A 5.5-mile auto-tour route winds through both prairie grassland and wetland habitats of the lower portion of the James River Valley. Along the route, an elevated observation deck provides a view of the James River, several managed wetlands, and abundant wildlife.
The auto-tour opens in the spring when road conditions allow. The tour route is closed during the North Dakota youth deer season in September each year. The route closes for the winter on the first Friday in November.