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 a.m. to 4 p.m. and trails are open dawn until dusk. Hours are subject to change.

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. 

2023 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.

Once construction begins, our visitor's center will be closed. We will have a temporary visitor's center and restrooms available. 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.

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.