Black Tiger Bay State Recreation Area

History:

Black Tiger Bay is part of Devils Lake, the biggest natural lake found in North Dakota. Many legends have surrounded the lake since the time of the Native American Indians who first settled in the area.

Devils Lake used to be called Miniwaukan. When translated into English, Miniwaukan means “spirit,” a reference to the legendary spirits that live within the depths of the lake. However, early translators mistakenly interpreted Miniwaukan as “bad spirit” until the name eventually evolved into “devil.”