The land that makes up the site was deeded to the state by the San Felipe de Austin Corporation in 1940, and the park was opened to the public the same year.

[2] 12 acres (4.9 ha) of the park are set aside as the San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site to honor the area's past.

This was the site of the township of San Felipe, the seat of government of the Anglo-American colonies in Texas starting in 1823.

The town was burned on March 2, 1836, to prevent it from falling into the hands of the advancing Mexican Army during the Texas Revolution.

The park offers camping, a picnic area, hiking trails and a public golf course.