The predecessor of Moraine View, the McLean County Conservation Area, traces its history to 1959.

It is managed for active recreation, including camping, hiking, swimming, boating, hunting and fishing.

Moraine View was one of eleven state parks slated to close indefinitely on November 1, 2008 due to budget cuts by former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich.

The northeastern face of the same moraine, outside the state recreation area, is the headwaters of the main stem of the Sangamon.

Although Salt Creek and the main stem of the Sangamon arise on opposite sides of this moraine, they flow more than 80 miles (130 km) west before they meet again.