Sandhill Crane Migration in Nebraska 2025

Only in Nebraska can you see one of nature's greatest shows. More than half of the world's crane population gathers along the central Platte River to rest and get ready for the annual journey to their northern nesting grounds. An 80-mi (128-km) stretch of the Platte River hosts migrating cranes twice a year. The spring migration is generally more impressive to witness, while in the fall, cranes can only be seen briefly since they spend less time on stopovers.

Best Time to See Sandhill Crane Migration in Nebraska

Cranes arrive in Nebraska starting from late February, and their peak numbers can be seen throughout March. By early April they head north to Alaska and Canada. Fall migration usually occurs between late October and late November when cranes head to their wintering grounds in Texas, Florida, and Mexico.

Sandhill Crane Migration Process

Cranes migrate both day and night, depending on weather conditions. They ascend to altitudes of a few thousand feet and then fly north, gradually losing altitude, only to climb back up and repeat the process. This method of migration is used for energy efficiency. Cranes can travel up to 500 miles (805 kilometers), although distances of 200 miles (322 kilometers) to 300 miles (483 kilometers) are more common.

Place To See Sandhill Crane Migration in Nebraska

Grand Island and North Platte

To see the largest number of cranes, visit Kearney, Nebraska, which is often called the Sandhill Crane Capital of the World. Grand Island and North Platte are also known for their impressive crane congregations. Bird-watching tours are available at all these locations. Visitors can choose from several options: the Public Crane Viewing Tour (2.5 hours, about $50 per person), the Daytime Driving Tour (1.5 hours, $25 plus tax per person), the Footbridge Tour (2 hours, $15 + tax per person), the VIP Overnight Experience or the Virtual Crane Tour.

You can still view the cranes feeding midday in the cornfields from the public viewing deck located on Alda Road along the Platte River.

Rowe Sanctuary

The best way to experience the migration is to reserve a blind and get close to the cranes at sunrise. Rowe Sanctuary provides blinds, allowing you to observe cranes up close without disturbing them and offering the perfect opportunity to take quality photos of these beautiful birds.

Visitors can join two-hour guided tours at sunrise and sunset at Rowe Sanctuary to view birds from “discovery stations” along the Platte River, close to Sandhill Crane roosts. There are several options available: the Guided Crane Experience (3 hours, about $50 per person plus tax), the Guided Crane Photography Experience (3 hours, about $100 per person plus tax), and the Overnight Crane Photography Experience (16 hours, about $250 per person plus tax. Please note that while the Rowe Sanctuary Visitor’s Center is closed for renovations in 2024, a check-in tent for tours is located near the parking lot.

Kearney

Twenty miles (32 kilometers) from Rowe Sanctuary, the city of Kearney also hosts the annual Audubon Nebraska's Crane Festival to mark the migration season every March. It's a great occasion to learn about cranes, their habits, habitats, and conservation efforts.

Sandhill Crane Viewing Etiquette

Viewing etiquette provides safe for you, other birdwatchers, and the birds, so it's important to follow the simple guidelines. When watching Sandhill Crane, do not try to get close to them. Stay in or near the vehicle when setting up tripods for binoculars or cameras.

Approaching birds on their roosts is not allowed. The alarm call of one bird can cause the entire flock to take off in a panicked flight, using up precious energy reserves and exposing the birds to hazards like power lines―not to mention ruining other visitors' viewing experiences. Additionally, it is illegal to harass cranes and other birds. It is also unwise to stop on major (paved) roadways, driveways, or any private roads or gated entries.

Sandhill Crane Dance

One of the most amazing things that you can witness in Nebraska is the so-called crane dance when they bow to each other, flap their wings, and jump to attract a mate. Sandhill cranes pair during their spring migration and remain with the same partner for life. A distinctive call that sounds like 'Karroo' is also associated with their mating rituals.