The Cree, Blackfoot and the Sarcee were the first to inhabit this area and that is where the name originally came from. O-PI-MI-W-SIOOSAKYAKN - Here's Where We Cook Lake or Cooking Lake. South Cooking Lake is located 19 kilometres southeast of Sherwood Park on Highway 14 and according to the most recent census it has 204 residents. 

The water was clear and high. The beaches were white sand, the forests thick and tall. Cooking Lake was fished commercially until 1926. Large numbers of buffalo, lynx, fox, mink, muskrat, elk, deer, moose, wolves, coyotes and black bears used to roam this area. Many people remember the dances at Lakeview Hall. Drive past South Cooking Lake to Lakeview and you can see the rebuilt "Lakeview Fireplace"; all that is left of this famous meeting place.

Today it is possible to see a variety of wildlife and birds throughout the area. There is a day-use park, which is a great place for family picnics, walking trails, picnic sites and waterfowl viewing areas.

The community hall has been completely renovated and is available for rent. The community association has been around for over 90 years numerous activities and events each year, such as the annual Trail Days in August, Christmas craft sale, dances and children's parties.