Booking for 2025 will begin in September 2024 for Crane Trust Members. To have an early opportunity at preferred dates, we encourage you to become a Member.
Take your crane viewing adventure to the next level with this premier experience! For each program, guests from across the country gather for this exclusive opportunity to engage with fellow participants and Crane Trust staff. You will have an elevated experience while helping to support Crane Trust's mission and conservation work.
Choose our Overnight VIP Crane Experience (below) or our Two-Night VIP Crane Safari.
Overnight VIP Crane Experience
All-inclusive, starting at $750 per Cottage Room (up to 2 guests)
Enjoy accommodations in the Crane Trust’s Legacy Cottages and Suites with cozy rooms and private baths (see descriptions and images below). The cottages each feature four fully-furnished private bedrooms / bathrooms and a common area. The two Bay Family Suites each feature a king bed, master bath, kitchen area, large living area and deck overlooking a pond. This is a one-of-a-kind adventure on unique and vital Crane Trust lands.
View the migration in our exclusive heated Pietrok Family riverfront blinds with experts who provide valuable insights into the science and the mystery of the crane migration and the Platte River ecosystem. The blinds are intentionally designed and placed to provide spectacular vistas of the largest Sandhill Crane roost on the river.
Your VIP experience includes delicious catered meals and beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic). Enjoy cocktail hour, meals, snacks, and social time with your fellow guests and Crane Trust staff in the Headquarters Dining Room. Crane Trust lodging can accommodate up to 28 people (2 to a room or suite), with each Legacy cottage housing up to eight people.
What to Expect:
Day One
- 3:30pm check-in at the Nature & Visitor Center
- Social time, sunset crane viewing, catered dinner, social time, and engaging programs
- Rest in fully furnished private cottage rooms with private baths
Day Two
- Sunrise crane viewing, breakfast, program, social time, and farewells
- 10:00am checkout
Requirements: Guests must be 18 or older and be capable of walking 1/2 mile across uneven grassland terrain without assistance.
VIP Crane Program Cancellation Policy
The Overnight VIP Experience is a truly memorable way to spend time with friends, family, colleagues or clients while enjoying the natural wonder of the crane migration at Crane Trust.
Interested in a 2-night stay? CLICK HERE for VIP Crane Safari information.
Looking for experiences designed for photographers? Find Photo Experience info here.
The Hastings College, Lauritzen, and Union Bank & Trust Cottages
The Hastings College, Lauritzen, and Union Bank & Trust Cottages were designed to provide a unique opportunity for guests wanting an immersion experience to witness the migration. The cottages each sleep eight guests in four double bedrooms (2 twins or 1 queen bed). Each room has a private bath. The cottages each also feature a common area, mini kitchen, and back patio overlooking the prairie where our bison roam.
The Bay Family Suites
The 'Bay Family' Suites were designed for discerning guests looking to upgrade their experience.
The two luxury 'Bay Family' Suites each feature a master bedroom with king bed and master bathroom. Common areas include a large living area and kitchenette with microwave, coffee maker, and full-sized refrigerator, plus a deck with fire pit overlooking the pond. Each suite accommodates two guests.
