Another version claims the tribe called itself Wah-Zha-Zhe when French explorer Jacques Marquette encountered them in the 17th century.

[5] That Labor Day, the Osage Nation took over management of the park, which is owned by the United States Army Corps of Engineers.

[6] Chief John Red Eagle said, "The Osage people have made it clear that one of their priorities is to expand and improve water recreation on the reservation, including swimming, boating, camping and fishing.

Principal Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear notified the Corps of Engineers that the Osage Nation would terminate its lease for the park.

[9] In October, 2014, a group of local residents organized the non-profit Hulah Lake Osage Association (HLOA) to save the park from permanent closure.