Most of us probably associate visitor centers with vending machines and piles of boring brochures. Luckily, this spectacular spot in Wood River is nothing like that. The Crane Trust Nature & Visitor Center is an absolutely stunning place to learn about nature and see some of the most beautiful cranes in the country.
The Crane Trust Nature & Visitor Center is a complete nature experience right in Wood River.
TripAdvisor/ Jim B
Located on the banks of the Platte River, this nature center is the temporary home to more than 600,000 Sandhill Cranes during the spring and fall migrations.
TripAdvisor/ management
In fact, it’s the largest Sandhill Crane roost on Earth.
TripAdvisor/ Carolyn Baker
Visitors can appreciate these creatures in their natural habitat by using one of the center’s special blinds.
TripAdvisor/ Barbara S.
The Crane Trust river blinds are dotted along the river and provide guests with the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of the cranes without disturbing the animals.
TripAdvisor/ management
The blinds aren’t heated, so visitors should dress warmly and bring rain gear if appropriate.
TripAdvisor/ June M.
If you’re up to it, you can also book a tour to the center’s private footbridge over the Platte River, where you’ll enjoy a 360-degree open-air view of large crane flocks gliding across the sky above.
TripAdvisor/ alphawolfie
Back at the center, you can learn about the area’s natural ecosystem and admire art by local artists.
TripAdvisor/ management
If the weather is nice, you can also have a picnic in the butterfly garden.
TripAdvisor/ management
Don’t miss your chance to explore this unique Nebraska destination.
TripAdvisor/ Cathy B
Address: 9325 South Alda Road, Wood River, NE, 68883. Click here to visit their website and learn more about tours and opening hours. For more of the coolest stuff to do in Nebraska, click here.
TripAdvisor/ Jim B
TripAdvisor/ management
TripAdvisor/ Carolyn Baker
TripAdvisor/ Barbara S.
TripAdvisor/ June M.
TripAdvisor/ alphawolfie
TripAdvisor/ management
TripAdvisor/ Cathy B
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