First developed as a Picnic Ground around the time of World War One, it was enlarged by owner Louis Kraus and ultimately included a wooden roller coaster, the "Wildcat", opened in 1925, an aeroplane swing, a cafeteria, picnic groves and a dance hall as well as an attractive bathing beach, a diving tower and boat docks. The park was popular during the depression, World War II and the immediate postwar period. It could be reached by public transportation, first via Trolley which went over the Landing bridge and all the way to the Park, and after 1928 by the 'Public Service' route 70 bus which would meet the train at the Landing/Lake Hopatcong station and take passengers to the park.

In its heyday, people would line up outside the park, waiting to enter. Sellers of Hot Dogs and Cotton Candy raised their voices from their stalls. Operators of the Haunted House, the wooden Roller Coaster named "Wildcat", the Merry-Go-Round and the Bumper Cars all gave the place a unique, carnival like flavor, even as it remained a top destination for families. The Lost River Mill Chute ride was a favorite, and arcade games like Skee Ball filled the short midway.

In 1983 Woody Allen filmed scenes from his film 'Purple Rose of Cairo' at Bertrand Island as portions of the film tried to recreate a 1930's Amusement Park feel. Alas, the only part that made it into the movie was a conversation around the pavilion or the boardwalk, none of the rides were used.