The 644-acre (2.61 km2) site, about half of which is wetlands, was a popular tourist spot known as Dawson Beach until the 1940s, after which it was used for military research by the U.S. Army's Harry Diamond Laboratories from the 1960s to the 1990s.

The refuge has a mix of wetlands, forest, and native grasslands that provides a diversity of habitats for wide variety of species.

Noted for its grassland nesting birds, neo-tropical migrants and raptors, the refuge also hosts wildlife common to Virginia.

Wildlife Drive also contains two miles (3.2 km) of old patrol roads reserved for motor vehicle and bicycle access.

This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.