Among the park's features are the Seacoast Science Center and the remains of the World War II Fort Dearborn.

In 1961, the Federal government transferred 137 acres of the fort to the State for $91,000 with the restriction that the land be used for public recreation.

Although little maintenance or improvement was done in the next ten years, once picnic areas and restroom facilities were constructed, the park opened in July 1972.

[3] The Seacoast Science Center is the primary facility in Odiorne Point State Park.

In 1942, during World War II, the site was condemned and purchased by the United States government for the construction of Fort Dearborn as part of an across-the-board modernization of US coast defenses.

In 1961 the site was ceded to the state of New Hampshire; the previous owners were not given the opportunity to re-purchase the land.

[10][12] Fort Dearborn was primarily acquired to build a battery of two 16-inch (406 mm) Mark IIMI ex-Navy guns, heavily protected by concrete and earth casemates.

This was completed and test-fired in June 1944, and eventually superseded all other heavy guns in the Harbor Defenses of Portsmouth.

[10] The Pulpit Rock Base-End Station (N. 142), just outside of the park's southern boundary, is on the National Register of Historic Places, no.