Nebraska Flyway

Central Nebraska Wildlife

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    • FAQ
  • Etiquette
  • Crane Viewing
    • Grand Island
    • Hastings
    • Kearney
    • North Platte
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FAQ

What is the best time to come see the cranes?

The cranes arrive the end of February in the eastern portion of the Central Nebraska Flyway, and linger in the western portion of the Flyway until mid-April.

Where can I camp in the area?

Grand Island

Mormon Island State Recreation Area: http://outdoornebraska.gov/mormonisland

Firefly Meadows: https://firefly-meadows.com/

Kearney

Kearney RV Park:  https://kearneyrv.com/

Ft. Kearny State Recreation Area:  http://outdoornebraska.gov/fortkearnysra/

Buffalo County Fairgrounds:  https://buffalocountyfairgrounds.com/about-us/faqs/

Windmill State Park http://outdoornebraska.gov/windmill/

North Platte

Holiday RV Park: http://www.holidayparkne.com/

I80 Lakeside RV Park: https://i80lakesidecampground.com/

Lincoln Highway RV Park: https://www.lincolnhighwayrvpark.com/

Buffalo Bill State Recreation Area: http://outdoornebraska.gov/buffalobillsra/

Lake Maloney State Recreation Area: http://outdoornebraska.gov/lakemaloney/

Sutherland Reservoir State Recreation Area: http://outdoornebraska.gov/sutherland/

How can I see the cranes?

See map for self-guided driving tour – https://nebraskaflyway.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Flyway-brochure-map-F2.pdf

North Platte area self-guided tour: https://visitnorthplatte.com/birding-drives/

Sign up for a viewing blind tour:

Crane Trust https://cranetrust.org/visit/crane-viewing-tours/

Rowe Sanctuary https://rowe.audubon.org/crane-viewing

Dusty Trails https://visitnorthplatte.com/itineraries/sandhill-crane-tours-2020/

Crane Cabin Retreat https://www.facebook.com/Crane-Cabin-Retreat-1496883456997616

Online viewing

Crane Trust river cam: https://cranetrust.org/who-we-are/river-cam.html

Rowe crane cam:  https://rowe.audubon.org/birds/crane-cam

Are there photography opportunities?

Photography blinds are available through the following:

Rowe Sanctuary https://rowe.audubon.org/visit/overnight-photography-experience

Crane Trust https://cranetrust.org/visit/vip-photo-experiences/overview.html

Crane Cabin Retreat https://www.facebook.com/Crane-Cabin-Retreat- 1496883456997616

You can also photograph from the convenience of your vehicle, various roadside pullouts or platforms.

Is there a Fall Migration?

The cranes do return south in the fall, but they do not stop over in the Platte River Valley. You can see, or usually hear, small groups of cranes as they fly over in October and November. They may overnight on the river, or in area wetlands.

Connect

Grand Island Convention and Visitors Bureau - 308-382-4400
Hastings Convention and Visitors Bureau - 800-967-2189
Kearney Convention and Visitors Bureau - 308-237-3178
North Platte / Lincoln County Visitors Bureau - 800-955-4528
Crane Trust - 308-382-1820
Iain Nicolson Audubon Rowe Sanctuary - 308-468-5282
Dusty Trails - 308-530-0048
Central Platte Natural Resources District - 308-385-6282

Frequently Asked Questions

Download a pdf brochure with more information

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