Welcome to Ian Nicolson Audubon Center at Rowe Sanctuary

Come Visit Us Along the Platte River

Sandhill Cranes. Photo: Jack Eichner/Audubon Photography Awards

Our Mission

The National Audubon Society protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Audubon's Rowe Sanctuary is a 3,000 acre nature sanctuary located along the Platte River in south-central Nebraska. Rowe Sanctuary works to conserve and restore the Platte River ecosystem, focusing on cranes, other wildlife, and their habitats for the benefit of humanity and the earth's biological diversity. 

Our trails are open daily from dawn-dusk- look for signage to indicate the trailhead location. 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.

Visit

  • Visitor Center hours are 10:00 am - 5:00 pm, Tuesday-Saturday.  
  • Trails are open dawn-dusk.
  • Admission is free.  
  • Pets on a leash are only allowed in the parking lot and in a designated pet exercise area south of the parking lot. No pets are allowed on the trails.
  • For directions, click here.

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