The National Park is located in its entirety south of the N35 (Zwolle-Almelo), and encapsulates Haarlerberg, Holterberg, Noetselerberg and Koningsbelten.

The Sallandse heuvelrug is a moraine, created in the second-last glaciation, Saalien, 150,000 years ago.

From the Middle Ages onwards the area was used for grazing by sheep and goats, and the upper layer of the soil was removed to use it as fertilizer for the crop fields.

In the beginning of the 20th century the state started forestry programs, to prevent this erosion and to produce pine wood.

The visitor centre hosts a permanent interactive exhibition on the history of the Sallandse Heuvelrug.

Along the two-kilometre trail located close to the visitor centre, there are numerous activities for children to participate in.

The park contains numerous bushwalking, cycling, mountain biking trails, as well as riding routes.