Sequiota means "many springs." The central feature of the park is a large cave and spring, with the spring beginning 500 feet back in the limestone hillside. Prior to 1830, Native American tribes including Osage, Sac, Fox, Kickapoo, and Cherokee used the area. From 1840 to 1920 there were several private owners. From 1920 to 1959 it was a state park and fish hatchery. In 1959 it became part of the Springfield Park System.