The center features a wetland diorama, interpretive hiking trial, and a wildlife observation deck and blind. Each year the center brings about 10,000 visitors to Palo Alto County. More than 1,600 area students visit on field trips each year. Named Iowa's Tourism Attraction of the Year in 1994, the building was funded by Iowa's Resources Enhancement and Protection Program. The partnership between the county conservation board and the Palo Alto SWCD was recognized by the National Association of Conservation Districts as the 1998 District of the Year for conservation education.
People power represents an important contribution to the nature center.
A group of 4-H'ers donated their time and expertise to build a dock for watching wildlife, an observation blind, and a bridge on the trail leading to the duck blind. Iowa State University biological illustration students provided interpretive wildlife drawings within the blind for identifying amphibians, birds, and mammals. Volunteers keep the Center open on weekends. Wildlife species that are common at the Center include wood ducks, teal, yellow-headed blackbirds, kingfishers, and an assortment of frogs and toads. A free-flying trumpeter swan sighting is also possible near the Center.