Tewakącąk, Spirit Lake

The indigenous Ho-Chunk people call the lake “Tewakącąk” which, I’ve been told, roughly translates to “Sacred” or “Holy” lake. Many people have advocated over many years to return the lake back to its proper name, well “Spirit Lake”. Certainly “Devil” is the exact opposite of the lake’s true name. What do you think?

Interestingly, while researching the history of the lake, I came across this from the Smithsonian Institution, National Anthropological Archives 1885. This story is said to come from Big Bear & Big Thunder and was retold by Thomas J. George in 1885. And I’m quoting…

“Ta-wah-cun-chunk-dah (Te Wakąčąkra) — Devil’s Lake, “Sacred Lake,” no bad meaning. Tradition — Long ago — a good Winnebago [ We now know as Ho-Chunk ] went on the bank of the lake, offering his devotions aloud and crying to the Supreme Being for twenty days, fasting — when he saw an animal resembling a cat rise up to the surface, hearing the Indian’s sorrow — told him he would help him to live a long and happy life. He did long live. The animal was called Wock-cheth-thwe-dah (Wakjexira) — with long tail and horns. Many others also saw this animal.”

Smithsonian Institution, National Anthropological Archives 1885

I’ve read a few stories of this catlike spirit, sometimes described as a great lynx or water-panther. From what I can gather, this creature mostly seems to be helpful or protective, well at least when respected. But ultimately, it’s not my story to tell.

By the late 1800’s, tourism was becoming a big thing in this area. If you want to see some of the other names folks were coming up with when trying to promote the region, just head over to this page, “Why is it called Devil’s Lake?”.

Derrick Mayoleth

For nearly 2 decades the Skillet Creek blog has focused on 3 main goals; To inspire you to visit and explore the Devil’s Lake region, to help you get the most your visit by sharing tips, events, and other helpful information. Lastly to advocate for our environment & wildlife and talk about how we can keep our natural areas amazing now and into the future! That last goal can sometimes cause controversy, but it’s the only way we can accomplish the first two. – Derrick Mayoleth, Owner.