The Native American name for the Spokane Falls was "Stluputqu", meaning "swift water".

The area around the falls was formerly a rail yard, that was converted to a city park for use as the fairgrounds for the 1974 World's Fair.

The park is located predominantly on Havermale Island, the east-most boundary is established by the first fork in the river.

The Upper Falls Power Plant incorporates a Francis turbine capable of generating 10 MW.

Completed in 1890, it was the first dam built on the Spokane River and is currently the longest-running hydroelectric generation facility in Washington state.