The state park's approximately 2,100 acres (850 ha) are situated among high bluffs and steep, forested hills adjacent to the Missouri National Recreational River.

[3] The park was created in 1934 when 160 acres (65 ha) of land were donated under the sponsorship of Ponca Legion Post 117.

Eastern woodland flowers such as bloodroot, Canada violet, phlox and sweet cicely can be found growing among prairie plants, including yucca, clover, and larkspur.

The wild plum and gooseberry thickets were also noted by the Lewis and Clark Expedition, who passed these bluffs with their Corps of Discovery in the summer of 1804.

[6] Twenty-two miles of hiking and biking trails wind through the deep ravines and hilltop ridges of the park.