Situated right in the middle of Nebraska, along the Platte River and I80 sits the Crane Trust Nature & Visitor Center. The existence of the center is to maintain and protect the physical, hydrological, and biological integrity of the Big Bend area for the continual support of Whooping Cranes, Sandhill Cranes and many other migratory birds on the river.
The trust currently owns and manages approximately 10,000 acres, open to the public year round. This center is at the heart of Spring Migration for Sandhills Cranes, and offers public tours during this migration for a close up experience. The center manages several blinds and a few of these are reserved for overnight viewing, if you want to stay longer.
Take the walking path from the visitor center and you will find a viewing tower, and several viewing bridges along the way. Oh ya . . . The even have a herd of bison here!
This is an unexpected surprise right along the interstate, that many people may overlook.
Open 9 – 5 Monday thru Saturday (except holidays)
For migration season the hours differ. Please look online for their schedule.
Crane Trust Nature & Visitor Center
