The park is located in the middle of the city of Eau Claire and follows the course of both the Chippewa River to the west and Minnie Creek to the east.
The park sits directly south of a steep section of Harding Avenue, once called "Plank Street Hill."
The 230-acre parcel was set in a low-lying area, which Putnam hoped would be conserved as a botanical laboratory due to the many species of trees and plants found there.
[citation needed] The park also offers opportunities for birdwatching, with species like hawks, wild turkeys, woodpeckers and eagles being sighted regularly.
Putnam Drive is a popular spot for runners and is included in a section of the full race in the Eau Claire Marathon.