[2] The area was once a hunting ground for the Shawnee Indians.

The park was first opened in 1922 as Theodore Roosevelt State Game Preserve.

The game preserve saw further development and improvements by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.

[2] The park's recreational activities include golf, fishing, swimming, hiking, and boating on Roosevelt Lake and Turkey Creek Lake.

The state park marina on the Ohio River is located on US 52 just west of Friendship.