Platte River Valley
Time Needed: 1-2 hours, half-day
Experience Type: scenic views, wildlife
Each spring, Nebraska’s Platte River Valley transforms into a stage for one of Earth’s most awe-inspiring wildlife spectacles. Nearly a million sandhill cranes—80% of the world’s population—gather here to rest and refuel, filling the skies with timeless natural wonder.
MUST-DO CHECKLIST
- Take a Guided Blind Tour – Watch tens of thousands of sandhill cranes fly in at dusk or lift off at dawn from a blind on the river’s edge at Rowe Sanctuary.
- Listen to the “Crane Concert” – Experience the chorus of rattles, trumpets, and croaks echoing across the valley. A go-to spot is the Hike-Bike Trail Bridge at Fort Kearney State Park.
- Drive the Viewing Routes by Day – Follow marked routes to see cranes feeding in cornfields and performing graceful, acrobatic courtship dances under the wide Nebraska sky.
- Visit the Crane Trust Nature & Visitor Center – Explore exhibits, climb the 35-foot-tall observation tower, and walk trails offering panoramic views of cranes and river habitats.
- Spot Other Migrating Birds – Watch for snow geese, shorebirds, and the highly endangered whooping crane sharing this essential migratory stopover along the Central Flyway.
Recommended Reading: To deepen your understanding of these remarkable birds, the Sandhill Crane Display Dictionary offers a beautifully photographed, laminated guide to the cranes’ complex behaviors—from courtship rituals to territorial signals.
Photo Credit: Visit Nebraska