In 1832, Black Hawk denounced the encroachment of the frontiersmen upon the lands of his people and set out from Iowa to retake the ceded land. For a time in 1832, northwestern Illinois was the scene of many skirmishes between the Native Americans, the Illinois militia and the regular army. Black Hawk was finally chased into southern Wisconsin, with his retreat culminating in a decisive defeat of the Native Americans a few miles south of Bad Axe on Aug. 2, 1832. A few days later Black Hawk was captured and after several months captivity during which time he was taken to Washington, D.C., he was permitted to return to his people in Iowa, where he died in 1838. Its terrain is relatively flat and lies within the flood plain of the river.
Plant life is characteristic of bottom ground, offering a variety of species.
Some of the predominant trees are maple, cottonwood, oak, walnut and locust. Animal species that are often seen are squirrels, rabbits, ducks, muskrats, raccoons and occasionally deer. Coon Creek flows through the park and feeds into the Rock River, creating a natural area for fish. No cooking may be done except on camp or park stoves. The area offers a picnic shelter and playground equipment.