Hawks and owls, especially barred owls, are common to the area, as are an assortment of songbirds and woodpeckers. Water pit privies and a sanitary dump station are available. Due to periodic flooding of the Illinois River, it is advisable to call ahead and check on conditions before you visit. The site provides boat docks and a public boat ramp. There is no horsepower limit.
Large boats are unable to navigate the shallow backwater lakes.
The fishing water consists of a broad expanse of the Illinois River known as Upper Peoria Lake and Goose Lake, plus 3,475 feet of manmade fishing channels. These channels provide excellent bullhead and crappie fishing in the late winter and early spring because the wells keep the channels free from ice. Because the trail area is composed of levees used as a waterfowl management area, trails are closed during fall migration. No bicycles or other vehicles are allowed on the trails. Put all litter in the nearest available trash container.