Dating back to 1806, a furnace was constructed on the site to cast shot and shells and the park was the location of a battle in the War of 1812.

[2][3] The land was first developed over 17 acres in 1893 by William Pardee as "First Class Temperance Pleasure Resort", which offered family friendly entertainment with facilities such as swan boats operating in two man-made lakes, a merry-go-round, picnic shelters, dance pavilions, a rifle range, a restaurant, concessions, and the natural attractions of bluffs, stream and wildflowers.

[4] In May 1896, Pardee sold the resort to Billy McGlory, a saloon keeper and underworld figure in New York City.

McGlory renamed the place " “Elmwood Elysium" and attempted to run it from May 1896 but finally closed it on June 21, 1899.

In 1927, the city purchased the land and Elmwood was developed into a park, with stone bridges, walls, and stairs to enhance the natural features.