Sandhill Crane. Photo: Stephen Kramer/Audubon Photography Awards.

Our Mission

The Iain Nicolson Audubon Center at Rowe Sanctuary focuses on conservation of the Platte River ecosystem and the birds that rely on it. Due to ongoing construction of the Audubon Center, our temporary visitors' center is located in the white house just east of the Center. We are open Monday-Friday from 9 am to 4 pm and trails are open from 10 am to 4 pm, hours are subject to change. Viewing blinds are reservation only, and not accessible from the public trails.

Pets on a leash are only allowed in the parking lot and in a designated pet exercise are east of the parking lot. No pets are allowed on the trails.

Help us continue our important work for Sandhill Cranes and other birds that rely on the Platte River; make a donation today

 

Visitors Center Renovations 

As we begin construction as part of our capital campaign, check here for up-to-date information on any building and trail closures. We will also post closures to our social media channels.

We currently have a temporary visitor's center. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that wheelchair-accessible restrooms will be available during construction. Most trails will remain open, those that are closed will be clearly marked. 

During Crane Season, trails are ONLY open from 10:00 am-4:00 pm to protect the Cranes. 

At Rowe Sanctuary, we are: 

  • Building an educational addition to the west wing to improve river and bird viewing for visitors and expand educational opportunities 
  • Building an east addition that will include a conference room and multipurpose space 
  • Renovating the Great Hall to create a larger, more open space for gathering, educating, and river-viewing 
  • Adding an industrial-grade kitchen for catering 
  • Reconfiguring the building’s east office wing to maximize space for a growing staff and 
    volunteer program 
  • Installing new interpretive and interactive exhibits that guide guests to the outdoors 
  • Creating an accessible entry to the center 
  • Building a new overlook deck and boardwalk segments, with guardrails, along the Platte 
  • Relocating the parking lot to shield birds roosting on the river from headlights, improving accessibility, and creating an immediate stunning river view as visitors approach the center 
  • Creating native plant landscaping; energy-efficient, wildlife-friendly lighting; and adding interpretative and educational signs 

We continually seek to increase these centers’ accessibility to the public, because we know that people first must learn more about their environment before they are motivated to care for it. These investments will touch everything—from education to habitat conservation, from science-based programming to operations—that Audubon Nebraska does and can achieve at our centers and beyond. 

Click here for more information on the Elevate Nebraska campaign.

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Birds & Conservation
Conservation

Birds & Conservation

Protecting habitat for migrating Sandhill Cranes and much more.

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Calendar of Events
Programs

Calendar of Events

Check out our upcoming programming.

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News
News

News

View press releases and articles from Audubon's Rowe Sanctuary.

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Birds at Rowe Sanctuary

Sandhill Crane

Latin:  Antigone canadensis

Illustration for Sandhill Crane

Northern Bobwhite

Latin:  Colinus virginianus

Illustration for Northern Bobwhite

Belted Kingfisher

Latin:  Megaceryle alcyon

Illustration for Belted Kingfisher

Bobolink

Latin:  Dolichonyx oryzivorus

Illustration for Bobolink

Whooping Crane

Latin:  Grus americana

Illustration for Whooping Crane

Least Tern

Latin:  Sternula antillarum

Illustration for Least Tern

Piping Plover

Latin:  Charadrius melodus

Illustration for Piping Plover

Bald Eagle

Latin:  Haliaeetus leucocephalus

Illustration for Bald Eagle

How you can help, right now