The river meanders in a tight loop, outlining a gravelly bench formed by large meltwater flows during the glaciation of the area by the Des Moines Lobe glacier. The steep, north-facing slope creates a range of habitat conditions which support several community types. The upper areas are dominated by oak and hickory. The slope itself is dominated by sugar maple and basswood. The floodplain is dominated by soft maple and cottonwood.
Spring flowers are abundant.
Facilities for this preserve include a parking lot. The preserve is open to hunting as permitted by state and local regulations. See the Introduction for general use of state preserves.