The population thrived for a number of years until faced with the hardships of winters, disease and poor economic outlook for commercial fishing and farming.

Landscapes are varied, and include areas of coniferous and mixed forests, limestone cliffs and silica sand beaches, as well as marshes, bogs, fens and wet meadows.

The resort features sandy beaches, summer homes, a full-service marina, Lighthouse trail and 18-hole golf course.

Hecla Village is a historic village consisting of a fishing museum and functional commercial fishing operation at the Hecla Fish Station adjacent to the dock; the Tomasson Boarding House; the Community Hall; the Hecla School consisting of a replica classroom in one room and a park interpretive centre in the other classroom; the Heritage House Museum, furnished as an Icelandic family house in 1920s to 1940s style, which is operated by the Descendants and Friends of Hecla; the General Store open from May to September; the log house; the Ice House Museum containing carpentry & fishing tools and sawmill artifacts; the Hecla Church featuring non-denominational services and special musical events during July & August; a bed & breakfast in a restored historic Icelandic home owned and operated by commercial fishers; and numerous privately owned cottages.

Wildlife in the park includes the black bear, moose, timber wolf, fox, beaver; birds that can be seen include bald eagle, common loon, American white pelican, ruby-throated hummingbird, and various species of woodpecker, hawk, and owl.