The original 5.92 acres of the park property was dedicated to the city by the Sioux City and 51. Paul Railroad Company, in October, 1875 in the plat of Park Addition. Chautauqua Park was the city's first park and was originally referred to a" Lake Park. At the turn of the century and on into the 1930's it became a stop on the national Chautauqua circuit. The local Chautauqua society was formed by Professor C. H. Wame. The citizens built a wooden pavilion overlooking Okabena Lake, to provide an area for theater entertainment, lectures, musical events, and comedy productions. The Chautauqua program was an annual summer event, that ended in 1931 with evangelist Billy Sunday as the last attraction. Additions to park were made in April, 1940 when Lot 1, Block 4 of Park Addition was acquired from P. C. Heimark, for $900.00, and East 80' of Lot 2, Block 4, Park Addition was acquired from George Luffey for $9,000.00. The park was officially named Chautauqua Park, by city council, in January, 1950.