Kokshetau originated from the Kazakh word meaning "sky-colored mountain". It was founded in 1824 as a Russian administrative outpost when they extended control over the Kazakhs, naming the settlement Kokshetau. Kokshetau became a district administrative center in 1868 and a regional center in 1944. It contains several museums including the Regional History Museum and museums dedicated to Malik Gabdullin and Literature/Arts. Popular attractions are the Entertaining Centre "RIO" and the restaurant "Eurasia".