Archeological investigations at the preserve have been limited. Prior to its establishment, only two prehistoric archeological sites had been formally identified within the preserve. The NPS Midwest Archeological Center conducted limited fieldwork in 1998, representing the preserve’s first formal archeological investigations. Twelve prehistoric and historic sites were documented, confirming and verifying some of the finds previously discovered in the field or through archival research. The sites are scattered across the preserve, and include lithic scatters, a quarry/workshop site, cairns, early Euroamerican farmsteads, the Spring Hill Ranch headquarters area, an historic dump site, and the Lower Fox Creek School area. Isolated chipped stone implements have been found at several locations, and these will continue to be discovered. Many will relate to specific activity areas that are themselves associated with other sites, including camps or habitation sites.

The potential is high for the identification of sizeable numbers of prehistoric and historic sites and features within the area of the preserve, based on the density of sites documented in Chase and adjoining Morris counties. Prehistoric sites and features will likely range from probable kill sites to quarries, workshops, single and multiple component habitation or campsites, possible burial mounds, cairns, rock alignments, and tipi rings. Historic Euroamerican sites and features will likely include homestead/farmstead sites, dump sites, remnant plantings, fence lines, roads, and water control devices. Distribution will also vary across the preserve, in both the valley bottoms and stream terraces, and the upland areas (Jones 1999: 52-59).