The legend has many versions, although all are similar. Essentially it tells of Waconda, the beautiful daughter of an Indian chief, who fell in love with a warrior from an enemy tribe. When he asked the girl's father for her hand in marriage, a battle ensued. An arrow mortally wounded the warrior, and he fell into the springs as he died. Heartbroken, Waconda dived in after him and never resurfaced. Waconda Spring, also called Great Spirit Spring, is now under the waters of Waconda Lake. A historical marker stands just south of U.S. 24.