The island contains archaeological remains of the Susquehannocks and the Iroquois tribes, who at one time established seasonal settlements here.

Babe Ruth famously played a game at Island Park in 1928 when the New York Yankees came to Harrisburg to scrimmage against the original Senators.

[4] The Senators played a few more seasons before flood waters destroyed Island Field in 1936, effectively ending Eastern League participation for fifty-one years.

The Flood of 1972 resulting from Hurricane Agnes destroyed the Filtration Plant, leaving the DeHart Dam to supply water to the city.

The complex is open year-round to the public, and provides a multi-purpose sports field, sand volleyball courts, and a fitness center.

[6] The island also provides family-based amusements such as the 2 ft (610 mm) narrow gauge[7] City Island Railroad (complete with a Crown Metal Products steam locomotive), carousel, Pride of the Susquehanna paddle-wheel riverboat,[8] horse-drawn carriage rides, miniature golf, a replica of John Harris Sr.'s fur-trading post, a riverside village-style playground, three boat marinas, and a concrete beach.