David R. Ramsdell, born July 11, 1886, and died June 27, 1984, bequeathed his 180-acre farm to the Lenawee County Parks Commission to be used as a park with nature and hiking trails and areas to observe birds and wildlife. In his will, he said he made the gift so that future generations could enjoy the land, the out-of-doors, birds, and nature as he had for many years. Development of the park was promoted by a major grant from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund, and it was dedicated in October 1991.