Captain Cook Statue

Archeological evidence, as well as Cook's observations indicate the area was previously inhabited by the Dena'ina people, who gathered salmon in the area. The beaches in and around the park have also been the site of commercial fishing activity. The park is one of the oldest in the Alaska State Park system, having been authorized in 1971, with major capital improvement projects in 1978 and 2010.

One of the park's main features is the Discovery Campground, a 53-site wooded camping area on the bluffs above Cook Inlet (Discovery was the name of one of the ships in Cook's expedition.) Campers are advised to keep a clean camp as black bears are known to frequent the area. as well as several offshore oil rigs. The park is the northern terminus of the Swanson River and its associated canoe trail. The lake was the site of two efforts to eradicate invasive species. In winter months the park features ice fishing on the lake and cross-country ski trails.