There is a small pond just inside the entrance of the grounds which often holds geese, Mallards, and sometimes other waterfowl. In December 2014, there were two Snow Geese and a Greater White-fronted Goose observed on the same day. Visitors may drive to the back of the property where the road essentially dead ends. There is a 1.5-mile nature trail open to the public that loops through the woods. There is a parking area at the trailhead. There is a resident Great Horned Owl in the woods that security and maintenance staff say has been there for years.

There is a sign along the driveway indicating that all visitors must do so at the administration building. However, the staff has indicated it is not necessary to sign in to use the nature trail. The sign instructing visitors to sign in is intended for individuals visiting residents who live there.

Mount Vernon Developmental Center (MVDC) is located on 310 acres of land, centrally located in Knox County. There are approximately 105 residents at the Center, in five different living areas. The majority of the residents at MVDC need extensive support in the areas of daily living, health care, and social skills development.