Upstream of Grand Island, the Platte River hosts 500,000 sandhill cranes (80% of the world population) and millions more waterfowl during the spring migration (mid-February to early April). Expert guides lead seasonal Sandhill Crane Migration Tours ($35, 2½ hours, reserve in advance) to prime viewing blinds on the river. This nature center is a good place for viewing and has worthwhile hikes year-round.
Crane Trust Nature & Visitor Center
Top choice in Nebraska
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
Great Platte River Road Archway Monument
29.92 MILES
Arching unexpectedly over I-80 east of Kearney, the multimedia light-and-sound exhibits here tell colorful tales about the people who've passed this way,…
Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer
8.77 MILES
A remarkable combination of indoor exhibits and a vast outdoor living museum. Note how conditions dramatically improved in the homes in 1860 to 1890…
Fort Kearny State Historical Park
28.95 MILES
In the mid-1800s, two of the most important pioneer trails west, the California and Oregon Trails, converged at this frontier fort. Parts of the fort are…
Nearby Nebraska attractions
1. Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer
8.77 MILES
A remarkable combination of indoor exhibits and a vast outdoor living museum. Note how conditions dramatically improved in the homes in 1860 to 1890…
2. Fort Kearny State Historical Park
28.95 MILES
In the mid-1800s, two of the most important pioneer trails west, the California and Oregon Trails, converged at this frontier fort. Parts of the fort are…
3. Great Platte River Road Archway Monument
29.92 MILES
Arching unexpectedly over I-80 east of Kearney, the multimedia light-and-sound exhibits here tell colorful tales about the people who've passed this way,…