indicate the level to which a name has been verified.
Meaning & History
Legend tells the lake was named for Chief Okoboji; meaning either ‘place of rest’ or ‘reeds or rushes,’-preferred.
Dacotah Indians called East Okoboji Lake “Okoboozhy” and West Okoboji was assigned the name “Minnetonka,” signifying big water.
Confusion remains over origin of the word Okoboji. Professor T.H. Macbride said “place of rest.” Others believe the word means “and there are others” from the Dacotah Indian translation.
Dacotah Indians called East Okoboji Lake “Okoboozhy” and West Okoboji was assigned the name “Minnetonka,” signifying big water.
Confusion remains over origin of the word Okoboji. Professor T.H. Macbride said “place of rest.” Others believe the word means “and there are others” from the Dacotah Indian translation.