Travel Guide to Lake Oahe

• HelloHau
  [how]
• GoodbyeWopila
  [woh-pee-lah]
• YesHehan
  [heh-hahn]
• NoHinhan
  [heen-hahn]
• Please/You're welcomeAnpetu waste
  [ahn-peh-too wah-shday]
• Thank youPilamaya
  [pee-lah-mah-yah]
• Excuse me/SorryHecel o
  [heh-chayl oh]
• How are you?Hehaka wo?
  [heh-hah-kah woh]
• Fine. And you?Wopila. Niye?
  [woh-pee-lah. nee-yay]
• Do you speak English?Iyotan unciyapi nahan?
  [ee-yo-tahn oon-chee-yah-pee nah-hahn]
• I don't understandWan uncinpi
  [wahn oon-cheen-pee]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMenu wanji yuha, waste
  [meh-noo wahn-jee yuh-hah, wah-shday]
• I don't eat meatWan wokisuye kinunpi
  [wahn woh-kee-soo-yea kee-noon-pee]
• Cheers!Ake wacinye
  [ah-kay wah-chee-yay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseWan wicayazapi yuha, waste
  [wahn wee-chah-yah-zah-pee yuh-hah, wah-shday]

• Help!Aho
  [ah-hoh]
• Go away!Wicae
  [wee-chah-ay]
• Call the Police!Wicasa ohitika wanagi
  [wee-chah-shah oh-hee-tee-kah wahn-ah-gee]
• Call a doctor!Wicahpi wowapi
  [wee-chah-pi woh-wah-pee]
• I'm lostWan yuonihan
  [wahn yoo-oh-nee-hahn]
• I'm illWan ohitika
  [wahn oh-hee-tee-kah]

• I'd like to buy...Wan iyokisni
  [wahn ee-yoh-kee-shnee]
• I'm just lookingWan kiwahiyaye
  [wahn kee-wah-hee-yah-yay]
• How much is it?Taku ksto?
  [dah-koo ksh-toh]
• That's too expensiveIyakiciya
  [ee-yah-kee-chee-yah]
• Can you lower the price?Iyahtaya
  [ee-yah-gh-tah-yah]

• What time is it?Taku ksto?
  [dah-koo ksh-toh]
• It's one o'clockLakota Wicayutapi
  [lah-koh-tah wee-chah-yuh-tah-pee]
• Half past (10)Lakota 10 wicayutapi
  [lah-koh-tah 10 wee-chah-yuh-tah-pee]
• MorningHanhepi
  [hahn-hay-pee]
• AfternoonIyokipi
  [ee-yoh-kee-pee]
• EveningWicayapi
  [wee-chah-yah-pee]
• YesterdayAnpetu kin
  [ahn-peh-too keen]
• TodayAnpetu
  [ahn-peh-too]
• TomorrowAnpetu ki
  [ahn-peh-too kee]
• 1Lakota un
  [lah-koh-tah oon]
• 2Lakota kto
  [lah-koh-tah ktoh]
• 3Lakota ska
  [lah-koh-tah skah]
• 4Lakota zaptan
  [lah-koh-tah zahp-tahn]
• 5Lakota zaptan ksto
  [lah-koh-tah zahp-tahn ksh-toh]
• 6Lakota sice
  [lah-koh-tah see-chay]
• 7Lakota sice kto
  [lah-koh-tah see-chay ktoh]
• 8Lakota sice ska
  [lah-koh-tah see-chay skah]
• 9Lakota sice zaptan
  [lah-koh-tah see-chay zahp-tahn]
• 10Lakota skatapi
  [lah-koh-tah skah-tah-pee]

• Where's a/the...?Hehan wanji...?
  [heh-hahn wahn-jee]
• What's the address?Hehan unpi...
  [heh-hahn oon-pee]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Iyotan opawinge...
  [ee-yo-tahn oh-pah-weeng-ay]
• When's the next (bus)?Wanikiya...
  [wahn-ee-kee-yah]
• A ticket (to ....)Sicatapi (ki ...)
  [see-chah-tah-pee (kee)]

Lake Oahe was formed by the construction of the Oahe Dam on the Missouri River. The project was part of the Flood Control Act of 1944, designed to provide hydroelectric power, irrigation, and flood control. The dam, completed in 1962, created a reservoir that extends over 230 miles from Pierre, South Dakota, to Bismarck, North Dakota.

The Oahe Mission was established in 1874 by Congregational missionaries near the present-day site of the Oahe Dam. The mission aimed to educate and convert the local Native American tribes, particularly the Lakota and Dakota Sioux. It played a significant role in the cultural exchange between European settlers and Native Americans.

The area around Lake Oahe has been inhabited by various Native American tribes for thousands of years. The Lakota and Dakota Sioux were the most prominent groups in this region. The lake and its surroundings are rich with cultural and spiritual significance for these tribes, featuring sacred sites, petroglyphs, and ancient burial grounds.

In 1804, the Lewis and Clark Expedition passed through the area that would later become Lake Oahe. The explorers documented their interactions with the native tribes and the diverse wildlife of the region. Their journey significantly contributed to the understanding and mapping of the American West.

The construction of the Oahe Dam brought significant economic benefits to the region. The hydroelectric power plant generates electricity for several states, while the reservoir supports agriculture through irrigation. Additionally, the lake has become a popular destination for recreational activities, boosting local tourism.

The creation of Lake Oahe led to the submergence of numerous Native American cultural sites and farmland. This displacement caused significant controversy and hardship among the local tribes, who lost access to ancestral lands and resources. Efforts have been made to address these issues through legal agreements and cultural preservation initiatives.

In 2011, Lake Oahe experienced record flooding due to heavy snowmelt and rainfall in the Missouri River basin. The floodwaters caused extensive damage to infrastructure and homes along the lake's shores. This event highlighted the challenges of managing such a large and dynamic water system.

Today, Lake Oahe is a major recreational destination, attracting visitors for fishing, boating, camping, and wildlife observation. The lake is home to a variety of fish species, including walleye, northern pike, and catfish, making it a popular spot for anglers. The surrounding state parks offer numerous amenities and picturesque landscapes for outdoor enthusiasts.

Lake Oahe is located in central South Dakota and stretches into North Dakota, but the most accessible point is through Pierre, the capital city of South Dakota. The nearest major airport is Pierre Regional Airport (PIR), located about 35 miles from the lake. From the airport, you can rent a car or take a taxi to reach the lake. Alternatively, you can drive from other major cities like Sioux Falls, which is approximately a 3-hour drive, or Rapid City, around 2.5 hours away.

Given the expansive nature of Lake Oahe, a car is the most convenient mode of transportation. Car rental services are available at Pierre Regional Airport. Public transport options are limited, and taxis are available but can be expensive for longer journeys. For those interested in exploring the lake by water, boat rentals are available at various marinas around the lake.

The official currency is the United States Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, including at most hotels, restaurants, and shops around Lake Oahe. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially if you plan to visit more remote areas or small establishments that may not accept cards. ATMs are available in Pierre and other nearby towns.

Lake Oahe is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, as with any travel destination, it is advisable to exercise standard safety precautions. Avoid isolated areas after dark and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. It is important to note that weather conditions can change rapidly; always check the weather forecast before heading out on the lake. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists around Lake Oahe.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The nearest hospital with emergency services is in Pierre, South Dakota. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health concerns, there are pharmacies in Pierre where you can purchase over-the-counter medications. Additionally, marinas and campgrounds around Lake Oahe have basic first-aid kits.

Fashion: Do dress in layers and bring appropriate gear for outdoor activities. Avoid wearing flip-flops or other inappropriate footwear for hiking or boating. Religion: There are no specific religious customs to observe, but always respect local traditions and any sacred sites. Public Transport: Public transport is limited, so plan your trips and rentals in advance. Greetings: A friendly handshake or a simple 'hello' is customary. Eating & Drinking: Do try the local cuisine, including fresh fish from the lake. Don't litter; always dispose of your trash properly.

To experience Lake Oahe like a local, consider visiting during the fall when the foliage is stunning. Engage with local fishers and boaters to learn about the best fishing spots. Don't miss attending local events and festivals in nearby towns, such as Oahe Days in Pierre. For a unique experience, book a guided fishing tour or a boat trip to explore the lake's hidden coves and inlets.