Phone (308) 382-1820

Out of an abundance of caution due to COVID 19, the Crane Trust Nature and Visitor Center is currently closed to guests and volunteers.

Our trails however, are now open! Click HERE to view the trail map.

We are deeply sorry for any inconvenience and we truly appreciate your patience and understanding at this time. We will notify the public here and on our Facebook page once we determine an appropriate reopening date.

We exist to protect and maintain the physical, hydrological and biological integrity of the Big Bend area of the Platte River so that it continues to function as a life support system for whooping cranes, sandhill cranes and other migratory bird species. With your help we can make a difference. Learn more and get involved.

  • Ideal for business or personal events of up to 120 people, the CTNVC features a catering kitchen, an executive boardroom and auditorium located conveniently just off I-80. It’s the perfect place to meet!
    Take a look.

  • Fundraisers and events help us raise awareness and generate crucial resources to serve our mission. Join us at our next event and see how you can have some fun and get involved.
    Find out more.

  • Whether guiding public crane tours, helping out with special events, or providing trail maintenance, you'd be surprised at what a huge difference a little bit of your time can make.
    Read more.

April 20, 2020
byAndrew Caven, Director of Conservation Research

We counted 210 Sandhill Cranes and 46 American White Pelicans in the CPRV on the 20th of April 2020. This marks another year when Sandhill Crane counts in survey week 1 (~6,150 on 11 February 2020) exceeded those in week 10 for our database, which has become increasingly common over the last 20 years.

April 13, 2020
byAndrew Caven, Director of Conservation Research

We counted a bias-corrected 64,460+/-5,340 Sandhill Cranes in the Central Platte River Valley on 13 April 2020.

April 7, 2020
byAndrew Caven, Director of Conservation Research

On 7 April 2020 we counted an estimated 224,800+/-49,200 Sandhill Cranes in the Central Platte River Valley (CPRV), Nebraska. The birds were predominantly distributed west of Wood River (.>96%).