Crane Viewing
We offer a variety of ways in March to make your crane viewing experience truly magical. These experiences are all led by expert guides. Our riverfront blinds are located along the largest Sandhill Crane roost in the world. We invite you to book a Public Crane Viewing Tour, Daytime Driving Tour, or Footbridge Tour. For an elevated premier experience, stay with us on a VIP Overnight Experience. Crane Trust members can join us from anywhere in the world for Virtual Crane Tours.
Crane Trust Members get Advance Priority Booking by several months through our Member Portal!
Click here to become a member.
Crane Tour booking begins in January for non-members.
Riverfront Blind Tours
A trained guide leads you to one of our prime viewing blinds on the Platte River. Blind tours are offered in the early morning while the cranes roost on the river and in the evening when the birds return to the river to roost for the night.
Age 12 and up. $50 per participant, plus fees
Tour booking begins January 3rd for non-members.
Daytime Driving Tours
Join your guides on a 14-passenger touring bus to view cranes foraging in fields, prairies, and wet meadows. Disembark at key viewing spots to observe cranes feeding and interacting. Learn about crane behavior, local ecology, and wildlife viewing etiquette.
Age 6 and up. $25 per participant, plus fees
Tour booking begins January 3rd for non-members.
Footbridge Tours
After a short presentation, accompany your guide for a walk on a paved path to our private footbridge over the north channel of the Platte River. Enjoy a 360º open-air view of cranes in the sky, along with the sights and sounds of other migratory birds.
Age 12 and up. $15 per participant, plus fees
Please note: For a more immersive, awe-inspiring experience, consider booking a Riverfront Blind Tour (above).
Tour booking begins January 3rd for non-members.
VIP Overnight Crane Experiences
Take your crane viewing adventure to the next level with this premier experience! Engage with fellow travelers and Crane Trust staff & scientists. Enjoy an elevated experience while helping to support Crane Trust’s mission and conservation work.
Age 18 and up. One-night Experience for Two (all-inclusive) starts at $800 plus fees
VIP booking begins January 3rd for non-members.
Looking for overnight experiences designed for photographers? Find Photo Tours info here.
Virtual Crane Viewing Tours
Witness the crane migration from anywhere in the world! Through our series of cameras along the Platte River, you can join virtual tours with trained staff throughout the month of March. Virtual programming is accessible to all Crane Trust Members through the Member Portal. All ages.
Photo Workshops & Tours
Capture images of the largest gathering of Sandhill Cranes in the world in dedicated photo blinds. These tours provide an immersive experience for intermediate and advanced photographers, led by acclaimed photographers, Cheryl Opperman or Jeffrey Z. Carney.
Crane Viewing Important Rules & Guidelines
Please read the following rules and guidelines carefully to prepare for your Sandhill Crane adventure.
- Children must be at least 12 years old and accompanied by an adult for Guided and Footbridge tours. Children ages 6 and up are permitted on Daytime Driving Tours.
- VIP & Photo Experience guests must be 18 years or older.
- Pets are not permitted on Crane Trust property or in blinds. Licensed service animals are allowed.
- Dress warmly and in layers. Early spring mornings and evenings in Nebraska can be unpredictable and chilly. Blinds are unheated. Bring the warmest boots, coat, gloves and hat you have. Dress for 20 degrees below air temperature and prepare for wet weather.
- No flashlights or flash photography.
- Bring cameras and binoculars. We may have some binoculars available to borrow. Tripods are not allowed except on photo tours or footbridge tours. Monopods are permitted in blinds.
- Review other frequently asked questions about the migration and the Crane Trust.
Looking for self-guided crane viewing info? Visit Grand Island Tourism‘s webpage.
Area lodging, restaurants, and other attractions: Grand Island Tourism and Kearney Tourism
Cancellation Policy for Riverfront Blind Tours, Footbridge Tours, and Daytime Driving Tours
All refunds requested will be considered under our cancellation policy:
At least 8 advance days cancellation notice: 90% refund will be issued.
3 to 7 days’ notice of cancellation: 50% refund will be issued.
Cancellation notice 48 hours or less in advance: no refund is issued.
The Crane Trust will cancel tours if Interstate 80 is closed anywhere between Lincoln and North Platte due to bad weather. In case of closure, we will attempt to reach you via email and/or cell phone. You will receive a full refund if the Crane Trust cancels a tour. All refunds will be made using the payment method used at the time of booking.