History
Sullys Hill is located on the south shore of Devils Lake in Benson County. The preserve consists of 1,674 acres ranging from wetland marshes to wooded hills and is home to a myriad of migratory birds and big game. Sullys Hill was named for General Alfred Sully, who was scheduled to meet up with a cavalry from Illinois, but never showed up. The cavalry camped on the highest hill in the area in anticipation of General Sully's arrival. When he failed to meet them, the cavalry named the hill in honor of Sully.
President Theodore Roosevelt, by signing a presidential proclamation, set aside Sullys Hill as a National Park in 1904. In 1917 and 1918, elk, bison and white-tailed deer were reintroduced to Sullys Hill to further enhance its once native state. On March 3, 1931, Congress transferred Sullys Hill to the National Wildlife Refuge System where it would be maintained as a "Big Game Preserve, refuge and breeding grounds for wild animals and birds." The Preserve is one of four refuges managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for American bison and elk. Sullys Hill is part of a complex of refuges managed by the Devils Lake Wetland Management District.
Wildlife of Sullys Hill
Bison: At one time millions of bison roamed the continent, today their numbers fail in comparison. The bison is a symbol of historical significance in westward expansion and Native American culture. In an effort to preserve this powerful species, Sullys Hill established its herd in 1918 with just six bison from Portland, Oregon. Over the years the herd has been managed for a population within the range of 5-30 head.
Rocky Mountain Elk: Due to loss of habitat, settlement of the prairies and over-hunting in the early 1900s the
elk became extinct in much of its former range. In 1917 fifteen elk were transported from
Yellowstone National Park to Sullys Hill. With the development of modern game management,
the elk population regained a viable status. Next to the moose, the elk is the largest
member of the deer family. Because elk is a desirable species for hunting, game management
is essential. There are approximately 20-30 elk within the preserve.
White-tailed Deer: Careful regulation of hunting seasons and the deer's natural weariness have allowed the white-tailed deer to maintain a healthy population. There is a wild herd of 20-30 white-tailed deer at Sullys Hill.
Prairie Dogs: Originally, "prairie dog towns" in North Dakota were only found west of the Missouri River, but in 1975 a colony of black-tailed prairie dogs was introduced. These members of the rodent family feed on a variety of plants, which are mainly found within their towns. The towns consist of an elaborate system of underground tunnels in which their dens are found. Members of the town keep a watch out for predators, such as hawks, and let out a warning bark to other members when danger is present. Prairie dogs received their name due to the barking-like noises they emit when danger is present.
Waterfowl: Sullys Hill is home to a wide variety of waterfowl, such as wood ducks, Canada geese, white pelicans, mallards, hooded mergansers, and many other species native to the area. Management includes putting up artificial nesting structures to provide secure nesting.
Other Wildlife: The preserve's wildlife community contains many other species including foxes, raccoons, skunks, weasels, mink, beaver, rabbits and wild turkeys. Also, there are more than 200 species of birds to observe.
Recreational Opportunities
Auto Tour: The auto tour route is open from May to October. The route is a four-mile, self-guided tour throughout Sullys Hill. It provides many wildlife viewing opportunities, so bring your binoculars. While driving the Auto Tour Route stop at the Devils Lake Vista and Sullys Hill Overlook to take in breathtaking views of the area. The Devils Lake Vista is handicapped accessible. Auto tour pamphlets are available at the Visitor's Center. There is a $2.00 charge per vehicle; frequent visitors may obtain an annual pass at $12.00. All monies will stay at Sullys Hill for operation and maintenance costs. Golden passports are accepted.
Nature Trail: Walk the one-mile Nature Trail as it winds through the
preserve. Get a sneak peak at a day in the life of beavers, songbirds and
waterfowl. Test your field identification skills while you enjoy the outdoors. A
portion of the trail is handicapped accessible through an adjacent parking area.
Photography: Every season provides a unique photo opportunity for visitors to capture wildlife in their natural habitat.
Waterfowl observation: The peak time to view waterfowl is from May to October. This coincides with their nesting seasons.
Birdwatching: Birdwatching at the preserve can be done anytime during the year. Many species not normally found in the open areas of the state may be found in the wooded areas of the preserve. Birders may obtain checklists at the Visitor's Center.
Cross-country skiing: Approximately 1-1/2 miles of trails are maintained for this winter activity. Snow conditions determine the availability of trails. For 2008 the trails are freshly groomed and ready to ski!
Amphitheater: Sullys Hill Amphitheater, located near the Visitor Center, is open during summer
months for environmental programs. A variety of family-oriented programs are scheduled
each summer and are always free of charge. Programs are open to the public and announced
prior to the event. The amphitheater is also available to individuals or groups wishing to
schedule an event.
Special Events: Sullys Hill offers a variety of school programs, public workshops, guided nature hikes, bird watching walks, summer youth programs and conservation orientated amphitheater programs.
Special Use Programs: Individuals, families, civic groups, businesses and other groups can make reservations at Sullys Hill for their next family reunion, meeting or get together. For a minimal fee, groups can reserve use of our classroom facilities. Included with the fee is a conservation education program of the groups choice. Please call Sullys Hill at (701) 766-4272 if you have questions regarding the Special Use Programs. School groups, youth civic groups and other groups in pursuit of outdoor education opportunities are exempt from the fee.
Regional Conservation Learning Center
Sullys Hill Visitor Center has two classrooms, which
are available to schools and other groups by reservation. Videos, slide presentations, and
specialized classes can be arranged. Curriculum guides and other resources are available
if the group leader would like to organize an event. There are numerous opportunities for
hands-on learning available for any age group. If you can't get your class to Sullys Hill, bring a wetland to your class by
reserving the Wetlands Education Trunk. The trunk contains games, stories, puppets, books
and other exciting information focusing on wetlands. For more information about the
Regional Conservation Learning Center please contact the Sullys Hill manager at (701)
766-4272.
Sullys Hill Visitor Center
The Visitor Center houses a wealth of information. It serves as a spiderweb for the preserve, connecting all the aspects and tying them together. The center contains a bookstore, antler and horn displays, mounted bison calf, and an aquarium. We also have a full size Elk mount on display.
The bookstore sells postcards, souvenirs, cassettes and (of course) books. Many of the books are regionally appropriate to the central midwest. For example, The Journals of Lewis and Clark & It's a (prairie) Dogs Life. Other books are applicable for any region, for example, field guides to stars, trees, birds, mammals, etc.
Our antler and horn displays come from the bison, elk and white-tailed deer residing at Sullys Hill.
We also have a 180-gallon aquarium in our visitors center which contains species of fish, bluegill, perch, and walleye, which are native to the Devils Lake area.
If you have any questions, comments or suggestions about our facilities, website or in general, feel free to contact us at (701) 766-4272. Thank you for your interest in Sullys Hill National Game Preserve
