directions to devils lake north dakota

3 min read 05-12-2024

Meta Description: Planning a trip to Devils Lake, North Dakota? This guide provides detailed driving directions from major cities, along with tips for navigating to your specific destination and exploring the area. Discover the best routes and make your journey smooth and enjoyable. (158 characters)

Getting to Devils Lake, North Dakota: A Detailed Guide

Devils Lake, North Dakota, a renowned destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, is easily accessible by car. This guide will walk you through different routes and provide helpful tips for a smooth journey. Whether you're coming from Fargo, Minneapolis, or further afield, we've got you covered.

Driving Directions from Major Cities

Here are driving directions from several major cities, offering different route options depending on your starting point:

From Fargo, North Dakota:

Distance: Approximately 115 miles (185 km)
Driving Time: Around 2 hours, depending on traffic and speed.
Route: Take I-94 West towards Bismarck. Exit onto ND-20 North towards Devils Lake. Follow ND-20 for approximately 60 miles. This route is typically the quickest and most straightforward.

From Minneapolis, Minnesota:

Distance: Approximately 300 miles (483 km)
Driving Time: Roughly 5 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Route: Take I-94 West towards Fargo. Then follow the directions from Fargo above (I-94 West to ND-20 North). Consider checking for construction or accidents before you leave, as this route can be heavily trafficked.

From Bismarck, North Dakota:

Distance: Approximately 160 miles (257 km)
Driving Time: Around 2.5 - 3 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Route: Take I-94 East towards Fargo. Exit onto ND-20 South towards Devils Lake. This is generally a straight shot, but watch for speed limits, as they can change frequently.

From Grand Forks, North Dakota:

Distance: Approximately 100 miles (161 km)
Driving Time: Approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours.
Route: Take US-2 West towards Devils Lake. This is a direct route with beautiful scenery along the way.

Finding Your Specific Location Within Devils Lake

Once you arrive in Devils Lake, using a GPS device or a navigation app like Google Maps or Apple Maps is highly recommended. These tools will help you find specific points of interest, like:

Hotels and accommodations: Input the name of your hotel into your GPS for precise directions.
Lake access points: Devils Lake has numerous public access points. Use GPS to locate the closest one to your accommodation or planned activities.
Fishing spots and hunting areas: Pinpoint specific locations for fishing or hunting based on GPS coordinates or descriptions provided by local guides or resources.
Restaurants and attractions: Quickly and easily locate restaurants, shops, museums, and other attractions with GPS navigation.

Remember to check for any road closures or construction before you leave by consulting the North Dakota Department of Transportation website.

Tips for a Smooth Journey

Check the weather: North Dakota weather can be unpredictable. Check the forecast before you leave and pack accordingly.
Fuel up: Gas stations can be more spread out in rural areas. Fill up your tank before embarking on longer stretches of highway.
Bring snacks and water: Having snacks and water on hand can prevent hunger pangs and dehydration, especially on longer drives.
Allow extra time: Unexpected delays can occur. Build some buffer time into your travel schedule.
Familiarize yourself with the local area: Before your trip, it is helpful to look at maps of the city and surrounding areas so that you can better visualize your route.

Exploring Devils Lake

Devils Lake offers a range of activities including fishing, boating, bird watching, and exploring the surrounding natural beauty. Once you arrive, be sure to check out local resources and guides for information on area attractions and activities.

This comprehensive guide should make your journey to Devils Lake a breeze. Enjoy your trip!