Every March, over 1 million Sandhill Cranes converge on a 70 mile stretch of the Platte River valley in central Nebraska to fuel up before continuing north to their nesting grounds. One of the greatest wildlife spectacles in North America, this gathering of cranes is the largest in the world. 

Audubon’s Rowe Sanctuary is at the heart of this magnificent crane staging area. Rowe Sanctuary offers guided tours to view the spectacular concentrations of Sandhill Cranes on their overnight river roosts. Guests can view the cranes leaving the river at sunrise or returning at sunset and learn about our ongoing efforts to protect America’s Great Migration. 

Our crane discovery stations include wall-to-wall windows that allow for an immersive crane viewing experience along prime roosting locations on the Platte River. Tours are limited to 25 people to minimize disturbance and provide an engaging experience. 

Ages: All children must be **10 years or older** to participate in our crane experiences.

Cost: $60 per person per tour (plus taxes and fees)

Time and Duration: Approximately 3 hours. Tours are available in both morning and evening. Please plan to arrive and be ready to go at tour start time. 

Location: All tours begin at the Iain Nicolson Audubon Center, at 44450 Elm Island Road, Gibbon, NE 68840. Drive time from south Kearney to the Iain Nicolson Audubon Center is approximately 20-25 minutes. From Grand Island, drive time is 45-50 minutes.

Important Details:

• Dress in warm clothing (i.e., winter coat, insulated gloves, stocking cap, wool socks and thermal layers). Temperatures in March and April regularly reach below freezing and blinds are not heated.
• Dress in dark-colored clothing to minimize disturbance to cranes.
• You are welcome to bring drinks and snacks into the discovery station.
• You must stay in the discovery station for the duration of your tour with the exception of toilets located outside of your discovery station.
• Pre-payment is required. We accept Visa, MasterCard & Discover.
• Cancellations are refundable up to 14 days prior to your trip, but are subject to a 5% charge on your purchase total.
• We appreciate your understanding that every crane viewing experience is unique. Weather during your tour and location where cranes choose to roost is beyond our control.

Please be aware that ALL of our current programming is subject to change.

All tours will be cancelled and refunds given, when the National Weather Service issues a Weather Warning. We evaluate local conditions daily to determine the extent that crane viewing opportunities can take place. The safety of our staff, volunteers, and guests are the utmost priority.