The name Oacoma is derived from a Sioux word meaning “a place between”. The town was founded in 1890 and is located between the Missouri River and the bluffs. The loss of the county seat fight to Kennebec together with the completion of the highway bridge diverting the traffic to Chamberlain, almost caused Oacoma to turn into a ghost town. Oacoma was saved by the building of the Interstate 90 which once again diverted traffic to Oacoma and its shores to the Missouri River. The recreational activities on the Missouri River are Oacoma’s life blood. There is an abundance of motels, restaurants, and camping sites for everyone’s convenience. Opening day pheasant hunting week-end finds the majority of the motels full.