[3] The park opened in 1986[4] on the site of the William Skinner Silk Mill which was lost to fire in 1980.

A visitors center has exhibits about paper manufacturing and Holyoke's industrial and cultural past.

The landscaped grounds offer picnicking and views of the city's canals and mill buildings.

From 1988 to 1996 the railroad featured regular scenic tours to points outside of the city,[6] however in 2005 the three Pullman cars were sold to the Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum, which continues to operate them with the state park's livery.

[7] Today the Pioneer Valley Railroad provides annual fall foliage passenger rides from the Holyoke Heritage State Park to Westfield, as well as an annual Santa Train.