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
Grand Island area self-guided tour: https://visitgrandisland.com/file_download/67595097-8673-4fae-9947-81988b131986
Kearney area self-guided tour: https://visitkearney.org/self-guided-crane-tours/
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.