Experience the Platte. Step into Nebraska's nature.
Discover the Sandhill crane migration.

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• WATCH: The Great Sandhill Crane
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Business Hours:
Open Year Round:
Monday-Saturday:
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

2013 Spring Migration
March 1 - April 7
Open Daily:
8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Sponsoring Hotels & Discounts

Photos Courtesy of Rick Rasmussen. Platte River Photography.

Crane Viewing Blind Tours With Free Commemorative Pin
A trained guide will accompany you to one of our prime viewing blinds along the Platte River. Blind tours are offered in the early morning, while the cranes roosting on the river, and in the evening, when the birds are returning to the river to roost for the night. Each tour lasts a maximum of three hours, which includes a presentation on the Great Sandhill Crane Migration before heading out to the blind. Participants will need to be able to walk about ten minutes over uneven terrain to reach the blind. Children must be 12 and up and accompanied by an adult.

                    Receive your FREE collector's pin commemorating the 2013 Great Crane Migration with each viewing blind tour.

March 1 – April 7     |    $25 / Person (+ Tax)
Click here to reserve your tour or call for details.


Footbridge Evening Tours:
After a presentation on the Great Sandhill Crane Migration, you'll accompany your guide to our private bridge over the Platte River where you'll experience a 360-degree view of large crane flocks crossing the sky above as they travel to roost for the night. Bridge tours last a maximum of three hours. Visitors are free to depart when they wish but may not return to the bridge. Children must be 12 and up and accompanied by an adult.

March 1- April 1 (Thursday through Sunday Evenings Only)     |    $15 / Person (+ Tax)
Click here to reserve your tour or call for details.


Private Photo/Viewing Blinds:
These select blinds are designed for the serious nature enthusiast seeking the ultimate viewing and photo experience on the Platte—morning and evening! The photo/viewing blinds are not for everyone. Because the blinds are placed in extreme proximity to the sandhill crane roosts on the river, you will overnight in the blind and must remain inside so as not to disturb the birds. What you give up in creature comforts you more than make up for in spectacular morning and evening views.

March 15-30     |    $200 / Blind (+ Tax)
Please call for details and to reserve your blind.

Step-On Guided Bus Tours
Our step-on guided bus tours put you in touch with one of the greatest bird migrations in the world. After a 30-minute presentation at our Nature & Visitor Center on crane behavior, habitat and biology, we'll accompany you and guide your driver to crane viewing hotspots nearby, answering questions and provide insights and commentary along the way. After an hour or so of viewing you'll return to the center where you'll be free to hike our trails and browse the gift shop, art gallery and display. We'll tailor our presentation to meet your group's interests and needs. Advance reservations required for all bus tours.

March 1 - April 7     |    $200 / Bus (+ Tax)
Call for details and to reserve your tour.

• Please read the following rules carefully before beginning your birdwatching adventure:
• • Dress warmly; early-spring mornings and evenings in Nebraska can be unpredictable and chilly. Blinds are unheated. Dress in layers. Bring the warmest boots, coat, gloves and hat you have. Dress for 20 degrees below air temperature. Rain gear may be desirable in wet weather.
• • Crane tour reservations can be canceled or rescheduled with a minimum of 24 hours notice.
• • No flashlights or flash photography
• • Bring cameras, binoculars or video equipment. Tripods are allowed.
• • Only tour participants will be allowed into the display room for the pre-tour presentation.

We can be visited at: 9325 South Alda Road, Wood River, NE 68883
Or call us at (308) 382-1820.