Starting December 3rd, visitors can start planning their Rowe Sanctuary crane viewing experience. Every Spring, hundreds of thousands of Sandhill Cranes roost along the Platte River in Nebraska as they rest and fuel up for their journey to their nesting grounds. With over 500,000+ cranes, visitors from all over the world travel to Gibbon, Nebraska to witness one of the world’s great migrations, and more birds than most will ever see in a lifetime.  

Rowe Sanctuary is excited to announce key dates for the 2026 Sandhill Crane Migration season: 

• December 3, 2024 — Programming and crane viewing schedule is announced for Spring 2026! Visitors can begin planning their trip by previewing available tour options and exploring special events and programs happening throughout crane season. 

• January 8, 2025 — Reservations officially open for guided Crane Viewing Blind tours and all program offerings. Peak weeks sell out fast, but you don’t have to miss out! Migration magic happens from March 4 to April 7, ensuring each tour is full of excitement. 

“Every crane season is exciting at Rowe! This year we are looking forward to connecting our visitors with this spectacular migration phenomenon and related program offerings featuring news presenters. We have a great lineup of ways to view the cranes in all their majesty, and learn more about these incredible birds, their biology, and journey. We look forward to welcoming visitors to our fully renovated visitor center and new accessibility trails, there really is something for everyone,” said Marcos Stoltzfus, Center Director of Rowe Sanctuary.  

 How to Plan Your Visit 

• Visit rowe.audubon.org starting December 3 to explore programs, preview events, and begin planning. 

• Return on January 8 to secure reservations for Crane Viewing Blind tours, programs, and special events.