Ekalaka was named in honor of Ijkalaka, an Oglala Sioux and the daughter of Eagle Man and the wife of the first non-Native American settler in the Russell Creek Valley. Spending time here is relaxing with the wide open spaces and and tranquil scenery of open prairies. This town is small consisting of two motels, campgrounds, several restaurants; a grocery store, service station and main street and cottage businesses and two city parks besides the residences occupied by its approximately 450 citizens. The town is not without its cultural events hosting the annual Artist of the Prairie Art Show in August. Artists are invited to bring and exhibit their oil, watercolor, sculpture and photography works in this non juried show.