The site was the location of one of Alberta's earliest fur trade posts and missionary centres. The location of the original Fort Dunvegan is also a National Historic Site of Canada.
The historic site consists of a visitor centre and some historic buildings maned by historic interpreters. The provincial park is the undeveloped land in the river valley on which the historic site and a campground sit. The site is jointly managed by the ministries of Tourism, Parks, and Recreation (the campground) and Culture and Community Spirit (the historic site).
Dunvegan West Wildland Park is an extension of this provincial park.