Oahe Dam takes its name from the Oahe Indian Mission established among the Lakota Sioux Indians in 1874. The 230-mile long lake runs from Pierre to near Bismarck, North Dakota, and the surrounding area is rich in historic sites; forts, trading posts, and Lewis and Clark campsites.
Lake Oahe's 2,250-mile shoreline offers myriad opportunities to outdoor recreationists including swimming, water-skiing, fishing, hunting, boating, camping, and picnicking. Special fishing and hunting activities are held each year for the disabled.