One of the greatest wildlife spectacles in North America, this gathering of cranes is the largest in the world.

Duration: Approximately 3 Hours

Cost: $60 per person
 

About:
Rowe Sanctuary offers guided tours to view the spectacular concentrations of Sandhill Cranes on their overnight river roosts. We offer morning tours to view cranes leaving the river at sunrise or evening tours to view cranes returning to the river at sunset.
 

Crane viewing takes place at our Discovery Stations, which are designed to minimize human disturbance of the Sandhill Cranes while offering the best possible viewing for visitors. They are located ¼ to ½ mile walk from our Visitor’s Center. Each Discovery Station has a warming room attached and a port-a-potty is available nearby.

Because the tour involves wildlife, each experience is different. Discovery Stations are located close to historical crane roosts; however, we cannot control the bird’s behavior. The viewing distance to the cranes will vary each day and night depending on where birds decide to roost. Viewing from the Discovery Station is the best possible chance to see this phenomenon up close! Regardless of roosting selection, cranes will be flying overhead and our tours consistently provide a one-of-a-kind experience in the heart of the world’s largest gathering of cranes.
 

Accessibility information: All Discovery Stations have the following accommodations:

• Accessible by a ramp
• Open air, but have closable windows
• Warming room that provides a space to get out of the wind and a small heater with supplemental heat
   

We can provide the following accommodations for individuals with difficulty walking.

• Access to the closest discovery station (about 1/4 mile)
• Paved trail
• Golf Carts, please note that we do not have enough golf carts to transport everyone and so we ask for your patience if multiple trips must be made with the golf cart
• Viewing windows designed to accommodate people in wheelchairs
   

Ages: 10 Years + (All guests must be able to remain still and quiet for up to three hours.)
 

The following are strongly recommended:

• The warmest dark coat and clothing you have, including long underwear
• Warm footwear
• Wool or synthetic socks (avoid cotton)
• Very warm gloves or mittens
• Stocking cap or insulated hat
• Dress in layers - Dark clothing please
   

• Binoculars
• Dark clothing please
• Warm drinks & water bottle
• On this tour type, we allow only cameras with flash disabled. Tripods are not allowed. Cameras in continuous shooting mode are not allowed. (Please see our Guided Crane Photography Experience for a tour that allows tripods and continuous shooting mode)
   

Programming Considerations

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 hazardous Weather Warning.

Cancellations are refundable until two weeks prior to experience start date. Refunds are subject to a 5% cancellation fee.

All tours begin at the Iain Nicolson Audubon Center, at 44450 Elm Island Road, Gibbon, NE 68840.