Be Our Guest
Things you need to know before attending a wedding or event at Shores.
1 Attire: Dress for the Venue and the Occasion
No matter the time of year, Devils Lake is a pretty windy place. We never know what to expect — the lake could be still or choppy, bugs could be out, and inside the venue we try to keep the a/c or heat pumping depending on the season. Unfortunately we can’t control nature, so be prepared for anything. It’s a good idea to check the radar in advance before committing to your outfit, or even bring a couple of options. Our venue also has gravel in some outdoor areas, which can be iffy terrain for stiletto-style heals. Keep these tips in mind when you’re selecting your attire and hairstyle. Bring a winter coat in the cold months or a light jacket even if it’s warm, you could get chilly indoors too!
Some events and weddings offer a dress code on the invitation or on the RSVP website. Be sure you review these details or ask your event host for more information if you’re unsure what attire is appropriate for the occasion.
2 Etiquette: Respect the Ceremony, Presentation, or Speaker
Before entering the venue, please be sure your phone is on silent (or vibrate if absolutely necessary). Acoustics in our main hall are great, and for that reason your cell phone ringtone will likely be heard by everyone in attendance. It’s disruptive for those giving a presentation and can spoil a special moment like vow exchanges. Don’t be that guest!
Oftentimes, weddings have rules like no phones during the ceremony, whether indoor or outdoor — this “unplugged” trend is getting more and more popular. The happy couple will certainly appreciate looking out to see the smiling, supportive faces of their loved ones rather than a bunch of camera flashes and smart phone cases. Chances are the couple spent good money on a photographer, and sometimes they hire more than one plus a videographer too! So they can guarantee you will get stunning photos of the ceremony and reception. Enjoy the moment, be fully present, and support the people you came to celebrate!
3 Amenities: Enhance Your Experience
At Shores Venue, we offer all guests free WIFI and overnight parking, but we do ask that guests remove vehicles from the venue parking lot by 8am the next morning. Some areas near our parking lot are reserved for marina slip renters, and signage clearly labels those areas. Our patio has umbrellas, seating, and firepit tables but no full coverage in case of rain or extreme heat. Stunning lake views on every side of the venue are also free to all!
Book a cabin, campsite, or suite at Woodland Resort or rent a pontoon or fishing boat to enhance your stay, and feel free to use the firepits and barbecues found around the resort. The local Perch Patrol fishing guides are ready to show you the sweet spots on the lake, or visit us in the fall to book a hunting excursion with Northern Flight Guide Service. Check out Woodland’s bait and retail shop, or one of our bars: The Cove, a lakeside bar and restaurant, or Bobbers, a marina bar open in the warm months (weather dependent) that often has free live music on the weekends. Visit us in the winter for the coolest ice-fishing experiences around!
4 Arrival: Getting to the Venue
Our venue is located at Woodland Resort just outside of the Devils Lake city limits, directly on the lakeshore. Once you’ve made it to highway 19, watch for the digital Woodland marquee sign with a large blue “W” just across from Peterson Arena. Make that turn and soon you’ll find yourself at Woodland Resort, a quiet campground community with a marine shop and lake access. Watch out for deer and golf carts on your way in!
Once you see Woodland Resort, keep driving past the Legendary Suites building. You’ll see the marina behind the suites and the venue on the other side of the marina — you can’t miss it! Signs in the parking lot will help point you in the right direction, and parking attendants are generally outside to help you find your way. Our attendants also have golf cart and van access in case they need to shuttle you back to the venue from our overflow parking lot. If you have a little too much fun and have to leave your car at the venue, arrange a ride with Jet’s Taxi in town, carpool, or walk to your overnight lodging accommodations and be sure to pick your car up by 8am the next morning. Handicap parking is available at the front of the venue.
5 Catering: Food & Beverage Details
There are no outside food or beverages allowed in the venue. We can make exceptions for allergies and babies, but those details must be arranged and approved ahead of time. If you’re heading over to the venue from one of the other bars at Woodland Resort, please finish your drink and throw it in an outdoor trash can before entering Shores.
In the venue, we have both a full kitchen and full bar. All food can be made hot and fresh, right on-site, by our amazing in-house caterers from Proz Lakeside. Browse their menu options here or inquire for more options. If you’re interested in serving a special type of alcohol or signature drink, we can also arrange this ahead of time and ensure it is stocked for your guests!
6 Devils Lake: Explore the Lake Region
Looking for more to do in the area? Devils Lake offers community events, scenic excursions, and local favorites that are guaranteed to add extra fun to your stay.
If you’re a nature-lover, check out White Horse Hill, a national wildlife refuge that was originally designated as a national park by Teddy Roosevelt in 1904. There you can drive around and check out the elk, bison, and prairie dogs, or browse their nature center, amphitheater, and hiking trails surrounded by wildflowers and the lake. Just off highway 19 is another gorgeous outdoor space, Grahams Island State Park. They offer campsites, pavilions, a beach, boat launches, and a fish cleaning station. North Dakota is also known for its expansive sunflower fields, breathtaking sunsets, and the International Peace Gardens on the Canadian border.
For those who like their fun to be a little more flashy, check out the Spirit Lake Casino for gambling, concerts, and a restaurant with a stunning view. Dockside Entertainment offers bowling, pickleball, sports simulators, an indoor track and playground, plus arcade games and a lounge. Downtown Devils Lake is great for boutique shopping, delicious coffee, and your pick of classic bars! From Proz in Town to Black Paws Brewing to the Liquid Bean, your favorite new spot is waiting to be discovered.
Other experiences in the area include the Fort Totten State Historic Site, a military post built in 1867, which is a short drive onto the Spirit Lake Reservation and offers family-friendly fun and education. The Peterson Arena hosts the Ramsey County Fair and rodeo, or plan for the Mni Wakan Oyate Wetu Wacipi, a spring powwow at the Burdick Arena. Check the Devils Lake Chamber of Commerce calendar for upcoming events like musicals, farmers markets, car shows, golf and fishing tournaments, and more!
7 Legendary: What Makes Us Unique
When you choose to host your event at Shores Venue, we know you will get the personalized, entertaining stay you dreamed of. Our peaceful campground is tucked away from the hustle and bustle, with no traffic to slow you down or skyscrapers to obstruct your view. Stargazing and the Northern Lights are hard to beat when you’re in our legendary state! As the only full-service lakeside resort in the area, Woodland is the the perfect setting you need to enjoy your stay — serene views, plenty of space to relax, and destination vibes without the hefty price tag. Enjoy a day on the lake or an evening by the fire, visit the shops in town, and watch your worries float away on Devils Lake!