorning the walls of several buildings. The Fort also served briefly as the preventorium for residents with tuberculosis. In 1940 it was returned to an educational facility and serves as a grade school and high school for the Fort Totten Community until 1959. In 1960, the Fort became a state historical site and continues in that role today. Many visitors come each year to walk the grounds and enter the original buildings experiencing the past. You will find the Interpretive Center, The Plummer's Store, The Little Theatre, Traveling Exhibits, Pioneer Daughter's Museum, the Totten Trail Historic Inn, and much more.

The site is open between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM from mid-May to mid-September. Winter months the Fort may be viewed by appointment. Admission fees. Telephone: (701) 766-4441

Lake Region Pioneer Daughter's Museum

Housed in the hospital building at Fort Totten State Historic Site is the Lake Region Pioneer Daughter's Museum. Displays include uniforms and artifacts of Colonel Creel (founder of Devils Lake and instrumental in the formation of Camp Grafton) and other former officers stationed at the military post from 1867 - 1890. The most compelling artifact from this time may be letters written by Private Michael Vetter in his native German language. Collections from Lake Region pioneer homes, professional practices, and agriculture tools interpret the settling of the area. The museum is staffed daily from mid-May to mid-September from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Admission is included in the Fort Totten State Historic Site fee. Telephone: (701) 766-4346

Totten Trail Historic Inn

A unique chance for you to experience the frontier past by staying in an authentic fort building renovated as a bed and breakfast inn. Each room has a reproduced decor from the 1870-1910 era. For reservations: (701) 766-4874 to view website: www.tottentrailinn.com.

-Brochures available at Tourist Information Center , on site at Totten Trail Historic Inn, or the Fort Totten State Historic Site.