Since 1880, it served as the center of what was a bustling Chinatown for a small town known as the "Gateway to the Gold Fields".

The history of the original and other non-extant temples is unclear; but in 1880 a new one was built and dedicated, which is still in place and in use.

The foremost of the gods that are worshiped is Běidì (北帝; 'North Deity', Cantonese: Pak Tai, Bok Tai; non-standard Toishanese: Buck Eye, Beuk Aie), also known as Xuan Wu, (玄武 "Dark Warrior" or "Mysterious Warrior"), a Deity in Chinese folk religion believed to govern the northern region and rain, hence its place of reverence at Bok Kai Temple, or Northern Creek Temple.

In the 1950s, when Marysville was the only U.S. community firing off these "bombs", the name was changed to the Bok Kai Festival.

A Bok Kai festival and parade is held annually in the spring, during which time the temple is opened for ceremonies as well as for interested parties to tour.