The Great Depression led United States President Franklin D. Roosevelt to create the New Deal, a complex package of economic programs initiated to help the economy recover and put people to work.

The original idea came from the Preston Women's Civic Improvement Club, which had lobbied for highway beautification.

A site was chosen on the highest point on the bluffs above the Root River, 90 feet (27 m) below.

The overlook was designed by Minnesota landscape architect Arthur R. Nichols in the Rustic Style.

The mosaic patterned wall and flagstone walk consist of limestone quarried from below the overlook.