Nagagamisis, a Cree word meaning "lake with fine, sandy shores", owes the sandiness of its shores to the pausing of a retreating glacier, some 9000 years ago. Not only did the colossal ice-mountain pause, it reversed itself briefly, turning south and creating the Arnott Moraine before resuming its northward evacuation. This occurred just northwest of the present lake. As a result, clusters of small, irregular moraines, kames, and other glacial features are found throughout the region. Reminders of former human activity include the remains of a trapper's cabin, two Indian graveyards, and pottery fragments indicating that nomads lived in the area for at least 1000 years. The park has 86 campsites, two trails, and various amenities. Visitors can enjoy hiking, boating, swimming, canoeing, exploring, painting, and building campfires.