[5] Ekalaka was named after a Sioux girl, Ijkalaka,[6] who was the wife of David Harrison Russell, a scout.

[7] Ijkalaka (Restless or Moving About) was an Oglala Lakota and the daughter of Wombalee We-chosh (Eagle Man).

[6] She was born in 1858 on the Powder River,[6] while she was living with a cousin, Hi Kelly, at a ranch on Chugwater Creek, near Laramie, Wyoming.

A man named Carter bogged down in mud the spring of 1885 opened a saloon and is credited with saying "Anyplace in Montana is a good place to open a saloon".

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 1.04 square miles (2.69 km2), all land.

45.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 22.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

The racial makeup of the town was 99.02% White, 0.49% Native American, and 0.49% from two or more races.

42.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 25.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

Ekalaka Public Schools educates students from kindergarten through 12th grade.

There is the Ekalaka Elementary District and Carter County High School.