Roads and camping areas permit easy access to areas on the south side of the lake and good views of migrating and nesting passerines. Habitat includes grass areas, large trees, and some dense thicket areas.

This is perhaps the most pleasant, well designed community lake in Missouri. The 44-acre lake may be scanned from the west side at the canoe launch or from the south end at the boat ramp and near the campground.

The canoe launch area has two picnic tables. This area is usually quieter than the south end, and the view of the upper lake is good.

There is a picnic pavilion with four tables near the boat launch.

Walking the internal roads and campground is a good strategy to detect species in woods, open areas, and the limited wetlands.

Slow driving along CR 524 or CR 547 provides opportunity bird the wooded areas on the south and west boundaries. Traffic on CR 424, though sparse, can be fast moving.

This gem has been neglected by birders. As of summer 2023, eBird reports are few, most clustered in summer. Those summer visits show the expected vireos, Summer Tanager, orioles, Dickcissel and Indigo Bunting. The single February trip includes Bald Eagle, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Yellow-rumped Warbler, and three species of woodpecker. An autumn report includes four species of woodpecker and a Rose-breasted Grosbeak. The single January trip had expected winter species.

White-fronted and Canada Goose and Northern Shoveler are the only waterfowl on the lists, and there are no migrating warblers or flycatchers, simply because no birder was there in the appropriate season to observe them. This site is birder-friendly and has the potential for excellent birding in all seasons.

From Laddonia go east 4 miles on Rt. K and continue straight onto CR 524 for 2 miles. From Vandalia go south 4 miles on Rt. W, then west 2 miles on CR 524.