At the suggestion of one of the most famous Croatian scientist, botanist Dr. Ivo Horvat, on 15 September 1953. the Croatian government adopted the Act to designate Risnjak Forest a National Park status.

In 1997. Park area has been expanded to an area of ​​6350 ha, and in addition to Risnjak mountain park now includes mountain Snježnik and hydro-monument of nature - the source of the Kupa River with its upper course, which was the desire of prof. Dr. Ivo Horvat in need of protection and valorisation of the area.