Sandhill Crane Migration

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Each year the banks of the Platte River host the world’s largest gathering of Sandhill Cranes as they migrate from their winter stay to as far north as Alaska and Eastern Siberia.  The Platte River region of Nebraska is an important stop for the Cranes to get their rest and needed nourishment to finish their migration. During this tour you will learn about the cranes and enjoy entering their habitat for some up close and personal viewing. You will be amazed by the number of birds darkening the skies and filling the fields around us!

Day 1 – Home to Omaha

We begin our migration towards Nebraska today, keeping our eyes turned towards the skies to see if we can spot any “snowbirds” heading north. When we arrive in Omaha, we will check into our hotel before enjoying a unique dining experience together.

Hotel: Holiday Inn Express

Included Meals: Dinner

Day 2 – Omaha to Kearney

After breakfast this morning, we will travel west to Grand Island where we will stop at the Nature and Visitor Center. Here we will learn about the Sandhill Crane thru displays and videos. A guide will then step on our motorcoach and share information with us as we travel along the Platte River, viewing the cranes as they stop along their migration route. Later in the day we will make a stop at The Great Platte River Road Archway, where we will see the westward migration of America come to life. The Arch crosses over Interstate 80 and once inside you will be amazed at the history it shares. Later we check into our hotel before dinner is served.

Hotel: Wingate

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

Day 3 – Kearney to Council Bluffs

The alarm clocks will ring early this morning as we make our predawn trip to the Rowe Sanctuary and a walk to our observation blinds where we will observe the world’s largest concentration of sandhill cranes. Here on the banks of the Platte River we will watch the birds as they are gathered in large groups on their nighttime roosts. Following our early morning expedition we will return to our hotel and enjoy breakfast before we pack and get ready to depart. As we travel back east, we will again be amazed by the numbers of cranes, ducks, and snow geese that are in the area. Later this afternoon we will stop at the Durham Museum in Omaha. This museum, located in the magnificent Union Station building, is filled with history of Omaha and its surrounding areas. With both permanent and traveling exhibits, there is much to see & learn! Go back 100 years and peek into the attic, parlor, kitchen & bedroom of a reproduced “Worker’s Cottage” that were constructed as housing for blue-collar families. Learn about the rich history of Union Pacific’s 10 passenger depots in Omaha, including Union Station. View real accounts of immigrants who came to Omaha, like the Throup family who opened and managed a Danish boardinghouse. Take a seat on an authentic streetcar, view 19th century Omaha real estate agent Byron Reed’s collection which includes an 1804 Dollar, and so much more! The museum’s facility and quality of the exhibits will amaze you. And make sure you have time for a stop at the Union Station Original Soda Fountain for an old-fashioned, flavored phosphate or a creamy malt!

Hotel: Holiday Inn

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4 – Council Bluffs to Home

Today we’ll make a stop in downtown Omaha to view their sculpture park depicting the migration of the pioneers as they headed over the Missouri River and westward. Then we turn our motorcoach towards home and to the end of our “migration” tour.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch