Experience the Platte
Step into Nebraska's nature
Discover the Sandhill crane migration
Step into Nebraska's nature
Discover the Sandhill crane migration
- Crane Viewing Blind Tour
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A trained guide will accompany you to one of our viewing blinds set up along the banks of the Platte River. Blind tours are offered in the early morning – when the cranes roost on the river before leaving to feed – and evening, when the birds arrive on the river to spend the night. This is as close as you'll get to the cranes. Each blind tour lasts a maximum of three hours, including an introductory presentation. Participants will need to be able to walk about ten minutes over uneven terrain under cover of darkness to access the blind. (No leaving the blind early so as not to disturb the birds.)
Viewing blind tours are not for children under 12. - Cost: $30.00/Person (Tax included)
- Evening Bridge Tour
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After the introductory presentation, you'll follow your friendly guide on foot to our bridge, just a few-minute walk behind the nature center. Here, we'll get a 360-degree view of large crane flocks as they travel back to the river. Bridge tours last a maximum of two hours; visitors can leave when desired (but may not return to the bridge afterwards).
Visitors of all ages are invited. - Cost: $8.00/Person (Tax included)
• 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. Basic rule: Dress for 20 degrees below air temperature.
• Rain gear may be desirable in wet weather.
• Rain gear may be desirable in wet weather.
• Tours are held regardless of weather. Only exception is when any section of Interstate 80 between North Platte and Lincoln is closed.
• Crane tour reservations can be canceled or rescheduled with a minimum of 24 hours notice.
• No flashlights.
• Crane tour reservations can be canceled or rescheduled with a minimum of 24 hours notice.
• No flashlights.
• Bring binoculars or a spotting scope if you have them. Tripods are allowed.
• Cameras and video equipment are also allowed. No flash photography at any time. Please be respectful of those around you when operating recording equipment.
• Cameras and video equipment are also allowed. No flash photography at any time. Please be respectful of those around you when operating recording equipment.