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Crane Watch Guide - Kearney Nebraska

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CRANE WatchGUIDEExperience the great migration! Every spring the mesmerizing Sandhill Crane Migration comes through central Nebraska. From mid February to mid April, over 80% of the world’s Sandhill Crane population (around a million cranes) gather along the Platte River. It is an enchanting experience, that can only be truly appreciated in person.Witness these majestic birds on their journey from southern wintering grounds to northern breeding grounds in Canada, Alaska, and Siberia. The Platte River serves as a crucial resting point, where they refuel for their northward migration. Other captivating wildlife, including Whooping Cranes, eagles, ducks, geese, and shorebirds, also migrate through Central Nebraska during this period.Don’t Forget To Pack:BINOCULARS CAMERAWARM CLOTHINGKEARNEYCRANEWATCH.COMKearney, NebraskaThe Sandhill Crane Capital of the World!Kearney - NebraskaLocated on I-80 just minutes from the Platte River. Cultural attractions, amazing restaurants, & welcoming hospitality, Cranes love Kearney & so will you! ,+ HOTEL ROOMS+ EATERIES & BARS CULTURAL MUSEUMS+ MILES OF HIKE & BIKE TRAILion! Viewing Etiquee:FOR YOUR SAFETY & SAFETY OF THE BIRDS● Do not stop on paved roadways. Use designated roadside pull-os. (see map)● When day viewing on gravel roads, use caution when pulling o and stay in your vehicle to view, using it as a ‘blind”.● Most land on the Platte River is private property. Please respect the landowners and do not trespass.● Do not approach the birds. It is illegal to harass cranes in any manner. Sandhill Cranes are hunted in much of the US. ● Be prepared for cold temperatures. Wear dark clothes and lots of layers. Warm hats, boots, and gloves are recommended.● No ash photography. Take FlightOering daily nonstop jet service from Kearney to Denver (DIA) Book today at united.com Flights operated by Denver Air Connection.EVENTS  ATTRACTIONS  RESTAURANTS  HOTELSVISITKEARNEY.ORG

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CRANE WatchGUIDEExperience the great migration! Every spring the mesmerizing Sandhill Crane Migration comes through central Nebraska. From mid February to mid April, over 80% of the world’s Sandhill Crane population (around a million cranes) gather along the Platte River. It is an enchanting experience, that can only be truly appreciated in person.Witness these majestic birds on their journey from southern wintering grounds to northern breeding grounds in Canada, Alaska, and Siberia. The Platte River serves as a crucial resting point, where they refuel for their northward migration. Other captivating wildlife, including Whooping Cranes, eagles, ducks, geese, and shorebirds, also migrate through Central Nebraska during this period.Don’t Forget To Pack:BINOCULARS CAMERAWARM CLOTHINGKEARNEYCRANEWATCH.COMKearney, NebraskaThe Sandhill Crane Capital of the World!Kearney - NebraskaLocated on I-80 just minutes from the Platte River. Cultural attractions, amazing restaurants, & welcoming hospitality, Cranes love Kearney & so will you! ,+ HOTEL ROOMS+ EATERIES & BARS CULTURAL MUSEUMS+ MILES OF HIKE & BIKE TRAILion! Viewing Etiquee:FOR YOUR SAFETY & SAFETY OF THE BIRDS● Do not stop on paved roadways. Use designated roadside pull-os. (see map)● When day viewing on gravel roads, use caution when pulling o and stay in your vehicle to view, using it as a ‘blind”.● Most land on the Platte River is private property. Please respect the landowners and do not trespass.● Do not approach the birds. It is illegal to harass cranes in any manner. Sandhill Cranes are hunted in much of the US. ● Be prepared for cold temperatures. Wear dark clothes and lots of layers. Warm hats, boots, and gloves are recommended.● No ash photography. Take FlightOering daily nonstop jet service from Kearney to Denver (DIA) Book today at united.com Flights operated by Denver Air Connection.EVENTS  ATTRACTIONS  RESTAURANTS  HOTELSVISITKEARNEY.ORG

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CRANE WatchGUIDEExperience the great migration! Every spring the mesmerizing Sandhill Crane Migration comes through central Nebraska. From mid February to mid April, over 80% of the world’s Sandhill Crane population (around a million cranes) gather along the Platte River. It is an enchanting experience, that can only be truly appreciated in person.Witness these majestic birds on their journey from southern wintering grounds to northern breeding grounds in Canada, Alaska, and Siberia. The Platte River serves as a crucial resting point, where they refuel for their northward migration. Other captivating wildlife, including Whooping Cranes, eagles, ducks, geese, and shorebirds, also migrate through Central Nebraska during this period.Don’t Forget To Pack:BINOCULARS CAMERAWARM CLOTHINGKEARNEYCRANEWATCH.COMKearney, NebraskaThe Sandhill Crane Capital of the World!Kearney - NebraskaLocated on I-80 just minutes from the Platte River. Cultural attractions, amazing restaurants, & welcoming hospitality, Cranes love Kearney & so will you! ,+ HOTEL ROOMS+ EATERIES & BARS CULTURAL MUSEUMS+ MILES OF HIKE & BIKE TRAILion! Viewing Etiquee:FOR YOUR SAFETY & SAFETY OF THE BIRDS● Do not stop on paved roadways. Use designated roadside pull-os. (see map)● When day viewing on gravel roads, use caution when pulling o and stay in your vehicle to view, using it as a ‘blind”.● Most land on the Platte River is private property. Please respect the landowners and do not trespass.● Do not approach the birds. It is illegal to harass cranes in any manner. Sandhill Cranes are hunted in much of the US. ● Be prepared for cold temperatures. Wear dark clothes and lots of layers. Warm hats, boots, and gloves are recommended.● No ash photography. Take FlightOering daily nonstop jet service from Kearney to Denver (DIA) Book today at united.com Flights operated by Denver Air Connection.EVENTS  ATTRACTIONS  RESTAURANTS  HOTELSVISITKEARNEY.ORG

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KearneyVisitorsBureauFort Kearny Hike/Bike Trail BridgeWindmill State Rec AreaKilgore RoadElm Island RoadLowell RoadV Road8080(inside Archway)30Nebraska Visitors CenterGIBBONKEARNEYTO MINDENRowe SanctuaryEXIT279EXIT275EXIT272EXIT285Fort KearnyState Historical Park& Visitor Center123456Elm Island RdPlatte RiverPlatte River South ChannelPlatte River North ChannelHWY 50ANSW EFort KearnyState Rec Area4 Miles toFt. Kearny U Road2 Miles to Plautz29 Road30 Road789101044Public Viewing SitesGravel SurfaceWalking TrailsHike & Bike TrailKEARNEYCRANEWATCH.COM● Crane Viewing Updates● Crane Watching Etiquette● Self Guided Tours● Hike & Bike Trail Map153478Crane CamWatch Rowe Sanctuary’s Crane Cam to see live views from the Platte River and get a glimpse of the magic of the migration. Watch at rowe.audubon.orgAudubon’s Rowe Sanctuary Located 15 miles from Kearney, Rowe Sanctuary lies in the heart of a critical spring staging area for migrating Sandhill Cranes. VISITOR CENTER CLOSED IN  Guided Tours ● Online Gift Shop ● Nature Trails(Guided tours available with reservation)RIVER VIEWINGIAIN NICOLSON AUDUBON CENTER AT ROWE SANCTUARY44450 Elm Island Road (Gibbon, NE) Visitor Center Closed in 2024 - Trails still openGuided Crane Tours available with reservation.rowe.audubon.org 308-468-5282 FORT KEARNY STATE RECREATION AREA HIKEBIKE BRIDGE2196 30 Road, Kearney, NE1/4 mile East of Fort Kearny Historical Park. 300 yard walk from the parking area. STATE PARK PERMIT REQUIRED CPNRD PLAUTZ RIVER VIEWING PLATFORM2 miles south of 1-80 Exit 285 (Gibbon)DAY VIEWINGAUDUBON’S ROADSIDE VIEWING SITERoadside site for day viewing. 2.5 Miles W of Rowe Sanctuary.CPNRD ROADSIDE VIEWING SITERoadside site for day viewing. 2 Miles W of Rowe Sanctuary.WINDMILL STATE RECREATION AREA2625 Lowell Rd (Exit 285) STATE PARK PERMIT REQUIRED VISITOR INFORMATIONFORT KEARNY STATE HISTORICAL PARK & VISITOR CENTER1020 V Road (Hwy 50A) STATE PARK PERMIT REQUIRED outdoornebraska.gov/fortkearny 308-865-5305KEARNEY VISITORS BUREAU 1007 2nd Ave 308-237-3178NEBRASKA VISITOR CENTER 3060 E 1st Street (Inside Archway)629Sunrise & sunset are prime viewing times on the river. During the day, the cranes are in the fields eating.

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KearneyVisitorsBureauFort Kearny Hike/Bike Trail BridgeWindmill State Rec AreaKilgore RoadElm Island RoadLowell RoadV Road8080(inside Archway)30Nebraska Visitors CenterGIBBONKEARNEYTO MINDENRowe SanctuaryEXIT279EXIT275EXIT272EXIT285Fort KearnyState Historical Park& Visitor Center123456Elm Island RdPlatte RiverPlatte River South ChannelPlatte River North ChannelHWY 50ANSW EFort KearnyState Rec Area4 Miles toFt. Kearny U Road2 Miles to Plautz29 Road30 Road789101044Public Viewing SitesGravel SurfaceWalking TrailsHike & Bike TrailKEARNEYCRANEWATCH.COM● Crane Viewing Updates● Crane Watching Etiquette● Self Guided Tours● Hike & Bike Trail Map153478Crane CamWatch Rowe Sanctuary’s Crane Cam to see live views from the Platte River and get a glimpse of the magic of the migration. Watch at rowe.audubon.orgAudubon’s Rowe Sanctuary Located 15 miles from Kearney, Rowe Sanctuary lies in the heart of a critical spring staging area for migrating Sandhill Cranes. VISITOR CENTER CLOSED IN  Guided Tours ● Online Gift Shop ● Nature Trails(Guided tours available with reservation)RIVER VIEWINGIAIN NICOLSON AUDUBON CENTER AT ROWE SANCTUARY44450 Elm Island Road (Gibbon, NE) Visitor Center Closed in 2024 - Trails still openGuided Crane Tours available with reservation.rowe.audubon.org 308-468-5282 FORT KEARNY STATE RECREATION AREA HIKEBIKE BRIDGE2196 30 Road, Kearney, NE1/4 mile East of Fort Kearny Historical Park. 300 yard walk from the parking area. STATE PARK PERMIT REQUIRED CPNRD PLAUTZ RIVER VIEWING PLATFORM2 miles south of 1-80 Exit 285 (Gibbon)DAY VIEWINGAUDUBON’S ROADSIDE VIEWING SITERoadside site for day viewing. 2.5 Miles W of Rowe Sanctuary.CPNRD ROADSIDE VIEWING SITERoadside site for day viewing. 2 Miles W of Rowe Sanctuary.WINDMILL STATE RECREATION AREA2625 Lowell Rd (Exit 285) STATE PARK PERMIT REQUIRED VISITOR INFORMATIONFORT KEARNY STATE HISTORICAL PARK & VISITOR CENTER1020 V Road (Hwy 50A) STATE PARK PERMIT REQUIRED outdoornebraska.gov/fortkearny 308-865-5305KEARNEY VISITORS BUREAU 1007 2nd Ave 308-237-3178NEBRASKA VISITOR CENTER 3060 E 1st Street (Inside Archway)629Sunrise & sunset are prime viewing times on the river. During the day, the cranes are in the fields eating.

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KearneyVisitorsBureauFort Kearny Hike/Bike Trail BridgeWindmill State Rec AreaKilgore RoadElm Island RoadLowell RoadV Road8080(inside Archway)30Nebraska Visitors CenterGIBBONKEARNEYTO MINDENRowe SanctuaryEXIT279EXIT275EXIT272EXIT285Fort KearnyState Historical Park& Visitor Center123456Elm Island RdPlatte RiverPlatte River South ChannelPlatte River North ChannelHWY 50ANSW EFort KearnyState Rec Area4 Miles toFt. Kearny U Road2 Miles to Plautz29 Road30 Road789101044Public Viewing SitesGravel SurfaceWalking TrailsHike & Bike TrailKEARNEYCRANEWATCH.COM● Crane Viewing Updates● Crane Watching Etiquette● Self Guided Tours● Hike & Bike Trail Map153478Crane CamWatch Rowe Sanctuary’s Crane Cam to see live views from the Platte River and get a glimpse of the magic of the migration. Watch at rowe.audubon.orgAudubon’s Rowe Sanctuary Located 15 miles from Kearney, Rowe Sanctuary lies in the heart of a critical spring staging area for migrating Sandhill Cranes. VISITOR CENTER CLOSED IN  Guided Tours ● Online Gift Shop ● Nature Trails(Guided tours available with reservation)RIVER VIEWINGIAIN NICOLSON AUDUBON CENTER AT ROWE SANCTUARY44450 Elm Island Road (Gibbon, NE) Visitor Center Closed in 2024 - Trails still openGuided Crane Tours available with reservation.rowe.audubon.org 308-468-5282 FORT KEARNY STATE RECREATION AREA HIKEBIKE BRIDGE2196 30 Road, Kearney, NE1/4 mile East of Fort Kearny Historical Park. 300 yard walk from the parking area. STATE PARK PERMIT REQUIRED CPNRD PLAUTZ RIVER VIEWING PLATFORM2 miles south of 1-80 Exit 285 (Gibbon)DAY VIEWINGAUDUBON’S ROADSIDE VIEWING SITERoadside site for day viewing. 2.5 Miles W of Rowe Sanctuary.CPNRD ROADSIDE VIEWING SITERoadside site for day viewing. 2 Miles W of Rowe Sanctuary.WINDMILL STATE RECREATION AREA2625 Lowell Rd (Exit 285) STATE PARK PERMIT REQUIRED VISITOR INFORMATIONFORT KEARNY STATE HISTORICAL PARK & VISITOR CENTER1020 V Road (Hwy 50A) STATE PARK PERMIT REQUIRED outdoornebraska.gov/fortkearny 308-865-5305KEARNEY VISITORS BUREAU 1007 2nd Ave 308-237-3178NEBRASKA VISITOR CENTER 3060 E 1st Street (Inside Archway)629Sunrise & sunset are prime viewing times on the river. During the day, the cranes are in the fields eating.

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KearneyVisitorsBureauFort Kearny Hike/Bike Trail BridgeWindmill State Rec AreaKilgore RoadElm Island RoadLowell RoadV Road8080(inside Archway)30Nebraska Visitors CenterGIBBONKEARNEYTO MINDENRowe SanctuaryEXIT279EXIT275EXIT272EXIT285Fort KearnyState Historical Park& Visitor Center123456Elm Island RdPlatte RiverPlatte River South ChannelPlatte River North ChannelHWY 50ANSW EFort KearnyState Rec Area4 Miles toFt. Kearny U Road2 Miles to Plautz29 Road30 Road789101044Public Viewing SitesGravel SurfaceWalking TrailsHike & Bike TrailKEARNEYCRANEWATCH.COM● Crane Viewing Updates● Crane Watching Etiquette● Self Guided Tours● Hike & Bike Trail Map153478Crane CamWatch Rowe Sanctuary’s Crane Cam to see live views from the Platte River and get a glimpse of the magic of the migration. Watch at rowe.audubon.orgAudubon’s Rowe Sanctuary Located 15 miles from Kearney, Rowe Sanctuary lies in the heart of a critical spring staging area for migrating Sandhill Cranes. VISITOR CENTER CLOSED IN  Guided Tours ● Online Gift Shop ● Nature Trails(Guided tours available with reservation)RIVER VIEWINGIAIN NICOLSON AUDUBON CENTER AT ROWE SANCTUARY44450 Elm Island Road (Gibbon, NE) Visitor Center Closed in 2024 - Trails still openGuided Crane Tours available with reservation.rowe.audubon.org 308-468-5282 FORT KEARNY STATE RECREATION AREA HIKEBIKE BRIDGE2196 30 Road, Kearney, NE1/4 mile East of Fort Kearny Historical Park. 300 yard walk from the parking area. STATE PARK PERMIT REQUIRED CPNRD PLAUTZ RIVER VIEWING PLATFORM2 miles south of 1-80 Exit 285 (Gibbon)DAY VIEWINGAUDUBON’S ROADSIDE VIEWING SITERoadside site for day viewing. 2.5 Miles W of Rowe Sanctuary.CPNRD ROADSIDE VIEWING SITERoadside site for day viewing. 2 Miles W of Rowe Sanctuary.WINDMILL STATE RECREATION AREA2625 Lowell Rd (Exit 285) STATE PARK PERMIT REQUIRED VISITOR INFORMATIONFORT KEARNY STATE HISTORICAL PARK & VISITOR CENTER1020 V Road (Hwy 50A) STATE PARK PERMIT REQUIRED outdoornebraska.gov/fortkearny 308-865-5305KEARNEY VISITORS BUREAU 1007 2nd Ave 308-237-3178NEBRASKA VISITOR CENTER 3060 E 1st Street (Inside Archway)629Sunrise & sunset are prime viewing times on the river. During the day, the cranes are in the fields eating.

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CRANE WatchGUIDEExperience the great migration! Every spring the mesmerizing Sandhill Crane Migration comes through central Nebraska. From mid February to mid April, over 80% of the world’s Sandhill Crane population (around a million cranes) gather along the Platte River. It is an enchanting experience, that can only be truly appreciated in person.Witness these majestic birds on their journey from southern wintering grounds to northern breeding grounds in Canada, Alaska, and Siberia. The Platte River serves as a crucial resting point, where they refuel for their northward migration. Other captivating wildlife, including Whooping Cranes, eagles, ducks, geese, and shorebirds, also migrate through Central Nebraska during this period.Don’t Forget To Pack:BINOCULARS CAMERAWARM CLOTHINGKEARNEYCRANEWATCH.COMKearney, NebraskaThe Sandhill Crane Capital of the World!Kearney - NebraskaLocated on I-80 just minutes from the Platte River. Cultural attractions, amazing restaurants, & welcoming hospitality, Cranes love Kearney & so will you! ,+ HOTEL ROOMS+ EATERIES & BARS CULTURAL MUSEUMS+ MILES OF HIKE & BIKE TRAILion! Viewing Etiquee:FOR YOUR SAFETY & SAFETY OF THE BIRDS● Do not stop on paved roadways. Use designated roadside pull-os. (see map)● When day viewing on gravel roads, use caution when pulling o and stay in your vehicle to view, using it as a ‘blind”.● Most land on the Platte River is private property. Please respect the landowners and do not trespass.● Do not approach the birds. It is illegal to harass cranes in any manner. Sandhill Cranes are hunted in much of the US. ● Be prepared for cold temperatures. Wear dark clothes and lots of layers. Warm hats, boots, and gloves are recommended.● No ash photography. Take FlightOering daily nonstop jet service from Kearney to Denver (DIA) Book today at united.com Flights operated by Denver Air Connection.EVENTS  ATTRACTIONS  RESTAURANTS  HOTELSVISITKEARNEY.ORG